The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

John 10:14–16 (Key verses)

14-15 I am the good shepherd. As the Father knows me and I know the Father, in the same way I know my sheep and they know me. And I am willing to die for them. 16 There are other sheep which belong to me that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them, too; they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

Jesus was getting across to His audience (Jewish Leaders) that they were not the exclusive parties destined for the sheepfold – heaven. These leaders often looked on the Gentiles like they were ‘nobodies’, but praise be to God who loves us so much, He died for ALL men, regardless where they are from or from which side of the tracks they may come from. I wonder how it must sadden God ‘s heart when He looks at His children in worship today. Why is it that we have straight black churches, or white churches, or oriental churches, etc? I know that some of the issue is the language barrier, but I would really suggest that we reevaluate our reasoning. We can all work together; play together; depend on each other in times of need; take each other’s money when they enter our establishments, etc. Why is it again that we can’t worship together? OK, I remember, some are more charismatic than others, and the two shall never meet. No, that’s not it, because we never tell others how to act when they come into our business places, or into our educational classrooms. I’m afraid that God’s ‘holy’ people still carry the sin of prejudice around with us and it is considered OK by the masses, under certain circumstances. Why is it again that God is not blessing us? Could it be that we have really not ‘humbled’ ourselves; prayed and turned from our ‘wicked’ ways? When we exclude folk from worshipping with us, quite often we are also excluding them from hearing the gospel and possibly finding their way to the Master. Do we really want that sin on our backs?

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, please forgive me for times that I may have excluded others, possibly because they were different to me in one form or the other. Please get my attention each time this may occur and sober my thoughts to remember that You died for us ALL. You accepted us just as we were, and because this was in such contrast to the perfect model that You created, we too ought to be forgiving, and accepting of those that we have difficulty identifying with. Please eradicate the sin of prejudice, and promote a right spirit with us, so that we may be more like You in every way through every day. Please use this new spirit to work in the hearts of those that we come into contact with so that they may know the sweetness of the Savior who loves them unconditionally. Thank You for loving me and dying for me on Calvary.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

John 10:7 (Key verses)

7 So Jesus said again, “I am telling you the truth: I am the gate for the sheep.

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

In verses 1 thru 6 Jesus illustrates to His hearers how important a gate is to a shepherd in allowing sheep in or out of the pasture. He did this to illustrate how the gate represents Himself. Meaning that we, as His sheep, have only one means of getting into our eternal pasture, Heaven, and that is through Him. Friends, I was reminded over the past week how important it is for us to teach the truth to folk about them making a personal decision and commitment to Jesus, and pursuing and maintaining a personal relationship with Him. I believe that way too often folk tend to think that because they have attended church most of their life, that they are automatically in a personal relationship with Christ. Sometimes they may also conclude that because they were brought up in a Christian home, that they are automatically in. Friends, while the gospel and the invitation is open to all (John 3:16), Jesus said that it is only through faith in Him (Romans 3:21-26) that one can enter into the kingdom of heaven. How is it with you friend? Reflect on the very moment that you surrendered your life to total faith in Jesus Christ and give Him praise and thanksgiving for that today. If you can’t, then I would urge you to make that decision today. We have no assurance of the very next breath that we take. Please don’t gamble with this decision. Get it right NOW between you and God. He is the only way to heaven!

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Thank You for providing The Way to heaven, Jesus. Thank You God, for sacrificing Your one and only Son for the purpose of saving undeserving sinners from a lost road to hell, and opening the gate to heaven for us so that we can live eternally with You. Thank You for tugging on my heart’s door to convince me of my need for a Savior, and I thank You for the boldness of surrender back in 1976 at Faith Temple Church of God when I gave my heart to You. Please touch the hearts of my family and friends that may meditate on this devotional today, and have not yet committed their lives to You. May this be the day of surrender for them, is my humble prayer. I don’t want to see them left behind.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

John 9:31–33 (Key verses)

31 We know that God does not listen to sinners; he does listen to people who respect him and do what he wants them to do. 32 Since the beginning of the world nobody has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a person born blind. 33 Unless this man came from God, he would not be able to do a thing.”

