DATE POSTED: Sunday, 2023-05-07
WRITTEN AT: Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas

SCRIPTURE FROM: Proverbs 4:18-19
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

OBSERVATION: In our Scripture, we see where Solomon was passing wisdom on to his son, just as he had gained from his father, David. Jesus said in John 1:12 that those of us who have accepted Him as Lord, we are also His children and, as such, He will lead us into all righteousness. Is there reason then for us to whine, complain and think of failure in life, if the Son of God gave us hope and opportunity for eternity with Him? Stay with me as we meditate on this important thought today!

APPLICATION: I feel like the Holy Spirit led me to remember and recognize that there is righteousness and truth in following Christ. And it is easy to understand how we fail so often and become overwhelmed in the things of this world, for we take our eyes off Jesus. If we are to be led by Jesus, then we must communicate with Him. Of course, I believe that all of you know that communication involves words and actions between at least two people. If I am to do this with you, you may ask questions of me, and expect for me to respond. If you ask me to do something that either you are commanding, or asking a favor, or strongly suggest that I do because of all the reasons you give me, then you expect me to follow your good advice. If I don’t respond in deed or in words, then you will probably doubt if I care, or if I truly listened to you, or if I want to see change. Communication with God is no different. He is looking to build a relationship with us. To begin the process, I believe He is looking for us to accept the free gift of eternal life that He sacrificially provided for us. For a personal experience, let me share that I recently spoke with an elderly lady at the church I attended. I had just seen her come through a food line, but she shared with me how she labored over making cookies for the shut-in ministry of the church. I admire people who will find ways to help, even if they couldn’t ordinarily afford to help financially. However, I know of recipients of that ministry who quite frequently trash the food given to them because the items may not be as presentable as they had hoped, or taste like the ones they make. Knowing the sacrifice made, don’t you agree with me that the recipients were very selfish and ungrateful? However, the Bible tells me that God sent His Son as an infant – a time that we actually celebrate – Christmas. This Son performed miracles and showed love to the unlovable while He was on earth. God then commanded that He die at the hands of a wicked king, so that through His death and ultimate resurrection, those who accept Him as Lord, could enjoy eternity in Heaven with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Similar to the story of the lady at my church, we see here the ultimate sacrifice made for us. Following in the steps of our Master and Lord, Solomon is telling us that we will become righteous and shine before a dark and sinful world as brightly as the midday sun! Is that something that sounds appealing to you, that you could represent the King of all kings? And that no matter how despondent the world might become, this one light of hope to those in your circle of family and friends will go a longs ways in helping them see Jesus. The reality of life is that not everyone will accept this gift, for they are determined to be as miserable in their old skin, their sin and despondency. Sadly, Solomon also shared with us what happens next for these unhappy and disobedient children also. Unfortunately they will continue to stumble, whine and complain without realizing what caused them to stumble. Don’t we see this very often in life – the folk that enjoy being miserable and who others hate to see coming towards them? There is hope my friend! Jesus stands willing and ready to accept your call for mercy and eternal life! If you are sick, most will quickly find a doctor. Today I am happy to tell you that if you are still in darkness, unbelief, doubt and despondent about life, there is a ‘doctor’ for that as well. Jesus specializes in saving such individuals from sin – if they do their part, by believing in the holy Son of God and trusting Him unconditionally, He will save you and redirect your life to live in obedience to His commands – His Word – the Bible. Help is available to you in my ‘FOOTNOTE’. Please decide today to believe on the name of Jesus – the only Son of God!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Regardless of what all is going on around us, we can shine as brightly as the noonday sun, because of the Son who lives and reigns inside of us!

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for everything You have done for us to help us dig out of our lives of pain and misery here on earth. Not only can we find peace for today, but You have promised us eternal life in the glories of heaven also. Lord, I believe! Please continue to mold me into Your likeness, so that others will see and believe in the wonders of heaven and the hope that is ours. Life here on earth is very challenging, so we look forward in great expectation and wonder, for all that You will bless us with presently, and in the world to come. Please forgive us when we seem unappreciative and ungrateful, like in the above story. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!