DATE POSTED
Wednesday, August 19, 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!

Romans 2:14-16 (NLT): ¹⁴ Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. ¹⁵ They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. ¹⁶ And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.

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.

When I first moved to this country, I chose to follow the laws of this country to satisfy the requirements of law enforcement, taxation enforcement and to avoid being a rebel in what was to become my new country of residence. For it mattered not what laws I was raised with, nor should I expect my new law enforcement officers to use the laws of my former country to judge my guilt.

In Romans 2, the Apostle Paul highlights a similar scenario with the Gentiles. Though they did not possess the written Law given to Israel through Moses, their actions demonstrated that their knowledge of the law was written on their hearts. So rewarding to be reminded that God has placed an inner moral compass—a conscience—within our hearts. While human laws across the globe often mirror this divine foundation of what is “good,” yet earthly culture frequently shifts. God’s standard, however, steer us towards that which pleases Him.

There are two truths that we must always remember, especially in our ever changing world:

• God’s Character Never Changes: His moral truth remains constant across generations (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).
• God’s Word Outlasts Popular Culture: Society’s opinions shift, but God’s truth stands forever (Matthew 24:35; Romans 12:2).

So, when you are tempted to live, or do things according to popular belief or practice, please consider the teachings of God from the very beginning of time. God never changes, and His laws were designed to direct our daily walk toward righteousness and holiness. He is our Guide, our Rock, and our Deliverer. Knowing Him and anticipating our eternal home with Him is the greatest gift imaginable. It simply doesn’t get any better than that!

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TODAY’S CHALLENGE To be in this world and follow it’s ways and wickedness, reveals a divided heart. While temptation is real, the Holy Spirit living within us acts as our constant guide, pointing us back to divine truth. With Christ, and under the direction of His Word, we can do all things and be led by the Holy Spirit, God being our helper. But, we must decide each day who we will allow to rule and reign over us. I pray that you will join me in submitting ourselves to Jesus Christ every day as His followers. The world will see evidence of that in the way that we speak and act throughout each day.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for writing Your moral truth upon our hearts and giving us Your Word as a lamp to our feet. Forgive us for the times we lean toward popular culture rather than Your unchanging character. Lord Jesus, rule and reign in our hearts today. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that our words, decisions, and actions reflect Your holiness and point a watching world to You. In Jesus’ precious 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!