DATE POSTED: Saturday, April 20, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Century Version (NCV) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 10:22-25

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised. Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. 
You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Although a great portion of the Bible is dedicated to leading the unsaved to Jesus Christ, the writer of Hebrews wanted Christians to recognize that there are some unique and awesome responsibilities for the child of God also. Please bear in mind that God’s kingdom may not be made up of workers in the church, or those trying to earn their salvation, because in our Scripture today I believe it is clear that it is a much more narrow path – one where individuals are saved by grace, and by the sacrificed blood of Jesus Christ. But we are taught that for these believers, there are some awesome things we can do to help others find their way, and see clearly what it means to be an individual saved by grace, and by living in the constant eye of our Heavenly Father. Let us meditate on the teachings of Jesus through His servant who penned the words of our Scripture today:
=> Let us come near to God in confidence (vs 22) – be reminded that children are always at ease with their dad, because the love between them is evident and runs deep. Our Heavenly Father is no different, in fact He reinforces this through a deep love filled with forgiveness and grace. So because of your deep relationship with Him, it is quite normal that you would approach His throne with confidence, admiration, and open communication. When He says in His Word that you have been forgiven, then you can approach His throne free of guilt about your sin. They are washed away by His precious blood that Jesus shed at Calvary. So never look back on that!
=> Let us hold firm to what God has promised (Vs 23) – God is incapable of lying, so we have no need of trying to make Him out to be a liar. He will do what He said, and He will provide what He promised. We can make that a part of our DNA to never doubt what He said. This makes approaching His throne a joy rather than torture. This encourages us to approach God’s throne instead of doubting or being afraid to do so. He’s our God, our Savior and Lord. His ways are far greater than ours, so we have no reason to think He will respond like man would. Let’s hold fast to that confident hope!
=> Let us help each other attain love and good works (vs 24) – some employers offer bonus points to employees who excel in selling their business lines. Extra bonus points are earned when the whole team achieves their goals. In other words, it pays to achieve your own goal, but it pays even more when you help the whole team achieve their collective goals. In Christianity, I don’t believe we could achieve ultimate joy and happiness in the Lord if our co-laborer at church is failing, due to an inconsistent lifestyle or commitment to the Lord. This doesn’t have to happen at church, but wouldn’t it be praiseworthy if, when we meet with the Lord each evening we could reflect back on at least one person whose life we touched in a positive and encouraging way for the Lord? At church, instead of looking around at the new dresses or jeans with holes, what if we target the believers who need a hand up through encouragement, prayer, financial need, etc? Which ministry effort do you suppose they will choose to give God glory for that day?
=> Let us be consistent in attending church meetings (Vs 25) – a physiologist was interviewed recently about a poll that showed where active Christians had fewer mental issues. She acknowledged that this was a proven statistic. Likewise, she said that as church attendance diminish, mental issues are shown to be on the rise. She acknowledged that those who are unconcerned about God and/or the church, seem more prone to feel alone, digected, and that no one cares about them. While the opposite has overwhelmingly proven true. Let’s be more committed to worshipping together with God’s people – not just for our good, but also for the part we might play in encouraging others.
‘Do this even more as you see the day coming’ says the Word of God. ‘The Day’ refers to the return of Jesus Christ to take His bride with Him to be with the Father. We can see the signs, dear friends. Let’s be on full, alert and in perfect form for that awesome day!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, You are so good to us! And although I am ever so thankful that You called me to Yourself, I still have many family and friends that came to mind as the Holy Spirit dealt with me in meditating on this Scripture. People still need a Savior, and how will they know about You if your children don’t speak up about the personal and awesome relationship we have with You. Please Lord, open our hearts to acknowledge You as Lord before those that we come into contact with. Also Lord, please continue to deal in the lives of every reader today about regularly meeting with other believers to worship, pray, study Your Word, and encourage one another just as You have been such an encourager to us. Oh Lord, may we all find You, acknowledge You as Lord, and worship You in a spirit of holiness, in recognition of Your very nature. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!