Monday, February 23, 2026

Opening Scripture

“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:4-9

Opening Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you that your mercy to me is new again this morning. I praise you for your forgiveness and grace. By the power of your Spirit at work within me, help me to be fruitful and to serve you well this day. Help me to embrace your will, obey your Word, and walk in your ways. In the name of Jesus Christ my Lord I pray, Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

John 3:1-21

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Reflection  

Much like the Apostle Paul, Nicodemus represented the “best” of the nation of Israel. His resumé of accomplishments was quite impressive. He was, by all counts, an established leader among God’s people. However, Nicodemus had not yet discovered the reality Paul expresses in our Opening Scripture.

Interestingly, Nicodemus factors in at both the beginning and end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. While we aren’t told the outcome of the nighttime encounter in today’s passage, we might be forgiven for drawing some conclusions based on later developments.

John tells us that Nicodemus spoke up on Jesus’ behalf among his fellow Pharisees and was promptly rebuked by them (John 7:50-52). And John tells us that Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus after his crucifixion (John 19:38-42). The seventy-five pounds of embalming spices that Nicodemus provided for the task represented a significant financial investment on his behalf. And it clearly “outed” him as a follower of Jesus.

So, what was the nature of this initial conversation? Why meet at night? Not wanting to be seen? Or not wanting to be interrupted? Perhaps Nicodemus viewed this as a conversation between fellow rabbis. If so, Jesus quickly cleared that up.

The only way a person can leave the kingdom of darkness and enter the kingdom of God is to be “born again” or “born from above.” This new birth takes place through faith in “the Son of Man” who would soon be “lifted up” on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. John’s baptism of repentance and the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit were part of God establishing his kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Flourishing Habit

Close Social Relationships

How much do you know about the person and work of the Holy Spirit?

The Infinite Creator can only be understood in part by His finite creation. There will always be a mystery to God far beyond our comprehension. However, through the ages, God has graciously revealed portions of his character to humanity.

Almighty God’s unique, transcendent nature consists of three separate, interdependent personalities: Father, Son, and Spirit. Each member of this Trinitarian Fellowship reveals certain aspects of who God is to us.

God the Spirit guided the authors of the Bible. He enables us to understand spiritual truth. He always seeks to honor God the Son. He brings conviction of sin in the hearts of all people. He cultivates godly character in followers of Jesus. He brings comfort and gives spiritual gifts to all believers to strengthen and build up the Church. His indwelling presence is our promise of eternal life.

How do you recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?

• He produces good “fruit” in you.
• He prompts you talk about Jesus.
• He helps you pray and prays for you.
• He comforts, counsels, and encourages you.
• He confirms your relationship with God the Father.

How should you nurture your relationship with the Holy Spirit?

• Set your mind on what He desires (Romans 8:5-6).
• Let Him fill you (Ephesians 5:18).
• Let Him control you (Romans 8:14).
• Don’t grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30).
• Don’t quench Him (I Thessalonians 5:19).

How will the “wind” of the Spirit blow in your life today?

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!