Scripture: Matthew 14.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Matthew 14:29-31 (NLT)

29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

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

To those who have not accepted Jesus as Lord of your life, Jesus is calling for you to come to Him today! Please don’t hesitate. This is one of the most critical decisions you will make, for this one is eternal. Do it, friend. To those who have accepted Jesus as your Master and Friend, please be reminded of what happened to Peter the minute he took his eyes off Jesus. The minute he looked at the elements around him and the distractions of this world, he became terrified – you know, just like we become when we are told that we have cancer, or that we have lost a loved one, or lost our job – we immediately wonder where God is. We do exactly what Peter did, we doubt that God could possibly handle that dilemma for us – we doubt. We should be well aware of the miracles of Jesus and the power that is all His, just like Peter should have. Jesus was disappointed in Peter’s faith, how would He feel about yours, friend? We cannot let the fears of this world and the distractions that Satan will hit us with every day cause our eyes to wander or our faith to falter. It is Jesus who we love and adore, and it is He who has power to do all things. Remember how He loved us so much that He gave up His only Son for us? Imagine how much more He wants to do for us as we represent Him here on earth? Oh, what a Savior!

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

Thank You Lord for the awesome, faithful, strong, miraculous Savior that You are. Please forgive me for the times that I have been so much like Peter, so distracted by the worries of this world and all that could happen to me, and the impact that could result on my family or my church. Lord I acknowledge today that You are in control, and with You at the wheel, I have nothing to worry about but keeping my eyes fixed on You and obeying Your commands. Thank You for the years of protection, power and guidance that You have given to me, may I learn from that as I trust You more and more each day.

 

**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
**

Scripture: Matthew 13.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Matthew 13:41-43 (NLT)

41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.

42 And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

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

This passage of scripture reaffirms what is taught throughout the Bible, and that is: only the righteous will prevail in Heaven. In other words, church attendees won’t – if they haven’t asked Jesus into their heart and allowed Him to rule and reign over their life. Children of the greatest saints on earth won’t make the cut if they chose to live life without Jesus. Now let’s be clear, many on this earth will judge by what they see and hear, but in verse 42 we are reminded that the angels will be the hand-piece of God, and separate the righteous from the unrighteous on judgment Day. Friends you can act holy in every way around the pastor, or around your Christian friends, but only God knows about your true righteousness. There is no fooling Him. Friends, in looking over recent events, it is obvious that our life span is very questionable, for it is not old age anymore, although it can be for some. Therefore salvation is something that you will want to work on today. For those of us that have accepted Him as Lord, let us daily walk in the path of righteousness; let us grow our relationship with Christ; let us love on another, even as Christ loves us and loves His church. As we seek to walk in His paths and live according to His Word, we will live righteous lives. We will be ready to meet our Savior, even if it is today! Come Lord Jesus, come!

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

Lord Jesus, You are well aware of the challenges that Christians face in this world, especially when we strive to live righteous lives. Please forgive me when I have failed in my walk. Today I am pleading with You to grant me Your grace, Your love and Your power to overcome evil and to live a righteous life in Your sight.

 

** 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
**

Scripture: Genesis 41.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Genesis 41:37-40 (NLT)

37 Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials.

38 So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?”

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are.

40 You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”

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

Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was a man “filled with the spirit of God.” You probably won’t get to interpret dreams for a king or president, but those who know you should be able to see God in you, through your kind words, merciful acts, and wise advice. Do your relatives, neighbors, and coworkers see you as a person in whom the Spirit of God lives? Each and every day we should seek to be more like Jesus. We should represent Him so well in our lives that others will recognize the qualities of Jesus in us, and want to be introduced to this Friend, Master and Lord of ours. Ask God for His help in this, won’t you?

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

Dear Lord, thank You for saving my soul. Thank You for working in my life to guide me and direct me in every aspect of life. Please continue to work this miracle in me so that I may be a noble, but loyal and loving representative of Yours. I pray that You will work on the lives of those that I will come into contact with today, so that they too may see Jesus and want to know You as Lord.

