John 3:8
The scripture for today is John 3:8
John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.
In his discourse with Nicodemus, Jesus informed him that he must be “born again.” These words were strange to Nicodemus; he could not conceive of a person who was already born being born again. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, you must be born again.” John 3:5-7
Being born again is the process of becoming a new person; usually, there is "spiritual labor" involved. “Though the manner in which this new birth is effected by the Divine Spirit, be incomprehensible to us, yet we must not, on this ground, suppose it to be impossible. The wind blows in a variety of directions - we hear its sound, perceive its operation in the motion of the trees, etc., and feel it on ourselves - but we cannot discern the air itself; we only know that it exists by the effects which it produces: so is every one who is born of the Spirit: the effects are as discernible and as sensible as those of the wind; but itself we cannot see. But he who is born of God knows that he is thus born: the Spirit itself, the grand agent in this new birth, beareth witness with his spirit, that he is born of God, Romans 8:16; for, he that believeth hath the witness in himself, 1John 4:13; 5:10; Galatians 4:6. And so does this Spirit work in and by him that others, though they see not the principle, can easily discern the change produced; for whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, 1 John 5:4.” Adam Clarke
Nicodemus saw only with the eyes of the flesh and he reasoned from a carnal perspective. Jesus brought enlightenment to this Jewish leader and although he came to Jesus by night, in the dark, he left a very different man. An encounter with Christ will change a life and the new birth is evidence that life in the Holy Spirit, which Christ offers, has been received. We don’t see it, but like the wind, we see its effects. Discernable fruit comes from the invisible presence of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, self-control: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:22-24
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Timt