DATE POSTED
Saturday, July 18, 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Proverbs 1:10 ~ My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. (NIV)

Proverbs 3:7 ~ Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. (AMP)

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.

This comparison between life before Christ and life after Christ is not merely about distinguishing unbelievers from believers. It is also a reminder that, although we belong to Christ, we still live in a world that constantly seeks to influence our thoughts, values, and decisions.

One principle that has helped me over the years is this: whenever I sense myself leaning—even slightly—toward following the crowd instead of following God, I make every effort to immediately seek His face and ask Him to redirect my heart. I want my life to reflect His ways rather than the world’s ways. I believe this is the essence of what Proverbs 3:7 teaches when it speaks of fearing the Lord. It is not a fear of punishment, but a reverent awe that leads us to trust Him, obey Him, and turn away from evil.

Before Christ, many of us were guided by parents, friends, or people who appeared popular, successful, or accepting. We naturally followed those who seemed to have the answers, even though the path they offered often led us away from what may have been God’s plan for us. Without Christ, we simply lived according to the world’s standards because we knew no better.

My own story was somewhat different. I was raised in church by God-fearing parents who did their absolute best to point me toward God. Yet, in those early years, my behavior was driven more by a healthy fear of my parents than a reverent fear of God; I had no personal allegiance to Him or His will.

Parents, may I lovingly encourage you never to stop praying for your children. Pray that they will hear God’s voice calling them to salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. God hears those prayers.

In spite of the powerful attractions and fleeting fun of the world, God directed me to the right place at the perfect time in His divine plan. He even placed a messenger—an angel—in my path to encourage me to make a decision. I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord in 1988. Despite the world’s constant efforts to distract me over the decades, I still stand today in total awe of Him, led by His Holy Spirit, and ready for the day He calls me home.

Dear friend, this is not a fairy tale. This is the transforming power of God. What He has done in my life, He is able to do in yours. He can break the grip of this world, replace it with a heart that longs to please Him, and give you the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The simplest way I can describe the difference is this: After Christ, everything changed. It was as if a true conscience came alive within me—a deep, permanent awareness of the God who sacrificed His only Son for my sins. This loving God didn’t just save me; He assured me of a new identity. I am no longer a wanderer following a crowd; I am a son of the King of kings, clothed in spiritual royalty!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

I have no doubt that God can do the exact same work in your life, dear one. In John 3:16, Jesus reassures us that He died so that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.

Please don’t settle for merely following the crowd. God has wonderful plans for your life, but He patiently waits for you to open your heart to Him. He alone can perform the miracle of giving you new life through Jesus Christ—a life that begins today and continues throughout eternity. My prayer is that you will willingly lay aside the empty attractions of this world and embrace the immeasurable joy of walking with Christ. There is no greater life than one lived in reverent awe of God, faithfully following Him until the day He welcomes you home. The crowd may influence your direction, but only Christ can transform your destination.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for saving us, changing us, and giving us a brand-new identity in Christ Jesus. Lord, we confess that the pull of this world can be strong, and the temptation to simply “follow the crowd” is always present. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to give us a sharp awareness and a quick conviction the moment our steps begin to lean away from Your path.

We lift up our children and the next generation to You today. Please speak to their hearts with a voice so distinct and powerful that they cannot ignore Your call to salvation. Break the subtle attractions of worldly pleasure in their lives, and replace them with a deep, reverent awe of You.

Help us to leave the fleeting standards of this world behind and serve You faithfully until You call us home to glory. In Jesus’ name, 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!