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Post Date: |
Wednesday, 2017-12-20 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
Acts 2:42-44 (ERV) |
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Text: |
42 The believers spent their time listening to the teaching of the apostles. They shared everything with each other. They ate together and prayed together. 43 Many wonders and miraculous signs were happening through the apostles, and everyone felt great respect for God. 44 All the believers stayed together and shared everything. |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| Peter and the apostles taught the Word of God and many were saved. At one time over 3,000 joined the church in one day. I believe that these verses may hold the secret, or the key to the reason for the success in these services that started at Pentecost. I wonder if this could be repeated today? I wonder why there was such success? Let’s dig in and have a look… |
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| APPLICATION: | |
| I believe the biggest divide in churches today is probably caused by a few things: 1). Satan is determined to slow, or stop the work of the Holy Spirit and the advancement of God’s kingdom here on earth. 2). Riches and favoritism is probably one of the greatest divides in churches, for the affluent wants what they want, when they want it, or they will stop financially supporting the church and move to another one. This can even affect what is spoken from the pulpit, as the last thing some pastors want, is to ‘step on the toes’ of those that places food on the church family’s table. 3). The less affluent will soon feel left out, or abandoned, or ignored, and will move to a church where they feel like the love of God is extended to all attendees or members. As for this church referred to in these verses, everyone sold what they had and placed the money in a common account for the good of the whole congregation. Going before the throne of grace at that time, then meant that they were all equal in earthly things. It meant that they all went to God with their hands held out, waiting for His blessing and provision. It meant that anything achieved could only come from God. Can you imagine how humbling that would be today if everyone was in the same position when they stood before God? What impact do you suppose this would have on: our pride; our humbleness; our understanding and appreciation of each other; and our ability to feel what others are feeling outside of our group? I believe it will make all the difference in the world, and I believe that it will open our eyes to what it will be like when we stand before Jesus on Judgment Day. Perhaps despondent people will then flock to our churches, and to Christ. No matter how much money we ask our family to pack into our casket with us, we will stand before Christ just as we came into the world – of no earthly value. Perhaps we could learn today to reconsider our attitude toward others, and especially humble ourselves before Jesus as just another sinner saved by grace. If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus Christ yet, may I encourage you to make that a priority today? This may be the last opportunity you will have to approach Him from here on earth, and I really want you to be ready, friend. |
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| PRAYER: | |
| Lord, You used Your servants to minister to Your children gathered for that first Pentecost meeting recorded above. I believe that You are just as concerned for Your children today, and that You want them to be saved and/or encouraged to humble themselves before You just as they are. Thank You for opening our eyes today dear Lord, and thank You for giving us a second chance to rid ourselves of pride and all unrighteousness. Please make us holy, even as You are holy. AMEN! |
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| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
Tag: Bible Fellowship Church of Sebring FL
The Greatest Gift Ever Given!
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Post Date: |
Tuesday, 2017-12-19 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
Acts 2:38-39 (ERV) |
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Text: |
38 Peter said to them, “Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Then God will forgive your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is for you. It is also for your children and for the people who are far away. It is for everyone the Lord our God calls to himself.” |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| Peter had the attention of the Jews visiting from all over the world. They had just witnessed the working of the Holy Spirit in the believers gathered for Pentecost, and Peter wanted them to know that this same Holy Spirit was also available to them, and to anyone else who would change their hearts and seek a relationship with the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. This same ‘Gift’ of God is available still today, so lets see more about how this all works…. | |
| APPLICATION: | |
| Around this time of the year, if we hear the word ‘gift’, we automatically assume that it must be something under the Christmas Tree. However, this ‘Gift’ that Peter refers to, is one that it available 365 days a year, or until God calls you out of this world. Notice I didn’t say ‘until God calls you home’, because He will never barge into your life. IF you surrender your life to Him and to His control, He will enter your heart and fill you with His Holy Spirit. You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide, protect, love and care for you all of your days here on earth, and then top that off with having you join Him and His father (God) in heaven for eternity! Should you decide to continue trying to do life alone, then God will not force the issue. I’m sure He will be disappointed and hurt, that after all He did for you in sacrificing His own life for you, so that you may have the means of being with Him eternally, now for you to turn your head on Him and settle for second best, this would hurt Him beyond anything we could explain or understand. Friends, I’m sure that this type of love and sacrifice shown by Jesus, is greater than anything you could imagine, but I am encouraging you today to have faith in this story, because millions have come and gone, but there’s still room for more, yes, there’s room at the cross for you. It’s up to you friend. It’s your turn. God is waiting to bless you with His greatest Gift this Christmas. Will you accept that gift? |
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| PRAYER: | |
| I am eternally thankful Lord, for the day that You spoke to my heart and drew me to Yourself. I am also eternally thankful for the Gift you gave in that stable in Bethlehem to the humble earthly parents – Joseph and Mary. Because of that Gift, I can call You Father, Deliverer, Everlasting Master and Lord. Thank You Heavenly Father. Amen! |
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| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
A Well Orchestrated Plan!
