DATE POSTED: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, and I was blessed to be at an Vrbo property near Lake City, 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 Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 35:4-6

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Tell those who worry, the anxious and fearful, “Take strength; have courage! There’s nothing to fear.… The balance is shifting; God will right all wrongs. None other than God will give you success. He is coming to make you safe.” Then, such healing, such repair: the eyes of the blind will be opened; the ears of the deaf will be clear. The lame will leap like deer excited; they will run and jump tirelessly and gracefully. The stutterer, the stammerer, and the tongue of the mute will sing out loud and clear in joyful song. Waters will pour through the deserts; streams will flow in godforsaken lands.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: How many times have you questioned God about the handicap of some, and the misfortunes of others? How many times have you questioned God about why you must go through certain struggles that seem to pull you down unreasonably? The Israelites were forced into captivity in Egypt where they were reduced to slavery and extreme hardship. God sent them a deliverer who set them free and led them back to Jerusalem. But, because of their sin and rebellion they continued an uphill battle. Don’t we tend to see similar misfortune in our lives still today, friend of God? Have we discovered how enslaving this ongoing sin is, and the negative impact it is having on our lives? For those who have not recognized and accepted Jesus as King, or Lord of their lives, they may blame daily mishaps or trials and temptations as being ‘down on their luck’, or ‘just another bad day’. However when God spoke through His prophet, Isaiah, it is obvious that He desired that the people recognize God, their Creator, their Protector, and their forever King who will not only guide them to all righteousness here on earth, but will also rule and reign in heaven where His saints will gather to worship and adore Him forever! But the best news of all for myself, my readers, and fellow Christians today, is that this is also a picture of what we can expect as children of the King today! Yes, our forever home – Heaven, has been prepared for us! I know, friends, you are just like me, and you tire of all the sickness, death, crime, war, lies and mistrust and unrest here on earth. You therefore wonder if all this will ever come to an end. I believe that this is where our Scripture especially comes to life! For just as Isaiah encouraged the Israelites with this good news, we too can still find hope, strength and encouragement in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We just celebrated Easter – a time commemorating the life, death, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The Bible tells us that the greater purpose of all this, was that Jesus followed the orders of His Father, who allowed this as a promise to all mankind, that whosoever believes in this Son of God – Jesus, will one day raise from the dead and live eternally with He and His Father – God, in heaven for all eternity. With this hope, also comes the assurance that God will love on us, protect us, care for us, guide us, and teach us to be His example here on earth, until He calls us home. There is hope, my friend, for those who trust in Jesus! Do you know Him today? If not, I encourage you to read the tips in my Footnote on how to find, accept and know Jesus as your Savior and Lord. I am convinced that there is no greater decision you can make today, than to know for sure that you belong to Jesus, and that He is your soon coming King!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord Jesus for the assurance given to us today that You are still available to us and that You will come and reign in our lives, should we agree to let go of earthly, but empty, promises and misfortunes. The Bible says that You have gone to prepare a place for us – our place for all eternity with You, Your Father and the Holy Spirit. There is nothing on earth that compares to that, so I pray that You will tender every heart that reads this devotional today and are reminded of Your love. Please convince them of the need for the Savior, and the bright hope of tomorrow, as His child. May those who have accepted You, be on a daily mission to give You full control, so that You may minister through us to reach the lost and unconvinced of their need for You. 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!