Day 20 – None Are Righteous

Reading: Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Rom 3:23)

Today’s verse:

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10)

Anyone who says they are a “good” person is seeing themselves through rose-colored glasses. The Bible says that there is no one that is righteous (without sin). Only God is without sin. So does this mean that your “goodness” is equivalent to that of God’s?

Maybe I cannot convince you that you are not a “good” person. But the bible also says that everyone has sinned. Yes, including you. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Rom 3:23) The word all means everyone. The Bible does not only have one verse which proves this fact. There are many. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12) As you can see, because sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, we can also say that we have sinned because their sin nature was passed on to us. Have you ever wondered why you have to teach a child do right? You never have to teach them to lie or to disobey. It comes automatically, doesn’t it? That is because of the sin nature we adopted from Adam and Eve.

Do you now see your sin? If not, ask God to show you. He will not deny your request. He will even show you those secret sins that you do not share with anyone and you keep hidden. … “cleanse thou me from secret faults.” (Psalms 19:12b) David, the Psalmist, readily admitted he was a sinner and that he had secret sins. I can see why he was known as the apple of God’s eye. David knew he could not hide anything from God. Neither can we.

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” (Psalms 139:7)

Dear God…
Help me to search my heart
To reveal deeply rooted sin
Help me to confess and forsake
So that You may enter in

Day 19 – Are You Boasting of Your Good Works?

Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(Eph 2:8 )

Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Eph 2:9)

Today’s verse:

“Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

Oh my! The floor has just come out from underneath 99% of today’s religions. How many “good” people have you come across in your journey on this earth? I can think of so many who have done good in my city alone. History also has many. Abraham Lincoln was instrumental in the freeing of the slaves. Mahatma Gandhi was a philosopher, a man of peace and a resolver of conflict. The Foundation Center claims that Andrew Carnegie was one of the world’s greatest philanthropists. Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of Buddhism, which was a religion of morals. No matter how good these men were or how much good they contributed, none of their work could gain them entrance to Heaven. There is not enough money which could be paid that would gain entrance to Heaven. Jesus’ blood is the cost for entrance to Heaven.

The Apostle Paul is quite clear in this very short verse: Not of works, lest any many should boast. If I were able to get to heaven because I prayed the right prayers several times a day, or gave to charity, or visited the sick and shut-ins, then I could easily boast about my accomplishments. If these actions were enough to get to heaven, there would not be a humble person in heaven. Heaven would be comprised of people boasting about their abilities. Even more thought provoking is the fact if we could get to heaven on our own merit, why would Jesus have to come to earth to die on the cross?

There are many religions which believe that after we die, we go to a “place” where unconfessed sin is purged so we may be clean upon our entrance to heaven. This purging is done via earthly prayers by family members or by other earthly means. These acts indicate that Jesus’ shed blood was not enough. It indicates that His blood is not able to include these sins. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)

Again, I ask you, why would Jesus have to come to earth to die on the cross? If you believe as the other 99% of the world, you are saying that the work on the cross is not sufficient. When Jesus died, He said “It is finished!” His redemptive work was done. He died for all sins and the work was finished. Dear friend, can you not see this?

There is no redemption in anything else but Jesus’ blood. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:14)

Dear God…
To Thee I give my heart
I know my sin is great
I confess them all, I do repent
I no longer wish this fateForgive me, God, and cleanse my heart
I acknowledge Jesus as my Saviour
I know He reigns with You on high
I long to meet Him, my Redeemer

Day 18 – The GiftReading: Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(Eph 2:8)

Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Eph 2:9)

Today’s verse:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

The definition of grace is “undeserved kindness.” God shows undeserved kindness toward us by offering us the gift of His Son. We accept this Gift through faith. There is nothing I can do to earn a gift. I can earn a prize by winning a race. But I cannot earn a gift. A gift is something I do not have to earn … it is freely given to me. However, a gift cannot be given to someone unless that person receives the gift in his hands. Otherwise, the gift has not been received.

For example, it’s your birthday and I come to your party. I put your birthday gift on the table along with the others. You open all the gifts except mine and you leave mine on the table, untouched and unopened. My gift remains untouched and unopened for days. Did you truly receive my gift? Of course not. You don’t even know what it is. You have not opened it. The same goes for God’s gift of His Son to us. If we do not receive Christ by faith, you have not accepted the gift.

What is stopping you from this simple step? Are you afraid because you have to repent from your sin? You can’t ask God to forgive you of your sins and continue down the same path. That is not repentance. Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God. If you say you are saved but your mind still dwells on sin and not on God, you have not had a change of mind at all. All you did was pray a useless prayer. As we look back to our story about the birthday gift, notice how there is an action that must be taken by you in order for you to open that gift. You have to pick that gift up in your hands. The same goes with the gift of salvation. You have to be willing to repent of your sin and accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour through faith.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

Dear God…
Repentance is not an easy thing
It is difficult to understand
But I pray You would guide me in my quest
To understanding Your Simple Plan.