Monday, 2017-12-18
Scripture
Bible Reference: Micah 5:2-5
Bible Text: 2 The Lord says, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.” 3 So the Lord will abandon his people to their enemies until the woman who is to give birth has her son. Then those Israelites who are in exile will be reunited with their own people. 4 When he comes, he will rule his people with the strength that comes from the Lord and with the majesty of the Lord God himself. His people will live in safety because people all over the earth will acknowledge his greatness, 5 and he will bring peace.
Bible Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)
My Take
Because I learned a few new things in my study today about this popular passage included in the story about the birth of Jesus, I wanted to share with you the fascination I found with how God coordinated this whole birth of His Holy One, the Lord Jesus Christ. For those of you that know all of these things, I ask that you bear with this humble child while I continue to learn the great truths of God’s Word. Look at these things with me:
- Bethlehem Ephrathah – It seems interesting why God chose the humility of one of the smallest towns around for His Son to be born. His Son that would be born to rule and reign over all Israel and be the Savior of the whole world. But:
- Did you know that in this small town, David was also born? Look at 1 Samuel 17:12 for this reference! Remember from New Testament scripture that Jesus would be of the lineage of David!
- Did you know that God didn’t need the popularity of a large town, or the extra security of a major city for His Son to be born and recognized as a major leader of the world?
- The Lord abandoned His people – The Lord had worked so miraculously among the Israelites and carefully provided for them, yet time after time He sadly saw them return to their sin and idol worship. So in this passage we are told that He answered their requests to leave them alone, for He abandoned them. But He did this while also foretelling of One that He would send to love, rule, and reign over them with deep compassion. Friends, do you see where this whole miracle has changed us very much today? For it seems like we live in a world where idol worship is still very prevalent, and our merciful God is still mocked through the blatant sin and disregard of His precious Son. Note that ‘idol’ worship is something, or someone, other than God, who attracts the attention of His people. What are those excuses again that folk use when they can’t, or won’t make it to corporate worship?
Friends, we can see from the very beginning that God had a well orchestrated plan to save His people from their sin, and I am convinced that this was not just for the people of Israel, but for all that He created to live on this earth. That includes both you and me. I have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior and therefore can boast of my eternal home in heaven. My whole purpose in sharing these blogs each day is not to help you feel better about yourself, or for you to see how guilty I feel about myself, but to encourage you to take God at His word. He orchestrated a plan for your salvation. Please consider accepting that gift today, by surrendering your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. You will see and feel Christmas in a way that you have never done before! Friends, know Him and know the peace that is often referred to each Christmas, won’t you?
Prayer
Dear God, I thank You for the everlasting gift of salvation, and for Your precious Son that You sent so that salvation might be possible. I am so afraid that our world has become as bad or worse than Israel when You removed Your hand from them. I am also afraid that we are still as stubborn about our sin and disregard even after Your special provision given through Your Son. Lord, please use this Christmas season to once again remind our people of the purpose of You sending Your Son, and the unique privilege that is ours to allow Your Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Savior, to rule and reign in our lives throughout the rest of our lives and even through eternity with You in glory. You’re my King, and I praise You Heavenly Father, AMEN!
Footnote
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!
Getting The Attention of His People
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Post Date: |
Saturday, 2017-12-16 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
Acts 2:5-7 (ERV) |
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Text: |
5 There were some godly Jews in Jerusalem at this time. They were from every country in the world. 6 A large crowd came together because they heard the noise. They were surprised because, as the apostles were speaking, everyone heard in their own language.
