THE HOLY BIBLE (New Living Translation – Habakkuk 2:4): “Look at the proud!  They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.

THOUGHTS: While meditating on this passage this morning I felt God really draw to my attention the difference between the man who trusts in himself and the man who places his faith solely and squarely in the righteousness of the God of this universe. I reflected on the man who would have been comfortable in his riches, then during times of depressive monetary markets, could have lost everything he had – everything that he had placed his trust and confidence in. I also hear of folk who place their whole lives into their family, and let me be quick to say that I totally love my family and will do the world for them, but sons and daughters move on, and most marriages fail today, so where might that man’s happiness and confidence lie after such loss? Now as to the righteous man, this scripture tells us where we will find true ‘life’ (happiness, confidence, reassurance, stability, hope and eternal expectations). One way that I have found that God confirms a truth to us, is when we find it repeated in scripture. This idea of a righteous man living by faith is found in multiple scriptures, and I feel, affirms or reinforces the message: Romans 1:17 (This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Galatians 3:11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
Hebrews 10:37-38 “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” I believe that it is very obvious that the Word is pointing us to a life of righteousness friend, for it is a life dedicated to being ‘right with God’. It is obvious that God approves of, and is looking for this type person and takes no pleasure in anyone who decides to the contrary. I would suggest that we examine ourselves and determine if we feel like God is pleased with us. Have you made yourself ‘right with God’ (righteous) by asking Him to forgive you of your sin, and wash you clean through the cleansing power of Jesus Christ? That’s how you replace the ugliness of sin with the cleanliness of Jesus Christ and His righteousness. No other power or cleansing agent will do the job. Please read my ‘Footnote’ for help, or more information on how simple this action is. God loves you and would welcome you into His kingdom, but He wants you to take the necessary action.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I believe it is obvious that an unrighteous person has no part in Your kingdom where righteousness abounds. I surrender myself to You all over again today and ask that You wash me clean of all unrighteousness. I pray that You would then refill me with Your holiness and righteousness so that I may be one with You. In doing this, I pray that You would then use me for Your kingdom work here on this earth so that others that I come into contact with would be influenced for You. Please impact the lives of my readers today as they meditate on this devotional and make decisions about their being ‘right with God’. Reassure the righteous and provoke the unrighteous towards rightness with You. I ask this in the wonderful and righteous name of Jesus, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!