DATE POSTED
Saturday, May 23, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Numbers 6:24-26 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

²⁴ ‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.

²⁵ May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Through Moses, the Lord instructed Aaron to pray a specific blessing over the people of Israel—God’s chosen people. Wouldn’t it be incredible to pray this very same blessing over our own children every single day? But taking it a step further, I believe there are profound, unexpected blessings in store for us when we choose to pray this over those who cross us or despitefully use us, too.

I learned this firsthand years ago with a senior coworker of mine at work. We had a sharp disagreement over a certain procedure that she and I were challenged to come to a common decision. Now, those who know me might not see this stubborn side of my character very often, but I just wouldn’t bend on something I felt so right about. I know—not my best moment!

But shortly after that tense encounter, I heard a sermon that deeply convicted me. It challenged my church and I to pray God’s blessings over those who dislike us. So, I started praying for God to bless her with success and His awesome favor. And you know what? It worked! The tension melted over time, and at her retirement, I got a warm hug right along with everyone else who had grown to love and respect her.

Praying this Scripture over our children doesn’t mean they are “bad kids” or that their character is lacking. It simply means we are praying God’s absolute best over every season of their lives. You see, just like us at that age, they sometimes think they have it all figured out and have everything under control. It can be challenging for us to offer suggestions or corrections without causing friction. But when we pray for them, we are inviting the Creator of the universe to intervene—in their decisions, their attitudes, the way they raise their own children, and their dedication to Him.

When we try to force change, we often just try to fit our loved ones into our own mold, which usually just drives a wedge between us. But God is concerned with them obeying Him and following His example. God knows how to handle every delicate detail of their lives in ways we would often fail at. True, lasting change must come from the inside out. God knows the heart, and He specializes in heart change!

Human nature makes it easy to secretly hope our difficult coworkers or friends face the consequences of their actions. However, it is extremely difficult to harbor a dislike for someone when you are honestly praying for God’s richest blessings over them. Doing so means you love them enough to ask God for His very best in their life. That kind of love is nothing short of amazing, for it imitates what God did for us while we were yet sinners – it is a love only God can place inside of you.

Each of us has been given an outstanding opportunity to start over today. God proves His mercy by providing us with a brand-new morning. Regardless of what happened yesterday or throughout this week, let’s use this fresh start today to fall more in love with Jesus than ever before. Let’s determine to let the love He has shown us overflow to others.

Aim to see Jesus glorified today through your actions, your thoughts, and your words. And today, try praying His priestly blessing over those you love, those you rub shoulders with each day, and especially those who challenge you!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of a brand-new day and the fresh mercies that come with it. Lord, I lift up my child and my loved ones to You. I ask that You bless them and keep them; make Your face shine upon them and be gracious to them. I release my desire to control or fix them, knowing that You specialize in changing hearts from the inside out.

Lord, I also pray for those who challenge me, disagree with me, or despitefully use me. I ask that You pour out Your favor and success upon them. Replace any frustration in my heart with the unconditional love of Jesus. Help me to be a reflection of Your grace today in my thoughts, words, and actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:11-12 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want;

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Some years ago, I was blessed to join about 25 others from my church on a mission trip to an area where the residents were far less fortunate than what we were accustomed to. There were profound lessons I learned on that trip that came rushing back to me as I read Philippians 4:11-12 today. Let me share a couple of them with you:

1. Finding Contentment in the Essentials

We were given strict limits on what we could bring along: just one average-sized duffle bag. This had to hold our clothes for an entire week, as well as our eating utensils (a plate, knife, spoon, and fork). I soon saw the very practical reason for this limitation—15 of us had to squeeze into a 15-passenger van with all our belongings! I was used to packing more than that just for an overnight stay at a relative’s house! Yet, it was amazing how, for one week, I found absolute contentment with only the bare necessities.

2. Discovering Joy Beyond Possessions

Often, we believe we must bring an abundance of gifts to elevate the less fortunate to our standards. But our leaders reminded us to meet the residents exactly where they lived and to respect what they had. They were genuinely happy in their homes, no matter how humble those homes appeared to us blessed folks from Florida!

It didn’t stop our hearts from aching when we saw homes built on an old garbage dump, using discarded materials, or children playing barefoot with whatever random objects they could find. Yet, in every circumstance, those children and families possessed a joy that outshone many of our own neighborhoods – places where we have more space than we could ever use and our children have more toys than they can play with.

