Scripture: Galatians 2.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Galatians 2:20-21 (NLT)

20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

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

In this chapter of Galatians, Paul shares something that he had just witnessed with Peter, his fellow worker, where he was trying to be a witness to the Galatians yet trying to get them to follow His old Jewish traditions. I believe that this is something we have to be so careful with in the church. While I realize that our efforts to serve Jesus and live for Him will mean using our sinful selves, yet I am convinced that everything we do as a body must be so filled with God’s love and His desires for a righteous church. We must model His example in such a way that non-Christians will want to accept Jesus and follow Him, because of us. Much too often we allow our old worldly actions in and we look for ways to bless others so that praise may come to us personally. When we example Paul, and our Master, we will want to do those things that bring praise to God, for it is He who lives in us, it is He who gives us the strength and ability to help others, it is He who died on Calvary that we might have life eternal and therefore minister to others about that life. Let us therefore be transparent in our ministry so that all the praise may go straight up to heaven, to our Creator and Savior of this world. It is then Lord Jesus, that we can truly release any sense of self involvement and truly let our praises be lifted to You in singing, To God Be the Glory, Great Things You have Done, and it is with that acknowledgment that we will see others come to know You as their Lord and Savior. Please grant this in my life Lord Jesus, and touch the lives of others that may read this devotional, so that our work here on earth will simply be a conduit through which Your will might be accomplished. Thank You Lord Jesus for using humble vessels such as us through which Your mighty works may be accomplished!

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

I am tempted to question why You would use servants, earthly vessels, such as myself and other Christians, to accomplish Your mighty works. But Lord, I would ask afresh this day that You cleanse me of all unworthiness, all sin, all selfish desires except that desire to serve You as my soon coming King. Then, through this cleansed and holy vessel I would humbly ask that You use me in ways that may bring You honor and glory, and in ministering to the needs of the unsaved, that others may be encouraged to accept You as Lord and personal Savior. I believe that the time of Your return is near when You will call all those that remain on this earth to meet You in the air. I praise You today for having spoken to my sinful heart, convincing me of my sin, and giving me the boldness to seek after, and accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. Use me Lord so that others may be similarly affected and consequently accept You as their personal Savior. “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” May that be evident in my life, dear Lord.

 

àWords 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.
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Scripture: Psalm 101.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Psalm 101:2-6 (NLT)

2 I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.

3 I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.

4 I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.

6 I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.

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

As a whole I believe that most of us will want to live our lives in such a way that no one could point a finger at us and accuse us of wrong doing. As a Christian I believe that we will want to live our lives in such a way neither that God, nor others could point their fingers at us in disgust or shame for things we have said, or the way that we have acted. It seems like in the Psalms David often voiced his opinion of how he felt deep down inside and, in order for this to be part of the Word of God to Christians today, I believe that God had a strong influence on what David shared in the Word of God, so that it might penetrate our lives and help us to live true and upright before our God today. Therefore, I believe that I am encouraged by God to live a blameless life, and that I should constantly ask for God’s help in achieving that. I thought that it was interesting that David would say that he will live this blameless life in his own home. Because no one knows us better than those who live with us, I believe that this indicates that if I could live this type of a life before those who really know me, then the world will obviously see a blameless life. In this chapter we learn that we can lead blameless lives if we avoid:

1. Looking at wickedness (“I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar,”
   101:3),
   
2. Evil thoughts (“perverse ideas,”
   101:4),
   
3. Slander (101:5), and
   
4. Pride (101:5).
   

While avoiding these wrongs, we must also let God’s Word show us the standards by which to live. And, as David said, he would “search for faithful people” to be his companions. He would choose as models and as friends those who were godly and truthful. Our friends and associates can have a profound influence on us. Make sure to choose as your closest companions those who are faithful to God and his Word.

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

Father, I believe that it would please You to see me, and other followers of Yours, live blameless lives before our family and friends, and truly live a life exampled by You and taught to us in Your Word. Lord, my desire is to be the man/witness that You expect, and who will not place a stumbling block in the path of anyone seeking after You or being sought after by You. You have spoken through David this morning and showed me ways to live this type of life before You. Please give me wisdom to deal with the challenges of this life that may come my way today that might otherwise take me off track from Your ideals. Please give me strength, wisdom and determination to live a blameless life before You, oh God. It’s You I live for, dear God, may that be reflected in the blameless life that I live, is my sincere prayer today.

