January 2 | A Second Chance at Life
John 3:3, “In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’”
I was born January 19, 1977, and within a few years, according to my parents, I showed a strong desire for rebellion. In 2nd grade, I received my first paddling from the principle. In 5th grade, I was given a permanent desk in “time out.” My 6th grade year marked my first school expulsion (I had mooned a female classmate). By the time I was 16 years old, I was a drug dealing high school drop out.
At 18 years of age, after being arrested 8 times and abusing drugs regularly, I knew I had to change my life. After accepting Jesus when I hit rock bottom, I was ready to do life God’s way. I realized that day (like never before), that I needed Jesus to forgive me and make me a new person. In light of God’s amazing grace, and my willingness to change, I confessed my sins and boldly proclaimed Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Corrie ten Boom said, “If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” My soul was made new and found that rest on November 5, 1995 (Psalm 62:5).
What kind of sinner were you? Don’t compare yourself to me. Don’t think your sins are not worthy of hell. Paul said, in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” How many times have you lied, took something that didn’t belong to you, disobeyed your parents, lusted, put things in your life before God and church, coveted what your neighbor had, gossiped, got drunk, looked at porn, had sex outside of marriage, worshipped a false god or took the Lord’s name in vain?
The bottom line — we are all born sinners and have freely chosen to sin countless times against our holy God.
We all need Jesus to forgive these sins and give us a second chance at life. Just like you were born, the first time, a sinner in your flesh by your parents, now you can be born again, in your spirit, to be a saint (holy person) by the Holy Spirit. If you’ve already been born again, remember to live your new life everyday with Jesus, not the old life with the devil. All things are new this time around; so live like it!
Reflection
Action
- If you are not born again, what are you waiting for? Put your trust in Jesus and repent of your sins in prayer right now!
- Write down your testimony so you don’t forget and can share it with others. Example: Who were you before Jesus? How did you meet Jesus? What has your life been like since accepting Jesus?
- Memorize John 3:3 and 3:16. These two verses will help you preach to others so that they can be born again!