Our church group went to minister, but we were the ones being ministered to in ways that our normal services in plush church buildings could hardly compare with. It was a real eye-opener to what the Apostle Paul taught the church at Philippi. It spoke volumes about the comfortable lifestyles we often live, without a second thought for those who are struggling.

God used that trip to open our eyes to the deeper truth of Paul’s letter: we must make sure there is room in our hearts and that our eyes are open wide enough to see what others are facing. Yes, they need Jesus just like we do. But it is hard to hear the Gospel when your stomach is hurting from a lack of nutritious food. When we meet their physical needs, they can better listen to the Gospel being preached by our pastors and by us as we witness to them in real life.

Please allow me to suggest a way we can stay humble and demonstrate that we have truly grasped Paul’s teaching today. Let’s strive to make a difference in the life of just one person outside of our family this week. Let’s ask God to direct us to a specific need and embolden us to help without passing judgment.

For those of us who have worked our entire lives, we might struggle with seeing someone begging for money on a street corner instead for seeking a job. But what about the senior citizen who runs out of grocery money two weeks into the month? How do they make it? Many of us throw away more leftovers than they have for one good meal a day. We cook more than enough to share a warm plate with someone in need.

What about transportation? Many of us have multiple vehicles to travel around, enjoy our cities, and take in the sights. Meanwhile, others rely on the bus – waiting hours if they need a vehicle equipped for, or have space for, an assistive device. Did God bless us with our vehicles solely for our personal enjoyment? Wouldn’t God be deeply honored to see us bless others with the very things He has so graciously blessed us with?

Paul shared that he had learned the secret to being content in any and every situation. Have we? Let us start by being a river where God’s blessings flow freely through us, rather than a dam where His blessings stop right at the point of delivery!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the incredible blessings You have poured into my life—many of which I too often take for granted. Forgive me for the times I have focused on what I think I lack, rather than praising You for what I already have. Open my eyes to see the silent struggles of those around me, and give me a heart of deep compassion that refuses to pass judgment. Lord, teach me the secret of true contentment. Help me to be a river of Your grace, letting Your blessings flow freely through me to touch the lives of others, so that they might see the love of Jesus in my actions. In His holy name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:8 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

…Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

I remember attending a mid-week prayer and Bible study where the leader asked us to take a few minutes to offer up only prayers of thanksgiving for what God had done that week. We were told to save our petitions and requests for later in the service. It was amazing—and sobering—to realize how challenging it was just to say “thank you” without immediately asking for something else.

That moment reminded me of how easily we can slip into a lifestyle of asking God for help without taking the time to reflect on the countless prayers He has already answered. In my upbringing, my siblings and I would have been scolded for receiving a gift and failing to say “thank you.” Yet, Satan cleverly pulls us into the trap of ignoring the good God has done so we can spend all our time focusing on what we think we still need.

This is exactly why God inspired the Apostle Paul to write Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” God knew that we would struggle with the exact same mindset as the church at Philippi. If we filled our minds with the brighter things of life—the answered prayers, the victories of our loved ones, the open doors God chose for us to walk through, and the clear direction He gives when we struggle—we would instantly realize just how incredibly blessed we are. We would also recognize the gift of the body of believers we worship with each week, who encourage us, lift us up, and check in on our well-being.

Years ago, early on a Monday morning at work, I opened the front door for an employee and welcomed them with a warm, genuine smile. Instead of returning the smile, they asked what on earth could possibly have me so happy on a Monday morning at work. When I began listing the things I was already thankful for—including the beautiful handiwork of God I had seen on my drive in—they completely shut down the conversation.

When we allow ourselves to be filled with worry, stress, and the burdens of yesterday, we lose sight of the Lord. We forget that He is the One causing our hearts to beat today. We overlook a beautiful family who loves us, a workplace that puts bread on the table, and safety on the dangerous roads we travel. It is so easy to let the weight of the world pull us down and start wondering where God is.

But even in the middle of a broken world, the amazing love of Jesus still shines through. The Holy Son of God loved us enough to sacrifice His very life for us, and He continues to watch over us in every single circumstance of life.

