Scripture: Isaiah 19.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Isaiah 19:20 (NLT)
²⁰ It will be a sign and a witness that the LORD of Heaven’s Armies is worshiped in the land of Egypt. When the people cry to the LORD for help against those who oppress them, he will send them a savior who will rescue them.

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

While the command in this verse seems so simple and probably unnecessary to even remind ourselves about, yet it seems like often we will do all within our power to resolve a crisis before finally resorting to prayer about the matter. I found it intriguing that God waited for the people to cry to Him for help, then He would send them a Savior. I wonder if we are not so busy whining and complaining about our issues today, and not crying out to the Lord for resolution, that our problems are not receiving God’s blessing. Think about unemployment; foreclosures; crime; cancer and other serious illnesses, etc. In another scripture, we are demanded to humble ourselves, seek God’s face and pray. I believe it is about time that we place our concerns at the feet of the Master and ask Him to intervene in the areas of concern that come before us.

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

Lord, I know that we very often feel like we pray about everything, but this passage this morning has opened my eyes to the fact that I am required to place my concerns at Your feet and You will hear my needs and concerns. Yes, You are waiting to hear from me and will not just treat me as a spoiled child and provide everything automatically for me. I am truly grateful for life itself and the good health that You have blessed me with. Please continue to work on me that I may place everything else before You so that miracles may happen all around me! Thank You for being the awesome God that I can turn to in my time of need!

 

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
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Scripture: 1 Timothy 6.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Timothy 6:11-15 (NLT)
¹¹ But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
¹² Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
¹³ And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate,
¹⁴ that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

¹⁵ For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

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

Although so much was accomplished by Timothy’s willingness to go and start churches, and to work on spiritual growth among existing churches, I was so refreshed to see how Paul found it important to remind Timothy to reflect Christ throughout his whole life and in his character. It reminded me of another passage that basically says that when we do things without right intentions, or hypocritically, we are like a clanging cymbal to God. We are making noise basically. The part that I bolded and changed to purple, applies to many of us today. As we pursue the character and the honest witness with the characteristics detailed by Paul, we will not leave a bad taste in the eyes of those that we witness to, teach, preach to or try to love in Jesus name. I believe that one of the biggest deterrents in the minds of today’s unsaved is the hypocrites that they see in our churches and the lifestyles played out in the job places. When we concentrate on the teachings of Paul in verses 11-14, we could clean up much of the problem of hypocritical living and return to the true witness of Jesus Christ. Will you join me in this endeavor today?

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

Father God, You are well aware of our evil thoughts and our hypocritical living, and how this has such a negative impact on the lost and dying world around us. Please begin a good work in me, and help me to be a better representative of You in every aspect of my life. I pray that as those studying this devotional with me today may recommit themselves to being more like You and upholding the principles taught be Paul in these verses, that You would give them everlasting strength for each and every day to accomplish this desire so that the whole world may know – that they may hear and subsequently believe, because they see our teachings lived out in our everyday living. You paved the way admirably for us, now may we do our part in representing You well, is my sincere prayer today.

 

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
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Scripture: Isaiah 17.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Isaiah 17:9-11 (NLT)
⁹ Their largest cities will be like a deserted forest, like the land the Hivites and Amorites abandoned when the Israelites came here so long ago. It will be utterly desolate.
¹⁰ Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you. You have forgotten the Rock who can hide you. So you may plant the finest grapevines and import the most expensive seedlings.
¹¹ They may sprout on the day you set them out; yes, they may blossom on the very morning you plant them, but you will never pick any grapes from them. Your only harvest will be a load of grief and unrelieved pain.

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

It was revealed to Isaiah that a horrible time will come upon the Hivites and Amorites because of their turning away from God. While I believe that we have a lot of Christians in our country, I also know that there seems to be an increasingly and deliberate turning away from God. Churches are drying up and closing up. More and more confusion, frustration and possibly even hatred is eroding away at our churches, and friends we can attribute this to our ‘Turning away from God’ just as in the case of the Hivites and Amorites. So what do we do about it? I acknowledge that only God has the answers to this question, but I believe that God’s Word was strategically placed as our (Christians) book of instructions. Therefore I feel like we must keep our noses into the Word, constantly seeking instruction, leadership and direction from God. I believe that we also need to look closely into the action taken by God against these folk that brazenly turned away from God. He didn’t send in a foreign military – otherwise in our case we could show off our military might. In fact, He didn’t send in anything that man would have any power to fight against, but He affected their food supply. Friends, God’s ways are not our ways. We could never do enough to prepare ourselves to fight against God. What we can do though, is exactly what churches have been designed to do from the very beginning: We can surrender our lives totally to God, humble ourselves before Him, allow Him to guide us into all righteousness, worship Him and Him only, daily seek forgiveness for our failures/sin, seek His strength and direction to live more in line with His will the next day, and be such an example of Jesus Christ in our world that others might accept Him as Lord and go on to serve Him faithfully. I am convinced that God’s Word teaches that as we do these things, He will be uplifted and draw all men unto Him. Have You forgotten the Rock who can hide you?

