Scripture: Romans 13.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Romans 13:11-14 (NLT)

11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.

13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

In the past few devotionals I believe that God has challenged me to think of things that I must do to have a greater influence for Him in my daily walk in 2012. In this passage I believe that God is reminding me how urgent it is for me to straighten things out in my life and, for those of my family and friends that have not yet accepted Jesus, how urgent it is that I work with; pray for; earnestly encourage and example God’s love to them, to help them get their lives in order, as time is running out. When we consider clothing ourselves with the presence of Jesus, I think of us isolating ourselves from the evils of this world and allowing Jesus to consume us, cover us, protect us from the darkness of this world and fill us with His power, His strength and His boldness so that we may live as children of the Master, representing Him in a light that would promote Him and advance the kingdom of God. Bottom line is that we must get our act together, stop pretending and earnestly seek God’s face and His protection so that He may envelope us with everything we need to live holy and godly lives. Secondly, we must remind ourselves that time is quickly running out for us to advance the love and ministry of Jesus to our unbelieving family, friends and coworkers. Now that we have received our marching orders, and shown our priority, we should have a very busy, but fruitful day!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, we are Yours and I look forward to the day when You will call me home to be in Your very presence. While here on this earth, please help me to stay focused on living a godly and holy life, one that is pleasing to, and honored by You. I have loved ones and friends that have not openly accepted You as Lord of their life yet. Please place one of Your children in their presence today that would encourage them to surrender their life of darkness/sin to You in exchange for a glorious bright life filled with the presence of Jesus. You alone are God, please help us as man to strive to be more like You each and every day, until the day You shall call us home to be with You eternally.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
ß