Scripture: Genesis 3.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Genesis 3:1 (NLT)
¹ The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

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

Back in the only time that our world was ‘perfect’ (no sin), a newly created creature, a serpent, reared his ugly head and tempted Eve to sin. This started a domino effect, because not only did she sin, but she also pulled Adam in with her. As I read this today I was reminded that each day we are faced with our ‘serpent’ that comes to spoil our day and lead us into temptation, or sin. Unfortunately, like Eve and also Adam, our ‘serpent’ finds a willing party and we follow through into the sinful act while blaming the whole thing on our ‘serpent’. God is the victor, and only He can grant us the protection and strength to keep our minds focused on Jesus and not wander off into the ways of Satan. As we saw in the case of Adam and Eve, submitting to our ‘serpent’ will often bring drastic negative measures into our lives. Friends, this is just one more reminder: that when we feel like our life is filled with pain and so many things going wrong, we should look at our relationship with God and seek His direction in helping us to see our shortcomings (sin) and the strength to overcome those things, so that we may enjoy a perfect relationship with Him and receive His blessings instead. Be alert for your ‘serpent’ today and be ready to order him like Jesus did on the mountain when tempted, when he said “get thee behind me Satan”!

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

Lord Jesus, I believe that You are a perfect God and that You would prefer to see and have perfect children. However, You sacrificed Your very life so that we may have access to You and Your strength, power, wisdom and forgiveness, in order to be made whole, or perfect. We can only overcome the evil one with Your strength and power. We are reminded in this passage that the evil one attacks in many different forms, however we know in whom we believe, and we know that no form of sin or even hell itself could stand against You. It is because of this reminder that I come humbly before You today asking for Your love – so that I may share that with others today that may be unkind or unloving to me; Your strength to help me overcome and ignore the ‘evil one’ today so that my witness for You may go unhindered; and Your wisdom, so that I may be alert to the temptations that will face me today and try to pull me down.

 

**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: Malachi 3.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Malachi 3:8-12 (NLT)

8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.

9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me.

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

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

“Did you ever cheat God?” – I am sure that most of us would respond ‘No, of course not’ to this question. Unfortunately we will then have two reasons to get before the altar and beg forgiveness, cheating and lying! Friends, God has blessed us with everything that we have and He continues to bless us each and every day with the good health to enjoy His bounty; a job to earn money to support our families; opportunities to share the good news of Jesus in response to all He did for us. Having blessed us so wonderfully, why would we then cheat God by holding back on what we are obligated to give? We are taught that at least 10% of our income is due to God. Many of us will reason away that this means 10% of your net check. God expects us to give Him the first of our fruits, meaning right off the top. Example: if I earn $500, and $150 is taken out for taxes and $100 for a loan payment, I would then cash my check for the remaining $250. Some may reason that I only owe $25 in tithes. 10% of my income is $50, not $25 which is 10% of the leftovers. Would you rather see God bless you abundantly as He promises in verse 10, or would you rather that He blesses you in response to your half-hearted giving? Friends, when Jesus went to Calvary for us, He gave of himself fully and completely. He didn’t find excuses, nor did He call down thousands of angels (like He could have) to rescue Him and only partially cover the sacrifice for our sin. Our obedience to God will call down the blessings promised in verse 10: I will open the windows of Heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great that you won’t have enough room to take it in! Wouldn’t that be a tremendous expression of God’s love to us for a lost world to catch a glimpse of? Wow! God told us through the prophet Malachi, enough of the doubting, “Try it! Put me to the test!”

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, I am so aware that there is little I can do in giving, that could compare to all that You gave for me. However, I pray that You will help me to always give in accordance with Your Word, and I pray that You will always prompt me to give even more in response to the awesome love You displayed for me at Calvary and to all that You shower upon me each and every day. Thank You for being such a giving, caring and loving God to me. Please touch the hearts of all that may read this devotional so that they could never be accused of ‘cheating God’ in their giving. Please help us to imitate You and be a giving people.