 

àWords 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.
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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

2 Corinthians 12:6-9 (NLT)

6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message,

7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.

9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

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

In God’s Word, not only have we been blessed with amazing facts about God, and His son Jesus, but there are excellent examples of followers of Jesus that catches our attention and guides us to a way of life that is pleasing to God. There is much to say about Paul and his missionary journeys and the churches that he started and the multitudes that he ministered to, but in this passage today we look at characteristics of the man that would benefit us to follow his example as we endeavor to become a more Godly person. The humility of this man is unbelievable. God had blessed him in so many ways that he would have been able to boast an awful lot, however God also placed something very challenging in his life to help deter him from boasting. This bothered Paul a lot, because he didn’t want to be rejected or scorned by the folk he was trying to minister to (Galatians 4:13-15), so he prayed on multiple occasions for God to cleanse/heal him. Each time Paul was reminded that something much more important was ever so prevalent in his life, and that was God’s wonderful grace (His unmerited favor), and it was really all that he needed. Furthermore, Paul was reminded that God’s grace would actually be more powerful and effective in his life through his weakness and downtime. This therefore gave Paul reason to brag about and boast about his weakness so that God might receive honor and glory from those that Paul spoke with. Let’s bring this down to an example in our day and time. Let’s imagine that one of us had been blessed to start many churches in various parts of the country, or even the word, and we saw many people won to Christ as a result of our preaching, or church starts. Now as we return to our home church to brag about all that God did through us, we are diagnosed with cancer and must undergo months of treatment. When we eventually make it to our home church, we find very little to say about the church starts and the salvation of those along the way, but rather how God helps us to make it from day to day as we deal with the debilitating decease of cancer, and how we are unsure from day to day if we will make it. I believe that we would be extremely disappointed, but I also believe that God could use that witness to win even more souls than us bragging about the work performed and the souls won, as it may have looked more like something we personally accomplished. Bottom line is that we should never expect to see credit here on this earth for what we do in Jesus name and for His sake, for it is God that receives that glory. Secondly, we have only today to live for and ask for God’s continued grace. Nothing of what we did in the past assures us of a good or better day today. Let’s place our faith and trust in God for what we need today.

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

Dear God, this is such an awesome reminder about Your wonderful grace. So often we tend to pray to You with such great expectation because of the faithfulness of the one we are praying for, or because of what they have accomplished, or because of all those being reached for You through their ministry. I am reminded that all of these things are credited to You, and not to the individual we are praying for. I need Your grace each and every day. I need Your healing touch afresh today. I need a closer walk with You today than any day in my past, because I need to realize that Your grace is all sufficient today. Please make Yourself known to me today and work through me so that others may be blessed and healed in Your name. You are such an awesome God, and I count it a privilege to be able to call on You each day as my Savior.

 

àWords 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.
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Scripture: Psalm 100.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Psalm 100:3-5 (NLT)

3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

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

I believe that too often we are ready to throw in the towel and give up on God because we just don’t feel like He is doing the job we expect. Now, I’m sure you can tell that something is wrong with that statement, but unfortunately that’s the way we act sometimes. I bolded a section of the verses above, because I was reminded that God’s love for me is unfailing – never changes; always there for me; always has my best interest at heart; will sacrifice His very best for me – His only Son. So why then do I feel like I’m so alone at times; like I struggle through life at times; like no one cares at times? Friends, no I’m not losing it. If you would be honest with yourself, we have all felt this way at times, and if I am correct I believe that Satan will lead us to feeling this way again, because that’s his job – to distract us (weakened Christians) from our walk with Christ and make us think that God doesn’t care about us. Remember, Satan can only make his way in, if we drop our guard and weaken our relationship with God enough that Satan could wiggle his way in. David was right in reminding us that God’s love is unfailing and will continue forever. So anytime that I start to feel like I mentioned above, I must quickly work on my relationship with God because I have stepped aside from Him. He’s the constant, I’m the variable! When I’m constant in prayer, and I’m constant in the Word, that fills me with the love of Jesus and there is no room for Satan.