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

I believe that some of the best lessons learned, or the best sermons told, are from personal experiences. In this story today we see where the man that was once blind was confronted to tell his story about who healed him. The Jewish leaders wanted to hear the story that they were afraid he would go and tell the people of his town and therefore convince them of the messiah. Friends, there are folk awaiting to hear our story, if only we would be as bold as this man. However, the aspect of this that God spoke to me on is, what is the world’s perception of me as a Christian? Is there enough evidence to prove me guilty? How is it with you Brother? How about you Sister? Do they know us by our fruit, as described in the Bible? How’s our actions, and our attitudes? Can they truly say that God must be using us because we show evidence that we are His? The same principle applies today as told in this story, God will use His own to perform miracles, He will not use sinners. Can He depend on us? Can He count us in?

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

What a mind sobering point in this story, Lord Jesus. This type attitude/action/character is not something that we could pretend, or try to fool the people with. This is something that You would know from the very core of our being – the sincerity of our heart. Father, may the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable to You, oh Lord, my Rock and my Salvation. I pray that I can be a usable vessel for You without causing any embarrassment to You and Your work. Please help me to be more like You every day, is my prayer.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

2 Kings 9:11–12 (Key verses)

Jehu went back to his fellow-officers, who asked him, “Is everything all right? What did that crazy fellow want with you?”

“You know what he wanted,” Jehu answered.

12 “No we don’t!” they replied. “Tell us what he said!”

“He told me that the LORD proclaims: ‘I anoint you king of Israel.’ ”

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

Those who faithfully deliver the Lord’s message to sinners, have often been called ‘madmen’, and I would dare say that many today will call us ‘madmen’ if we stand up for what is against Bible teaching, and reveal sin for what it is. The reason for this is because our judgment, speech, and conduct would be contrary to that of other men. We would be influenced by motives that would be quite different to that of others (the ungodly). The irony of the story in 2 Kings, and of the story we would be faced with today, is that the charge is/would be brought by the worldly and ungodly who, themselves are mad indeed for not following the ways of God; while the principles and practices of the devoted servants of God are proven to be wise, reasonable and instructed by the God of this universe. Friends, this is nothing to be afraid of, or to shy away from. Jesus said that His ways are not our ways, and I would dare say to you that if we follow closely what Jesus teaches us to say and do, our ways will be different to those of the world. We may therefore be looked at as ‘madmen’. Please don’t let your coward-ness set in and weaken your walk with the Lord. Stand firm and be counted as a child of the king!

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord, I’m sure that You are very aware of the prejudices that sometime beset Your children, because of our beliefs and practices. Please help us to stay strong in your Word and to be obedient to it so that Your light will shine in every aspects of our walk at all times. Perhaps being called a ‘madman of Jesus’ would be a compliment, instead of an insult, as it would be an indication that our witness is evident to the world. Lord, I want Your love and mercy to be extended through me, so that the world might know Jesus. Please help the readers of this devotional to be doers of the Word and not just say they are Yours, so that the world will know You.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

John 9:11 (Key verses)

11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made some mud, rubbed it on my eyes, and told me to go to Siloam and wash my face. So I went, and as soon as I washed, I could see.”

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

This story reminds me of the story of salvation. Our sins are washed away and suddenly we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Praise God, the experience of salvation and the healing of sight to the blind is only accomplished by the powerful hand of Jesus, and no other! Do you know my Jesus today friend? He is the same today as He was when He touched the hand of the blind man in this story, and He loves you as much as He did this blind man. You can depend on Him today, won’t you consider this invitation? Please drop me an email at the address below if I could possibly pray with you or help in any way. This is the most important decision you could make in your life.

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me enough to provide the means for my salvation. The means for me to lay aside the weights of this old world and to place my faith and trust in You as my Rock, my Savior, my Lord and my best friend. I look forward to the day when I shall see You face to face and live with you in total peace and harmony for ever and ever! Father, I hurt for my family and friends that don’t know You personally and have not asked You for forgiveness of their sin. Please make this Thanksgiving weekend one that we can be eternally grateful for by melting the hardened hearts of these ones and encouraging them to surrender their hearts and lives to You.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

2 Kings 5:11-14 (Key verses)

11 But Naaman left in a rage, saying, “I thought that he would at least come out to me, pray to the Lord his God, wave his hand over the diseased spot,k and cure me! 12 Besides, aren’t the rivers Abana and Pharpar, back in Damascus, better than any river in Israel? I could have washed in them and been cured!”

