Day Twenty-Two: Diving in the Deep End

Fling Wide Those Heavenly Gates

     The excitement of a new believer is probably one of the most misunderstood phenomenons among unbelievers than anything else they witness in born again Christians. To the new believer, the lights just came on and the doors to a new world have been flung open. It is so exciting you can't help but want to share that with everyone you meet. If you saw Jesus waiting at the bottom of a cliff, no doubt you wouldn't hesitate to jump. On lookers may think you've gone off the deep end because they don't see Jesus with open arms waiting to catch you.

     If you have been a Christian for awhile, what do you think when you see a mature Christian with a zealous spirit like Peter had when he saw Jesus and jumped in the lake to get to him. Are you excited for them or do you think they are acting foolish? As you grow closer to Jesus do you tend to jump in more or are you more guarded than a new believer?

    Not all new believers receive Christ with impetuousity, some of us came to Christ with a reserved spirit, letting the spirit gently lure our spirit to Christ. But there is that moment, when you want to shout "YES" and jump in without needing to test the water first. It is always a surprise when you realize you are in the air and there is no turning back! It's a sweet, sweet surprise when you realize you are filled with the Holy Spirit and no one can take that away from you.

STUDY GUIDE:

 Follow along in JOHN: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore pages 101-104
 Read John 21:7b-14
 Answer the questions in your study guide.
 Share a brief highlight or two from your thoughts and answers in a comment posted to the group. (Read guidelines and cautions posted August 1, 2010 before you post).
 Read the comments of others and share your thoughts and encouragement with them by replying to their comments. Identify which post you are responding to by addressing them and their subject or pasting a brief portion of their reply at the start of your post.

PRAY WITH ME:
Lord, give us the spirit of a new believer, one that doesn't hesitate to jump ship and swim to you. Let us not be intimidated by others but live and walk with you no matter what it looks like to others. Let us hear your voice, see your face, and feel your loving arms around us. In Jesus Name, Amen.