 

** 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
**

Scripture: Genesis 39.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Genesis 39:9 (NLT)

9 No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”

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

I believe that it would make a big difference if, instead of consciously doing something wrong, that we stop ourselves from doing the wrong because it is a sin against God. Yes, I agree that many of the evil things that we do will hurt a brother or a sister in the Lord, and that is awful, but more than that friend, when we commit our lives to the Lord, we are vowing to live our lives patterned after Him. Let us therefore be committed to a life pleasing to God, a life of love, joy, peace, harmony and forgiveness.

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

Lord Jesus, thank You for the option of choice in our everyday lives. My choice is to please You in all that I do and say, dear Lord. In order to accomplish that I will need Your help, guidance, patience, humbleness of heart and Your love. Thank You for loving me so much to work with me in molding me to be more like You. May this be evident in the eyes of those that I come into contact with today, and may they have the desire to know You personally, is my prayer today.

 

** 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
**

Scripture: Matthew 11.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Matthew 11:20 (NLT)

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God.

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

Week after week Christians meet to worship God, praise Him and glorify His name. As part of our worship and ministry, we also make every effort to evangelize the lost/unsaved/uncommitted. But how committed are we, in response to all that God has truly done in our lives? In fact, what impact would you say that Jesus has made in your life? Friends, I believe that this impact occurs not just through attending church two or three times per year, or even when we are faithful in attending every Sunday. Think about this: we can visit the gas station every week, but unless we get out of our vehicle and actually pay for and pump the gas into our vehicle, our tank will remain on empty. Similarly, when we accept Jesus and commit to a personal relationship with Him, it is necessary for us to do our part to solidify and mature that relationship for ultimate impact. This should be done through:

• Daily communion with Him – prayer and Bible Study;
  
• Sunday School – where God’s Word is taught and explained in a group setting;
  
• Church attendance – where we are being obedient to God’s Word in worshiping together;
  
• Sharing the joy – through daily witnessing – sharing the joy that exist in our otherwise empty lives. Bragging on Jesus for all that He has done, continues to do and has promised to do for us. Inviting others to know the source of our joy, peace, comfort and hope.
  

Friends, if God is not impacting your life, then perhaps you need to re-visit the cross and make sure that He has truly been welcomed into your heart and life. God was about to denounce the towns where it wasn’t obvious that He had impacted their lives. Don’t let that happen to your town because of your lack of commitment!

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

Father, please forgive us for our ungrateful hearts. Please stir up Your Spirit within us so that we might be constantly reminded of all that You do in our lives each and every day. I pray that I will never neglect to say ‘thank you’ in response to Your miraculous touch on my life and answers to my prayers, for I am eternally grateful for You sending Your Son to die at Calvary so that I might have eternal life (John 3:16), and also grateful for all that You do in response to my many prayers and requests. I pray that my church and friends may also be impacted in similar ways today, and that it would be evident from our testimony that we have been in the presence of the God of this universe.

 

**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
**

Scripture: Genesis 35.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Genesis 35:5 (NLT)

5 As they set out, a terror from God spread over the people in all the towns of that area, so no one attacked Jacob’s family.

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

Back in verse 30 of the previous chapter, Jacob had expressed his fear about he and his family being wiped out by people of the surrounding towns because of all that his sons had done. I therefore found it interesting how God chose to protect them from these people as they passed by. Friends, this is the same God that we serve today! When we are afraid of our circumstances, whether it be health, relational, or perhaps from folk that we are afraid may harm us, we can instead place our faith and trust in our God and He will rescue us and place us on higher ground. Please don’t fear that God is too busy for you. I believe that He loves us so much that he would have sacrificed His Son on Calvary even if it was just you or I that needed redemption. Won’t you place your faith in trust in my Lord today? He cares for you and will protect you to the end.