 

**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: Revelation 21.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

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

Have you ever wondered what eternity will be like? The “holy city, the new Jerusalem” is described as the place where God will remove all sorrows. Forevermore, there will be no death, sorrow, crying, or pain. What a wonderful truth! No matter what you are going through, it’s not the last word—God has written the final chapter, and it is about true fulfillment and eternal joy for those who love him! We do not know as much as we would like, but it is enough to know that eternity with God will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine, praise be to our most holy God! I was also impressed with the words “…God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them…..”. I believe that this helps to put into prospective that on this earth we could never attain perfection. However when at home with God, He could come and dwell among us! Wow, that helps to put the icing on the cake, for not only will we enter heaven filled with peace and contentment, but to have God living among us will be more than we could possibly handle down here on earth! I don’t know about you friend, but I can hardly wait for the day! This is a trip, a destination that I am anxiously awaiting to be with my Savior! Do you know Him friend? Do you have that assurance of one day being with Jesus? Please contact me if I can be of help to you to sure up your decision, and give you that confidence today! The benefits of this important decision is simply ‘out of this world’!!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Thank You Jesus for all that You did on Calvary to sure up my access into heaven. Thank You for persistently tugging at my heart to convince me of accepting You as Lord. I pray that today You will be as persistent with my friends who will read this devotional. I pray that You will give them one more chance to make this most important decision. Please tender the hearts of all who may be reminded of Your glorious home as they read this today. Thank You for preparing a home for me and thank You for thinking enough of me to even consider living among me and my fellow believers as we enter heaven! I can hardly wait for the 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: Zechariah 7.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Zechariah 7:8-10 (NLT)

8 Then this message came to Zechariah from the LORD:

9 “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another.

10 Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.

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

I can’t imagine better timing than reading the above scripture within the first two days of a new year, 2013. What better time to listen to God’s words to us and take heed to them? Let’s break these instructions down into smaller chunks:

• Judge fairly – this may sound like it is intended for our courts, and while this may apply to all of you serving in our judicial system, it also applies to each of us. For we are to be careful in judging others based on our own preconceived ideas. In my upbringing I was always taught to not judge the book by its cover. Get to know the real person inside and see if there isn’t a tender, compassionate individual looking for someone to share their love with.
  
• Show mercy and kindness to one another – Oh if we were to practice this, instead of always looking for the bad, or weakness in someone. Oh if we were to look for ways to praise that person, instead of pulling them down in order to see ourselves uplifted. Just as God showed mercy on us and is kind to us in spite of our evil minds and actions, so are we to show mercy one to another and show kindness without any expectation of a returned favor.
  
• Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners and the poor – If we think of a positive way of saying this same thing, we would say “always be looking for ways to uplift the widows, orphans, foreigners and poor among you, or that you come in contact with.” That’s a powerful command, and as I think of ways to do that I believe that I will truly be taking on the likeness of God’s Son, Jesus, for He perfected this while here on earth with us.
  
• Do not scheme against each other – I believe that I touched on this when I said that we are not to pull someone else down in order to make ourselves look good. I trust that we will not look for, or scheme up ways to bring anyone down. Let’s lift up one another in every way Brother/Sister!
  

The only thing I can add to that is, thus sayeth the Word of God! Let us obey His Word today and every day in 2013!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, I am reminded again of how I should be treating others if I am to truly reflect You in every phase of my life here on this earth. Please give me strength today and throughout the year to follow Your will. For that Brother or Sister who reads this today and really struggles with obeying Your commands, I ask for strength for them, I ask You to encourage them to place their full dependence on You so that You may give them all they need to follow in Your footsteps. Thank You for allowing me to see another year, now please allow me to accomplish Your will this year.

 

**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: Revelation 19.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Revelation 19:11-16 (NLT)

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war.

12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself.

13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.

14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.

15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.