7 They were all amazed at this. They did not understand how the apostles could do this. They said, “Look! These men we hear speaking are all from Galilee. |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| The day of Pentecost was an annual spring feast at which the Jews presented the first-fruits of their wheat harvest to God. God received a new crop of believers, ‘Christians’, on this particular day of Pentecost. The Jews also celebrated Pentecost as the anniversary of the giving of the Mosaic Law. Paul regarded the Spirit’s indwelling presence as God’s replacement for the external guidance that the Mosaic Law had provided believers under that old covenant. All the male Jews who lived up to 20 miles from Jerusalem were expected to travel to Jerusalem to attend these feasts at the central sanctuary. What a great opportunity for God to remind them yet again of the power of the Trinity. | |
| APPLICATION: | |
| When the believers went to that Upper Room, I wonder if they had a heart for reaching the many Jews who were in their town that day. I wonder if they had ever been blessed to speak in tongues before this day. I wonder if they had any idea that they were speaking in tongues, or if they had any idea that the gift would be used to touch others – especially others outside of the building they were in. I found it extremely interesting, from the several translations that I read these verses in, that the Word says nothing about the disciples speaking in the tongues of the various Jews present in their town, but rather, that the Jews from their respective countries heard it in their own language. I believe that this is an important nugget, because this means that God was responsible for these Jews hearing in their own tongue what He knew they needed for their own lives and ministries at that specific time. Friends, I want you to stop for a moment and let that sink in real good. Our Savior and our Lord, our God, has the awesome power to hear the cry of His children about the needs of our churches and our communities. Many of us are filled with insecurities, but God has the power to use whatever little we offer in total obedience to Him, and use it to reach the lost, or minister to the sick, or even stir the hearts of the lost, so that He may be glorified in all things, even through our simple, but heartfelt efforts. Wow! So what would you ask God to do for you in your church; how about in your family; or more widely – in your community? Have you pleaded with Him for it? He is God, so He knows ALL things about you, but I really believe that He enjoys hearing His children coming to Him and sharing their heart. |
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| PRAYER: | |
| Lord Jesus, please help us to stop complaining about all that should be done, and instead burden our hearts for all we can do. We are powerless to meet the spiritual needs of our communities, but Lord, may we become so very serious about reaching the lost and encouraging the saints that it will not seem unreal for You to work through us in touching others. Please move powerfully in our communities, because there appears to be an increasing number of the lost and careless that we come into contact with. To You be all the honor and glory, oh Lord! AMEN! |
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| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
What’s In A Name?
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Post Date: |
Friday, 2017-12-15 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
Matthew 1:21-23 (ERV) |
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Text: |
21 She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this happened to make clear the full meaning of what the Lord said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.” (Immanuel means “God with us.”) |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| It’s pretty miraculous how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. The prophets foretold; a virgin girl (Mary) was selected by God and approached by angels to conceive the baby; a simple, humble man who was engaged to Mary was approached to play the part of an earthly father to care for his espoused wife Mary; The most humble of people were selected to be the first to visit with baby Jesus – the shepherds. On and on the story went about one miracle after another that resulted in the Savior of the world being brought into the world as man’s Savior. This is what Christmas is all about, friends! |
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| APPLICATION: | |
| As declared in my ‘Observation’, God went to great extents to bring His precious Son into the world, and throughout the Bible we read about all that He did while here on earth, and the whole purpose of His life here on earth. Of course we also know the ultimate reason that Jesus came, because we remember His death every year at Good Friday, and we remember His resurrection at Easter. The big question for each of us as we meditate on the extraordinary names of Jesus is, what are we known as? To our face, we may be called by our nickname. When our parents are upset with us, they may call us by our full legal name. Based on our habits and our character, we may be known as a thief, or a criminal, or a kind person, or a caring person, a hypocrite, or hopefully a man/woman after God’s own heart. Why all of these names? Because it identifies our character when someone is speaking to a friend and they make reference to you. Notice from the names, that one name will drive that person away from you and one might interest them in knowing you, or at least speaking with you. Just from the name selected for you! Although folk will easily identify us based on the words we speak and with the tone used, but I pray that the actions they experience with you will convince them of whose you are. May the Jesus, born in a humble stable and lived on earth as the living Son of God, be evident in your character today and every day. Stay closely in tuned with Him through the Word of God and in daily communication (prayer) with Him, so that you may be ‘topped off’ each day with even more of Jesus. Keep it fresh and exciting friend! |
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| PRAYER: | |
| Lord Jesus, I thank Your Father, God, this morning for sending You as His very own Son with such great purpose, and filled with indescribable love. Lord, may we catch a glimpse of that from You, and may we be known for looking and sounding just like You while here on this earth. May we represent You well, Lord. AMEN! |
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| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
Refocused By Jesus
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Post Date: |
Thursday, 2017-12-14 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
Acts 1:6-8 (ERV) |
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Text: |
6 The apostles were all together. They asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time for you to give the people of Israel their kingdom again?”
