DATE POSTED: Monday, December 18, 2023, and I was blessed to be at The Landing at Seven Coves, Willis, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 4:1-3

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Although God’s promise still stands—his promise that all may enter his place of rest—we ought to tremble with fear because some of you may be on the verge of failing to get there after all. For this wonderful news—the message that God wants to save us—has been given to us just as it was to those who lived in the time of Moses. But it didn’t do them any good because they didn’t believe it. They didn’t mix it with faith. For only we who believe God can enter into his place of rest. He has said, “I have sworn in my anger that those who don’t believe me will never get in,” even though he has been ready and waiting for them since the world began.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: In the New Living Translation, and several others, my attention was drawn to the way that the writer wanted us to focus on being at rest. I believe the best way for us to understand that is to think about a time in our lives when we were at ‘unrest’. I recall my mom sharing a time when she and my dad were caught in their home battling a large (tidal like) wave that came ashore in a monster hurricane. Their home was being battered, while also being filled with water. Both my mom and dad fought for their lives while seeing everything they owned being destroyed, and also while fighting for their own personal survival. At their first safe opportunity, they escaped and ran to the shelter of relatives who lived on higher, and safer, ground. Although still extremely concerned about their home and belongings, their minds were ‘at rest’ in being in a safe place, loved and cared for by relatives. In the Bible, and in these verses in particular, reference is made to the rescue of the Israelites from Egypt, where they were slaves in a foreign land. These were God’s chosen people, so when the time was right, He coordinated a safe and miraculous passage for their escape, into a land He promised to them. This ‘land’ was no ordinary place, for it was referred to as: a place of land and honey; a place that was lucious green and where its current residents seemed like giants. Although I would imagine that no one reading this devotional ever served as a slave, I believe that like me, you too can imagine the sigh of relief by the Israelites when they finally saw hope for their rescue from slavery drawing near. But, regardless of the miracles, upon miracles, that took place while millions of people made their way through the desert with minimal provisions, yet we know from the account that: some continued to wish they were back in Egypt; some cursed Moses for leading them into very rough times; many denounced the power of God, even after witnessing His miraculous actions to save them, feed them, and guide them on to a new country. In fact, some were so strongly opposed to God and His actions, that God lost His patience with them and refused to let them enter the land He had prepared for them. Interesting story, isn’t it? But is it any different to what we do today? God also prepared a place for you and I to dwell, after our time here on earth. With our permission, He wantsto take us out of our slavery to sin and this wicked world. He is performing miracles all around us, so that we could be reminded of His existence and His power. He left for us His Book of Instruction (the Bible) so that we could know more about Him, be guided in how He wants us to live, and most importantly – to introduce us to His very special gift – His only Son, Jesus. If we believe on Him and accept Him, then God promised us a land also – a forever home called Heaven. However, the same warning that He gave to the Israelites, He also gives to us. This new home, Heaven, is only available if we believe on Jesus and accept Him as Lord of our life. If we choose not to believe, then we will receive the same judgment as the Israelites – we will not enter into the land promised by God, for Heaven is a place for the saints of God to join with their Master/King/Lord where we will live eternally with him. Where does that put you, my friend. The conditions for acceptance is clear. No excuses will pardon your disobedience of the Master. God said it, we must believe it, for Him to accept us into Heaven. Leave no doubt in this my friend. This is a decision you must make while you’re alive, for your course in eternity to be just as God promised. If you choose to opt out in your decision making, your eternity will be more intense misery, pain and abuse by the evil one in hell. Please read my Footnote carefully, and follow through with the greatest decision you could make this side of Heaven. Your eternity depends on it.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I believe that You have built into us an overwhelming desire to make decisions that could mean endless happiness! Likewise, I am equally convinced that You have built into us a desire to question, and kick against the norm. A decision that, unfortunately, may lead to total destruction and/or misery, and/or eternal hopelessness. In making such important choices, it seems like our decisions would be easy. However, Satan is allowed to woo us towards his corner so we often choose to dishonor You, oh Lord. Although, I am reminded over and over again in Your Word that we are made in Your likeness, and if we would only seek You as our earthly Guide in these important decisions that affect our eternity, You will draw us to Yourself. Because of Your proven love and concern for us, Your precious children, I believe You are deeply saddened to see us set You aside, and instead accept the evil and hatred that the evil one is known for. Please forgive us Lord, and make us more determined to see and accept You and Your amazing attributes that will lead us to the joys of eternity in Heaven with You. AMEN!

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