Day 17 – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Reading: John 3:1-21There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
(Joh 3:1)

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(Joh 3:2)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:3)

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
(Joh 3:4)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:5)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Joh 3:6)

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(Joh 3:7)

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(Joh 3:8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
(Joh 3:9)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
(Joh 3:10)

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
(Joh 3:11)

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
(Joh 3:12)

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(Joh 3:13)

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
(Joh 3:14)

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(Joh 3:15)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Joh 3:16)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(Joh 3:17)

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Joh 3:18)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(Joh 3:19)

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(Joh 3:20)

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(Joh 3:21)

Today’s verse:

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)

Are you struggling with the gospel messages you have read thus far? You struggle dear friend because you are in darkness. Your sin has created a spiritual “film” – a darkness over your eyes. Your heart cannot see the blessed light which is shed on the Gospel because you have long lived in this darkness. Ask God to lighten your way and help you with your unbelief. As was previously written, you are not alone in your unbelief. “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

There is no sin that has been sinned since creation of man that God cannot forgive. Jesus’ blood cleanses from ALL sin. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

There is only one sin which will not be forgiven mankind and that is rejecting Christ as Saviour. The Holy Spirit’s job is to guide and direct us to the work of Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” (John 15:26)

If we deny the Holy Spirit’s guidance and do not accept Christ as our Saviour, this sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit) will not be forgiven and we bring upon ourselves condemnation and eternal life in the lake of fire.

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” (Matthew 12:31)

Do not delay your decision. Today is the day you should get saved. God has led you to a point where you understand. Take heed before it is eternally too late. “…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.: (2 Corinthians 6:2b)

Dear God…
Let not my head be darkened
With ideas and logic from friends
But let my heart seek truth and love
In Your Son’s precious nail-scarred hands.

Day 16 – Are You Too “Good” For Hell?Reading: John 3:1-21

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
(Joh 3:1)

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(Joh 3:2)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:3)

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
(Joh 3:4)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:5)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Joh 3:6)

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(Joh 3:7)

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(Joh 3:8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
(Joh 3:9)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
(Joh 3:10)

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
(Joh 3:11)

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
(Joh 3:12)

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(Joh 3:13)

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
(Joh 3:14)

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(Joh 3:15)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Joh 3:16)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(Joh 3:17)

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Joh 3:18)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(Joh 3:19)

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(Joh 3:20)

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(Joh 3:21)

Today’s verse:

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)

If you think yourself too good for hell, you are dearly mistaken. After we die, we must all stand before Christ. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Heb 9:27) The judgment of the unsaved is hell. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)

Those who are born again are no longer under condemnation according to John 3:18. We have been set free from the punishment of hell because Jesus paid our sin debt on the cross of Calvary. Those who believe in the work of the cross must repent from their sins and believe it is so. JESUS said we must repent, not some man. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)

Repentance AND Faith – the two sides of the coin of salvation; both must be together. Without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (trusting in His shed blood and finished work on the cross of Calvary), grief for sin is just human reformation, trying to clean yourself up, trying to lift yourself up to Heaven by your own good works – by your own bootstraps – and it will never work! BUT without repentance for your sin – a desire to turn from it in the heart – without seeing your lost condition in the eyes of God – turning to Christ is just being religious, just saying a prayer, just getting your “fire insurance”, with no saving value! Both must be together: you must see your sin in the light of the Word of God and turn from it in your heart to the Saviour to save you from them and from the punishment due you because of those same sins – believing in your heart that Jesus can and will save you. THEN the Holy Spirit gives you eternal life, makes you a new creature in Christ Jesus, and begins to change you from the inside out. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Won’t you set aside any theology you have been taught up to now? Won’t you turn to the Bible where the truth is simply laid out for you? Allow the Holy Spirit of God to reveal the simplicity of the gospel to you. There is no other way to heaven. Neither Buddha nor Allah will get you there. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Dear God…
Show me the way that leads to You
Let my path not be darkened with lies
Of those who choose to deceive and distract
But clearly guide me to eternal life!

Day 15 – Which Twin Are You?

