DATE POSTED: Sunday, August 13, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN 2 Timothy 3:16-17

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: In a world where anything goes, and where mankind chooses to do their own thing at their convenience and for their own good, it becomes increasingly challenging for one to truly settle on the Word of God being their primary guide and God being their one and only resource for decisions. However, for the ones looking at eternity and where they will spend it, I believe that the complete resources and direction from the Creator and the God of this universe offers the only hope and promise to us. Our verses today help us to understand 1). Why the Bible, and 2). What the obedient believer could expect when they take direction from our Creator. Stay with me on this!

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I believe the easiest way for us to look at this, and to realize its impact, is to remind ourselves of what brings us to the feet of Jesus for acceptance, forgiveness, and relationship. In this world, it doesn’t take very long to realize it has nothing to offer outside of the partying, heartaches, family division, pay backs, ill will towards each other, revenge, wickedness and the hopeless destination of hell. However, the Bible gives us a whole list of things similar to the ones I just outlined – see Galatians 5:19-21 and it assures us that those following this lifestyle will never see the eyes of our Holy God. But friends, God has chosen not to give up on His creation, so there will come a time when He reminds the unsaved of the righteousness of a holy God – their Creator. This will be through intervention by the Holy Spirit. It may be a word or action of a pastor, a family member, a good friend, a casual acquaintance, or it may be through His living Word – the Bible. While God will not pressure us into making a decision against our will, He will reveal Himself to us and remind us of all that He did for us so that we may become children of God. For my dad, it was the unfortunate death of a nephew that opened his eyes to the God of this universe that he had never personally accepted. For myself, it was through a family friend who encouraged me and walked with me to the altar where I surrendered my life to God personally, after a touching sermon. Paul knew what Timothy would face as a young minister of the Gospel so, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul pointed Timothy towards the Book what would provide him the confidence to preach, and the encouragement to continue in, the work of the Lord through the toughest of times. This awesome Book is still available to the child of God today. Whether it’s the pastor who stands before a mega church of individuals from all walks of life, who needs direction, encouragement and direction to find the one way that leads to eternal life, or if it’s the young, simple, inexperienced new Christian who will interact with a friend or acquaintance who needs the Lord during his normal daily walk of life. Let’s never forget that God is all knowing and all powerful, so He could also speak directly to the needs of an unsaved individual who needs Him. I have heard of individuals who, in the quiet and solitude of an overnight hotel stay, found the Bible that was stored in the top drawer of that hotel room nightstand, opened its pages and began reading, only to find the words necessary for drawing him/her to the forgiving and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Let’s never forget, only God can save a person headed for a wicked Hell. Although He may use us to experience new life through our 2 cents that we may lend to an individual, only God can redirect a lost and sinful heart. Let’s try applying the Word of God to our own lives on a regular basis, then perhaps, we will also speak words of wisdom from God Himself as we minister and care for others.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: We often need someone to ‘straighten us out’! Praise God for His Word, a true and meaningful way of God speaking to us and redirecting our path towards the holiness of God.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I thank You for the cross. A place where You suffered and died for the redemption of our sin. In our Scripture today, I am also reminded of the invaluable tool You left for us to hear from You and receive instruction from You. Please remind all readers and listeners to dust off the covers of this important book on their shelves, and to desire a daily encounter with You through the words You left for us to follow and better understand Your mercy and Your grace. A tradesman who follows manufacturer’s instructions will often succeed in returning something to its original perfection. Your Word is even more powerful and effective in reaching the heart of its readers and drawing us closer to the source of that great Book, God Almighty. Please help us to never lose sight of You, by becoming active in reading Your Word each and every day. May others see more of Christ, because we have drawn closer to, and following what You have desired of us in Your Word. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby 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!