16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

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

I wonder what it will be like when we open our eyes in heaven and see our Lord! Just look at the challenging job John had in finding a name to give Him when he saw Him: Faithful and True; Word of God; King of all kings; Lord of all lords. Wow, no matter how much we look forward to the day and the expectation of seeing the One who sacrificed His life so that we might enjoy eternal life in glory, yet I’m sure that our bottom jaw will drop and our hearts will be filled with excitement and joy at seeing our Savior face to face! For those reading this who knows my Lord, you will appreciate and share the excitement that I feel in reflecting on this. For others who may read this and feel nothing at all, please contact me using the email address below so that I could introduce you to my Redeemer so that you too may catch a glimpse of this awesome moment that Christians look forward to. I would welcome and enjoy the opportunity to share more with you. With so much uncertainty in this world that we live in, why not bring in the New Year with this one thing, the absolutely most important decision you could make, being firmed up? It is way too important to delay this decision friend.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, thank You for the assurance of eternal life with You! Thank You for the joy that I can live with even today as I think about heaven and the idea of looking into Your wonderful face and singing praises to You. Although I have lots I can question as to why You would do all this for humble me, I believe that You did and I thank You for displaying such love for me. I am Yours, and I know without a doubt that one day I will see You, just as John did in his vision told about in this passage of scripture. Thank You Lord Jesus!

 

**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: Habakkuk 3.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)

17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

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

It is so easy for us to get caught up in all the events around us and all the doom and gloom, that we just find no reason to praise the Lord. It is so easy for us to feel sorry for ourselves and deliberately avoid praising God for the good things that are going on in our lives. Unfortunately we flourish on the attention we receive when we are down in the mouth. Well friends, I would encourage you to read the first two chapters of Habakkuk and see for yourself how this prophet complained and cried out to God because he thought that God was totally ignoring the circumstances affecting him and his country. To help us turn our attitudes around, I want to recommend that we always find something to thank God for before we ask Him for something. You see, even if we have a broken arm, let’s praise Him for the good arm we still have. I have recently heard some folk who were in deep pain personally, say how grateful they are, especially when they see the agony someone else is in. In other words, in spite of their pain, they find reason to praise the God of this universe, our Creator and Lord, Jesus Christ. Let’s take as our motto that in spite of what may be going on in our lives or around us, we will always rejoice in, and praise the God of our salvation!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord, You are holy and extremely awesome! Thank You for creating me, giving me daily bread and good health to enjoy all the wonderful things around me. Thank You for blessing me with a family and Christian brothers and sisters who pray for me and stand by me, especially when I need a hand up. You are always there for me and there is no one like You. I have so much to be thankful for, even before I could find anything to whine or complain about. I am most blessed, thank You for loving even me!

 

**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: Revelation 16.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Revelation 16:8-15 (NLT)

8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, causing it to scorch everyone with its fire.

9 Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give him glory.

10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects ground their teeth in anguish,

11 and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.

 

15 “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”

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

As I’ve read through the Bible I have seen where there have been many warnings about the wrath of God, His second coming, His dislike of sin and sinful acts. I have also noticed where warnings have often failed, and consequently thousands of people have suffered cruel deaths. We are no different today. It’s not until something drastic occurs that the whole country goes on high alert and we become very cautious and protective for a period of time. Back when the unfortunate incident occurred on 9/11/2001, there were lines backed up at churches nearby the Trade Center, and the following Sunday morning churches were filled. Unfortunately each Sunday after that saw declining congregations and today committed Christians are out knocking on doors to try and get folk out to church. In the verses above you will notice (verse 9) where the people recognized that God was the author of the disaster with the extreme heat of the sun, because the people cursed God. But at the end of the verse we are told that the people did not repent of their sins. In verses 10 and 11 we can see a similar occurrence and the unfortunate end result. In verse 15 God reminds us that He will come unexpectedly. This tells me that we are to be a family/church/city/state/nation that is poised and ready to meet our Savior should He come today. Are you ready to meet your Maker friend? Have you truly committed your life to Him and now experiencing a relationship with Him? It will hurt me immensely if I knew that Jesus came to collect His people and that you read this devotional and it didn’t help you to turn your life around and turn to Jesus. Please consider seeing your pastor or a trusted Bible teaching believer today and asking them to introduce you to their best friend, Jesus. Please don’t wait until Saturday or Sunday, you may not be around then. If you would rather contact me for more information, please use the email address in the last paragraph and I will gladly help you. After reading this today you will make a very critical decision. I pray that it will be one that will change your life and your eternal destination forever!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, I thank You for saving me from the pits of Hell and giving me the assurance of eternal life with You. I strongly believe that someone will read this and they will ponder the importance, or necessity of change in their lives. Please soften their hearts and help them to see how truly important this decision is. Please burden their hearts to make the right decision while they are still able to. Please help them to understand and grasp the significance of what You did on Calvary just for them. I love You Lord and I thank You in advance for what You will do with Your Word 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: Micah 6.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Micah 6:2-3 (NLT)

2 And now, O mountains, listen to the LORD’s complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel.

3 “O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me!

