Scripture: Deuteronomy 26.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (NLT)

16 “Today the LORD your God has commanded you to obey all these decrees and regulations. So be careful to obey them wholeheartedly.

17 You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you.

18 The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.

19 And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised.”

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

We may sometimes feel like obedience to God’s commands are burdensome, perhaps sometimes refrains us from the fun that our friends enjoy, perhaps very narrow-minded. Friends, we need to stop and think about all that our Savior did for us on Calvary. We need to think of all the promises that God made to us in Scripture such as the verses noted here. Let’s remember that He is preparing a place for us in Heaven where we will spend eternity with Him and all the other saints gone on before us. If He loved us enough to sacrifice His one and only Son, can’t you imagine how it must please Him to see us obeying His commands and worshiping Him? I am convinced that Jesus loves us with unimaginable fervor, one that exceeds anything we could ever imagine. He will lift us up and have us holy before a holy God – wow!! Let’s follow His commands out of obedience and love for God today. Remember, our rewards are coming!

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me so much that You gave everything. Please help me today to be obedient to your instructions found in Your Word. Thank You for all that You bless me with daily, and for all to come! Please touch the hearts of each one that may read this devotional today. May they come to know You personally and learn to follow Your commands.

 

**Words 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
**

Scripture: Luke 6.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Luke 6:47-49 (NLT)

47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.

48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well built.

49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

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

In Florida we are in the middle of our hurricane season. This means that we must be fully prepared for a hurricane, should one come unexpectedly. Being prepared gives us peace during a hurricane, because we know that everything will be OK. We have a certain confidence, because we are convinced that we did everything possible in our preparations. In these verses in Luke, Jesus is explaining that this same peace and confidence can be expected by those who have placed their faith and trust in Him. When the foundation of our faith rests in Jesus, and we have done everything to understand and accept His power and His love for us, we can stand secure in His arms when the storms of this life come against us. We can identify with scripture where it says that we can be happy here on this earth because of our peace in knowing that Jesus is with us, or if Jesus calls us home from the circumstances here, we can be even happier to be with our Master, our Friend, our Savior and our Lord! This peace and confidence is not exclusive to just a few, because the Bible says that Jesus loves us all. However, the Bible also says that for those who call Him Lord, and have accepted the free gift of God’s only Son, to those He will forgive them of their sin and show His abundant love and forgiveness. These are the folk referred to in verses 47 and 48. There’s no riding the fence friends. Return to this wonderful Savior of mine and accept Him and His free Gift so that you too may enjoy eternal life and the peace and confidence that only He can give.

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Thank You for peace in knowing You as my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Thank You for that confidence in knowing that every little thing is going to be alright with You in control of my destiny. Please remind me of this when I’m downhearted and in despair. I know that I need You every hour. Thank You for always being there for me – in good times and in challenging times. May I show that kind of unconditional love towards others also, is my humble plea today. Please touch the lives of those that may read this devotional and may not have ever surrendered their life to You. Please soften their hearts and fold their souls with Your love today so that they may decide to follow You unconditionally.

 

**Words 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
**

Scripture: Deuteronomy 20.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (NLT)

16 In those towns that the LORD your God is giving you as a special possession, destroy every living thing.

17 You must completely destroy the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, just as the LORD your God has commanded you.

18 This will prevent the people of the land from teaching you to imitate their detestable customs in the worship of their gods, which would cause you to sin deeply against the LORD your God.

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

There is so much about the Old Testament that we can look at today and turn our heads from because it all sounds so cruel and primitive. However, the principle behind the decisions and actions bear a lot of value that, if considered today, could result in stronger families, a stronger nation and a strong world. We have become so accustomed to compromise, and willing to do so much in the name of equal rights, that we find no reason to stand our ground based on principles we learn and believe from God’s Word. In the verses chosen today we can see where God saw such a need to remove the temptation that might cause His people to worship other gods, and to commit detestable sin, that He ordered that the invaders totally destroy the inhabitants of the land they were entering. Friends, we often find ourselves in precarious positions today where we are willing to accept so much, yes even that which is spoken against in God’s Word. When we allow anything that is acceptable to this old wicked world, we are often in great compromise to God’s Word. Throughout the surrounding chapters we are shown what the Israelites were taught to do with those found guilty of certain sins. In today’s world, we have become acceptable of these things because we don’t want to get into the other person’s business, or because God loves them just as they are. We find excuses for our acceptance. God’s Word is clear, He hates sin and He hates actions that are opposite to that which is taught in His Word. Friends, if God hates these things, we should never believe that He wants His imitators, His children, those who are called by His name, to do otherwise. We must learn to stand on the teachings of the Bible, even if we become unpopular to this world.