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

Father, You are very aware of the horrible state in which we find ourselves today. We are probably as bad or perhaps even worse than the Hivites and Amorites that are referred to by Isaiah in the verses mentioned above. Thank You for being patient with me, but Father I want to ask today that You fill my heart with love for all those that I come into contact with today; that you remind me of words that I can say or actions that I may perform that will exemplify You in every aspect of my life today. Many I will come into contact with today are, no doubt, destined for Hell. I am excited and overjoyed to know, experience and love the Master of this universe, the Savior of this world, the Lord of my life, and I want to find ways to share that with those that may not have experienced this joy, and may be headed for a life of destruction much like the Hivites and Amorites. Please use me today to influence someone for You.

 

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
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Scripture: Isaiah 13.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Isaiah 13:9-11 (NLT)
⁹ For see, the day of the LORD is coming— the terrible day of his fury and fierce anger. The land will be made desolate, and all the sinners destroyed with it.
¹⁰ The heavens will be black above them; the stars will give no light. The sun will be dark when it rises, and the moon will provide no light.
¹¹ “I, the LORD, will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their sin. I will crush the arrogance of the proud and humble the pride of the mighty.

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

When a hurricane, or a tornado, or other natural disaster is approaching we quickly tune into the radio to see if we might be affected. God’s Word is very clear to unbelievers how they will be destroyed by our God, much more final than we would expect if hit directly by a natural disaster. In light of what I read this morning, I want to assume the urgency that Isaiah had in warning everyone that we need to get our house in order, our spiritual house in order – our soul. I have relatives and many friends who live like they have never asked God for forgiveness of their sins and therefore making no effort to live for Him and in light of His commands. I would very much like to see all those that I know and love join hands with me around God’s throne when He calls us home. Friends, there is no in between. You have either asked Jesus into your heart and now living in light of His teachings, or you are destined for the destruction mentioned by Isaiah in the verses above. Listen to the voice of God today friends. I hope that you all know that my preference is to see you in heaven with me. God’s preference is that none should perish but that all will have eternal life. He gave up a lot to make it possible for you to have a means to enter heaven. Please don’t reject that gift any longer. Heed the warning from Isaiah.

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

Father, I pray that this will be a day that many will come to know You as Lord and Savior of their lives. I pray that they will heed the warning, as given by Isaiah and reemphasized by many other prophets and disciples. Today is the day of salvation. Please give those that I love and care for that urgency of making this very important decision today. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!

 

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
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Scripture: 1 Timothy 4.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Timothy 4:7-13 (NLT)
⁷ Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.
⁸ “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
¹² … Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
¹³ Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

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

Athletes train themselves to be in the best shape possible in order to be better at their sport. Teachers and other workers are constantly in one seminar or training session in order to improve their job performance. As Christians we are frequently in one church service or another and possibly one Bible study or another in order to improve our knowledge of the Bible and to be attentive to what God is saying to us through His Word. However, I have never considered this to be a method of training myself to be godly, but yet this is what Paul was encouraging Timothy to do. I believe that in verses 12 and 13 Paul goes on to explain how Timothy might accomplish this task, and I believe that it will be helpful to us also. Paul said that we should be an example to all believers in:

1. What we say – While it would be admirable to always quote scripture to one another and speak of the goodness of God, too often we find ourselves bringing down another brother or sister, or as relayed in verse 7, we spend way too much time arguing over godless ideas. Wouldn’t it do a world of good for a non-Christian to walk up on us discussing something godly or at least bragging about the wonderful things that God blesses us with daily?
   
2. The way we live – show other Christians where our priorities are. This might range from our ungodly habits to our good habits of Bible study, church attendance, giving of self and monetarily. Other Christians are looking for a good role model, while non-Christians are often blinded by the hypocrisy they see in those who call themselves ‘Christians’.
   
3. Our love – Do we show the love of Christ in our actions? If we are to be imitators of Christ, then we must practice loving others just like He did.
   
4. Faith – Jesus said that if we only had the faith of a mustard seed …… Our faith will be revealed through our actions and response to situations – many of which we have prayed about anyway. Other Christians will learn to grow in their faith as they experience our faith in action.
   
