Scripture: 1 Chronicles 23.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Chronicles 23:13-14 (NLT)

13 The sons of Amram were Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart to dedicate the most holy things, to offer sacrifices in the Lord’s presence, to serve the Lord, and to pronounce blessings in his name forever.

14 As for Moses, the man of God, his sons were included with the tribe of Levi.

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

Wow! What will we be referred to at the end of our time, or what might we be referred to if someone was writing a story about us today? I have heard of people being referred to in very derogatory ways, and I have heard of people being referred to as kind, or rich, or poor, or perhaps their position titles such as Reverend, or Doctor or Chaplin and I have heard some folk refer to ministers as ‘The Man of God’, but I believe that it was used more in a sense of them being an advocate for God or the message deliverer for God. I believe that the title attributed to Moses was more from a sense of him being a man who reflects God’s presence, priorities and power. Can we be referred to in that light today? We should be, if we are sold out in our commitment to God and seeking to serve Him with all our soul, heart and mind. If on the inside we are so filled with God, it will surely spill to the outside where everyone else will recognize us as a man, or woman of God. Oh that more of us can be seen as children of God today, perhaps we can have a greater impact in our world for God.

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

Lord You know my heart. You know my shortcomings and failures, but You also know that my every aim and purpose is to be more like You every day. While I don’t need to impress anyone in this world, I want my character to reflect Yours in such a way that those that I come into contact with will want to know more about where my stimulation comes from, and therefore give me opportunity to be a more effective witness for You. I believe that others will read this today that claims You as their Savior. May they too make a similar commitment to You. Some will read this today who may not know where I am coming from with these statements, Father, I pray that Your Holy Spirit will enlighten them and send a ‘Moses’ in their presence so that they may see Your glory and want in on all You have to offer. You are my mentor Lord, please help me to seek after doing Your will and imitate Your actions in every way 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: 1 Chronicles 21.       

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Chronicles 21:7-14 (NLT)

7 God was very displeased with the census, and he punished Israel for it.

8 Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”

9 Then the Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer. This was the message: 10 “Go and say to David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.'”

11 So Gad came to David and said, “These are the choices the Lord has given you. 12 You may choose three years of famine, three months of destruction by the sword of your enemies, or three days of severe plague as the angel of the Lord brings devastation throughout the land of Israel. Decide what answer I should give the Lord who sent me.”

13 “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”

14 So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel, and 70,000 people died as a result.

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

The effect that our sin could have on others could be extreme. I had difficulty seeing what David’s sin was in this passage, because there had been a census taken before this one. However the difference is that the first one was ordered by God, and this one was ordered by David so that he could take pride in the strength of his army. In determining his military strength, he was beginning to trust more in his military power than on God. His idea seemed innocent enough, but right away his army leader knew what was on David’s mind, because in verse 3 he questioned David’s command, and God knew David’s intent because He ordered punishment for David. What hit me hard about this little story is that 70,000 Israelites lost their lives over David’s selfishness and sin. Do we ever stop to think about who might be affected by our deliberate sin? Who might get hurt because of our sin? Who might get turned off Christianity because of our sin? How God’s heart must hurt when, knowing how much He did in providing a means for us to live pure and holy in His sight, yet to see us turn from Him and deliberately sin before Him? I don’t know about anyone else, but it would kill me to know that someone else would suffer because of my selfish unconcern and disregard for righteousness before a holy God. Oh that we would remember this when we are tempted, and may this help us to choose the way that is pleasing to God. Search my heart oh God and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me into the path of righteousness today.

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

Father You know my heart, and You even know my inner most thoughts. Please steer me in the way of righteousness today. While I want others to see You in everything I say and do today, I want You to even know my thoughts and direct me away from evil thoughts or intentions. Please work through me today so that others may see Jesus in purest form. Please forgive me for those times that I have been less than pure in Your sight. Thank You for loving me unconditionally and being patient with me, now may You be honored in everything You see in me. Please also give my friends that may read this devotional today the same desire so that You may also have clean and pure vessels to work in and through to reach the lost friends that surround them each 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: Acts 12.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Acts 12:20-23 (NLT)

20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant,

21 and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them.

