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NUGGET Today's Devotional
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Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
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Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
On Saturday, in “What Is in YOUR Sacrifice, Part 2”, we saw that besides being completely free of “yeast” – sin, selfish ambition, legalism and pride; besides containing plenty of “salt” – reflecting Jesus and influencing the world for God’s Kingdom; we must also willingly give God all of our excess, that it may be sown back into the Kingdom of God!
Leviticus 6 makes reference to the term, “perpetual fire”: “The burnt offering must be left on top of the altar until the next morning, and the fire on the altar must be kept burning all night...Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out…Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” (Leviticus 6:9, 12, 13 NLT).
It is said that when God repeats Himself, it is a signal for us to pay close attention. Here we have God repeating Himself not just twice, but three times in the space of five verses. Shouldn’t this cause us to at least, as a minimum, check it out? But we don’t make burning sacrifices anymore. What can this have to do with our sacrifices?
In order to better understand the significance of this command for us today, we need to understand why it was important for Israel to keep the fires burning.
It would appear that God liked to reveal Himself to Israel through fire. He called Moses from a burning bush that never burned up (See Ex. 3:2), and He appeared to Israel as a pillar of fire at night, again, a pillar that never burned up (See Ex. 13:31-32).*
We also know that it was actually God who started these fires. Leviticus 9 tells us, “Fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar.” (vs. 24a NLT), and we also know that when Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu offered their own version of fire in the Lord’s presence, they were punished: “But Nadab and Abihu died in the Lord’s presence in the wilderness of Sinai when they burned before the Lord the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded.” (Numbers 3:4a NLT).
Finally, we know that fire represented God’s presence: “The Lord your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God.” (Deut. 4:24 NLT).
Putting this all together, we can see that this continuous fire would have helped Israel to remember that God’s presence is real and that they needed Him in their lives. It would also remind all of us that God will never leave us or forsake us, but that He will always be with us.
This speaks volumes in regards to the sacrifices we make to God on a daily basis of our time, our talents, our resources and our worship. Whatever it is we are giving back to God’s kingdom, we need to understand that God will use our sacrifices to shine forth His presence, to remind people everywhere that He will never leave us or forsake us.
This is all fine and good, but just what does it really mean? I mean, we can’t have a literal perpetual flame burning up our time and talents, our resources and our worship. Neither can we be continually singing for the Lord or giving Him all our money.
Let’s remember that fire is used in the New Testament as a sign of the Holy Spirit. When preaching about Jesus, John the Baptist said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire…” (Matthew 3:11b NLT); and tongues of fire were seen over the heads of the believers on that first Pentecost as the Holy Spirit was poured out (See Acts 2:3).
Secondly, let’s remember that not every sacrifice is accepted by God. Remember Cain and Abel (See Genesis 4:2-5)? Let’s now jump to the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (See 1 Kings 18:16-45). The prophets tried all day to get their sacrifices to go up in flames, but it didn’t happen. Only when Elijah placed his sacrifice and prayed to God did fire come down from Heaven. From this we learn that our sacrifices to God need to be acceptable to Him, and only when they are will that fire come down.
What this all means is that when our sacrifices are acceptable to God, He will anoint them with His Spirit where they will become a “perpetual flame”.
The truth of the matter is this: We may try on our own to offer sacrifices to God, but if they are not ordained by Him, then they will not be accepted. They will not receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and they will not survive.
Years ago, we decided to host satellite-projected evangelical meetings in our home. We had a huge sign built and put on our front lawn, we had spot lights shining on the sign, we handed out pamphlets to our neighbours and invited them personally to attend, and we opened our door at the prescribed time. Unfortunately for us, we didn't make the effort to ask God if this is what He wanted us to do. Anyone surprised that nobody came? We weren’t discouraged, however. We continued our efforts night after night, praying that God would accept the sacrifice of our time and efforts. A couple weeks into the series, someone stole the spotlights off our lawn, and it wasn’t long before the sign was knocked down. We became the laughing stock of our neighbourhood, and as a result of this, any future efforts for evangelism with our neighbours were completely rejected for years to come.
About 30 years ago, God impressed upon my husband to start up this ministry. He obeyed, sacrificing his time and talents and resources. The ministry took off right away. It started small, but it grew exponentially over the years until it is now a world-wide ministry with volunteers from every continent.
Both were good ideas, but one failed while the other thrived. The difference? God didn’t ordain the satellite-projected evangelical meetings; but He did ordain this ministry. The first was never lit up with His Spirit and it went nowhere. God did pour out His Spirit upon the second, and it continues to flourish.
What do our sacrifices need to look like?
Besides being completely free of sin, selfish ambition, legalism and pride; besides reflecting Jesus and influencing the world for God’s Kingdom; besides being willing to give God all of our excess, our sacrifices must be covered by His Spirit. This outpouring of God’s Spirit on our sacrifices will only happen when they are ordained by God and are God-driven.
Join us on Thursday to see learn what the sacrificial timelines on when to eat offerings have to teach us about modern-day sacrifices in “Two Days? What’s in YOUR Sacrifice, Part 4.
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Do the "seeing" really "see"? It's an interesting question, one that the Bible can shed some light upon. Why not check out the mini-series, "Rising Above the 'See' Level", a mini-series by Suresh Manoharan, to "see"
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Leviticus 6 makes reference to the term, “perpetual fire”: “The burnt offering must be left on top of the altar until the next morning, and the fire on the altar must be kept burning all night...Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out…Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” (Leviticus 6:9, 12, 13 NLT).
It is said that when God repeats Himself, it is a signal for us to pay close attention. Here we have God repeating Himself not just twice, but three times in the space of five verses. Shouldn’t this cause us to at least, as a minimum, check it out? But we don’t make burning sacrifices anymore. What can this have to do with our sacrifices?