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

We often hear the scripture verse quoted about God saying to us “well done good and faithful servant” and I’m sure most psychologists will tell you that it is best for you to concentrate on the positive, rather than the negative. However, I want to encourage those who have accepted Jesus as Lord to stop and consider all that God has done for us – not just His death on the cross to save us from our sin, but all that we could attribute to Him each day/week/month/year. Now, consider all that and also honestly acknowledge how often we fail to acknowledge Him as Lord of our lives, and fail to give Him credit for the miracles brought about in our lives. Unfortunately, I believe that many ‘Christians’ would acknowledge that far too often we fall short. Ever stop to think about how that must make God feel? I believe that Micah, the same prophet who just one chapter earlier prophesied the birth of our Savior, in verse 3 of chapter 6 he is now quoting what God has shared with him, and I believe this is how God must feel even today when we fail to acknowledge Him as Lord. If you are feeling like you may have drifted away from Jesus and that you are not in the close relationship that you once felt between you and Him, then I believe that He is asking you the same words expressed in verse 3. Right at the end of the verse we are asked to answer God about this unfortunate position we have allowed. What is your answer today friend? There’s an old time gospel hymn titled “Have a Little Talk with Jesus“. One of the lines in the hymn says that having this little talk with Jesus will make everything alright! Don’t delay friend. Have this talk with Jesus and make things right between you and Him.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

To answer Your question “What have I done to Make you Tired of Me” would embarrass me to the extreme this morning dear Lord, because I would have to beg for forgiveness for being so slack in my commitment with You, for being such a stranger to You that You would feel like I must be offended by something You did or said. The truth is dear Lord, that You are the perfect Lord that You have always been, and it is me that has allowed too much of this world to filter into my life. Please forgive me. Please draw me close to You. Please lead me into a path of righteousness today so that I may be more like You in every way. For I believe that as this world sees more of Jesus in His people , they too will want to know the Savior who died for us all. Thank You for loving me anyway, and please know that there is nothing wrong that You have done, but it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Speak to my friends who might be in this position today. Revive us with Your Holy Spirit that we may find strength for each day to be strong in our walk and relationship with 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
**

Scripture: Micah 3.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Micah 3:4 (NLT)

4 Then you beg the LORD for help in times of trouble! Do you really expect him to answer? After all the evil you have done, he won’t even look at you!”

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

If I was walking down the street and a stranger walked up to me and asked for something from me, my defenses would probably go on high alert wondering if there might be ulterior motives from this stranger. In another thought, if my nephew walked up to me and asked for something that I know would benefit him in school, I bet that he would barely get it from his mouth and I would be looking for ways to help him. The difference is ‘trust’ and a deep love because of the relationship developed, or as in the case of the first scenario, the lack of all this. When I read this chapter this morning I was reminded of similar situations with folk that approach our sovereign God today. All too often I believe that total strangers, or at least folk that abandon God until they need Him again, sit back and expect God to look out for their best interest because He is a kind and loving God. I become so afraid that God must look at some folk and ask the question of them “and, who are you again?” Micah, in his prophecy to Israel asked them, “Do you really expect Him to answer?” Friends, God is not a biblical Santa Claus that always looks out for you regardless of how you ignore Him the rest of the day or year. God is more interested in your heart than any other physical need you may feel like you need or want. Do you really know Him today? Have you developed a relationship with Him and work every day to maintain that relationship? Do your part friend, then you can sit back and wait for your answers from God. Don’t reject Him with your left hand, while holding out your right hand for His blessings and miracles.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, thank You for hearing my cry for salvation some 36 years ago. Please speak to me and remind me each day, as You did in these verses this morning, that it is through my living, daily relationship with You that I can expect Your miraculous touch on my life. Please help me to walk closer with You each day than the day before and to stay in constant communication with You. I am in such dire need of Your direction in my life and especially in my daily walk, so that I may not disappoint the world in the One that I represent. Take my hand precious Lord, and lead me…..

 

**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
**