I have the privilege of having Evelyn Tinsley a Birth Doula who helps women from share this Devotional Testimony.
Evelyn writes….
I was born again at the age of 9. I grew up in Milton, Florida, living next door to the church my family and I attended. We were regulars in our small congregation and attended Sunday morning worship, evening services and mid-week Bible class too. I loved going to church and Jesus became my hero. So, when I recognized sin in my life, my conscious spoke clearly to me. I knew I was a sinner. That was a sad realization.
But even in my young mind, I knew that Jesus made a way for me to be forgiven. I knew that through His death, burial and resurrection, I could be forgiven and washed clean of my sins. That realization made me extremely happy! I immediately let my family know that I wanted to be baptized. In my obedience, I was born again.
Today I know and profess that the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and my obedience to it saved me and made me righteous before God.
In my new birth, no immediate or profound changes were evident. Consider a newborn baby. A baby enters the world as an infant relying on milk for nourishments and parents for all of its care. Over time, that newborn grows, develops and changes. And after many years, that baby becomes a young adult and is able to take care of themselves. This does not occur simply because of the physical changes that take place, but because a child also learns and grows in understanding, knowledge and wisdom.
After many years, I have grown in knowledge and understanding of God’s word. During that time, do you think I made errors or experienced failures in judgment? You know I did.
Over many years, however, my spiritual growth has become more evident in my daily life. Just like the disciples, spending time with God transforms me into an “other world” person, foreign and unrecognized by the world I live in.
So, the prayers of the Son are still relevant and continue to cover me. Because of Jesus, my purpose in life has become more defined as I am set apart by the truth.
Bible Reading: John 17
Many people are awestruck as they read John 17. This chapter is unique in that it allows us to experience a very intimate conversation between the only begotten son and his father. Jesus gives us a glimpse into his heart as he prays to the God of glory.
His days on earth are drawing to a close and, in John 16, we find the Lord spending his last hours with his disciples.
In John 16:5, he states, “But now I go my way to him that sent me”. This revelation was concerning to his disciples and left them bewildered. In John 17, Jesus lifts his eyes to heaven and pours out his heart as he considers the fate of his followers.
In leaving the disciples in the world, Jesus recognized a serious challenge.
The world hated him and the world would hate them too.
These mortal men spent so much time in the presence of deity that they had become “other world” people. It stood to reason. The Lord was not of this world and thus his discipleship would not be of this world either. They had become transformed and would absolutely face condemnation.
“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.” John 17:15-17
Jesus concluded that his disciples or followers would not be removed from the world. Instead, his prayer was for their protection and fortification.
After spending several years in his presence, and absorbing all they were taught, the disciples had undergone a deep and profound transformation. In his prayers, Jesus requested that his followers be set apart or sanctified through God’s truth.
They would live in a world of condemnation but their purpose would grow more defined as they were set apart by the truth.
If you enjoyed this beautiful devotional, you will love her Brand New Book, “40 Days To A Legacy of Love”. It is a short collection of easy to read encouragement.
40 Days To A Legacy of Love: This study is part of the New devotional “40 Days to A Legacy of Love”. As a devotional, it is designed to guide us into conversations that promote peace, unity and lead to a legacy of love. Digital copies of this devotional are available for purchase. Click HERE
About The Author: Evelyn Tinsley is a Birth Doula. Giving birth is an everyday miracle, and she considers it an honour to be present for moms and their families as they welcome a new baby. On her blog, she shares ChildBirth education and Prenatal care She also runs a Virtual Christian Book Club on FaceBook
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