DATE POSTED: Thursday, July 11, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Blue Tree Resort, Orlando, 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 Hebrews 12:14-16

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, since no one will see God without it. Watch carefully that no one falls short of God’s favor, that no well of bitterness springs up to trouble you and throw many others off the path. Watch that no one becomes wicked and vile like Esau, the son of Isaac, who for a single meal sold his invaluable birthright.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I am always amazed when I consider, in amazement, how married couples succeed in marriage. Especially when I think about a man and a woman coming together from different backgrounds and upbringing, totally different lifestyles with a myriad of projections for their future life here on earth. Why, without the invitation for Jesus to lead and direct them, I am surprised that any marriage would flourish. God knew that there would be similar cause for concern about someone accustomed to the darkness, hatred and practices of this world and the Evil One, who decides to accept Him and His plan of salvation. In previous verses we see where God led His writer of Hebrews to explain how believers are adopted into His Kingdom of Light. In my previous devotional, I reminded every one of the teaching on setting human desires aside and concentrating on the Master for divine intervention – this was under the label of ‘fasting’. In today’s lesson I love the way that we are drawn to the fact that this Christian Life is not just a solitary, selfish relationship with God for me, myself and I, but that I play an important role in helping those around me to overcome the struggles of this wicked world and anticipate the glories of heaven. You see, this is all possible because of the Savior that taught fellow Christians and I to seek the Kingdom of Heaven and the righteousness of our God. The God who loved us enough to sacrifice His only Son for our eternal benefit. God knew that in coming from a worldly, unChristlike environment, we would need direction to live the new life that we would transformed into as a Kingdom child. But I love the reminder that we are to help others who are after the same goal as we are. I knew of an employer who promoted, through incentives, gifts to recognize the employees who succeeded in their weekly goals. However, it was not enough for an individual employee to achieve their own goal, but the employer added incentives when the whole team was successful. That employer must have read their Bible, for it seems like God is encouraging us to do the same through encouraging all team members to achieve success. Watch that no one falls short. Watch that no one becomes wicked. I don’t believe for a moment that God intended this to encourage nosiness, but rather to promote love, encouragement and cheering our team members on so that we all achieve glory! But friends, let me also remind us that God did all this so that we not only live according to His plan, but that we not throw off the unbeliever who might be looking on to see if this ‘Christian’ thing is for real. They want to know if God truly did change us, before they decide to also commit to our team of believers. Based on your life so far this month, do you feel like they are convinced that Jesus lives, reigns, and is glorified in and through you and your lifestyle? If not, please let me encourage you to join me in asking Jesus once again to teach us His ways and be His ambassadors here on earth, so that others might see Him in us, accept Him as their Savior and Lord, and believe that He has gone to prepare a place for us, that where He is, we may be also!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord I believe, but I ask that You help my unbelief, or doubt, or fear when life is not going exactly as I envision it. Thank You for Your Word, and thank You for teaching us in advance, what is required of us as believers. As Your example here on earth, may others clearly see in us the attitude, words and actions of a Savior that loves them in the same way that I am convinced You love me. May we represent You well today, oh Lord, and may Your kingdom work be fulfilled around the world today. 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!