7 Jesus said to them, “The Father is the only one who has the authority to decide dates and times. They are not for you to know. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| It is apparent that the apostles were getting distracted from their mission, so Jesus quickly decided to reel them back in. He wanted the apostles to know that their first and foremost charge, was to accept the gift of power given to them, and the challenge placed upon them to be His witnesses, both locally, regionally, nationally, and throughout the world. Should there be time for distraction or boredom with such a huge challenge or job description? |
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| APPLICATION: | |
| I believe that the church today is still in the same quandary as the apostles were. For we will find time for elections to disrupt our fellowship (our workforce); we find it necessary to teach about other religions so that we could know what we’re up against when we chat with someone of a different faith; we have taken on the same practices of many failing businesses today, where we fail to go out and invite the lost to join us. It is so much easier to just open the church doors and allow anyone to stroll in, but when we place so little emphasis on what Jesus told His us to do in verse 17, then we become focused on our own goals and tend to ignore the fact that those folk who really need Jesus, will stay distracted unless Jesus or His disciples go out and encourage and invite them to join us. When something is going on in our communities, we become so caught up in this, that we tend to relax our efforts to obey Christ, and instead help to get the county, state or country straight for God! Christian friends, the Bible is still our only guide to life. The commands of God are still our mission statement. Anytime we relax from our mission statement, the end result is not achieved. We have no time to waste Brothers and Sisters, so let us stay targeted on what God commands, and what He desires of us. I believe that hearing God say ‘welcome good and faithful servant’ would apply to those who were obedient to His commands, not those who went out and did their own thing. |
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| PRAYER: | |
| Lord, please work in Your churches. Even this Christmas time, please keep us focused on our mission statement – the one You made clear in our Scripture today. The mission field is filled with folk who need You, Jesus. There’s no time to play around in doing our own thing, if we truly belong to You and have chosen to obey Your commands. You’re in control Lord, may Your perfect will be done in and through Your children today, beginning with me. AMEN! |
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| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
An Event For Everyone!
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Post Date: |
Tuesday, 2017-12-12 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
Luke 2:8-11 (MSG) |
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Text: |
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| In the preceding verses before those above, we were told about the miracles surrounding the birth of a King; But to an ordinary girl – who was not married yet; However, the prophets of old had foretold about the event; additionally, God sent angels to tell sheep-herders about the main event (the birth)? Seems a little ‘strange’, wouldn’t you say? Shepherds? But let’s look closer at the phrase that I have in bold print in our Scripture…. | |
| APPLICATION: | |
| When a Head of State is coming to a town in our country today, there might be invitations sent out to government leaders; large business owners; popular social group leaders; and possibly the affluent of the communities in which the person will speak at special functions. I come from a country where the British once ruled, and when the Queen visited, invitations went out in similar form to what I just described. So what’s so different to our Savior? His birth was such a special event that it is still celebrated by the world today. In fact, His life story is still looked at, discussed, preached and taught about today. There are small, medium, large and mega churches that meet, teach and preach about His life. There are certain schools that concentrate heavily on the Bible, while teaching general school curriculum; also colleges and seminaries that concentrate heavily on the Word of God, with heavy concentration on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet as we reflect on our Scripture today, we note that heavenly angels went and announced the birth of our Savior to a group that were often ignored by their society – shepherds. These were humble men that probably worked harder than most, walked a whole lot more than most, and were probably the least educated of their society. Yet the announcement, by the angels, was probably as awesome as it would have been for any earthly king. The decision of the shepherds were the same as the decision that we make today when we feel the tug of Jesus on our hearts. For they could have stayed in their ‘safe place’ and taken care of the safety of their sheep – their job. They could have easily shrugged off the idea of any special group appearing to them – the lowliest of the lowly, with nothing tangible to give in return. You know, similar excuses to those we use today when invited to attend a ‘God’ function at church! Friends, if you get nothing else out of this devotional today, please note the sentence in bold. I looked this up in several versions of the Bible, and they all said the same thing – that Jesus’ birth was a sign, or an event intended for EVERYONE. I believe this is a strong indication that Jesus also came into this world so that ALL may be saved and have the means, approval and authority to one day be with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost in heaven for eternity. The shepherds had to agree to follow the angels and they had to get up and move towards Bethlehem. Having been told about the same gift that is available to you friends, you also will decide whether to accept the truth, get up and, move towards Jesus, so that He may accept you and empower you with His Holy Spirit, until God calls us all home. I pray that you will make the decision to accept Jesus. Making no decision at all is the same as you saying “no thank you Jesus, I’ve got this, and I am quite satisfied to die and go to hell for eternity with Satan and his demons.” That would hurt my heart badly, and that of your family and friends. | |
