I was born on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo, and for some this is a day if liberation, but for me it is the day I grow one year older, and hopefully one year wiser. We attribute so much to an individual based their age, but not for their wisdom.

Reborn by Grace, Not by Hardwork

The day I truly attribute to the growth of my wisdom and strength is not my birthday, but the day I accepted Jesus into my heart. Even though I cannot remember the exact date it has been an ever changing day for my entire life. I became different that day, because it was the day that I knew that the ways of the world were futile and that I needed to be saved from the sins of my life. Though it wasn’t simply about me saying it, it was about Jesus and his sacrifice that I was able to truly allowed to come into a true relationship with Him, and the Father.

Though it may have been an easy transition for me, it was not an easy transition for Jesus. The day He made us right in the eyes of the Father was brutal, but I like the way that Hebrews 13:12 puts it, “So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.” Jesus had to cast all the pain and sin upon Himself for us to be made right with the Father. It wasn’t anything that we were capable of overcoming either.

Though being saved is more about accepting Christ, because when you truly accept Jesus into you heart you are transformed and will become a different person. It is by the things we do, the actions we use, and the words that we speak that makes us different. It’s like the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” Paul told us that we will be recognized by the fruits that we produce in our lives and the lives of others. I encourage you to always ask before doing something, what are the fruits that you are producing by doing this? Are they to glorify God, or to glorify myself?

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

In Matthew 7:15-23, we are presented with some powerful verses for all those who believe to be aware of what the Scriptures say, and to avoid false prophets. Now I could spend several blog posts on this one topic, but for the time being I will simply leave it your hands. If you’re not diligent to read and keep the Word of God in your heart at all times then you will be swayed, even if ever so slightly. Though remember that on a long journey even if you are off by 1% you could end up several miles off course.

Don’t assume that by what I say that I have gotten all these teachings right, but I know them in my spirit by the way God has hidden them in my heart since the day that I was saved. I talk merely about the struggles that I have had, and know that if I am confident in my faith to know that when I stumble, He will pick me up and set me back on the path.

When God squeezes you. He is not trying to destroy you, but trying to strengthen you. For every action that happens in our lives as a Christian is to be conformed to the image of Christ. Pray for strength, not relief in the pain. Ask Him for the renewing of His Spirit in your life so that His ever quenching Living Water may flow from you.

The greatest blessing that God gave was His Son.