God’s Word Says….

Nehemiah 9:16-19 (The Message)

They turned a deaf ear, they refused to remember the miracles you had done for them;
They turned stubborn, got it into their heads to return to their Egyptian slavery.
And you, a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, incredibly patient, with tons of love – you didn’t dump them. Yes, even when they cast a sculpted calf and said, “This is your god who brought you out of Egypt,” and continued from bad to worse, You in your amazing compassion didn’t walk off and leave them in the desert.

My Thoughts…..

I thought that this sounded much like the condition of our great country today. In all good consciousness, we can honestly say that God has been gracious to us. Blessed us beyond measure, been very patient with, and loving to us. Yet every time we turn on the evening news we hear about all the evil that occurred that day in all parts of our country. It you will take time to read the whole chapter you will see that Ezra listed a whole lot of sin that went on among his people, yet God was merciful and forgave them when they cried out to Him. Christian friends, I believe God can touch the wicked hearts of our people today also, but I believe that, like Ezra, we must humble ourselves, and cry out to Him.

Challenge……

In 2 Chronicles 14, we are taught that, as God’s people, we must humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways (yes friends, even us – we have wicked ways that are not pleasing to God, and He will not hear us when also poisoned by sin) and pray, then we will hear from heaven. In other words, then He will melt the hearts of our wicked neighbors, friends, city, state and country. Yes, our God is not dead, He’s still in control of this world, but He allows us the opportunity to make our own choices. What’s your choice today? Are you prepared to do as the scripture says: turn, pray and receive God’s forgiveness? Today you have that choice, who knows if you will be alive or capable of making that choice tomorrow? So don’t delay, please?

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that we are a wicked nation, with atrocious sin revealed every day. Please allow me to begin with self – please strengthen me so that I may turn away from things that displease You. Sinful things that are opposite to what You teach in Your Word. I am sorry Lord, that I have become a weakened vessel for You, as a result of sin that always interferes and weakens my relationship with You. Then Lord, I plead with You to forgive me of my sin and strengthen me with Your awesome power, so that I may truly be a usable instrument by You. I also ask that You please touch the hearts of those that may meditate on this devotional today. Please influence them to do the same as I just did, so that we may be a stronger witness for You in all areas of our lives. No matter where we are in the world, I believe that You need warriors who are truly committed to serving You without the hindrance of sin. Dear God, I ask all this in the precious and awesome name of Your Son, Jesus, my Lord. AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.