Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: John 1:12-14

 March 14

"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." -John 1:12-14 (NLT)

While our human plans can be good and productive leading to new adventures and great moments, God's plans are not just good but amazing! John the apostle tells us in today's scripture God's plans are so perfect that all who believe in and accept Jesus will become children of God under the direct protection of God our Father. We are offered a total renewal when this miracle happens of a new spiritual birth that comes from God. Our "rebirth" has a divine not a human origin that enables to become a valued part of God's precious family.

All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives can be reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. This "new birth" changes us from the inside out—rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. Being born from human parents makes us physically alive and places us in our parents' family. But being born of God makes us spiritually alive and puts us directly in God's family. Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ and ask him to dwell in their heart and minds. Just as the flowers appear in the spring from the seeds that have been planted in faith, so does our new life spring forth from the seeds of Jesus' love and his willingness to die for each one of us so we can have life more abundantly now.

Prayer: Lord, as I accept your perfect plans for my life, fill me with life more abundantly and a rebirth of joy as I draw closer to you in this time of new beginnings. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: The best is yet to be!

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)