| PRAYER: | |
| Dear God, I sincerely pray that You will anoint the hearts of all who will read this devotional today, so that they may make a good, sound, and honest decision to accept Your Precious Son Jesus, the only One who will wash away their sin and lead them to You in glory. Thank You for considering the lowliest of mankind, right on up to the mightiest in our respective countries. We are all equal at the cross – thank You Heavenly Father. May decisions be made for You today, and may You be glorified in everything that we do or say. AMEN! | |
| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
Faithful – Like David
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Post Date: |
Wednesday, 2017-12-06 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
1 Kings 14:7-9 (ERV) |
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Text: |
7 ….this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jeroboam, I chose you from among all the Israelites. I made you the ruler of my people. 8 David’s family was ruling the kingdom of Israel, but I took the kingdom away from them and gave it to you. But you are not like my servant David. He always obeyed my commands and followed me with his whole heart. He did only what I accepted. 9 But you have sinned worse than anyone who ruled before you. |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| There was a lot going on in Israel with so many wicked kings that ultimately resulted in a wicked nation. In the case of Jeroboam, he sent his wife to the prophet Ahijah out of desperation over the serious illness of his son. However, Jeroboam had his wife disguise herself, because he wasn’t sure that he wanted to hear the lecture back from Ahijah. But what God had planned was carried through to completion, and a strong awakening message was returned to Jeroboam about his impending judgment. God sees and knows all things about us. I wonder what’s in store for us? |
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| APPLICATION: | |
| We are always opposed to being compared to someone else, for we feel like a unique individual who should be allowed to think outside of the box and achieve the end result in our own unique form, correct? A huge difference in this for the Christian, is that God has already established a ‘standard’, and we should always be striving to please God by reaching for that ‘standard’. I believe that successful people will look for someone who has already achieved a ‘standard’ in something they are developing, and they will follow that example to the best of their ability. Now because of our uniqueness, we will try some tweaking to see if we could improve on that which we are following, but we already know that the principle idea is proven. God had the privilege of looking over time and people to see who had made the best strides in following His commands, and in leading a country, He determined that David was that person. Suppose that God would look at our world and find a current-day success story? Could it be you that he would choose for your peers to look to for guidance and leadership in a godly fashion? Think about it – for those very things that you find extremely challenging to do, someone else has already successfully achieved, and from their testimony, you are aware that they depended on God through their whole mission. and remained faithful to Him. Will you have a degree of faith in following that person? Friends, let’s always be aware that we serve a God who placed the stars just right in the evening sky; He not only gave us eyes to look at those stars, but He also created our whole being. Those are pretty complex and amazingly wonderful things, aren’t they? Then remind me again why you think that He can’t handle your most difficult and complex situation? One big reason that we meet together as God’s church, is to share with each other the success stories in our relationship with God. If someone else has been successful in achieving a part of God’s plan, then we should flock to them and find out what they attribute their success to, because we want to follow that plan. God knew of David’s success, so He expected the same from all other kings who tried to fill the same role. You might be another ‘David’, where others are following in your footsteps. Please be sure that you seek God’s face every day, so that you could remain strong, faithful and always in a thankful and praising mood. God is able, and always faithful to those who love Him and are faithful to obey His commands. Oh that we may please Him in all that we do and say as we represent Him faithfully every day! |
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| PRAYER: | |
| Dear Lord, I believe that through this Scripture, You have reminded us to be faithful to You in all things and to be obedient to all Your commands that You put in place as a guide for our journey. In doing these things, we will not only please You, but we may help in guiding others who are floundering. Thank You Lord for placing us together as a body of believers (the church) – a support arm for each other so that Your church might be strong and bold in our witnessing to the lost in our communities. Oh that we may be found faithful when Jesus calls us home to Himself! |
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| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
