"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life" (Acts 5:20).

The other day I was talking with a friend of mine who has been farming since childhood. With a broad grin he excitedly told me that his corn was just breaking through the soil. Now this is a man who has planted thousands of acres of corn yet the wonder of new life still brought him joy. That's the kind of joy I want to have all through my life!

Brooksyne and I really like to see the new life which is so plentiful in the spring. Early yesterday evening we took a long walk along our favorite trail.  New life was abundant as wild flowers in various colors decorated the fields.  You could smell the wild onions along the trail.  The geese with their goslings floated along the Donegal Springs Creek.  We even sighted a Sandpiper resting on a rock in the middle of the creek. And the multitude of sounds in God's creation are so peaceful and wide-ranging. Nature walks like this make us thoroughly appreciate our five senses.

The daily text is a message an angel gave to the apostles when they were miraculously delivered from jail. It really is a reinforcement of the Great Commission from the Lord they had received before he ascended into heaven and were taking so seriously (that's what landed them in jail in the first place!). This message remains through all generations of the church age what earnest followers of Christ are to communicate with the world. "Tell the people the full message of this new life."

We are called to tell the people the full message. Thank the Lord for the entire revelation of the Holy Scriptures which is so needed.  Careful, faithful Biblical presentation includes all that God has spoken through the Scriptures.  "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

We are to tell the people the full message of this new life. This new life is known theologically as regeneration. It should never get old or routine. I desire that Christ's regenerating, transforming work continue in my life. I want to keep growing in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I also want to continue to witness new life in others and maintain the same wonder of enthusiasm my farmer friend has as he watches the baby corn break through the soil!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Note from Brooksyne:  Many of us sing the beautiful song, "Lord, I stand, I stand in awe of You.  I stand, I stand in awe of You.  Only Christ to whom all praise is due, Lord I stand in awe of You."  Though the words in this chorus are not earth-shattering or profound the sense of what our attitude should be when we come heart to heart with God is very revealing.  

Having a sense of new life all around me from last night's hike, when I walked on the trail this morning my heart was in awe of God's marvelous blessings.  I've walked the trail countless times this spring and though I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience I was not in awe of God's presence through His handiwork until this morning.  I pray that today you will find the "full message of new life" in your surroundings today.  It may be in your workplace, your neighborhood, even in the midst of a traffic jam.  Perhaps this is the day when we will see that co-worker or family member experience the full message of new life as he receives Christ as his personal Saviour.  What a glorious celebration that would be!   

As I share on new life today I want to share a photo taken in the central Pennsylvania mountains by Greg Schneider, a friend of mine. This stunning butterfly photo and related Scripture is part of my desktop collection, which I recently revised. Please check these photos out. Each one can be downloaded as a desktop image (or background) on your computer.

Finally, on our walk last night we noticed the beautiful wild flowers and I challenged Brooksyne to create an arrangement. Here's the photo she took!