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

Father, thank You for reminding me of Your unfailing love and Your lasting faithfulness. Please continue to ‘yank my chain’ anytime I am tempted to stray away and let my guard down. It is so obvious that Your love is unchanging, please help me to stay so in tuned with You, and be so filled with Your Word that I will not only be aware of the dangers that await a weakened vessel, but rather gloat in the joy of a Savior that loves me so. You truly are my Rock on which I stand and depend. Thank You Jesus for loving even me!

 

àWords 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.
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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

2 Corinthians 11:1-4 (NLT)

1 I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. Please bear with me.

2
For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ.

3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.

4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.

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

I bolded a portion of the verses above that really stood out to me as I studied this chapter this morning, for I saw Paul concerned about the church and its people, just as I am concerned about my loved ones. What really spoke to me about this though, is that if I was as concerned about those that come through the doors of the church I attend, and perhaps more concerned about the folk that don’t come back, then I believe that folk will know that they have fellow church members/Christians that actually care about their spiritual condition and will hold them accountable for their commitment to God, or lack thereof. I know that may sound confusing to some that may read this devotional, but friends, I am convinced that the gifts that God blesses us with when He sends visitors through our church doors are really gifts from God, for who are we to deserve God adding another to our number? Who are we that God would count us worthy to help that friend grow in the Lord? Who are we that God would use us to example His love to that stranger/visitor? Who are we that God would allow us to see the miracle of ‘new birth’ as the one who comes, accepts Jesus as Lord? We are nothing without Christ, and it is only by His grace that we were saved and only by His grace and mercy that He would trust us with another soul that needs Him in their life. So it is with this acknowledgment that I feel like I should be more like Paul and have a yearning to see His church presented pure and holy to Christ, to see that none would walk away from their commitment to Him without us giving 110% towards helping them overcome the obstacles that Satan may send their way.

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

Father, I pray that I might be more like Paul in fearing that someone You may have placed in my path might become divided in their devotion to You or corrupted in the faith. I pray that You would make me sensitive to that and that You would give me the wisdom on how to encourage that brother or sister so that they might overcome the vile of the devil and realign themselves with You. Satan is so crude and cunning and he is getting to Your followers in ways unimaginable. May You give me strength today to keep my eyes focused on You, and I ask that You please give me wisdom to recognize in a friend anything that may be contrary to a strong, thriving relationship with You, and then give me boldness and wisdom to help them overcome and renew their strength in, and relationship with You.

 

àWords 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.
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Scripture: Psalm 91.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Psalm 91:9-12 (HCSB)

9 Because you have made the LORD—my refuge, the Most High—your dwelling place,

10 no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways.

12 They will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

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

This Psalm reminds me that although some may place their faith in bank accounts and riches, some in government or military protection, some in parents or those in supervisory positions over them, but for those of us that place our faith and trust in Jesus, we can be assured that: all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan. (Romans 8:28). Friends we can reflect on each day and see how awesome God has been in our lives. Many times all we need to do is look beyond the little hiccups/temptations and trials, and concentrate on the mighty works of God, to realize how wonderful it is that we are so important in His eyes that He would watch over us, provide for us and protect us. In fact, the Psalmist said that our God would give orders to His angels on how to best protect us, even to the extent that we would not bump our toes on a stone. Wow, this is the God of our universe, yet He loves even me to the degree that He would watch over me in such detail and love! Father, I adore You today, and thank You for being my Savior and Lord. How could I ever say “thank You” sufficiently?

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

Lord Jesus, You gave up Your life so that I may live eternally with You in Heaven. You provide life itself in abundant ways each day. You display love to me in these ways and numerous other ways. Thank You for reminding me of the ways that You protect me as well. Wow, What A Mighty God I serve! Thank You Lord for loving me in so many ways! May this be a day that I may share my faith with others, that I show Christian love to others, that I reflect the Lord that saved me from a life destined for Hell. Thank You for providing for me every day.

àWords 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.
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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NLT)

17 As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”

18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

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

There are many of God’s warriors that sink a lot of time into ministry. However, we must all be on guard for times when we see God moving so mightily in areas in which we are involved, to not shove our chest out and try to take any credit for all that is being done. I know that in many instances around work, and maybe even around home, if we don’t speak up for ourselves many things that we do will go unnoticed. I am reminded from this passage though, that what I do in God’s name and for His sake and ministry, it is for God’s glory and not mine. I was privileged to see this expressed so vividly in a church service on Monday evening, when a wonderful choir raised the roof in expression of wonderful praise and worship to our King, however when the lead singer completed the song and the whole church congregation was clapping and praising God, he simply raised his hands and told us to send the praises up to God, not to him. Wow, that’s what it’s all about friends! Thank God that He still uses broken vessels such as us, so pass the glory on to Jesus for any good that results.