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

Lord Jesus I pray that You will give me humbleness of heart to place my faith and trust in You alone, seeking Your protection while here on this earth. I pray also for my friends that may read this devotional. For those that have not committed their lives to You, I pray that You will tender their heart today and convince them for this critical decision they need to make. For those that have accepted You as Lord, I pray that You will be very near and dear to them today. Fill them with Your precious Holy Spirit and lead them in the paths of righteousness. May we all be bolder in our witness and convincing in our spirit, is my prayer 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
**

Scripture: Matthew 10.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Matthew 10:5-8 (NLT)

5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

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

As I read the simple instructions Jesus gave to the first evangelists, His disciples, I couldn’t help but wonder how the church today could possibly have gotten so far off track, and why have we complicated the simple call of Jesus into something so complicated. Let’s break down the simple instructions and how they may, or could apply to us, the church:

• Go to your own people first, not to the rest of the world (vs 5) – While I don’t believe that Jesus was teaching us to be selfish, I believe that too often we tend to think that all is good at home, and it is international missions that we must be concerned about. In Acts 1:8 we are commanded to be witnesses at home first, then widen our scope. Friends, I believe that we have a huge mission field right here at home. Let’s be more than just a monetary giver in missions, but also be involved in missions right where we are.
  
• Preach and witness to those we come in contact with, that God’s return is near (Vs 7) – A very simple, but profound message has always been a part of sermons by one of our modern day’s greatest evangelists, “Jesus is coming again very soon, are you ready?” and there have been hundreds of thousands of people come to know Jesus as Lord over the years. We have gone so far into theology until I often feel like we attempt to use much of what we have learned, rather than asking God to speak through us and allow His Holy Spirit to first deal in our hearts, so that we may share His simple message from the depths of our heart.
  
• Unleash the miracles of God (vs 8) – Through humbleness of heart and total surrender to God, He can miraculously heal folk. But I believe that this will only occur when we put self aside and allow God to do the healing. In and of ourselves, we have no power to heal, but the One that we serve and represent has all power and will heal today, just as He did in the Bible times of which we read.
  
• Give as freely as was given to us (vs 8) – This may seem as something out of place, because we often try to give to missionaries. But here God is telling missionaries to give, just as they have been given to. In other words, we don’t go into the work of Christ to become a millionaire. Just as folk are giving to us, we need to be the conduit through which those gifts can be shared with others in need.
  

So then, why have we complicated God’s ministry so much with so many rules, so many restrictions, so many hurt feelings? If we follow God’s simple design, we will see His work accomplished just as He intended. It seems like we need to once again make the main thing, the main thing!

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

I believe that the worst thing taught to us through more knowledge, is that we think we often know more than God and that we definitely know how to do ministry better than He designed. Father God, please forgive me for ever assuming this. Please forgive me for being part of leadership in the local church and not emphasizing this enough. I realize that we are nothing without You, God. Please remind us often of the importance in doing church and missions in accordance with Your design, especially when we want to do it right and see it most effective. Thank You for being the awesome God that You are. Please work on us so that we may hear in all humility from Your lips on the day that we are united with You in Heaven, “well done, good and faithful servant”.

 

**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
**

Scripture: Matthew 10.

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Matthew 10:1 (NLT)

1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

Matthew 10:5-6 (NLT)

5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans,

6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep.

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

I believe that way too often we are attracted to a job that we feel suits our abilities and our likes and dislikes, then we ask God to bless us as we try to accomplish it. In the case of His disciples Jesus chose them, called them together, gave them the necessary authority to do the job He had planned for them, then gave them their assignment. Several things are unusual about all of this, but the take away that I received from this is that God did the calling, He did the empowering and then He did the assigning. Therefore I believe that anytime we feel like we are fighting to accomplish Kingdom work, or hitting a brick wall with the work, we need to back up and make sure that the three steps mentioned were clear prior to our efforts to do the work, and that we didn’t get ahead of God trying to accomplish our work for God. To accomplish God’s work, we need to make sure that He was the one who called us to do the work, and that He endowed us with His power and blessing to accomplish the work for Him, and not for any credit to ourselves. Our blessings come from the mere fact that God would choose us, so unworthy and incapable of anything miraculous, to be instruments that He could use to complete His work here on this earth. What an awesome God that we serve!

