Listen

Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit."

John 3:5-6

Think

Every year on their birthdays, I tell my kids the story of the day of they were born. As I recount funny and tender details, their eyes fill with delight. Each retelling helps them know they are precious and loved.

Jesus tells Nicodemus about a different kind of birthday; the day we know we are a beloved child of God. We celebrate a second birthday as we receive the abundant life Jesus offers. We discover our thirst for wholeness satisfied by Jesus’ living water (John 4:13). We find new breath as the Holy Spirit leads us to join in the work of God’s just, peaceful, holy, compassionate kingdom.

You may not remember the story of your second birthday. Maybe you’ve always known you were a precious child of God. Maybe it took you awhile to understand. Maybe you still wonder. Jesus never gets tired of telling you the story. Take time to listen.

Jennie Barber

Pray

Giver of life, I celebrate the new life I have in you. May I give thanks for each inhale and exhale. May each breath I take remind me of your everlasting love for me. Amen.

Go

Walk in the wild, beautiful, holy life of the Spirit!

And trust…

The creative Spirit that hovered over the waters molds you.

The promised Spirit that Jesus breathed on his disciples fills you.

The powerful Spirit that poured out on the early church calls you.