Let’s choose to think on these things today. Let’s train our minds to find the good in our family members, neighbors, coworkers, and friends, instead of focusing on their faults or comparing ourselves to them. When we intentionally change what we look at, we will stop focusing on the enemy’s disruptions and start rejoicing in God’s abundant blessings. We might even find ourselves moving past treating Jesus as a casual, infrequent acquaintance, and truly making Him the Lord of our lives.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have taken Your blessings for granted and rushed into Your presence with demands rather than thanksgiving. Thank You for the breath in my lungs, the safety on the roads, the provision on my table, and the loved ones in my life. Most of all, thank You for the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. Holy Spirit, help me to take control of my thoughts today. When worry and negativity try to take over, remind me to focus on whatever is true, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Turn my eyes away from my problems and fix them onto Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Monday, May 18, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

When we think about the opposite of a thankful heart, a few distinct mindsets come to mind:

1. An Entitled Heart: One that feels like God and the world owe them something. It whispers, “After all, I’ve been a good person. I go to church at least a few times a year, and I try to be honest and upright. Surely I deserve God’s favor!”
2. A Demanding Heart: One that tries to step into God’s position, demanding immediate answers to every personal wish and command. We must remember that God owes us nothing; by His standard of perfect justice, our own righteousness could never earn a place in His presence.
3. A Superior Heart: One that places itself above everyone else—including God. It operates under the assumption that only you know what you truly need, rejecting any correction or guidance from the Lord about what is actually best for you.

Instead of these self-centered mindsets, Philippians 4:6 guides us toward a deeply grateful heart. This is a heart that realizes we are nothing compared to the God of this universe, the Creator of all mankind. Yet, it also realizes that He is a deeply sacrificial God who, through the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son, provided us with peace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Take a moment to truly meditate on that contrast. God is the only One who can claim a truly holy, all-righteous, all-loving, and everlasting status. Who are we to even try to match those qualities? Who are we that we could ever hope to stand in His presence? Yet, because of His staggering love, Jesus is preparing an eternal home for us where we will spend forever with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When we honestly assess our position compared to the King of kings and Lord of lords, we are quickly reminded of how blessed we really are. We are loved far beyond anything we could ever deserve, and we are amazingly honored just to bring our petitions before Him.

It is from this state of mind—filled with humility, reverence, love, and appreciation—that we can approach the throne of grace. Let’s always remember that He is God, and we are His servants. Let’s approach our Master with the absolute respect He deserves, carrying a heart that is profoundly grateful for all He has already done and all He has promised to do.

Scripture teaches us that taking our rightful, thankful, and humble position before God is exactly what brings true joy to our souls. It completely lifts the heavy burden of stress off our shoulders because we finally stop trying to control the world.

Are you there yet? Allow me to suggest that you take your rightful position at His feet today, and watch your worry turn into worship.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, search my heart today. Forgive me for the times I have allowed entitlement, pride, or a demanding spirit to creep into my prayers. Forgive me for acting as though You owe me anything, when in reality, You have already given me everything through Jesus. Lord, I want to take my rightful position as Your servant. I bow before You in true humility and reverence, amazed that the Creator of the universe invites me to speak to Him. Thank You for Your sacrificial love, Your forgiveness, and the eternal home You are preparing for me. I bring my requests to You today with a heart full of gratitude, trusting entirely in Your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Sunday, May 17, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

In our previous look at Philippians 4:6, we talked about God’s blueprint for overcoming anxiety: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” But have you ever wondered what happens when people don’t have this wonderful advice – or choose to ignore it? When life doesn’t go the way we expect or demand, our natural human instinct is to panic, spiral, or immediately look for someone or something to blame.

True peace doesn’t mean life is free of storms; it means having an anchor in the midst of them. To show you what I mean, look at how the grace and love of God carried two of my close relatives through terrifying health crises over the past year.

The Interrupted Vacation

My sister works long, grueling hours under extreme stress. Last year, she took her annual vacation, fully expecting to get some much-needed rest and completely de-stress. But by the third day of her trip, our family had to call emergency services. She had blacked out for no apparent reason.

After a week in the hospital, doctors discovered an unexpected, underlying heart condition and performed a procedure to protect her future health. Humanly speaking, she had every right to be upset. Her hard-earned vacation was ruined. There was no pool time, no extra sleep, and no rest for our family, who spent those days sitting by a hospital bed.

Yet, as a believer, she found an unshakeable peace. She chose to speak to her Creator and ask Him to intervene. She recognized God’s hand in the timing: she was near a top-tier hospital, surrounded by expert medical care, and wrapped in the undivided attention of her family. She knew that the God we were praying to was working directly through those doctors to uncover the root cause and provide a modern medical solution. Without God, she could have been consumed by bitterness. With Him, and through His miraculous touch, she found calm reassurance from talking with Him, the One who designed her body.