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

Lord, I pray that today and every day will find me deep into your Word. I pray that I will be very attuned to the work You have aligned for me, so that Your Holy Spirit will have the freedom and liberty to accomplish the work You have prepared for me. May You receive honor and glory from everything that I do today. Please use me as You need me today, and also bless those who may read this and have a desire to serve You. May Your will be accomplished through Your children today as You design!

**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
**

Scripture: Matthew 9.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Matthew 9:20-22 (NLT)

20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe,

21 for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”

22 Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

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

Two examples are given in this chapter of Jesus telling those who came for healing, that because of their faith they are healed. I bet if any Christian was asked if they have faith, they would probably look at you like you were in sane, of course they think they have faith. Friends, this phrase caused me to stop and really meditate on this. Would any of us be willing to leave our comfortable church pews and air-conditioned churches to follow behind a man that some call Jesus who is wandering around out in the heat hanging around with sinners? I wonder what proof we would need? We see televangelists touching a person’s forehead and the person falling backwards, is that what we might expect to see when Jesus reaches out and touches us? I wonder how many excuses we would find to hinder us from getting close enough to touch the hem of His garment? Would that be enough to convince us of healing? But wait, that’s a lot of action by us, we’ve been told that a whisper in prayer could bring healing wherever we’re at. I believe that it is very sad to think about, but for the few Christians who take their Christianity seriously enough to truly get into God’s Word and learn to walk in it’s ways, or have faith enough to believe that by attending church they would not only be obeying the Word, but anticipating enhancement in their Christian walk by fellowshipping with other believers, or have faith enough to believe that Jesus is in charge even when things don’t go our way, do we really believe that they would have faith enough to simply whisper a prayer and God would unleash His power on us? Friends, Jesus plainly told the woman with the blood issue that it was because of her faith to merely touch the hem of his garment, that she was healed. How’s your faith? When last have you demonstrated the extent of your faith? On the subject of giving, Jesus said that we should test Him and see if He would bless us immensely. Perhaps we should learn to test our faith more often and watch the miracle of Jesus’ touch change our lives forever!

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

Lord Jesus, my thoughts above reflect the doubt that often plague my walk with You. I serve the Creator of this universe, the Master of the sea and everything that exist, the miracle working God that I read about often in Your Word, yet I doubt and question. Please forgive me, and please extend Your fresh Holy Spirit upon my life again today to enrich my spirit and renew my faith. I know that You have the power to do all things, please help me to live in that boldness, especially when I don’t see instant gratification or answers that may not be exactly in line with my request. The whole reason that I ask for Your help and Your miracles is because I expect to see You respond in the way that fits Your will, not mine. Please remind me of that often. Thank You for Your patience with this humble sinner and servant of Yours.

 

**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
**

Scripture: Matthew 8.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Matthew 8:23-26 (NLT)

23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.

24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly all was calm.

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

Although the disciples had witnessed many miracles, they panicked in this storm. As experienced sailors, they knew its danger; what they did not know was that Christ could control the forces of nature. We often encounter storms in our life, where we feel God can’t or won’t work. When we truly understand who God is, however, we will realize that he controls both the storms of nature and the storms of the troubled heart. Jesus’ power that calmed this storm can also help us deal with the problems we face. Jesus is willing to help if we only ask him. We should never discount His power even in terrible trials. Where are you at in your life today friend? Feeling like you’re about to drown, and in need of a touch from the Master? My God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has the power to bring healing to your life, and bring relief/peace to your troubled heart. Won’t you fully trust Him today?

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

Lord Jesus, You are more than aware of our desperate need for You today. However, I am confident that You also know our stubborn hearts and independent thinking. While I would never want to ‘drown’, as feared by the disciples in this passage, I pray that You would often speak to my suborn heart and remind me of my desperate need for You. Often I feel such a heavy heart and overburdened spirit. I am reminded now that anytime I feel where any portion of life is more than I could handle at that moment, then obviously I have not turned the concern over to You. Please continue to work on me and help me to know my limitations, while all the while helping to be fully dependent on You. I praise You today for the awesome God that You are, and I also praise You for being my Creator, my Father, my Deliverer, my Savior and my Friend. As I interact with others, may they come to know the Savior that I represent.

 

**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
**