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

Father, please help us to not become prideful, for pride comes before a fall. I acknowledge that in and of my own self, I am worthless. However filled with Your Holy Spirit, I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me and gives me wisdom and health to be His workman and messenger. Praise be to God for the great things that He accomplishes each and every day, and especially for the things that He might work through me to accomplish. All glory to God on high!

 

àWords 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.
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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

2 Corinthians 9:10-15 (GW)

10 God gives seed to the farmer and food to those who need to eat. God will also give you seed and multiply it. In your lives he will increase the things you do that have his approval.

11 God will make you rich enough so that you can always be generous. Your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God because of us.

12 What you do to serve others not only provides for the needs of God’s people, but also produces more and more prayers of thanksgiving to God.

13 You will honor God through this genuine act of service because of your commitment to spread the Good News of Christ and because of your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.

14 With deep affection they will pray for you because of the extreme kindness that God has shown you.

15 I thank God for his gift that words cannot describe.

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

Paul, God’s messenger, told the Corinthians that as they give towards the work in Jerusalem and to the benefit of Christians there, that they in turn would be blessed. I’m sure that many times non-Christians look at all that God’s people give in tithes, offerings and in their time in ministry, and they question why? Obedience and trust are probably two of the most important characteristics in a relationship. As Christians, we are taught in God’s Word that because God blesses us in so many ways, so we are to bless Him, His work and his workers, by giving freely to them. In fact, in terms of finances, a minimal command of 10% is given in the Word for us. I think too often we look at that amount and think back to the days before we became a follower of Christ, and compare that $1.00 that we dropped in the offering plate to the amount we now calculate as 10% and we start to reason within ourselves how we need that money a whole lot more than the church. Friends, God didn’t give any conditions to the command of tithing. He expects us to give, because He has given to us. Let’s get used to the idea that only 90% of our income belongs to us (and the government!!), so we must adjust our spending/expenses accordingly. Let’s not count on the portion that don’t belong to us. Also, it is not our concern what the church spends that money on. Now, as a member of a church, I want to be a part of business meetings to be sure that we are being good stewards of the monies that God has given to us through tithes and offerings, because He will hold us accountable for the way that we spend His money. As a church, our budgets should reflect more money towards ministry to others rather than fun, games and luxuries for ourselves. So give as you are blessed by God. I love verse 11: God will generously give us more so that we can continue to bless others, so that they can continue to produce thanksgiving to God. Count your blessings this week by what you give!

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

Father, You bless me immensely. How can I ever give enough to show my appreciation? My blessings are especially recognized when I look at those that are sick, those that have lost their jobs, those that are unable to work because of health issues. I am being blessed beyond my ability to fully express my appreciation. Thank You for having Paul remind me this morning about all that You give to me so that I may freely give to You, and that others may offer up prayers of thanksgiving to You because of how they have been blessed by the church. All my praise is directed towards You oh Lord, because it is only through Your grace and because of Your love that I can now give in return. Thank You for Your blessings! Please touch the hearts of those that may not please You in the amount they give, or in the manner in which they give. Please use Your Word to touch lives and open the eyes of those that may not recognize the author of all good things in their lives. You give freely to us each day, help us to be obedient in return.

 

àWords 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.
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Scripture: Psalm 84.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Psalm 84:10-12 (NLT)

10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

11 For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

12 O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in You.

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

Looking at the title of this devotional you may wonder if I am strictly a ‘positive teaching’ kind of guy. Well, you may not be far off in that assumption, because as in the case of David, I believe that for those of us that have surrendered our hearts to the Lord, we can rejoice in the good times or in the bad times, knowing that our destiny is in heaven with Jesus. After all Christians, let’s consider what David said in verse 11:

1. God is our sun and our shield;
   
2. God gives us grace and glory;
   
3. God will withhold no good thing from those of us that do good, and as Christians, we should live our daily lives so intertwined and aligned with the life of Jesus that we should be doing what is right in God’s eyes every day.
   