Reading: John 3:1-21There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
(Joh 3:1)

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(Joh 3:2)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:3)

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
(Joh 3:4)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:5)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Joh 3:6)

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(Joh 3:7)

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(Joh 3:8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
(Joh 3:9)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
(Joh 3:10)

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
(Joh 3:11)

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
(Joh 3:12)

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(Joh 3:13)

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
(Joh 3:14)

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(Joh 3:15)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Joh 3:16)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(Joh 3:17)

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Joh 3:18)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(Joh 3:19)

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(Joh 3:20)

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(Joh 3:21)

Today’s verse:

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17)

Let’s say your twin daughters both run away from home to sow their wild oats. You discover where they are living and send your son, their brother, to talk some sense into them. Here you’ve created a beautiful home for them, complete with love and care. But now they have chosen to go against your wishes to live a life of sin and rebellion. If they knew you would have approved of their sin, they would not have run away. But they knew how you felt, thus their actions.

Your daughters no longer live in the comfort of your home nor are they protected by you. They are on their own. Your son begs the twins to turn from their wicked ways and to come home with him. He is able to reach one sister but the other is adamant. There’s nothing her brother can say – she does not want to return.

You rejoice greatly because one of your daughters has come home. However, you are heartbroken because the other daughter has chosen to stay in her sin. You do not love her any less but you are grieved beyond what words can say. She has chosen to sever the fellowship between you.

Can you now imagine how God feels? His creation, Adam and Eve, chose to sin. They did not realize that their sin brought the consequences of a broken relationship. Because God knows the future, He realizes that they will never be able to keep the Law. It grieves God that fellowship is broken so He makes a plan to send His Son. The Law requires that blood be shed for the remission of sins.

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)

Because God is holy and cannot break the Law He created, He sends His Son (the Perfect Lamb) to shed HIS own blood for all man kind’s sin. What a beautiful picture. How much God loves us. God’s initial design was not to condemn the world. But because of the world’s sin, He sent His Son so that the world could be saved and fellowship could be restored.

Dear God…
Please help thou my unbelief.
Increase my mustard seed faith.
Open my eyes that I may see
The Gift Thou has sent my way!

Day 14 – Is Your Child Rejected?Reading: John 3:1-21

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
(Joh 3:1)

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(Joh 3:2)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:3)

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
(Joh 3:4)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:5)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Joh 3:6)

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(Joh 3:7)

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(Joh 3:8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
(Joh 3:9)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
(Joh 3:10)

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
(Joh 3:11)

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
(Joh 3:12)

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(Joh 3:13)

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
(Joh 3:14)

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(Joh 3:15)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Joh 3:16)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(Joh 3:17)

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Joh 3:18)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(Joh 3:19)

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(Joh 3:20)

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(Joh 3:21)

Today’s verse:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

This verse is probably the most popular Bible verse of mankind. The entire Gospel message of Jesus Christ is wrapped up in this one verse.

God’s love is so great that He gave up His Son for us. For those of you who have children, you can appreciate the love of a parent. You can also appreciate the extent of that love. Even more so, you parents who have lost a son or daughter in the line of duty for their country. You gave up your child on behalf of your country. How clear is God the Father’s love now?

If war haters were to smear your son’s name or criticize the war, you would take it personally. You would be upset that these objectors could not see the good that your son was fighting for. Our Father in Heaven has given us an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as punishment for our sins. If we do not accept His payment for our penalty, we reject God. It is the same with your son. If the anti-war demonstrators curse your son and his efforts, they do not accept the wonderful freedom he fought so hard to keep for his country.

Our Father knew that we could not work our way to heaven by keeping the commandments. The Jews had not been able to keep the commandments and the Law. Man is a sinner. If we were able work our way to heaven on our own, why would God have sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross? What would have been the need? If there were no wars to be fought, why would your son have had to give his life for his country? Do you not see the wonderful comparison here?

The most relevant point in all this is that Jesus died for our sins while we were yet sinners. He knew that we could not “clean up our act” before accepting Him as Saviour.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Dear God…
Please help me to believe by faith
The work of the Cross that day.
Your Only Son gave up His life
For our sin debt He died to pay!

Day 13 – Listening With Your Heart

Reading: John 3:1-21There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
(Joh 3:1)

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(Joh 3:2)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:3)

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
(Joh 3:4)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:5)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Joh 3:6)

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(Joh 3:7)

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(Joh 3:8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
(Joh 3:9)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
(Joh 3:10)

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
(Joh 3:11)

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
(Joh 3:12)

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(Joh 3:13)

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
(Joh 3:14)

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(Joh 3:15)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Joh 3:16)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(Joh 3:17)

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Joh 3:18)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(Joh 3:19)

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(Joh 3:20)

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(Joh 3:21)

Today’s verse:

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is summed up in this short verse. Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Son of Man (verse 14) must be lifted up – a depiction of His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus was vague here because he knew Nicodemus was listening with his head and not his heart.

