Reading for today: Isaiah 10:20-23 and John 3:26-27

“John answered and said, ‘A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.’” John 3:27

Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that through God’s grace alone we are saved through our faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing that we can do to earn our salvation. Our salvation is a gift that comes only from our Heavenly Father and from nowhere else.

Reading for today: Isaiah 10:13-19 and John 3:25

“Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification.” John 3:25

There is nothing to argue about when it comes to whether or not we are forgiven of our sins through repentance and the acceptance of Jesus Christ. All too often people just like to argue for the sake of arguing. Instead, it is better to simply explain how God has changed your life since coming to know Jesus, and then go and live the life that God has put in front of you. Remember, actions speak louder than words.

Reading for today: Isaiah 10:5-12 and John 3:22-24

“And they came and were baptized.” John 3:23b

The act of being baptized does not cleanse us of our sins. To be forgiven of our sins, we must first ask God for forgiveness, and then accept Jesus into our lives. Once we have accepted Jesus, God then instructs us to be baptized. By being baptized, we are being obedient to God and are also proclaiming publicly our commitment to Jesus Christ as our Savior. Have you accepted Jesus but have not yet been baptized?

Reading for today: Isaiah 9:18-10:4 and John 3:19-21

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19 (NIV)

Have you ever experienced a conversation quickly ceasing when you’ve entered a room? Has the unlikeliest person ever apologized for vulgar or obscene language? Be encouraged Jesus said you are the light of the world.  It is His light shining through you that convicts others of sin. Pray for someone today that you know shies away from the light of Christ.

Reading for today: Isaiah 9:1-17 and John 3:16-18

Focus on John 3:17

We aren’t condemned by God for our shortcomings and sins when we put our faith in the work that Jesus accomplished on the cross. He convicts us to help us truly repent, that we may abound in the graceful, unmerited, undeserved favor He freely gives us. Remember: Satan condemns, God convicts. Is the Lord knocking on your heart about something? Remember that because of His sacrifice you have an opportunity today to repent or turn away from it.

Reading for today: Isaiah 8:11-22 and John 3:13-15

Focus on: Isaiah 8:11 

Don’t get caught up in the midst of the crowd or popular culture. Many things vie for our attention or approval but ultimately what God’s Word says concerning our lives should be our deciding factor on how we govern ourselves. In what area of your life may the Lord be giving you a strong warning not to think like everyone else? (at work, relationships, friends, etc.)

Reading for today: Isaiah 8:1-10 and John 3:9-12

Focus on: Isaiah 8:6

“A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3.   The Lord offered help to King Ahaz yet he refused God’s plan by going to Assyria for help.  God’s help may not come in the form or timing we may expect but it’s far better to wait on deliverance and guidance from Him than to face the consequences of our own actions.  The path God chooses for us to walk may not be easy but its’ the one that’s certain to lead us to victory.

 Reading for today: Isaiah 7:18-25 and John 3:7-8

“So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8b

Jesus gives a beautiful revealing illustration about those born of the Spirit.  We can’t see where the wind is coming from or where it’s going but we can certainly see it effects.  We can see birds being carried by it and trees rustling and swaying.  It’s the same with us, we can’t see God or the Holy Spirit but we can certainly tell and feel their tangible effect on our lives.  Share with someone how God has tangibly effected your life today.

Reading for today: Isaiah 7:10-17 and John 3:4-6

 ”…but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.” John 3:6b (NLT)

Before we’re born again the Bible tells us we’re driven by our own desires. By the power of the Holy Spirit our spirits are awakened and made alive to the things of God and His desires. Through the Holy Spirit we have the capacity to desire and follow God’s ways. If you’re not sure if you’re born again, take Nicodemus, example and ask a Christian around you how you can be sure you will enter the Kingdom of God.

Reading for today: Isaiah 7:1-9 and John 3:1-3

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Isaiah 7:9b (NIV)

Opposition comes in many forms; it may not be an army waiting to tear you down, but it feels just as daunting. Remember victory is certain. When we put our faith in Jesus, the battle is already won. Allowing ourselves to go down the path of possible demise is debilitating. God says to trust what He says concerning our circumstances, future, and very life!