Okay, I’ll fess up. I had a birthday yesterday. I won’t get into specific numbers or anything, but since I did turn another year older, I thought I would celebrate by taking it easy and keeping this post short. Besides, I need plenty of time to savor each delicious bite of the fancy chocolate truffles Don gave me :)
I actually have another kind of birthday I can celebrate, too. A spiritual birthday. One summer Sunday 46 years ago, I gave my heart to Jesus and was born into the family of God. Yes, I was young. Just seven years old. But even then, I knew I did wrong things and had sin in my life. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. I knew I was part of the “all” who were sinners and needed a Savior. I wanted to ask Jesus to forgive me. I wanted to give my life to Him. So I did.
My life has been forever changed by that one simple act of faith. Not only did I receive God’s free gift of eternal life (“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23), but my relationship to Christ since that time has meant more to me than anything else in the world.
The Lord is my source of joy, peace, strength, encouragement, and guidance as I face my daily life. I don’t have to experience that feeling of emptiness that so many feel because He fills that empty spot. He’s always ready to forgive when I mess up and sin again (and I do!). He loves me just the way I am — weaknesses and all. I can’t imagine facing life without Him. He is my stability. I’ve had my share of spiritual struggles over the years, but I just try to stay close to Jesus and keep my eyes on Him.
So instead of thinking about all the candles it takes now on a birthday cake of mine, I’ll just think about how long I’ve been in God’s family. Now that’s a birthday I don’t mind celebrating!
How about you? Do you have a spiritual birthday? How old are you in the Lord? If you don’t have one yet, it can be today — just talk to Him about it. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life and be your Savior. “…’Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'” (Romans 10:13 NIV).
Let’s praise God for loving us and giving us eternal life. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…” (Psalm 107:2 KJV).
*Flickr photo by dichohecho, Creative Commons License
p.s. I think it’s impossible for me to keep a post short!! :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY (LATE)!!!!!! Why didn’t you tell us yesterday it was your birthday? We could have had some of the kids’ cookies to celebrate!
Hope you had a great day!
Happy Belated Birthday! Great post, as always!
Lisa & Renae, thanks for the birthday wishes! Lisa, it seems like all I could do on Sunday was yawn :) I was just too tired to tell you guys that my birthday was on Saturday. Guess that’s what happens when you get old like me! :)
Happy Belated Birthday, Cheryl! Another great post!
Thanks, Beth! Nice to hear from you!
Happy Birthday! And to answer your questions: YES! I accepted Christ when I was 19, at college.
What a difference He has made in 40 years since then.
Blessings,
Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com
Jean, thanks for sharing about your spiritual birthday! It’s neat to hear others’ stories!
Hi Cheryl,
Happy birthday to you!!! I hope it was a happy day.
I enjoyed reading your post because unlike biological birthdays which I would prefer not to celebrate, I love that I have a spiritual birthday. Unlike you, I didn’t become a Christian until about six years ago. In that time God has done an amazing transformation on my heart. Knowing Jesus is definitely cause for celebration!!
Blessings and prayers,
Kelli
Kelli, thanks so much for sharing. God has certainly blessed you in those 6 years– from what I can tell from your writing, He has given you great spiritual depth and a close walk with Him already. How exciting!