The Journey Through the Valley

My brother-in-law is a strong, hardworking young man with a young family to support. Out of nowhere, he began suffering from terrible headaches and blackouts. Over the past 11 months he ended up spending many weeks at a time in the hospital, battling brain lymphoma.

It would have been easy for him to curse God. His healthy life was completely interrupted. He was temporarily unable to provide for his family, missed out on his teenage son’s milestones, and couldn’t be the active husband he wanted to be. But instead of bitterness, he chose a deep connection with God. He didn’t just talk to God; he surrendered his care to Him and committed to walking in obedience.

Throughout this challenge he described this past year as “quite the journey,” but just days ago, he was released from the hospital, celebrating being completely cancer-free! He is living proof today that when you place your faith in God, talk to Him, and surrender your will to Him, He will reveal Himself in ways you never could have imagined.

The Invitation

Perhaps you are reading this today and your life looks very different. You might not need a medical miracle right now, or maybe you are still struggling to believe that God works this way. My responsibility as a servant of God isn’t to argue, but simply to remind you of what God’s Word promises and show you how He still fulfills those promises in real time.

We serve an awesome, all-powerful God. Don’t wait for a crisis to catch up with you before you finally share your heart and soul with Him. His arms are outstretched right now, waiting for your call out to Him. He is ready to comfort you, guide you, and forgive you if you simply ask Him and commit to a personal relationship with Him.

Jesus is indeed Lord of all. I pray that you will make Him the Lord of your life today.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are the Master, and I am Your servant. Forgive me for the times I have allowed worry and stress to consume me instead of bringing my needs to You. Thank You for Your unlimited power, Your perfect timing, and Your amazing love. Today, I lay down my anxieties and present my needs to You with a grateful heart. I thank You for the blessings I already have, and I trust Your answers—whether they are yes, wait, or no. Let Your peace rule my heart today, and let my life reflect Your goodness to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Saturday, May 16, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

There’s a famous secular song that tells us, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!” It’s a catchy tune, but it leaves us with a massive challenge: how exactly do we stop worrying, and how do we stay happy when life gets heavy? Another song tells us, “Don’t worry about a thing.” Again, it sounds nice, but human advice can only take us so far.

Many people don’t realize that the Word of God contains practical instructions for every single aspect of life. It comes straight from the Creator of the universe—the One who designed you and me. Who better to fill in the blanks of our lives than God Himself?

In our focal verse today, Philippians 4:6, God speaks through the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi. This verse wasn’t included in the Bible just to give us a nice story to read; God knew we would face the perplexing challenge of stress and anxiety, and He wanted us to have the ultimate antidote.

Paul gives us the exact strategy His children need: Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. Notice that God wants us to be intentional. This isn’t about wishing on a star or chasing wild imaginations; it’s about bringing our genuine, heartfelt needs to Him. Often, we get frustrated with the world because we desire things we don’t need or can’t afford. But when it comes to our actual needs, the stakes are higher. We become desperate, and stress creeps in because we don’t see a way out without divine intervention.

If you take away nothing else today, remember this: Simply ask God for what you need, and do it with a thankful heart. Does that sound too simple? Perhaps. But if you believe in God’s unlimited power and His amazing love for His children, you can rest assured that He is always true to His Word. He will come through for us.

To help us approach Him with the right heart, here are four keys to asking with the right attitude:

1. Remember Who He Is – He is God, and we are not. Approach Him as a servant approaches a master—with deep reverence. A servant never dictates terms to the master. We are in no position to tell the Lord, Creator, Healer, and Deliverer of this universe how to do His job. We simply make our request and trust His authority.

2. Seek His Will First – We ask because we want God’s perfect will to be done. Sometimes, He has a purpose for us to fulfill or a ministry to grow within us before He lifts the trial or provides the physical healing. Trust His process.

3. Trust His Answers – We ask because we recognize that we cannot provide these things for ourselves. When we surrender our needs to Him, His answer may come in one of three ways:

• Yes: An immediate, timely provision.
• Wait: His timing is flawless. When the breakthrough finally comes, it will be undeniably clear to everyone that God alone answered that prayer.
• No: Because He loves you, He will withhold things that might ultimately harm you or others. His “no” is protection.