The Reason Jesus Was Born
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Post Date: |
Tuesday, 2017-12-05 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
John 18:37 (ERV) |
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Text: |
37 Pilate said, “So you are a king.”
Jesus answered, “You are right to say that I am a king. I was born for this: to tell people about the truth. That is why I came into the world. And everyone who belongs to the truth listens to me.” |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| Jesus taught us great lessons throughout His ministry. In this Scripture today, when Jesus was being tried by the authorities, He still showed His compassion; His calmness; and He declared His whole purpose for coming to this world. I wonder what we would say is our whole purpose on earth? |
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| APPLICATION: | |
| At different stages of our lives we may have sat and declared what our purpose in life is. For example, the transition from high school or college into the working world, you may have committed to be a doctor or an accountant, etc. When you got married, you made have declared what kind of spouse you would be. When you got saved, you may have promised God a drastic change in your lifestyle or in your habits. But was there ever a time that you declared what your whole purpose in life is…..? You see, Jesus was known as ‘Truth’, and for that reason we can measure absolute ‘Truth’. I sincerely believe that the Truth that Jesus spoke of is the absolute Truth that He represents in being God’s precious Son. In other words, looking at Jesus and hearing His words, were just like seeing and hearing His Father – God. With that in mind, what is the real truth that others experience with you? Do they experience with you, what they really hear from you? Do you have to tell them that you are a Christian, or do they see that in you, and hear that from the words that you speak? As ‘little Christs’, our aim here on earth should be much like that of Jesus – to represent Him completely; honestly and wholly, so that the world may know and believe in the One who saved us from our sin and condemnation. |
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| PRAYER: | |
| Lord Jesus, I pray that Your love will shine so strongly through my life that it will be evident to the world that You are having an awesome impact in my life, then may You be glorified by all that I come into contact with. Thank God for the grace and power expressed through His gracious Son. That You Jesus for accepting me as Your gracious son. May I represent you as well, so that others may see and believe. AMEN |
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| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
God With Us
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Post Date: |
Monday, 2017-12-04 |
| SCRIPTURE | |
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From: |
Isaiah 7:13-16 (TLB) |
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Text: |
13 Then Isaiah said: O House of David, you aren’t satisfied to exhaust my patience; you exhaust the Lord’s as well! 14 All right then, the Lord himself will choose the sign—a child shall be born to a virgin! And she shall call him Immanuel (meaning, “God is with us”). 15-16 By the time this child is weaned and knows right from wrong, the two kings you fear so much—the kings of Israel and Syria — will both be dead. |
| OBSERVATION: | |
| Isaiah prophesied, many years before the birth of Jesus, that God would send His Son, through miraculous means, and that He would be known as Immanuel, meaning God is With Us. In other words, this would be the same as God being with us. Not only is this building the case for the coming King of all kings, but also an awesome peace in knowing that no matter how lonely one is, God’s Son would be with them! |
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| APPLICATION: | |
| Probably one of the hardest things for anyone to handle is seeing someone without a home, or without food, or without family and friends. Destitute, lonely, forgotten, hungry, and living on the streets without anything at all. Compare that to those who appear to be happy and fulfilled, because they have enough money to buy whatever they want. Without the Lordship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, they both will face God in the same condition – lost and destined for eternal damnation in the pit of Hell. Friends, this ‘Child’ referenced in verse 14 that Isaiah prophesied about, is the same Jesus that we celebrate each Christmas. He came so that we, who trust in Him completely, might be rewarded with life eternally with He and the Father. So may I suggest that as you approach this Christmas season, that you search your heart carefully, and be sure that you have at some time in your life personally surrendered your heart to Jesus, and asked Him to take control of your life. Without Jesus, it wouldn’t matter if you lived under a bridge, in a mansion or anywhere in between, you will be given the same verdict on Judgment Day – away from me, for I never knew you. Heaven is reserved for those who have surrendered their hearts to Jesus. The only other option is Hell, where all others will be sent for eternal damnation by Satan. The difference in destination is decided and committed by you only, for yourself only. Because we are not assured of another day or moment, I would encourage you to make this very important decision right now friend. | |
| PRAYER: | |
| Thank You for the gift of salvation dear Jesus. Please tender, and prepare the hearts of those that will read this devotional, so that they may make a right decision to follow You for the rest of their earthly lives. A personal decision with a very personal Lord. Lord Jesus, to You I offer my praise and thanks today for accepting my plea for salvation. May today be filled with decisions in time for a Christmas where we all may celebrate You as the main reason for the season! AMEN! |
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| FOOTNOTE: | |
| There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us! | |
Nuggets From God's Word 