DATE POSTED
Sunday, May 3, 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 Romans 1:15-16 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Message (MSG).

¹⁵ …that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.

¹⁶ It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! 

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.

Paul expresses an eager desire to share the gospel and boldly declares that he is not ashamed of it. His passion is heartwarming and prompts us to share that same Good News. After all, Paul had been rescued from a life of deep sin, and that transformation filled him with urgency to tell others about Jesus.

We understand that kind of excitement. We gladly talk about our children, our accomplishments, and the things that bring us joy. Yet when it comes to sharing the greatest news of all – the saving power of Jesus – we can become hesitant. Fear, pride, or concern about what others might think often keeps us silent.

But Paul reminds us that the gospel is not just good news—it is the power of God for salvation. How can we keep that to ourselves, especially when we know the eternal difference it makes?

There may be people in our lives who have not yet come to know Jesus. What if our silence keeps them from hearing the truth? What if our story could point them to hope, forgiveness, and eternal life?

Like Paul, may we be filled with a boldness that comes from gratitude. If God has changed our lives, then we have something worth sharing. Let us ask Him for courage to speak, love to reach others, and a heart that is unashamed of the gospel.

Take a moment today for honest reflection: Are you ready for heaven? And are you helping others find their way there?

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for saving me and giving me new life through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve stayed silent when I should have spoken. Fill me with boldness, love, and urgency to share the gospel with others. Help me to live unashamed, always ready to point someone to You. 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, April 30, 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 Romans 3:22 and Philippians 1:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (Romans 3:22 NLT).

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

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.

Most of us like to finish what we start. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in seeing something through to completion. But have you ever stopped to consider where that desire comes from?

In Romans 3:23, we’re reminded of a sobering truth: all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Left to ourselves, we could never achieve the righteousness needed to stand before Him. Yet through faith in Jesus Christ, we are made right with God. That’s the starting point—grace, not effort.

But the journey doesn’t end there.

As long as we live in this world, we will face temptation, struggle, and the pull of sin. It’s a real battle. Left alone, we would stumble often and lose heart. Yet God, in His mercy, doesn’t abandon what He begins.

In Philippians 1:6, we are given a powerful assurance: He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ return. What a promise! Our salvation is not just a moment—it’s a lifelong work of God’s faithfulness.

Even when relationships on earth falter—friendships break, families struggle, and trust is sometimes lost—God remains constant. He is not like us. His commitment is perfect. His love does not waver. And His plan does not fail.

One day, Christ will return for His people – believers, the church, His bride—and we will be with Him forever. No more struggle. No more brokenness. Just eternal joy, worship, and fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

So, take heart today. If you belong to Jesus, your story is still being written—and God Himself is the Author who never leaves His work unfinished.

What an incredible God we serve.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for saving me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. When I feel weak or discouraged, remind me that You are still at work in me. Strengthen me to resist temptation and to trust in Your ongoing work in my life. Help me to rest in the promise that You will complete what You have started. Keep my eyes fixed on the hope of eternity with You. Bless each reader to see the truth, accept it and live in expectation of what You have prepared for them, in love and for their eternal benefit.
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, April 29, 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 Colossians 3:12-15 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New International Version (NIV).

12 … as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

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 Epistle to the Colossians 3:12–15, the apostle Paul the Apostle paints a powerful picture of what it means to live as one body in Christianity. Verse 15 speaks of the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts, reminding us that we are called to unity—but that unity doesn’t happen by accident.

Think about the human body. It would be chaotic if the eyes, hands, and feet all worked against each other. Every part must function in harmony. In the same way, as believers, we are called to live in agreement—guided by Christ, not by selfish desire.

Paul helps us understand how to achieve this. Before we can experience the peace and unity of verse 15, we must first embrace the attitudes in verses 12–14: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. These are not optional traits—they are the very “clothing” of those who belong to Jesus Christ. They are what it takes to show the world what Jesus looks, sounds and acts like.

Each new day gives us a fresh opportunity to “put on” these qualities. Much like a daily commitment, we choose whether we will reflect Christ or react according to our own feelings. Unity in the body begins when we take our eyes off ourselves and begin to see the needs, struggles, and hearts of others.

This is especially important within the family of believers. It’s easy to respond harshly when hurt or misunderstood, in fact, that’s what makes Satan’s day, but that response does not reflect Christ. Instead, Jesus calls us to something higher—to respond with grace, to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to love even when it’s difficult.

