Born By His Word

Verse of The Day: James 1:18

“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.”

Your relationship with God did not begin with your effort. James reminds us that God Himself took the initiative. He wanted us, reached for us, and gave us new life through the message of truth.

The Gospel is not simply information that makes us better people. It is the good news through which God brings people from spiritual death into life. When we believed the truth about Jesus, His death and resurrection, something far deeper than a change of behaviour took place. We became children of God.

James describes believers as “firstfruits.” In Scripture, firstfruits were the first portion of a harvest offered to God. They pointed towards something greater still to come. In the same way, our transformed lives are meant to show what God is doing through Christ.

You are therefore not saved merely to escape judgement. You have been brought into a new life that belongs to God. Your words, choices, relationships and priorities can become evidence that the Gospel truly changes lives.

Whenever you feel discouraged about your progress, remember where your new life began. It began with God's will, God's truth and God's grace. The One who brought you forth is still at work in you.

Reflection:

Does my life increasingly reflect the new life God has given me through Christ? What area of my life needs to come more fully under the influence of God's truth?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for giving me new life through the truth of the Gospel. Help me to live in a way that reflects that I belong to You. Let Your Word continue to renew my thinking, choices and desires. May my life point others towards Jesus and the transforming power of Your grace.

Further Bible Reading:

John 1:12-13; 1 Peter 1:23; Ephesians 1:13-14