13 His servants went up to him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Now why can’t you just wash yourself, as he said, and be cured?” 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times, as Elisha had instructed, and he was completely cured.

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

I found it interesting how Naaman humbled himself, like we would when we are in need, and went to the king of Israel, then on to Elisha, but having so many preconceived ideas in his head about how healing is done, he was unable to accept the instructions of Elisha. We are very much the same, especially if we go with a little money in hand to prompt the one we will be speaking with. To Naaman’s surprise, Elisha didn’t even come out to see him. Imagine the shock, wouldn’t pay him the honor of coming out to see him even in spite of all the gifts he took with him! I bet Naaman was looking for something tangible, like some special words to be said directly to him by the prophet, at least. Isn’t it like us to pack up our georgie bundle and move on if things are not done our way! Naaman did that even though he was being told that this would result in his healing! Thank God for those that encourage us though. Elisha’s servants knew the blessing that Naaman was missing out on so they went and called Naaman back and encouraged him to do as the prophet told him. Fortunately Naaman conceded and followed the instructions, only to find that he was indeed healed. Friends, God’s power is beyond man’s understanding, that’s why He is God! Why not place your faith in Him today? Whether for healing, or just for obedience to follow His will and way, let Him be your Guide, your Protector, your Master, your Friend and your Savior. Drop me a note if I could help or encourage you in your spiritual life. I would consider it a blessing.

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord how guilty I am at times about things like this. I need wisdom and guidance from You in every way for every day. Please deal in my life so that I may be Your obedient servant, and that I may allow You to use me to touch and encourage others with similar challenges. Thank You for loving us enough to not only provide for us, but also going the extra mile to make sure that we take advantage of Your benefits.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Lexham English Bible

John 8:42–44 (Key verses)

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me, for I have come forth from God and have come. For I have not come from myself, but that one sent me. 43 ⌊Why⌋ do you not understand my way of speaking? Because you are not able to listen to my message. 44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father!

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

I believe that if we know Jesus intimately and obey His commands we prove that we are children of the King. This is actually very biblical, see John 8:31. The trouble with the Jews (the audience being reached in the passage quoted above) and with many church attendees today, is that they have an expectation of what they want to hear preached and taught. Anything different is almost heresy to them. Jesus recognized that His audience was not just drawing a blank, but they were refusing to listen, because they were fixated on their father, the Devil. Jesus told His audience this in verse 44, but what about you Brother? How is it with you, Sister? Do you go to church and try to listen to the preacher, until God’s Word really starts to challenge you about who you are, or what you may have flippantly said, or your refusal to perhaps help a stranger in need, or just how you ignore God’s instructions? How’s your heart, friend? Do you know my Savior? Have you committed your life totally to Him and promised to follow Him and obey Him the rest of your life? According to verse 31 mentioned above, this is how you prove that you are His disciple. The reason this applies to us is that disciples were the first to be called Christians in the Bible (Acts 11:26). If we are Christ’s disciples, we would listen to His Word, and lovingly obey it, as a way of showing our love to the One who first loved us! Examine yourself friend and decide for yourself if you are truly open to the Word of God and seek to obey it with all of your being. If you are struggling with this, I encourage you to have an urgent talk with your Maker. Seek His forgiveness; surrender your life totally to Him and seek His help to obey His commands.

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, thank You for helping us to understand more clearly from this passage on whose side of the fence we reside. Please forgive me for the times I may have refused to listen to your Word and obey Your every command. I am Your disciple and consider it of ultimate importance to be obedient to You in every way. I ask You for additional wisdom to understand Your Word; and strength, boldness and commitment to obey every command taught in it. Thank You for loving me enough to correct me in this way, and draw to me the importance of obedience. Please speak with my friends today about this also, especially as they meditate on this devotional. May they also surrender their lives entirely over to You and obey Your commands like disciples should.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

John 8:39–41 (Key verses)

39 …”If you really were Abraham’s children,” Jesus replied, “you would do the same things that he did. 40 All I have ever done is to tell you the truth I heard from God, yet you are trying to kill me. Abraham did nothing like this! 41 You are doing what your father did.”

“God himself is the only Father we have,” they answered, “and we are his true children.”