4. Lead with Gratitude – This key is right there in the verse—ask with thanksgiving. Be grateful that the Master of the universe allows us to have a personal relationship where we can bring Him anything. For example, if you are seeking relief from a painful arm, thank Him first for the blessing of your other healthy, pain-free arm. Then, ask Him to restore the one that hurts. Avoid complaining about how easy everyone else has it. Instead, focus on His current blessings.

Final Thoughts – We serve an awesome, all-powerful God who has already blessed us beyond anything we could think, imagine, or deserve. Let’s start taking even the smallest stressors to Him. When we learn to rejoice over His answers to the little things, our faith grows, preparing us to trust Him with the much larger needs of life. Remind the world whose you are today by how you respond to life’s circumstances. Don’t let anxiety and stress rule your day. Instead, take it to God from a heart of deep thanksgiving. He is waiting to hear your cry and respond as only He can!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are the Master, and I am Your servant. Forgive me for the times I have allowed worry and stress to consume me instead of bringing my needs to You. Thank You for Your unlimited power, Your perfect timing, and Your amazing love. Today, I lay down my anxieties and present my needs to You with a grateful heart. I thank You for the blessings I already have, and I trust Your answers—whether they are yes, wait, or no. Let Your peace rule my heart today, and let my life reflect Your goodness to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Thursday, May 14, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Proverbs 4:23 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Voice (VOICE).

²³ Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

In the preceding verses, we are reminded of the importance of listening to and obeying the Word of God. But then comes this powerful verse that reminds us of something very important: guard what goes into your heart, because it will affect the outflow of your whole life.

This is much like military personnel being warned to pay close attention to Central Command. If they ignore, twist, or manipulate the instructions given, they could end up harmed by what should have protected them.

I believe God is reminding us here to guard what enters our heart — our thoughts, our minds, and our decision-making. When the love, peace, and joy of God fill our hearts, then our words, attitudes, and actions will naturally reflect those things. But when we constantly surround ourselves with hateful, selfish, angry, or ungodly influences, it begins to affect us also. Before long, we may find ourselves speaking, thinking, and behaving in ways that do not honor God.

The same is true for the movies we watch, the Facebook posts we entertain, the music we listen to, the conversations we entertain, and the places we choose to spend our time. All these things influence the heart and mind. Sometimes we may even wonder, “Where did those thoughts come from?” or “Why did I respond that way?” Many times, it is because we allowed unhealthy influences to settle into our hearts.

Some may try to justify sinful behavior by pointing out that terrible things happened in the Bible too. But the greater message of the Bible is this: although sin brought destruction to individuals, families, cities, and nations, God still loved us enough to send Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners. Jesus came so that we might be forgiven, changed, and restored through Him. So that we might have pure and righteous hearts.

God gives each of us a choice. We can continue living life our own way and reject Him, or we can recognize the grace and mercy offered through Jesus Christ, accept Him as Lord and Savior, and receive the promise of eternal life with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever. To me, the choice is clear. Jesus is the only One who can truly cleanse our hearts and guide our lives. He is my Savior and Lord, and I pray that you will choose Him fully and allow Him to guard and direct your heart each day. What a joy it would be to worship at the feet of Jesus together throughout all eternity!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding us of the importance of guarding our hearts. Help us to be careful about the things we allow into our minds and spirits. Fill our hearts with Your love, peace, wisdom, and truth so that our words, attitudes, and actions will reflect You. Lord, remove anything from our lives that pulls us away from You. Help us to recognize the grace You freely offer through Jesus Christ and to choose obedience over sin each day. Strengthen us to walk closely with You and to honor You in all we say and do. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us and to give us the hope of eternal life. May our hearts remain fixed on You until the day we worship You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:6-7 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. ⁷ If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

If you’re married, your spouse can usually tell when you’re worried before you even say a word. They ask because they love you and want to help. God is the same way, only He’s a step ahead—He already knows your thoughts before they even form.

So why do we worry? Usually, it’s because we feel like we’ve run out of options. We try to fix things ourselves first—like taking a pill for a backache or trying a new exercise. We only turn to the “Doctor” when our own solutions fail. But if we have a relationship with a God who loves us perfectly, why wouldn’t we talk to Him first?

When we keep our struggles to ourselves, we end up “moping” in our troubles. We might even mistakenly feel like God doesn’t care because He hasn’t stepped in yet. But Paul tells us the secret: Tell Him. Present your needs to Him with a thankful heart.

