Aileen Friedman

I was born on April 2, 1962. A date I dare say I will never forget. I am sure your birthday is a day you love to celebrate especially when you’re on the receiving end of being spoiled with gifts. Some prefer not to celebrate as it is then a reminder of their age and that their youth has come and gone.

But here is another date and this date is even more important than your earthly birthday and should be celebrated. The gift you received is far greater than any purchased present.

On March 19^th, 1987 I gave my life to Jesus through obeying the gospel in baptism. At 1am Ali and I were baptized in a swimming pool that had been neglected and there were some seriously creepy things crawling/swimming about in the water. Needless to say we got out as soon as possible.

“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

^“12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³ Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.” Acts 8: 12-13

“35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. ^“36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” ³⁷Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” ³⁸ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8: 35 – 38

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

“one Lord, one faith, one baptism” Ephesians 4:5

This the moment I was reborn and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is the birth of eternal life for me and for which I should celebrate and be so grateful to my Saviour for loving me so much He gives me eternal life.

This year on my spiritual birthday I forgot to thank the Lord for His blessings on that day. I feel shattered that I am so human that something so important in my life was so unimportant to me on the day that I forgot it. This is the day that marks my life forever and how did I respond – with disrespect.

God has given me a hope of eternal life and I should celebrate this birthday with joy and gladness in my heart. This day should be more important than any other celebratory day in a given year.

I have asked for forgiveness of my negligence and I know my God is forgiving, He knows my heart is true to Him.

How about you? What day were you reborn? Do you give thanks to God on that day?

If you have not, can I help you in any way to spend eternity with Jesus?