Scripture: John 8.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

John 8:43-45 (NLT)

43 Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me!

44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

45 So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me!

47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

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

What comes most natural to you in a situation that you dislike? Do you lash out against the individual, threaten them, accuse them, show hatred towards them? Or do you, from a heart of love (a heart filled with the character of Jesus), reach out to the individual and show them the character of Christ? Yes, I know that our sin-nature boils up in us and creates a character that is not pleasing to God, but friend, when we fill our hearts daily with the Word of God, we not only teach ourselves the ways of God, but we also learn on whom to lean when we face challenging situations like this. Jesus showed us the way to live and to act. In verse 47 we are reminded by Jesus himself that if we belong to God (if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior) then we would gladly listen to the words of God. If we listen to the words of God, then we are showing that we belong to Him and are willing to obey Him in all things. So who do you listen to friend? Challenge yourself at the end of each day: based on the decisions you made, the words you said and the actions you took, and ask yourself if God was glorified in everything, then talk it over with God. Align your actions with the Word of God and talk to Him about the areas of your character where you especially need help from Him to correct. Be intentional about proving to whom you belong, don’t let another individual or situation control that.

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

Father, thank You for providing a means for me to know You personally, and for giving me the assurance of eternal life with You. Thank you for Your Son Jesus and the love and direction He gives to me each day. Lord Jesus, I need a fresh filling of Your Holy Spirit each and every day, because I become tainted by this world every day, and there seems to be new challenges each day. Thank You for the confidence that You give me in Your Word that You are with me every day, and that I can cast my cares upon You. Thank You for Your love and provision for me. Please help me today to imitate You in everything that I do and say, so that others may realize who my Master is, and that this may cause them to praise You more. Please forgive me for times where I have failed in being that shining example of Your love.

 

**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
**