Happy Birthday, Honey!

Today marks Michael's "spiritual birthday."

One year ago today, Michael made the very best decision of his earthly life. He humbled himself and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

In the gospel of John (3:2-5), we learn of a conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus, a Pharisee (or Jewish ruler):

This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

The commentary regarding these verses in my NKJV has this to say:

Upon repentance, a new order of life opens to the believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus used the figure of "new birth" to dramatically indicate three things: 1) Without New Birth, there is no life and no relationship with God (John 14:6). 2) In New Birth, new perspective comes as we "see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). God's Word becomes clear, and the Holy Spirit's works and wonders are believed and experienced - faith is alive. 3) Through New Birth we are introduced - literally we "enter" (John 3:5) - to a new realm, where God's kingdom order can be realized (2 Corinthians 5:17). New Birth is more than simply being "saved." It is a requalifying experience, opening up the possibilities of our whole being to the supernatural dimension of life and fitting us for a beginning in God's kingdom order.

After a lifetime of doing things his way - he was a self-proclaimed hedonist - Michael decided to trust the Lord with the rest of his life. He received the gift of salvation and assurance of Eternity in God's presence. And Michael gave me the very best gift that day; for I would know that he would be waiting for me in Heaven, and that our separation would only be temporary. I cannot tell you how much that knowledge comforts me while I endure our separation.