5. Purity – How’s your motives? Can others take us at face value, or are we acting and talking one way in their presence and a totally different way when we are seen during the week at work, in the community or even casually at the store? Let it be said of me that what you see is what you always get – no matter where I might be. I’m not perfect, but to imitate the only perfect One, I must be pure and transparent in all that I do.
   

In verse 13 Paul goes on to tell us how to focus ourselves so that we might better accomplish the above. Read the scriptures, encourage the believers and teach them. As Christians we must realize and practice these things not just on Sunday, but every day of our lives. Read, encourage and teach – are each of these practices a part of your daily life?

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

Father God, these are some tall orders You have given to us in this scripture, but when I consider all that You have done, and still doing for me, I realize that my life should be rich in each of these qualities. Please help me to reflect You in each of the above areas so that fellow believers might be encouraged and actually grow in their faith as a result of them hanging out with me. When this is accomplished, I believe that non-believers will also be impacted with what they see in me and want to know the Savior that makes this all possible. May I always follow the plea of a previous pastor who posted on the pulpit he spoke from every Sunday, “Oh that they may see Jesus”.

 

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
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Scripture: Isaiah 8.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Isaiah 8:11-14 (NLT)

11 The LORD has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said,

12 “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.

13 Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.

14 He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.

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

When I read verse 13 I think about God demanding that we make Him holy in our lives – set apart as the most important part of our lives. A Rock that we can go to in deepest confidence, yet private, and knowing that He cares for us, and will listen to our praise and to our greatest concerns. Unlike our friends where they try to listen to us but can do so very little, God is our creator and the author of all things around us, so He will listen from a heart of love for His creation. God wants the very best for His children! Initially when I read this passage I felt touched by this up to the point of the first short sentence in verse 14, however I came to realize that for some, this Christian/Godly relationship would really be a hindrance to them, as it may speak contrary to their bad habits, or their principles at work, or in the ungodly relationship that they are involved in. Friends, I want to share with you this morning that my God loves you with such love that He was willing to allow the sacrifice of His only Son to die a cruel earthly death, as a sacrifice for your sin and mine, all so that we could enjoy eternal life with our Father/Creator. As I make Jesus holy in my life and give Him permission to direct my daily path and my daily life, I spend each day in anticipation of His mighty works and His unparalleled love to everyone that accepts Him as Lord. Aren’t you tired of trying to handle life on your own? Accept this Savior of mine and make Him holy in your life. Allow Him to take control and lead you into all righteousness. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything that I can help you with in finding and accepting this kind of love, this kind of faith and this kind of love extended by the King of all times, Jesus the Christ.

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

Father I thank You for loving me enough that You gave everything so that I may have life eternally with You. Oh that I may truly make You holy in my life today and everyday so that others may be encouraged by Your love extended through me, and may want to know and experience You in a very personal way. Please speak to readers of this devotional today and show them how important it is to make this very critical decision in their life, right now.

 

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
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Scripture: 1 Timothy 3.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NLT)

14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,

15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

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

I have often heard the first parts of this chapter read, because Paul details to Timothy the characteristics of an Elder/Pastor, then he followers with those of a Deacon. Yes I was keenly aware that these positions often lead the tone and character of the remaining church congregation, but as I read this passage again today I was reminded that this was emphasized in recognition of, and because of the true leadership and purpose of the church, Jesus Christ. In other words, the church represents the living God – the pillar, the foundation, the leader of and the divine Master of His church here on earth. When I take that phrase into consideration, I suddenly realize that if I worked at the White House, I would be expected to meet certain moral characteristics, a clean criminal record, and a step above the expectations of a government worker because I would be part of the team taking care of the country’s leader. How much more important for me to be that ‘step above’ in moral character, devotion to God, untarnished by worldly actions and/or abuse of my God-given design in order to be like Jesus in every way? This helped to remind me that the reason I want to be the perfect deacon is not just for me to ‘look good’ in the eyes of my pastor or my church or my family, but because I don’t want to flaw the character of God and His church in any way. Being a proud worker of the White House is nothing in comparison to being a worker in the kingdom of God. Oh that I may be reminded of the privilege, the honor and kingship of Jesus Christ, anytime that I am tempted to dishonor the privilege in serving as a deacon in my church. It is God that I must honor and represent in all that I do, not for any credit or recognition of my own.

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

Father, this is quite a reminder about whose I am, verses who I am. May I never bring dishonor to the position You have honored me with in my local church, but most importantly may I never dishonor You and the wonderful name of Jesus that must be proclaimed and honored in the church of today so that Your work and Your will might be accomplished in the town of Avon Park, the state of Florida, this fair country and even to the utmost ends of the earth. To God be the glory for all great things accomplished in Your church today, and may deacons or elders appointed by Your church never be a stumbling block to the great work that You will accomplish in Your church.

 

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
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