Today's Scripture:

John 3:1-17 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.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
Speaking boldly for the Lord is a challenge for this introvert. So, like Nicodemus, I sometimes stay in the shadows, rather than sharing my faith boldly. This is one area where I am praying for growth. It's comfortable to share my faith in conversation with other believers - not so much out in the community of unknowns.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
As I write this on Valentine's Day, the world around me is celebrating "eros" kind of love. It's a great opportunity to speak of God's love shown by giving His only Son for us to have eternal life. Lent is a time to focus on this amazing sacrifice and God's love and forgiveness. Prayer, fasting and other disciplines prepare our hearts for Easter.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
This scripture challenges me to boldly "lift Christ up like the serpent in the wilderness" to tell His saving story. This introvert accepts that challenge to share the message that God so loved the world, He gave his only Son, who was sent into the world to save us. We can have a relationship with God through Jesus and His sacrifice. God loves us so much!

About Sue McGown:
My career included 25 years as school librarian at St. John's School. Jerry and I joined our families in 1982. We have 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Grace became my church family when I moved to Houston 42 years ago. Jerry and I taught children's Sunday School and later served on the steering committee for the Koinonia/Fellowship class. We taught adult Bible classes. Inspire Bible study has been a blessing for many years; and I have served as a deacon and now an Elder.