22 The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!”

23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.

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

Through God’s power, I see two things worthy of note here this morning:

1. The people made so much over Herod until it eventually broke into their saying that he was the voice of a god, not of mere man. This is so very dangerous, because even today I believe that we become so overwhelmed and impressed with a ‘man’ that we follow him instead of independently listening to the voice of God and following His will. I am a firm believer in recognizing the good, and the unselfish acts that a man may do, especially when he is influenced by the Holy Spirit, however we must be very careful not to lift him up as a god; and
   
2. It was evident to God that Herod was just eating this attention up and he made no attempt to point the people to the good God was doing through him. Because of this self-pride that had developed, God struck Herod with a fatal decease. I have seen pastors who have practiced just the opposite – when praises are passed to them for a good sermon or for something they may have done; I’ve heard the pastor say that he would pass that praise on up to the Father who made it all possible in the first place. I admire a man like that, because they are saying to the people that they appreciate their praise, but it was all possible only through the grace and power of the almighty.
   

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

Father I need to ask two things of You this morning. (1) When I am tempted to lift a person up beyond what You know they can handle unselfishly, please speak to me and help me to control my praise, or rather give the praise to You for making it all possible through that individual, and (2) Please keep me humble so that I may show appreciation for any praise that may be given to me, while being very careful to recognize where the talent or privilege originated from, and therefore be quick to pass the glory on to You. I am nothing without Your blessings, direction, love and wisdom. Please help me to especially be conscious of this when others may want to recognize me for doing something. Thank You Father for blessing, and working through 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: 1 Chronicles 17.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Chronicles 17:16-19 (NLT)

16 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?

17 And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! You speak as though I were someone very great, O Lord God!

18 “What more can I say to you about the way you have honored me? You know what your servant is really like.

19 For the sake of your servant, O Lord, and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known.

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

God had just given to the prophet Nathan a word to relay to David about all that He was about to do to bless him, his family and the people he was leading. David, very much humbled by all that God would do for him, became very overwhelmed in praise and thanksgiving. This was not just a casual thanksgiving and appreciation prayer, but rather David got away from everything and everyone else and went into an area to get before the Lord, one on one, so that he could share his heart with God. Wow! We live such busy lives and live around so much background music and other noises, wouldn’t it be special for us to find a place, alone with God, and just share our heart? What was so special about this though, is that David had nothing to ask of God, but rather just to thank Him for all His mighty works and blessings promised to him and his family. When we don’t take time to sincerely thank God, I feel like we have taken for granted the bountiful gifts of God. I feel like there is so much that we take for granted when we assume that we have a right to awaken each morning, while some die in their sleep; when we are able to rise and walk upright, while some can’t even go to the bathroom without a wheelchair or some type of walking aid; when we have a job to go to, while so many are unemployed and would give up everything to have an income to support their families; when we have food enough to share the leftovers with our pets, when there are so many that starve every day because of lack of food. Friends, we have enough to be thankful for that we could easily follow in David’s footsteps and get aside with God and thank Him from a heart that would question: why me Lord, who am I that You should bless me so?

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

Thank You Father for blessing me so bountifully in so many ways. I can’t imagine why I am so special that You would bless me so, but I am eternally thankful for not only being a child of yours, but also for being included in Your daily provisions and unbelievable gifts of good health, a job, a loving family, a church family who cares, food to nourish my body for ongoing service to You. Who am I that You should bless me so? Thank You Father for being the loving God that watches over me and provides for me in all things. Please bless those that may not be as fortunate as me in some things today. May they know that You are a God of love, mercy and grace and One that they can turn to in all of life’s circumstances. Thank You for loving 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: 1 Chronicles 14.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Chronicles 14:16 (NLT)