In consideration of the above, I can’t see any good reason why I shouldn’t believe that there is JOY for me every day, as I trust in God. Friends, if you know my Savior as Lord, then I encourage you to trust wholly in Him; live your life like He teaches us and have exampled for us; do what is right in God’s sight, then you too can celebrate the JOY that Jesus will fill your heart with as you trust in God! If you don’t know this Savior of whom I speak this morning, please contact me via email (below) and I will gladly work with you.

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

Father God, in a world of total chaos, unlimited pressures, and total disregard for the teachings, thoughts and examples of Christ, it is extremely challenging to rise above that and do what is right and pleasing in Your sight. But Lord, that’s where I am at today, for I want to rise above these earthly temptations, trials, backbiting, envy and strife and I want to exemplify You in everything that I do, say and practice. I want to reflect Your love. I want to sound so much like You that others will see and hear Jesus. While I am excited about the prize of overwhelming JOY, I want to live this kind of life in obedience to the call You have placed on my life and the decision I have made to follow You. Please give me the wisdom and strength to be Your follower today and represent You well before an unsaved world.

 

àWords 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.
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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NLT)

1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.

2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)

7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:11-12 (NLT)

11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.

12
Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

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

The theme of this whole chapter is on giving. Too often non-Christians are turned off from church because they feel like, and even fear, that the church begs for money too much. This is so unfortunate, for ‘church’ was never started so we would have a place to give, even though it is the place that we give to show our obedience to God and our love and appreciation to Him for all that He has given to us. The primary function of the church building is to give every opportunity to the people attending to know our Lord and Savior, and this is done through a non-believer surrendering their lives over to Jesus and accepting Him as Lord of their life. Secondly, it is a place where those who have accepted Jesus as Lord can grow that love in a deeper and even more meaningful way by learning more from God’s Word and applying it to our daily lives. It is out of these two acts that Christians want to be obedient in giving to God, according to His Word, and it is from the overflow of abundant joy in our relationship with God that we give generously to the Lord – generally for the ongoing work of the Lord in and through the church and/or its mission work. Now a few things about this giving:

1. How much do I give? – Monetarily, God’s Word teaches that we give a tithe of 10% of our income. Example might be that if you earn $500 per week, you give $50 to the Lord. This should be based on what you earn, not what your net take home pay is, or what is left over after you pay all of your bills. For many of us, this is a matter of trust and strict obedience, for from our perspective we can find many reasons to tell God that we just can’t afford to give that much. Friend, I can tell you from personal experience that when you give to God out of obedience, and because of your love and relationship with Him, you will not be short with what you have left to meet your expenses. God will provide for your ‘needs’! In fact, we find that we can cover a whole lot more with the 90%, than we could ever think of covering with the 100% if we withhold from God!
   
2. How can I be assured that the church will be wise in spending the money given by tithers? – There are several references in this chapter to giving to God, and in neither of them do we see that this (what the church does with the money) is a prerequisite of the giver. God has blessed me with a job, with salvation and in numerous ways, so I give in obedience to Him. He will hold churches and their leaders responsible for the manner in which they use funds given for His work.
   
3. I don’t have much to give, what should I do? – There is a story about a woman who gave a penny to the Lord, because it was all she had. In God’s Words He told the leaders that she was the biggest giver that day. In verse 11 we are reminded that we give in proportion to what we have. Therefore some can only give a penny, while others may be able to give $1,000. One gift is no more valuable than the other in God’s eyes, because He is looking at the heart in which you gave – honesty, appreciation, love, etc.
   
4. Money is not mentioned in this chapter, so why talk about money? – It is sad to say, but too often God’s people will reflect their heart by what they give monetarily. But money is not the only form of giving to the Lord, for we should also give to him as Paul did, through our works to ensure that others who are without Christ, might come to know Him as Lord. This means that we should also give of ourselves for furthering God’s kingdom.
   

Friend, God is good to us every day. Join me in showing appreciation to Him though giving hearts!

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

Thank You Father for giving the ultimate gift – Your only son, Jesus. Because of Your gift, I can look forward to spending eternity with the Master of this universe, the One who expressed love for me in such a sacrificial way that has never been witnessed again by humankind. Thank You for loving me so much to give so generously. Please continue to impress upon me the need to give back to You in all that I do and with all that I have.

 

àWords 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.
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