Most of us who were raised in the United States in the first half of the 1900’s can safely say that we heard of Jesus Christ. We either learned about Jesus Christ in church or His name was a curse word on the lips of our fathers. We “know” that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We “know” that He died on the cross for all sins. We “know” that He arose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. In fact, many of us have prayers we have memorized from childhood which recite these very facts. Jesus knew that Nicodemus knew his Bible. He knew that Nicodemus had much of the bible memorized. So Nicodemus had “head” knowledge of the coming Messiah just as we have head knowledge of Jesus Christ.

But what about the heart? Jesus says in John 3:15 that whosever BELIEVES will not perish. It’s not just knowing “about” Jesus Christ, but it’s knowing Jesus Christ “personally.” You cannot say that you really know your spouse after just a few days of marriage. However, there’s nothing like a good dose of several years of marriage to help you learn about your spouse’s little habits, likes and dislikes.

You cannot know Jesus Christ just by hearing about Him in church or by reading about Him. One must be born again. At the very moment of your conversion, the Holy Spirit (the Comforter) enters in and begins to teach you. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26) The Holy Spirit’s main job in a Christian’s life is to glorify Jesus Christ, teach the Christian about Jesus Christ and reveal the truths in the Word to the Christian. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13) and “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:14)

Dear God…
Please help me to learn the truth
About Your Son Jesus Christ.
May Your Holy Spirit enlighten me
Direct me and open my eyes!

Day 12 – Are You Earthly Minded?

Reading: John 3:1-21There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
(Joh 3:1)

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(Joh 3:2)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:3)

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
(Joh 3:4)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:5)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Joh 3:6)

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(Joh 3:7)

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(Joh 3:8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
(Joh 3:9)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
(Joh 3:10)

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
(Joh 3:11)

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
(Joh 3:12)

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(Joh 3:13)

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
(Joh 3:14)

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(Joh 3:15)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Joh 3:16)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(Joh 3:17)

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Joh 3:18)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(Joh 3:19)

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(Joh 3:20)

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(Joh 3:21)

Today’s verse:

“If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:12)

Jesus can see what is in Nicodemus’ heart at this point. He knows that if Nicodemus cannot believe those things which he can see with his own eyes, how can he possibly believe heavenly things which he cannot see! It appears that Nicodemus is lacking faith. That is why Jesus spoke of receiving salvation like a little child. “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:17). I think we can all agree that there’s no better description of faith than that which is displayed by a child.

Jesus does not allow Nicodemus any excuses. Nor will we have any excuse when we stand before the Throne to see if our name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)

Only those who have been born again will be found in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Once we are born again, we are sealed by the Father and we will be given everlasting life. The Word of God in the Bible is the “meat” that draws us to salvation.

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6:27)

Dear God…
Please help Thou my unbelief!
Remove this veil from my eyes.
Show me the way that leads to Thee.
Only Thou art truthful and wise.

Day 11 – So You Think You’re Religious?

Reading: John 3:1-21There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
(Joh 3:1)

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
(Joh 3:2)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:3)

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
(Joh 3:4)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Joh 3:5)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Joh 3:6)

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(Joh 3:7)

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(Joh 3:8)

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
(Joh 3:9)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
(Joh 3:10)

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
(Joh 3:11)

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
(Joh 3:12)

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(Joh 3:13)

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
(Joh 3:14)

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(Joh 3:15)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Joh 3:16)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(Joh 3:17)

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Joh 3:18)

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(Joh 3:19)

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(Joh 3:20)

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(Joh 3:21)

Today’s verse:

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.” (John 3:11)

Jesus continues to reach Nicodemus in the heart of his religious beliefs. Nicodemus is not only a good Jew; he is a teacher; he is a leader; he is the ultimate Jew, a Pharisee. Yet Jesus does not allow Nicodemus’ prestige to gain him entrance to heaven. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Jesus emphatically tells Nicodemus that despite all his knowledge, Nicodemus still does not believe their witness and testimony!

Nicodemus suffered from what all very “religious” people suffer. He knows so much and has lived so long that he believes he can no longer be taught any truth. He relies on his religious knowledge to be enough to get him to heaven. Jesus reprimanded many Pharisees in the Book of Matthew and called them all hypocrites. Nicodemus was recognized as a leader by Jesus in our earlier reading. But Jesus goes further in this next verse by telling the Pharisees that not only were they not going to enter heaven but they were preventing their congregation from going to heaven as well! Oh my!!

“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” (Matthew 23:13)

WE are responsible for our OWN salvation, not a religious leader.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” (Titus 2:11)

Dear God…
Please help me to see
Your truth and testimony.
Help me to receive by faith
Your salvation so full and free!