16 So David did what God commanded, and they struck down the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

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

I believe that many times Christians feel like a defeated foe because of all the evil of this world that seems to work against us. However, in reading this passage of scripture today I have seen several situations where David and his army were successful because of God’s response to David’s obedience. This made me think that perhaps when things don’t appear to be going well, or at least in line with what we feel that God wants, perhaps we should be examining ourselves inwardly to see if there is any wicked way in us, or perhaps acts of disobedience, or perhaps lack of total dependence on God. I believe that way too often we try everything we know to do, and when all that fails, then we look in total sincerity and dependence on God. David has exampled before us how he would consult with God before making any moves. I believe what is also important to see in this passage is that David did everything for the benefit and good of the Israelites, not for any personal gain. This all resulted in success because of God’s involvement. What are our motives today? Is our ministry geared towards the benefit of all of God’s children, or are we only concerned about our little corner of the world? Is God allowed total control over our decisions and our every move, so that he might receive honor and glory? Success in kingdom work comes from God. If we are looking to see our churches succeed, it must be God behind the wheel.

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

Father, please be with our church leaders. When I consider that it is Your work, and Your people involved in doing the work and also benefiting from the work, it makes total sense that You should be our leader. May we find ourselves like David, seeking Your face and Your leadership in all that is done. May we always seek to bring honor and glory to You in all that we do. Please touch my life and help me to be the person, obedient follower, dad, employee, church leader and child of God that You can use to see Your work accomplished here in this part of the world, and may You be glorified through everything that might be accomplished through 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: Acts 9.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Acts 9:35 (NLT)

35 Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.

Acts 9:42 (NLT)

42 The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord.

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

In both of these verses it reminded me that as the good news of what Jesus is doing through His church spreads throughout our community, people will come to know the Lord. Unfortunately, what folk hear more about from the church today is the in-fighting, and the unbelievable sin that originates from Christian believers, workers and pastors. The whole towns of Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord when they witnessed the miracle of Aeneas. Dorcas was raised from the dead through the prayers of Peter and many in the town of Joppa surrendered their lives to Jesus. I believe that non-Christians are looking for something different about the church. They are looking for a place where God is really working through His church. Friends, I don’t know about you, but I believe that we serve the same God that worked miracles through Peter, and I believe that He will still heal people today like He did through Peter. So if things are not happening in our churches today, then it must be us that have separated ourselves from the mighty hand of God. I think it’s about time that we let the world know about the Lord that we adore and serve. I believe that we need to take self out of the equation, and put God in first place in our lives and in our churches and allow Him to have His way and perform His miracles among His people, so that the world will hear more about Him and not the weak, faltering people that make up His church today. Friend, it’s all about Jesus, not us. Only Jesus and His mighty works will have the effect on our communities that’s so badly needed today. We need to do our part and let God be God.

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

Father, we are so discouraged by what is going on in our churches today, yet we continue with business as usual. We understand from Your Word how powerful and effective Your ministry can be in our communities, but I’m afraid that we have placed so much of self in the way that the effectiveness of Your powerful hand has been diluted in the eyes of the world. Please give us power to step aside and let You resume charge of Your church so that You may work a miracle in the lives of individuals so badly in need of a Savior. There are many that attend church that need a touch from You. There are even more who never attend church that need to see You at work so that they may be convinced of the next move that they need to make. Please forgive me for getting in the way, and give me wisdom to see and understand Your will for my life and for the life and ministry of our church. People of my town want to hear about You at work, not anything that I or any church member can do or try to take credit for. Please have Your way dear Lord. Be God in my life, my church and my community.