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord, as I read Your Word, I believe there is much that You detest about the happenings in this world in which I live. Ashamedly I must admit that there are probably times that You also detest Your people, Your chosen people, those who are called by Your name, because we have become so much like this world. So much so that folk may often find it difficult to determine the difference. Lord, You have given us Your Book of Instructions so that we may know what pleases You and what is detestable to You. Please open my eyes today so that I may walk in obedience to Your Word. Please give me boldness to speak up for what You teach as the right thing if I am to represent You fairly and truthfully. Please forgive me where I have failed in this.

 

**Words 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
**

Scripture: Deuteronomy 17.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (NLT)

18 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.

20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.

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

God was preparing the Israelites for their entry into their new country, The Promised Land. God knew that they would probably want a king, so He gave them explicit instructions about how this man must be one of them, but then He also told them how important it was for the king to know the Word of God. This would be accomplished by writing it out onto a scroll, an awesome task, but then he was supposed to read the Word of God daily. Now we hear a lot about this today from our pastors, but I want to draw your attention to the reasons why this king was to do this, because this also applies to us today friends:

1. As he learnt the Word, he would follow in obedience to its terms and instructions;
   
2. It would teach him humility, and stop him from becoming proud and feeling like he was better than, or above his fellow citizens;
   
3. It would give him guidance and be a constant reminder to help him avoid disobedience to God’s commands in even the slightest way;
   
4. It would give him and his descendants longevity in their jobs – governing the people.
   

Friends, I don’t know about you, but this gives a renewed reason for studying God’s Word. It really impacts our lives and our whole outlook on life – the reason for our existence. We fall into such a routine each day, but when we are pumped up by the Word of God and allow it to impact our lives in these powerful ways, life becomes so much more worthwhile and impactful to others. Remember, all of this begins with daily reading and studying of the Word of God. If you are not already doing this, I urge you to make this a priority in your day. At the end of each day when you failed to do this, always say that “it was not a priority to me today”, and not say the usual “I just didn’t have time”!

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, I have always felt the importance of reading Your Word. Thank You for showing me the reasons why this daily reading is so important. Please help me to continue to make this a priority in my day, so that I may be obedient to it; be humbled by it, be guided by it and that I and my family may be blessed with longevity in our jobs – all for Your ultimate glory and praise! Thank You Father for Your precious Word!

 

**Words 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
**

Scripture: Luke 4.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Luke 4:14 (NLT)

14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region.

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

At a time when Jesus had just returned from being tempted by Satan for 40 days, a time when many would take another 40 days in counseling to overcome the pressure and depression from that time of temptation, yet the Bible says that Jesus returned ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’s power’. Not only is that amazing, but the Word also says that filled with such power, He went on to accomplish a lot of ministry in the area. Friends, I believe that when we fail to connect sincerely with God and allow Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit, we fumble through witnessing and other forms of ministry. In fact when we fail to fill ourselves with God’s Holy Spirit, we are very full of ourselves, and what power do we have to change the sinful minds of those that we come in touch with every day? It is only through our humble submission to Him; only through the wonderful blood of Jesus; only through the power of the Almighty; only when we speak in His name and under His power that anything spiritual can be accomplished of eternal significance. Let’s examine ourselves and present ourselves daily as living sacrifices to the Master, so that He might empty us of sin and self and fill us with His awesome power so that He may accomplish great things through us. Let’s commit to doing things in Jesus’ name and for His glory, with nothing pointing to us, less we are tempted to boast of our strength and our power that just doesn’t exist when it comes to ministering to the soul of mankind.

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Dear Lord, You have placed me here as Your humble servant, awaiting my next set of instructions, so that You might accomplish a great work in and through me. Please help me daily to give You priority, while brushing self aside. I pray that I will be so full of Your Holy Spirit, that You will use me as your instrument to speak to those that I come in contact with and to bring healing and comfort to those in need of a touch from the Master. Please help me to be so filled with Your Spirit that even in circumstances where I may have otherwise become depressed by life’s challenges, yet through Your power even greater works might be accomplished. Have Your will and way in my life today dear Lord. Please speak to the hearts of my friends that may read this devotional, that they may get the message that You would have us discern from Your scriptures today.