Our time here is brief, but the impact of living God’s way has eternal significance. When we live in His love, we offer others something far greater than temporary comfort—we point them to lasting hope. So today, choose to be clothed in Christ. Let His peace rule your heart. And live in such a way that others see not just you—but Jesus Christ alive and well in you.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Thank You for calling me to be part of Your body. Help me each day to put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and love. Teach me to look beyond myself and see the needs of others. When I am tempted to respond in my own strength, remind me of Your grace and forgiveness toward me. Let Your peace rule in my heart so that I may live in unity with others and reflect You in all I do. Use my life to point others to Your everlasting hope. 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, April 28, 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 John 13:34-35 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

³⁴ “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. ³⁵ All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”

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.

Jesus Christ calls His followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. These weren’t casual words—they were part of a deeper preparation of His disciples for the day He would no longer walk beside them physically. Much like the moments surrounding the Last Supper and the washing of feet, Jesus was revealing the heart of His kingdom: love expressed through humble action.

Jesus didn’t just speak about love—He demonstrated it. He knelt, served, and gave of Himself fully. Scripture reminds us that God is love, so if we claim Him as Lord, then His love should be the very first thing others notice in us.

Think about seasons in life when you’ve cared for someone in deep need – perhaps an aging parent or a loved one who required constant attention. Those moments stretch you beyond convenience into true, sacrificial love. It’s humbling. It’s costly. And yet, it reflects the very heart of Christ. When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He showed us that no act of service is beneath us when it is driven by love.

Living as salt and light means allowing that same love to shape how we respond to others – especially when it’s difficult. There may be times when you’re called to help someone you don’t naturally feel drawn to, or even someone who has not treated you kindly. In those moments, we are reminded to love not based on feeling, but on the example Jesus set for us.

When we choose to love this way, it stands out. It becomes a light—something others can’t quite explain apart from the presence of God within us. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness or service is the very thing that carries someone through their day.

So today, let His love lead you. Be ready. Be willing. Be the salt that brings hope and the light that points others to Him.

And as you do, don’t be surprised when God meets you in those moments with blessings that remind you just how faithful He is.

PRAYER
Lord, we are remembering today that You are love! The essence of love demonstrated in so many ways, and it teaches us to love likewise. There is no guide on when or how or whom to love, but to merely follow in Your way and love others unconditionally. Satan is busy throwing reasons at us as to why someone is not worthy of our love, but You never showed this nor exampled it for us. So, precious Lord, teach us to love like you. In fact, so much so that others will know who lives in, and loves through, us. Be glorified today as we interact with others who need to see Your perfect love. Thank You Jesus! 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, April 25, 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 Romans 3:23-24 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

²³ All have sinned and are not good enough to share God’s divine greatness. ²⁴ They are made right with God by his grace. This is a free gift. They are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus Christ.

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 it comes to our children, there is very little we wouldn’t do for them. Whether they meet every expectation or fall short in many ways, our love for them remains. In a far greater and more perfect way, this is how God loves us.

Our Scripture reminds us that all have sinned—every one of us has fallen short of God’s glory. Yet in His incredible love, God did not leave us in that condition. Instead, He provided the way for us to be made right with Him through His grace. And when we accept that precious gift through Jesus Christ, we are welcomed into His family—children of the King, loved and cared for now and forever.

While we remain here on earth, God knows that we will still face temptation and the pull of sin. But He also assures us that through Christ, we are forgiven. This forgiveness is not partial—it covers our past, our present, and our future, as we walk in relationship with Him.

And something powerful happens when we truly surrender to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us—guiding, convicting, and transforming us. He opens our eyes to recognize sin, strengthens our desire to resist it, and leads us toward a life marked by love, obedience, and righteousness. We are no longer alone in the struggle; God Himself is at work within us.

If, however, you feel as though something is missing—if there is no conviction, no desire for change, no evidence of God’s Spirit at work—it may be time to honestly reexamine your relationship with Him. God is faithful, and He keeps every promise. He does not fail to complete what He begins in those who truly belong to Him.

Life on this earth will always bring challenges. But let this truth steady your heart: God is still on the throne. His love has not changed. And His invitation to salvation remains open. He desires for you to be part of His family—His children, His church—secure in His care for all eternity.

Does that sound impossible? It might—if we rely on our own strength. But think about the commitment found in a faithful marriage, where one chooses to remain true despite temptation. If we can show that kind of faithfulness in human relationships, how much more can we live faithfully toward God with the help of the Holy Spirit?

You are justified (made right) by grace. You are adopted (into God’s family) in love. Now live in the power He has given you.

PRAYER
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for all You have done to give freedom from sin to those who place their faith and trust in You as Lord and Savior. Scripture reminds us that this comes only through the grace You provide. Thank You, Jesus! Yet, as long as we remain in this world of sin and evil, we face constant temptation and provocation to continue sinning. Thank You for the assurance that the Holy Spirit lives within us to help, guide, and encourage us toward a life of righteousness and holiness, just as You are holy. Thank You for Your faithfulness in giving us all we need to remain steadfast, even when the pull of temptation feels too strong in our own strength. Please continue to preserve us and keep us holy before the Lord until You call us to join You and the Father in heaven for all eternity. 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, April 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 1 Peter 1:14-16 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

¹⁴ So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. ¹⁵ But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. ¹⁶ For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

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 1 Peter 1:14–16, we are reminded of a powerful calling: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Growing up, most of us understood that our parents had expectations. When we lived under their roof, we knew there were standards to follow and consequences if we chose otherwise. Those lessons were meant to shape us—and in many ways, they did.

