• Not long ago I lost my billfold and all of its contents. It was simple to call the bank that issued me my credit card and ask them to cancel it. But when I went to get a new driver's license it took much more than a phone call. I had to produce three different documents - including my birth certificate. Fortunately, I was able to locate them with no difficulty. Birth certificates are critical when we need to prove our identity.
• But a birth certificate that says we are heaven-born and heaven-bound is certainly more important. In Psalm 87:6 we read that "The Lord will write in the register of the peoples this one was born in Zion" - referring to the community of believers - which for us is Heaven.
• After dark one night a religious leader named Nicodemus went to visit Jesus. As their conversation unfolded Jesus said, "No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again."
• "Nicodemus," Jesus said, "your earthly birth record will not allow you entrance to heaven. You need a birth certificate that has been issued by God!"
• When we are born the first time, we are born into an "earthly family" because we have an "earthly father." It is only when we are born a second time - "born again" - by accepting Christ as our Savior that we are assured of "seeing" the Kingdom of God. "I am the Way," said Jesus, "if You want to be a citizen in My Kingdom."
• Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for inviting us into Your Kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
• Scripture for Today: Psalm 87:6 The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: "This one was born in Zion."
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