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

Jesus told some of our earlier ancestors that they were doing what their father did. What does He say to us at the end of some days to you? He was telling the Pharisees that their father was the Devil, and they were doing exactly what he would do. How is it with you, friend? Have you accepted the Lord Jesus as your Master, your Lord and your Savior? Are you reading His Word so you can understand what He does, and what He expects of you as His child? Or are you still following the same old ways of this world, and of your first father, the Devil? Jesus is the only way friend, and when we obey His commands (directions from His Holy Word) then we show that we are His. The world needs to see more who are doing what their Father, Jesus Christ, did. Friend, let’s get with the program, and follow the ways of our Father! Let’s make Him proud of His kids, and at the same time show the world what it means to be a true follower of Jesus. They may want to meet Him also!

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me, loving me and being my very best Friend. Thank You for setting such an awesome example for me to follow. Please give me wisdom, strength and boldness to daily prove to whom I belong. May the world clearly see that I am a child of the most high King, and may this impact their lives in such a way that they would want to know You also, is my humble prayer today. Please speak to the hearts of my friends that may meditate on this devotional today. May they be reminded who their father is, based on their actions that will show evidence, and may they be convicted to turn their actions around and follow You instead with all their power and might.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

John 8:30–32 (Key verses)

30 Many who heard Jesus say these things believed in him.

31 So Jesus said to those who believed in him, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples;
32 you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

Many are moved to decision in Jesus Christ, sometimes because of peer pressure, or perhaps pressure from fear of death or disaster, but for those who have truly accepted Jesus as Lord of their lives and then continue to obey Him/His Word, there is evidence that they are truly His disciples. So if Jesus knows all things, why is it necessary to show evidence of our salvation? Think about this friend. If an electrician goes to work and acts as a nurse instead of an electrician, he will probably not have a job very long. If a married man continues to act like a single young man and never adjust to becoming one with his wife, the marriage will probably be short lived. In this passage, and again over in the book of James, it is clear that by our actions, or work, we will be known. If we accept Jesus, study the Bible and do what it says, of course we are showing evidence that our lives have changed and it is evident from our deeds and words, that we are a new person in Christ. I always like to turn the action point around and see if, perhaps, the passage might speak to me more clearly. If I did that with verse 31, it would say if you don’t obey me/my Word, then there is a clear indication that there has been no change in your life and that Jesus is no part of you. Based on your daily actions, what evidence are you showing, saved or unsaved? Friend, we never know about tomorrow. Please don’t wait to get this cleared up with Jesus by asking forgiveness of your sin, then follow Him – show evidence that you are His, every day of your life.

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, thank You for who You are and the salvation that You offer to me and all my family and friends. You know that there are unsaved, and uncommitted ones in this group, and I beg of You today to please soften the hardened hearts and help each one to be assured of their salvation. Please help us to not only say that we belong to You, but to show it through our words and deeds that You are truly Lord over our lives. I truly believe that our friends will be saved when they see us less hypocritical and showing more evidence of belonging to the One in whom we believe. Thank You for Your loving kindness to me every day, and thank You for strength and humbleness to honestly serve You every day, regardless of my circumstance. Please help me to always look for ways to draw even closer to You and be even more obedient to You. Please tender the hearts of ones that may meditate on these words today, so that they may be willing to accept You and obey You every command.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation

2 Kings 2:19–22 (Key verses)

19 Some men from Jericho went to Elisha and said, “As you know, sir, this is a fine city, but the water is bad and causes miscarriages.”

20 “Put some salt in a new bowl, and bring it to me,” he ordered. They brought it to him, 21and he went to the spring, threw the salt in the water, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I make this water pure, and it will not cause any more deaths or miscarriages.’ ” 22And that water has been pure ever since, just as Elisha said it would be.

My Thoughts:
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

This is so much like God, to show us that when we are dealt with a lemon – make lemonade instead of whining and complaining! He can make a good result from any circumstance that we surrender to Him. My God is glorious! In this case He allowed Elisha to purify the water instead of seeing the prophets curse what He divinely made! He can do the same in our situations that we may otherwise think are impossible and/or the worse thing that could have happened to us!

My Prayer
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Father, please give me a positive attitude always, so that I may recognize all the beauty You have provided for me. No matter how bad things may seem, I am blessed by Your love, Your daily protection and Your provision. Thank You for Your prophets like Elijah and Elisha, and for continuing to work in and through our spiritual leaders of today. You are beyond description, and I adore You today. Please also touch the hearts of my friends that may meditate on these words today.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
**