DATE POSTED: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Royal Floridian Resort, Ormond Beach, 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 Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 19:13-14

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father, and the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water]. House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and sensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the Lord.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: As a youngster who determines that we now know everything and could conquer the world, we may tend to ignore what our parents taught us, sacrificed for us, and loved us through when we are totally dependent on them. For those who have read my devotionals for a while, you will recall me saying that God’s Word contains everything about life that we might expect to encounter over our lifetime, so of course God knew how a child’s unappreciative and rebellious attitude would impact the heart of a father and mother. We must always avoid looking at what the author of a book in the Bible may have been going through, and always remember that the authors of God’s Holy Word were totally inspired and led by God himself when delivering His message for us. So I would encourage all those who have allowed Satan to divide you and your parents, to take note of what God says in our verses today – this completely destroys the spirit, hope, expectation, and desire for a parent. I know what some may say, I just don’t know what caused you to act the way that you do, right? But, my friend, please allow me to point you to the Scripture again today and examine vs 13 to try and find where God allowed Solomon to share the exclusions for this verse. You see, I believe that God will question you on what you have done with your life, not on the excuses you give with reasons on why you acted the way you did. Be reminded also that although God may question you, He already knows the answers, because He knows your very heart and the thoughts that bubble up inside of you. Another excellent piece of advice is given to the young man in search of a good wife. Notice there was no mention of the school that has the most hot girls, or the nightclubs that your friends pound on you to attend with them, but it’s a matter of relationship with, and trust in, Almighty God. It is He who knows way more about that girl that crossed your path and got your attention. But, to know the will of God, you must be in relationship with Him – listening to Him through His Word, and sharing your heart with Him through prayer. It’s not about running to the preacher and have him communicate with God for you, it’s way more powerful than that – this is something that you will benefit from because of your faith, your trust, your hope and your relationship with the God of this universe. For He’s the only one who has inside information for those who have an inside relationship with Him, and I believe He is anxious to bless you with all you deserve, if you allow Him to.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I am eternally thankful for You, my Savior and my almighty Father and God. I am also thankful for the parents you blessed me with and especially thankful for the Christian wife that You have placed by my side to love and uphold me through every phase of life. However, based on everything that I hear outside of my home, I believe that many readers may not feel as blessed and appreciative. Please Lord, speak with Your children once again today. Draw them to Yourself and not only open their hardened hearts, but also expand their minds to see You and all that You have blessed them with. Many homes are divided, and because of this our younger generation seems more determined to do ‘their own thing’ instead of what You might lead them into. Please draw us to the cross on a daily basis so that we might be reminded of Your love and sacrifice for us. You’ve paved the way for us already, please direct us to be obedient and faithful followers, so that we will always have reason to praise You and lift Your name on high. 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!