John 3:3-7
"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."’
Additional Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:23, Titus 3:5
In a society that praises our degrees, status, and careers it’s easy to think that these things will make us feel whole and answer our biggest questions. But like Nicodemus visiting Jesus in the night, we can sense there is something greater and deeper we’re missing. We can be curious but still confused about what we’re looking for and how to get there. The good news is we don’t have to do it alone or in our own strength. Jesus welcomes our questions and meets us where we are when we are willing to come face to face, laying down our doubts and fears before him. Having faith is not about denying facts but believing the truth of who Jesus is. Jesus came to save us, transform us, and make us born again. The decision to believe and fully surrender to him is where new life begins.
There is a transformative power of new life in Jesus. When we are reborn in Him, we examine our hearts, our habits, and our lives through the lens of God’s grace. There is a choice that we all have to make in our walk with Jesus. When we understand that we are made new, everything changes. We begin to see ourselves as He sees us–alive, free, and full of purpose.
Following Jesus isn’t just about making one decision, it’s a daily surrender. When pressure comes, the temptation to slip back into old ways disguises itself as comfort, but true peace is only found in Christ. Like locking the doors of your home at night to guard what’s valuable inside, spiritual boundaries shield your soul from sin. Living as a new creation means guarding what God has given you, setting boundaries, and choosing the light over darkness.
With a buffet full of distractions, the question remains: what are you feeding? We have been crucified with Christ and born again. A redemptive plot we could never earn, but instead have been graced to carry. God through His goodness has made us new, but carrying your old self will forfeit all He is doing inside of you. As Nicodemus yielded to light so shall we. So, change your appetite and no longer feed the things of the old but the things of the new, bringing to fruition the transformative work God has done in you.
“There are believers and deceivers but no in-betweeners”. God wants your full commitment to His promises. Being born again isn’t just a one-time decision–it’s a daily surrender. Take time this week to reflect on where you stand, let go of what’s holding you back, and step boldly into the new life God has for you.
These prayer prompts can guide you in prayers you may need to pray or share with others this week.
Prayer of Surrender:
Jesus, I surrender my life fully to you. I lay down my fears, doubts, and old ways of living. Help me to embrace the new life You have given me and trust in your plan for my life.
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
Prayer for Spiritual Renewal:
Holy Spirit, renew my heart and mind. Give me the strength to walk in faith, even when I don’t understand. Shape me into a new wineskin that can carry the fullness of your presence and purpose.
Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Prayer to Step Out in Faith:
Father, I choose to trust You even when I can’t see the full picture. Give me the courage to move forward in faith, knowing that You go before me and prepare the way.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
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On Wednesday, May 14th, all VOUSCon teams will gather large at VOUS SoMi for a time of worship and encouragement. When we break into team workshops, some will stay at SoMi while select teams head to the Watsco for on-site walkthroughs and details.
If you're not signed up to serve VOUSCon yet, this night is for you, too! Come learn more about what it looks like to help host thousands of leaders from around the world. Discover all of the ways you can serve at VOUSCon and get registered.
To RSVP for Team Night, please click here!
Where: VOUS SoMi
When: Wednesday, May 14th
Time: 7:00 PM
Address: 6767 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL, 33143
ILMC will be taking place Saturday, May 17th.
This month's spotlight initiative is on Foster Care. We will partner with organizations such as 4KIDS, One More Child, His House & Citrus Family network to support Foster Care Parents and children currently in foster care.
To get more information about serving opportunities, click here
On Sunday, May 18th, we are having baptisms on the beach in Key Biscayne! If you are interested in being baptized, please click here to sign up.
Where: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
When: Sunday, May 18th
Time: 8:30 AM
Address: 1200 S Crandon Blvd
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Pavilion #: C16 (near Lighthouse Compound)
VOUSternship (Ages 18-28) applications are open for FREE now through May 9th! This is your chance to jump into a summer of purpose, growth, and hands-on ministry experience. Spots are limited and we kick off in just a few weeks—don’t wait! Apply today and take your next step at vouscollege.com/apply!
Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.
Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS DD
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack