BORN FROM ABOVE (05-02-11)

John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
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When we become a Christian during baptism, the Holy Spirit enters our lives, and He will never leave us. In a sense, He's a guest who will not leave you once you have let Him in the front door. It's now an exciting process letting him take control of every room in your home.

He wants to change you, though your basic temperament remains the same. Being 'filled with the Spirit' simply means being controlled by Him. So be filled with the Holy Spirit.

First you must desire him - hungering and thirsting for what is right (Matthew 5:6). This involves confession of your sins (1 John 1:9). Then ask him to fill you: if you ask for anything he wants, he'll hear you (1 John 5:14, 15). Thank him for filling you, and by faith live moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day in his power and under his direction.

And allow yourself to be changed. Let Him work in you. Let Him change you for the better. The more we allow for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, the more goodness becomes evident in our everyday life.

Give kindness and it will be returned to you. Let your walk and talk always be filled with kindness.

Then, let others feel the Spirit within you and let them experience the same. For the same Spirit of God should work inside of us.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds. Loosen our tongues to sing your praise in words beyond the power of speech, for without your Spirit man could never raise his voice in words of peace or announce the truth that Jesus is Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen +

Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.