Now, as children of God, we live under a greater and more loving authority. Our Heavenly Father also has expectations for how we live—not to burden us, but to reflect His character in us.

Unlike our earthly parents, God sees everything. He knows our actions, hears our words, and even understands our thoughts (Matt 9:4; Luke 6:8). Yet this shouldn’t cause fear – it should draw us closer to Him. The same God who sees all is the One who loves us completely.

Our relationship with Jesus is not about earning His love or striving for a higher standing. That was already secured through Him. Instead, our obedience flows from love—a desire to reflect the One who saved us.

When we gave our lives to Christ, we turned away from our old ways and stepped into a new life. That means we no longer live as we once did, for in vs 16, that we are ‘holy’, because our mentor, Jesus, is also ‘Holy’! We grow to think, speak, and act more like Him every day.

And yes, this calling is high. We cannot achieve it in our own strength. But through Christ, what seems impossible becomes possible. He is the One who transforms us and helps us walk in holiness each day.

So let this truth settle in your heart: you are called to be holy—not because you can achieve it alone, but because you belong to a holy God who is faithfully shaping you.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for calling me to a life that reflects You. Help me to walk in obedience, not out of fear, but out of love. Shape my heart, my thoughts, and my actions so that I may live in a way that honors You. 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, April 22, 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 Luke 6:35-36 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

³⁵ “I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. ³⁶ Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.

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 Scripture verses today, Jesus calls us to something higher: to love, to show kindness, and to be merciful—just as our Father is merciful.

The enemy will always try to pull us in the opposite direction. He stirs up thoughts of anger, revenge, selfishness, and unforgiveness. And when we act on those, we reflect his nature instead of God’s.

But when we gave our lives to Jesus, we made a decision to turn away from those old ways. We chose a new path—to follow Jesus and become more like Him.

In any meaningful relationship, we naturally want to please the one we love. In the same way, if we are growing in our relationship with Jesus, our desire will be to live in a way that honors Him. We begin to notice when our thoughts or actions don’t align with His heart.

Just look at Jesus’ example. When He was arrested, He healed the one who came against Him. While on the cross, He asked the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him. That is mercy. That is love. And that is the life He calls us to live.

So we must ask ourselves: if Jesus has forgiven us, loved us, and made us new, why would we allow old patterns to take hold again? Why let our words, thoughts, or actions be shaped by anything other than Him?

A strong relationship with Jesus doesn’t happen by accident—it requires daily connection. We speak to Jesus in prayer and praise. We listen through His Word, through fellowship, and through time spent in His presence.

And as we do, something beautiful happens – His love begins to overflow from our lives.

People will see it. They will recognize who we belong to—not by what we say, but by how we love, how we forgive, and how we show mercy.

PRAYER
Lord, fill my heart with Your love and mercy. Help me to reflect Your kindness in my thoughts, words, and actions. May my life clearly show that I belong to You. 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, April 21, 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 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 20 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

¹⁷ When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! ¹⁸ All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him…..
²⁰ So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is like God is calling to people through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God.

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 these verses, we are given both a promise and a purpose. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” These are not just comforting words—they are truth that defines every believer.

We each have a choice: we can take God at His Word and believe that His transforming work in us is complete, or we can allow the enemy to keep pulling our attention back to the past—our own or someone else’s.

When we receive Jesus Christ as Savior, our lives are not slightly adjusted – they are completely changed. It is a turning point, a full surrender. We step off the path we once walked and begin a new life of faith, following Christ as Lord. We are no longer defined by who we used to be.

Scripture tells us that God removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. If He no longer holds our past against us, why do we continue to carry it? Why do we allow old labels, failures, or regrets to weigh us down when God has already declared us new?

And just as importantly, how do we view others who have been made new in Christ?

If God has forgiven them, who are we to see them differently? If He calls them His child—holy and set apart—why would we allow ourselves to view them through a lens of judgment or suspicion? Yes, we will all stumble at times. But God calls us to see one another through eyes of grace, not condemnation.

We are not here to measure one another—we are here to rejoice together in what God has done. To celebrate that He rescues, restores, and renews lives—just as He did for us.

Then comes the calling.

Verse 20 reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ. That means we carry His message to the world—not as experts or professionally trained theologians, but as recipients of grace. One person sharing bread with another. Not above anyone, but eager for others to experience the same mercy and joy we’ve received.

