DATE POSTED
Saturday, March 15, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read it in your Bible or click John 3:1-15 to read it in the New Living Translation (NLT).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
In 1987, my wife and I moved from the Bahamas to Florida. There was quite a challenge in the transition. After going through all government paperwork and approvals, we were allowed to live in Florida. But although we had visited many times, yet there was quite the transition to fit in with the natives and become a part of their world. In 2024 we felt led to move to Texas to be near our daughter and son-in-law living there. Just recently we were reflecting on the challenges we faced with the move, for again we wanted to fit in with the natives living there. In our Scripture, one of the rich Pharisaical leaders saw something unique about Jesus and His ministry so he wanted to understand it better and see if it was worth transitioning to the teachings of Jesus. When many come to church for the first time, they are probably like Nicodemus, who heard about the healing power of Jesus Christ. Something catches the attention of a non-Christian who then becomes curious of what these Christians do each week! Let me share with you that this is a lot deeper than most of you might think. For you see, the sinner wants nothing to do with Jesus, for Satan has given them much to enjoy here on earth. They are living their life of sin and Satan’s grip on them, and they are bound and powerless to handle anything Godly. However, the Holy Spirit takes responsibility for nudging the heart of one who needs Jesus. So although one attributes the good music, or the outstanding and charismatic preaching and teaching that their friends brag on at their church down the road, it’s not until the Holy Spirit steps in and pricks the heart of a person that they are able to look beyond their sin and recognize the miracles of God, the love of their Creator and the salvation offered through the sacrificed blood of Jesus Christ. I’m sure that Nicodemus felt like he had it all, knew it all, and was in a good spot with the religious leaders of his day, but suddenly he became enthused about the miracles of Jesus! That’s not normal without the tug of the Holy Spirit. I am convinced that this was not a coincidence, but rather, this was the day of salvation for this man, as God ordained it through the Holy Spirit to Nicodemus. Although there was not a list of tips and ideas for Nicodemus on how to make the transition to be a Jesus follower, Jesus knew exactly where he was, his level of understanding, and his need for a Savior. In the lessons taught to Nicodemus by Jesus, as outlined in today’s Scripture, they may seem strange to us, but when Jesus calls on us, He speaks to us where we are at – educationally, in the circumstances of our life, and our mindset about needing to change. There are some deep theological ideas about what Jesus meant and the reasons why He responded to Nicodemus the way He did, but lets try hard to recognize that it takes a total rebirth in our heart, thoughts and desires to transition from a worldly life of sin, to a life in Jesus, the only sinless One – a life that leads to eternity in heaven. Money didn’t do it for Nicodemus, nor did it help that he was a leader in his religious rights. Nothing, but the blood of Jesus can wash away our sin and make us new again. But verse 16 goes on to reassure us that this change is available to ALL who would believe on Him (Jesus). I pray that this will be your day of decision dear friends. Believe on the name of Jesus, and just like Nicodemus, you will be saved! I have experienced it, and so can you!

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank You for the assurance of our salvation, and the promise of eternity in heaven with You and the Father at a time already allotted by You. Thank You for blessing us with opportunities to share our testimony and experiences as children of our heavenly King. Please teach and empower us with opportunities to help redirect others towards heaven, and always help us to be ready to share the hope that lies within us. Please give us opportunities today, and prepare the hearts of those who need our meager influence, but the needed encouragement to hear Your voice calling them to salvation. May You be lifted up, and may many come to know You today – before it is too late. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. One of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals or subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Friends, I encourage you to find a church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you make every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!