 

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: 1 Chronicles 11.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Chronicles 11:9 (NLT)

9 And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was with him.

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

God had foretold to Samuel that one day David would become king, however God allowed the people to recognize the character in David that would make him a good king. While Saul was king, David was very faithful and worked extremely hard. In verse 2 of this chapter the Israelites gathered before David and told him that even though Saul was king, they saw where David was really the one who led the forces, and now that King Saul had passed away, they wanted to recognize David for his faithfulness. In the verse observed above we see where David became more and more powerful, because even though he was king, he still remained faithful to God and His commands, and the Lord of Hosts was with him. How does this apply to us today? I see so many cases where folk will sit back because they are satisfied that they have done enough to get by (in their eyes), or they give up because in their eyes they see no value in carrying on. David knew that his role was to be obedient to God and do the work. It was not his job to judge and take God’s role in saying when he had done enough. In today’s society, church leaders often give up because they can’t see where their little bit is doing very much for the kingdom. God expects us to become obedient people and obedient leaders. He will accomplish the work that He has established. In the end, and it may not be until we stand face to face with Him in glory, I could only imagine that He will touch us on each shoulder (as they do in knighting someone) and say “well done good and faithful servant, you followed me even when you didn’t see the end result, you were faithful in little while on earth, now welcome into my presence and my glory where you will reign with me forever”. It will be worth it all fellow church worker and co-partners in the ministry! Remember, the Lord of Hosts is with us!

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

Father, You know what I need and when I need it. Thank You for encouraging me through Your Word this morning. Thank You for showing me that not only is it worth the effort I put into every labor of love and leadership, but that one day when You gather us around Your throne, we will see how You were with us through all the good times and how You were especially with us during the tough times of ministry. Thank You for being that kind of God. Thank You for loving me and loving my fellow workers in the ministry enough to remind us that the Lord of Hosts is with us and that in the end “It Will Be Worth It All”! Praise be to God for Your amazing love!

 

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: Acts 8.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Acts 8:30-31 (NLT)     

30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.

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

We may sometimes see a person reading the Word of God and we might step aside assuming that they are a Christian and therefore understand what they are reading. Philip had a different approach. He asked the Ethiopian man if he understood what he was reading. Now, because I believe that Philip was truly lead by the Holy Spirit to do this, I am not advocating that we should automatically walk up to everyone we see reading the Word and ask questions similar to what Philip posed. What I do believe is, that we should be so filled with the Word, and our faith in God so fresh and real that we would not back down when we see someone struggling, or if asked such a question like was posed to Philip. Whatever we do should be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but I don’t believe that God would want us to delay responding because we feel inadequate. I believe that when we submit to working for God, explaining His Word, or teaching someone about the Lord, we will receive the knowledge, power and wisdom necessary to respond, from the Holy Spirit. We may not be able to explain something as good as a learned professor or preacher, but God can use any of us to speak through us and get to the heart of the individual asking. Too often I believe we back off trying to help because we feel inadequate. The truth is that we are inadequate, but friend let me remind you that the One that resides inside each of us is very adequate! Putting off responding could lead to frustration for the prospect, questioning of our faith, and possibly losing the opportunity to lead someone to the Lord when God is dealing with them. Many times we use the excuse that we need to get our pastor out to visit with the individual and properly respond to the questions, but if we are the person God placed in the situation at that particular time, then obviously He is prepared to work through us, and I truly believe that He is more than qualified to work through any of us that claim Him as Lord of our lives. Our words (those of the Holy Spirit working in us) could very well be what’s needed by the individual to convince him of his need for a Savior. I did a study at one time that reminded me that because an unsaved person is asking about Jesus or His Word, is evidence that the Lord is working on him already. So let’s not give up the opportunity to help anyone in need of knowing our Lord!