The “thanksgiving” part is key. Most of us wait until the prayer is answered to say thank you. But Paul suggests we thank Him while we are asking. This shows we have total confidence that our problem is in the right hands. It’s like saying, “Father, I’m giving this to You because You’re the only one who can fix it, and I’m thanking You now because I know You will handle it better than I ever could.”

That kind of faith brings a peace that doesn’t even make sense to the world. If you aren’t there yet, don’t be discouraged. Revisit the cross and commit yourself fully to the Savior. Remember how much He has already done for you and start sharing your heart with Him today.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for knowing me better than I know myself. Forgive me for making You my last resort instead of my first response. Today, I bring You the things that are weighing on my heart, and you already know them individually, but I will mention them each privately. I choose to thank You right now—not because the problem is gone, but because You are in control of it. Fill my mind with Your peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

15 … always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Before we dive in, let’s establish two things: first, the command to “do good” applies to everyone – not just fellow believers or the people who are kind to us. But to do good to those who may not be good to you. Second, these instructions are specifically for those who belong to Jesus. Following Christ isn’t about church attendance or trying to do good; it’s about a transformed nature. When Jesus is Lord, obeying Him becomes our new “natural.”

The Standard of Kindness How can God expect us to be good to everyone? Look at the Cross. God accepted us while we were still “clothed in our sin.” If we claim to be His children, our goal is to mirror His character. If we can treat others unkindly without feeling a stir in our hearts, we must stop and ask: Do I truly know Him? A heart that belongs to Christ is a heart that the Holy Spirit constantly prompts toward love.

The Lifestyle of the “Always” Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. This sounds impossible if we view it as a checklist, but it’s actually about attitude.

• Constant Prayer: This isn’t about being on your knees 24/7; it’s an ongoing conversation with God while you drive, work, and live. It’s keeping Him involved in every detail.
• Constant Joy: Joy isn’t a reaction to good news; it’s a deep-seated security in Christ that circumstances can’t touch.
• Constant Thanks: We often lose our gratitude when life doesn’t go our way. But when Jesus is Lord, we trust that He sees the “tomorrow” we cannot see.

When we struggle to give thanks, we are essentially saying we could run our lives better than God can. But for those who belong to Christ Jesus, this lifestyle of joy, prayer, and thanks is God’s perfect will. Let’s stop trying to control the outcome and start trusting the One who is in charge.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for accepting me even when I was far from You. Holy Spirit, stir my heart today. Help me to do good to everyone I encounter, regardless of how they treat me. Shift my attitude from self-reliance to constant prayer, and let Your joy be my strength even when circumstances are hard. I surrender my ‘right’ to be in control and trust Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

DATE POSTED
Monday, May 11, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Mark 16:15-16 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Passion Translation (TPT).

¹⁵ And he said to them, “As you go into all the world, preach openly the wonderful news of the gospel to the entire human race! ¹⁶ Whoever believes the good news and is baptized will be saved, and whoever does not believe the good news will be condemned.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Verse 15 reminds me of all of us on a Monday morning. We’ve spent Sunday with Jesus—refreshed by His Word and encouraged by our church family. Now, we are redirected to let that enthusiasm flow out of us to everyone we meet this week. It’s a good reminder that whatever we let flow into our hearts is exactly what will “spill out” through our words, actions, and attitudes.

I specifically like this translation, because it encourages us to share the Good News “as we go.” And though many Bibles use the word “preach,” I want to be clear: this isn’t just a command for pastors or evangelists. If you know Jesus as your Savior, you are His disciple, and this command is for you.

Sharing the Good News “as we go” means we don’t have to wait for a church service or a private prayer meeting. It means that in the middle of our daily errands and activities, we carry the love of Christ with us. Just this morning, I heard a story about someone sharing Jesus’ love with another person. They didn’t even have to quote a specific chapter or verse. When Jesus touches us on the inside, His love overflows in a “sermon” that words could never fully explain. Finally, these verses remind us of the weight of this mission. Jesus reemphasizes a truth found throughout the New Testament: when we share the Gospel and someone believes, they are saved from the penalty of sin and promised eternal life. But if they continue to reject Him, they remain separated from Him forever. It absolutely blows my mind to think that our simple interactions could make the difference in someone’s eternal destiny.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the refreshment of Your Word. As I head into this week, help me to be mindful of what I am allowing into my heart, so that only Your love spills out. Give me the courage to share the Good News “as I go”—in the grocery store, at work, and in my home. Let my life be a sermon that points others toward Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!