 

**Words 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
**

Scripture: Deuteronomy 12.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Deuteronomy 12:28&32 (NLT)

28 Be careful to obey all my commands, so that all will go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and pleasing to the LORD your God.

32 “So be careful to obey all the commands I give you. You must not add anything to them or subtract anything from them.

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

In reading God’s Word I believe that He often draws my attention to the exact, positive meaning of a passage. However I find that He often causes me to say, yes but what if the opposite is true. In other words, verse 28 is clear in telling us that when we are careful to obey God’s commands, it will give reason to all going well with us and our children. Now friends, we all know that there are some who will not always obey God’s commands. Unfortunately I believe that the Word is also saying to us that they could look forward to trouble in paradise. In other words, there is no promise that all will go well with them and their children. Friends, is this getting your attention and, like me, helping you to realize that when everything around us seems to be going wrong and life itself seems hopeless, that we now know where to examine and what needs attention? I believe that the Word is clear that our relationship with God is paramount to our (us and our family’s) peace, contentment and well-being. God didn’t intend for us to be islands unto ourselves, He designed us to be like Him – loving and kind to everyone and obedient to the Father. Let it be pleasing to God how obedient you are to His commands, and how you get along with others today.

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord, thank You for Your Word. We hear about so much depression, and so much strife and envy among Your people, yet it is clear from Your Word that we bring much of that on ourselves by being disobedient to Your Word and selfish in our actions and love towards others. Please forgive us for straying away from Your perfect design and doing our ‘own thing’. Please redirect our paths and help us to be more like You today and obedient to Your Word.

 

**Words 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
**

Scripture: Deuteronomy 11 and
Luke 3.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (NLT)

26 “Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! 27 You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. 28 But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before.

Luke 3:8 (NLT)

8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God……..

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

I find it amazing when people stop me and tell me who my dad is, because they see enough in my features or my actions that they easily recognize to whom I belong. Wouldn’t it be an effective means of reaching the lost if they could recognize from what little they know of God, to whom we belong? Just as in Deuteronomy where God gave the Israelites a choice between a blessing and a curse, so has He also given us a choice today. As we make our choice, so shall we live. Can others recognize the choice that you have made, friend? In Luke 3 we are also reminded that we will prove by the way we live, to whom we belong. As we enter each new day, we are given these choices and it is important that we make a deliberate choice and stick to it. The results will be blessings or curses, depending on our choice. I would ask that you consider joining me in my choice to live for God today so that His light might shine through me and touch the lives of others who may make bad choices today. Living as bold witnesses of the One in whom we believe, is the only real choice in these verses this morning, I trust that you will make a good choice today!

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, I know that old Satan is very busy these days, but praise God, I also know that You are so much more powerful and effective than the adversary. I pray that You will answer my prayer to lead a life worthy of Your calling and one that will exemplify You in every way. Lost folk need to see evidence of You today, not a life tainted by sin or twisted by the untruths of this world. I praise You for Your almighty power to overcome sin, and I thank You for be willing to work through the humility of Your servants like me. May it be very evident to those whose paths I may cross today that I am a follower of Yours and that Your presence is very evident in all that I might say or do. I know whom I have believed, now may others see that in my life.

 

**Words 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
**

Scripture: Luke 2.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Luke 2:6-7 (NLT)

6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.

7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

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

Although a very familiar passage of scripture, God really spoke to me through the one little phrase that I bolded, especially as I read the whole chapter. At first reading of this little phrase we might think very poorly of the inn keepers back in Bethlehem, but then God spoke to me and reminded me how we tend to do this so much in our day, in our own lives. You know how sometimes we just don’t feel like going to church? Could it be that we just don’t feel like having Jesus around at that moment? Now, before you question whether I am saying that Jesus can only be found at church, no that’s not what I am saying. If we are truly honest with ourselves, I believe there are times when we may say, or indicate with our actions, that we just can’t be bothered with the things of God at this time. Ever heard someone say when they feel like they are in an undesirable place, I sure hope that Jesus doesn’t return at this time and find me in this place? Where did we leave Jesus at that time? We obviously didn’t have a place for Him in our activity at that time! Jesus said in His Word that He would ‘always’ be with us. Do we make room for Him at all times? We really should!

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, thank You for always being there for me. I pray that there will never be a time that You feel unwelcomed by me because of the company I am in, or the place that I may be, or the activity I may be involved in.

 

**Words 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
**