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

Lord Jesus, often I may feel inadequate and totally unqualified to help someone in need, but You have reminded me this morning that this is quite normal. My faith and trust and wisdom must come from You. In fact, it is not until I realize that I don’t know the answers that I truly depend on You. I pray that there will be opportunities today where I may realize that someone that crosses my path is desperately in need of instruction, and I pray that with Your power, wisdom and boldness, I will gladly come alongside them and give necessary instruction. The end is nearing and there is no time for delay, please always help me to grasp the urgency of the hour when such opportunities present themselves to 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: 1 Chronicles 4.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NLT)

9 There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. 10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.

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

In this chapter of Chronicles it is difficult to gather anything other than genealogy. However, in the case of Jabez the writer found it important to detail why he had the name Jabez, and to explain a particular prayer that he was known for. Wow! We often attend funerals, and occasionally a ‘Roast’ to honor a person, and we hear about all that a person may have done. Seldom do we ever hear about an individual known for a particular prayer that they developed or often prayed. In my opinion, there would be no greater honor than to be remembered for my Godly beliefs/practices/prayers. I am very conscious about praying to God in thanksgiving, in remembrance, and petitioning for the many things that I have no control over or that I have concerns about, but to know that my prayer may have impacted others and their walk or commitment to God would be nothing short of a ‘God’ thing, intended to give Him glory and praise. I believe that others are impacted by our honesty and practices really not intended to impress anyone, but that are offered as a sincere expression of the heart. The detail of this man’s prayer is very powerful also. We often pray for the needs of others; however Jabez prayed that God would not only bless him where he was at in life, but to actually expand his opportunities. It’s like asking God to bless me in my home, my workplace, my church, and even in my community, state and country, and to ask this in sincerity knowing that God would bless me so that I would actually have an impact (spiritually) in these places. I can only imagine how something like this would impact our world. God is still looking for sincere, honest men of God that would develop such a prayer life that they would be known by others for it. Then as the end of verse 10 reads, “and God granted him his request”, I believe that God will also do the same for us.

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

Lord, only You really know the condition of our world today and only You know, and have the power to overcome the evil that prevails. Like in the case of Jabez, I pray that You would not only bless me personally, but that You may expand the borders of my influence, keep me from trouble, and use me for Your glory.

 

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: Acts 7.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Acts 7:57-60 (NLT)

57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him

58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

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

Oh to be like Stephen when people speak evil of me. When they react to the envy they feel against me just because I may refuse to join in their evil. When I may have been obedient to the Holy Spirit and said something that rub them the wrong way. When, because of the evil one, folk lash back at me. Oh that I may be like Stephen and ask the Father to forgive them for they know not what they are doing. This was also the reaction of Jesus on the cross, when He asked God’s forgiveness for those that were actually responsible for placing Him on the cross and crucifying Him. Unfortunately it is natural to lash back at our accusers, or persecutors. Unfortunately it is exactly what they are expecting, and to some degree, the natural tendency of the normal man. Let’s not forget that our strength comes from the Lord. Our example comes from Him and His warriors like Stephen. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world, so who should have the power over the evil one? Of course, we should! Lean not unto your own understanding, but in all things acknowledge Him – the One who has all power, the One who is anxious to, and has the natural tendency to, love, forgive and forget. That’s the God we serve, and that’s the God that we should aim at exampling in our lives. Thanks to the story of Stephen, we now know that God’s children can follow the example of Jesus on the cross. To those that feel no sense of persecution in their everyday life, I would encourage you to check your walk. Perhaps you have softened your walk so much that there is little difference between the way that you act and those that would tend to persecute true/real/practicing children of God. I realize that this sounds harsh, but friend there is a large difference between light and darkness. Are you truly following the ways of Jesus?

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

Lord, I acknowledge that I allow the natural man to shine forth way too often. I acknowledge that I need You each and every day to give me strength and wisdom to deal with earthly situations in a manner that would be pleasing to You. Please help me to always realize that if I am to follow You and Your example, then there will be folk who will dislike me – perhaps even hate me, and will find ways to persecute me. Thank God that I see strength in how You loved even Your persecutors and those that despitefully used You. Lord my aim is to love as You did, and still do. My aim is to exemplify You in all that I do and say, so that others, even if it upsets them, will know that Jesus is in control of my life and that my actions reflects those things that Jesus would do. I know that I can only do these things through Your strength and with Your power, so I humbly ask that You lead me, and guide me into the way of righteousness today. Bless those that would tend to persecute me because of my faith in, and love for, 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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