DATE POSTED
Friday, April 3, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Luke 23:40-43 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy to Read Version (ERV).

40 But the other criminal stopped him. He said, “You should fear God. All of us will die soon. You and I are guilty. We deserve to die because we did wrong. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you begin ruling as king!” 43 Then Jesus said to him, “I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the short chapter referenced above, as its verses, particularly vs 5-6, will help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Some will criticize, assuming the worst and speaking hurtful words—unaware that such moments serve the enemy’s purposes. But praise God, others are determined to honor Him, to live as faithful representatives, and to follow His example for as long as they have breath on this earth.
Each of us will fall into one of these paths. My prayer is that we would daily seek God for hearts that are strong, steadfast, loving, and faithful—always pursuing righteousness and standing firm against anything that would draw us away from our commitment to our Lord and Savior.
And to those who have not yet believed, I humbly ask you to pause and reflect on the meaning of this day—Good Friday. It is a powerful reminder that God made a way for us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Even the criminal beside Him, in his final moments, recognized that love and chose to believe. Life is uncertain for all of us, and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Call out to God today. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. I long to see you in heaven—and that is only possible through Him. There is no other way, my friend.

PRAYER

Thank You, Jesus, for Your obedience and sacrifice on Calvary, providing the way for eternal life in heaven. I’m grateful for those who have accepted Your gift and for those still considering it. The criminal on the cross knew his death was near, yet even in his final moments, he believed in You. Each day, we lose friends and loved ones we never imagined were in their last moments. Please soften the hearts of those who delay and lead them to seek You before it’s too late. For believers, may we live rejoicing in Jesus our Savior and share that joy with others. Today could be our day, so Lord, have Your will and way in our lives for Your glory. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Thursday, April 2, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read 1 John 4:7-11 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the (NLT).

…Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

It’s easy to follow the crowd and mistake outward actions for a true relationship with God. But let us never forget—Jesus proved His love for us in the greatest way: while we were still sinners, He gave His life on the cross so we could have eternal life. We did nothing to deserve it, yet He loved us anyway.

As His children, we are called to reflect that same love. Not just in words or appearances, but in how we genuinely care for others—family, friends, and even those who may not return it.

As we reflect in the coming days, may our prayer be that our lives bring a smile to His face—that we love others as He has loved us: fully, selflessly, and unconditionally. And when it feels impossible, remember—Jesus will help us love His way if we simply ask.

PRAYER
Lord, You have shown us the way, and this weekend we reflect on the priceless gift You gave at Calvary. Yet, we often turn away even over small offenses. Help us remember that Satan constantly works to turn people from You and to discourage us from loving each other unconditionally and without prejudice. Continue to guide us in walking in Your ways so that those who encounter us see You in our lives and are drawn to know You personally. May You be lifted up and praised as a result of Your faithful children living out Your commands—this is my simple prayer today, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Hebrews 12:1-2 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the TLB.
… let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Often, it’s incredibly difficult to see beyond the bubble of trouble, confusion, and even seemingly impossible circumstances we face daily. Yet these verses come from the “faith” chapter, reminding us that as children of God, we have a bright future ahead—one so glorious that our present struggles fade as we fix our hearts on the JOY to come.

The heroes of the faith lived this way, proving that this perspective truly works. If you knew you would be a millionaire next week, it would be much easier to endure today’s challenges. How much more, then, should the promise of eternal life in heaven with our Lord and Savior—the God of the universe—fill us with hope and JOY? It simply doesn’t get any better than that.

So be willing to say each day, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.” Click on those words and listen to a song that will encourage your heart.

God loves you, my friend—and so do I.

PRAYER
Thank You Lord Jesus for encouraging us with the hope of tomorrow – a time when we will be with You in glory forever! Without that hope, we may easily surrender each day because of our earthly challenges. But praise God, we have a future in heaven, everlasting joy in worship at Your feet. Future hope and greater prospects tend to give us hope and, with joy, we plow through our days here on earth, no matter how challenging they become. But we’re only human, so precious Lord, I ask that You give each reader a ‘heavenly’ mind that will help us think beyond our current circumstances. Let today, and each day that You allow us to remain here on earth, be filled with the hope of our eternal future in heaven with You. Thank You Lord for loving us so much that You gave, and so much that You promised us a bright future to enjoy with You. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!