We are not saved to sit still—we are saved to be sent.

So share what God has done in your life. Share the hope, the peace, the joy that only He can give. It’s not about what we have materially—it’s about the life we’ve been given spiritually.

Let your life reflect the truth: you are made new, and you have been sent out with purpose.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for making me new. Help me to release the past and to see others through Your eyes of grace. Use me as Your ambassador to share the hope and joy I’ve found in You. 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, April 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 Acts 7:9-10 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Amplified Bible (AMP).

⁹ “The [ten elder] patriarchs, overwhelmed with jealousy, sold [their younger brother] Joseph into [slavery in] Egypt; but God was with him, ¹⁰ and He rescued him from all his suffering, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made Joseph governor over Egypt and over his entire household.

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 Acts 7:9–10, Stephen recounts the story of Joseph with a simple yet powerful truth: “God was with him.” Those four words carry a promise that reaches far beyond Joseph’s life—they speak directly into ours.

When we surrender our hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ, we are not entering into a part-time relationship with God. He does not come and go based on where we are or how well we’re doing. Scripture assures us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That means He is with us always—in every moment, every place, and every circumstance.

Yet sometimes we live as though God is only present in sacred spaces—at church, during Bible study, or in moments of prayer. But His presence is not confined to buildings or spiritual acts. He walks with us through every joy and every sorrow, loving us faithfully and patiently as we navigate a broken world.

I was recently reminded of this at a memorial service for a 7-day-old baby girl. The grief of those parents was overwhelming. And yet, even in their heartbreak, there was a quiet assurance: God was with them. He had not abandoned them in their pain, and He would continue to carry them through life.

In another part of our family, a young and very strong loved one has been battling cancer. From a human perspective, we may be tempted to ask, “Why?” But God’s perspective is different. Where we may see suffering, He sees a life still held, still loved, and still full of purpose. Just as with Joseph, God sees a jewel—being shaped and refined for His glory.

Joseph’s life was marked by betrayal, false accusation, and deep suffering. He was rejected by his own brothers and unjustly imprisoned. Yet none of those circumstances changed the truth: God was with him. And in time, God raised him up to a place of great influence, using his life to save many—including those who had wronged him.

The same is true for us. As children of the King, our worth is not measured by our circumstances or by the opinions of others. We are not less valuable in hardship, nor more valuable in success. In God’s eyes, we are His beloved—equally precious, equally known, and deeply loved.

So whatever you are facing today, hold fast to this truth: God is with you. He is working, even when you cannot see it. He is present, even when you cannot feel it. And He is faithful to complete what He has begun in you.

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Lift your head in hope. Your story is not over, and your life is not without purpose.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your constant presence. Help me to trust that You are with me in every season—through joy, sorrow, and uncertainty. Strengthen my faith, refine my heart, and use my life for Your glory. 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, April 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 1 Corinthians 2:9 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

…“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

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 1 Corinthians 2:9, Paul echoes the words first spoken in Isaiah 64:4, reminding us that what God has prepared for those who love Him goes far beyond anything we can see, hear, or even imagine. When Scripture repeats itself, it’s often an invitation to pause, reflect, and truly take hold of the truth being emphasized.

So take a moment—slow down and meditate on this promise. Let the Holy Spirit speak personally to your heart.

What is it that makes you feel inadequate?

Many of us quietly believe that only the exceptionally gifted, highly favored, or naturally confident are the ones God chooses for meaningful service—even within the church. But is that really true? Or have we simply grown accustomed to comparing ourselves, assuming others are more qualified or more deserving of God’s grace?

Consider Moses—reluctant, full of excuses, and unsure of himself. Yet God used him to lead a nation out of bondage through signs, wonders, and divine provision. Think of Joseph—betrayed, abandoned, and left for dead, yet raised up by God to preserve an entire nation, including the very family who wronged him.

Even in our own lives, we’ve seen people who started where we did, yet God has lifted them into places of influence and service we never imagined.

Here’s the truth we must not forget: God does not create anything without purpose. He did not make you by accident, and He certainly did not make you lacking. He is not waiting for you to become “enough”—He is waiting for your willingness.

God is far more concerned with our availability than our ability.

He is the One who brings water from the rock, makes a path through the sea, and draws treasure from the depths of the earth. And in the same way, He forms something powerful and purposeful out of a life that is surrendered to Him.

So today, acknowledge Him as your King, your Creator, your Provider. Offer yourself fully—just as you are—and invite Him to use you.

Because what He has planned for your life may be far greater than anything you could ever think or imagine.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust that You have created me with purpose. Quiet the voice of comparison and doubt, and give me a willing heart. Use my life for Your glory in ways beyond what I can imagine. 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!