In order to better understand the significance of this command for us today, we need to understand why it was important for Israel to keep the fires burning.
It would appear that God liked to reveal Himself to Israel through fire. He called Moses from a burning bush that never burned up (See Ex. 3:2), and He appeared to Israel as a pillar of fire at night, again, a pillar that never burned up (See Ex. 13:31-32).*
We also know that it was actually God who started these fires. Leviticus 9 tells us, “Fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar.” (vs. 24a NLT), and we also know that when Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu offered their own version of fire in the Lord’s presence, they were punished: “But Nadab and Abihu died in the Lord’s presence in the wilderness of Sinai when they burned before the Lord the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded.” (Numbers 3:4a NLT).
Finally, we know that fire represented God’s presence: “The Lord your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God.” (Deut. 4:24 NLT).
Putting this all together, we can see that this continuous fire would have helped Israel to remember that God’s presence is real and that they needed Him in their lives. It would also remind all of us that God will never leave us or forsake us, but that He will always be with us.
This speaks volumes in regards to the sacrifices we make to God on a daily basis of our time, our talents, our resources and our worship. Whatever it is we are giving back to God’s kingdom, we need to understand that God will use our sacrifices to shine forth His presence, to remind people everywhere that He will never leave us or forsake us.
This is all fine and good, but just what does it really mean? I mean, we can’t have a literal perpetual flame burning up our time and talents, our resources and our worship. Neither can we be continually singing for the Lord or giving Him all our money.
Let’s remember that fire is used in the New Testament as a sign of the Holy Spirit. When preaching about Jesus, John the Baptist said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire…” (Matthew 3:11b NLT); and tongues of fire were seen over the heads of the believers on that first Pentecost as the Holy Spirit was poured out (See Acts 2:3).
Secondly, let’s remember that not every sacrifice is accepted by God. Remember Cain and Abel (See Genesis 4:2-5)? Let’s now jump to the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (See 1 Kings 18:16-45). The prophets tried all day to get their sacrifices to go up in flames, but it didn’t happen. Only when Elijah placed his sacrifice and prayed to God did fire come down from Heaven. From this we learn that our sacrifices to God need to be acceptable to Him, and only when they are will that fire come down.
What this all means is that when our sacrifices are acceptable to God, He will anoint them with His Spirit where they will become a “perpetual flame”.
The truth of the matter is this: We may try on our own to offer sacrifices to God, but if they are not ordained by Him, then they will not be accepted. They will not receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and they will not survive.
Years ago, we decided to host satellite-projected evangelical meetings in our home. We had a huge sign built and put on our front lawn, we had spot lights shining on the sign, we handed out pamphlets to our neighbours and invited them personally to attend, and we opened our door at the prescribed time. Unfortunately for us, we didn't make the effort to ask God if this is what He wanted us to do. Anyone surprised that nobody came? We weren’t discouraged, however. We continued our efforts night after night, praying that God would accept the sacrifice of our time and efforts. A couple weeks into the series, someone stole the spotlights off our lawn, and it wasn’t long before the sign was knocked down. We became the laughing stock of our neighbourhood, and as a result of this, any future efforts for evangelism with our neighbours were completely rejected for years to come.
About 30 years ago, God impressed upon my husband to start up this ministry. He obeyed, sacrificing his time and talents and resources. The ministry took off right away. It started small, but it grew exponentially over the years until it is now a world-wide ministry with volunteers from every continent.
Both were good ideas, but one failed while the other thrived. The difference? God didn’t ordain the satellite-projected evangelical meetings; but He did ordain this ministry. The first was never lit up with His Spirit and it went nowhere. God did pour out His Spirit upon the second, and it continues to flourish.
What do our sacrifices need to look like?
Besides being completely free of sin, selfish ambition, legalism and pride; besides reflecting Jesus and influencing the world for God’s Kingdom; besides being willing to give God all of our excess, our sacrifices must be covered by His Spirit. This outpouring of God’s Spirit on our sacrifices will only happen when they are ordained by God and are God-driven.
Join us on Thursday to see learn what the sacrificial timelines on when to eat offerings have to teach us about modern-day sacrifices in “Two Days? What’s in YOUR Sacrifice, Part 4.
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Do the "seeing" really "see"? It's an interesting question, one that the Bible can shed some light upon. Why not check out the mini-series, "Rising Above the 'See' Level", a mini-series by Suresh Manoharan, to "see"
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
On Thursday we took at look at Leviticus 2 and how our offerings to the Lord must be completely free of “yeast” – sin, selfish ambition, legalism and pride; but must contain plenty of “salt” -- we are to be a reflection of Him in all that we do, for in so doing, we will influence our world for God’s Kingdom!
The very next chapter of Leviticus gives us another command that may seem a bit strange in our day and age: All the fat of a sacrifice was to be given to the Lord: “…This includes all the fat around the internal organs, the two kidneys and the fat around them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver. These must be removed with the kidneys, and the priest will burn them on the altar. It is a special gift of food, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. All the fat belongs to the Lord. You must never eat any fat or blood.” (Leviticus 3:14b-17 NLT)
Although this chapter speaks specifically of something called a “Peace Offering”, or as translated in some English Bible versions, a “Fellowship Offering”, we do see the same admonition to burn the fat on the altar for all of the sacrifices. Why the fat? And what does this have to do with MY sacrifices? After all, I don’t make animal sacrifices, so there is no literal fat to give!
To understand this, let’s review for a moment what we know about fat. Fatty tissues in the body are actually just storage tanks. When our caloric intake is more than we need, the body stores away the excess as body fat. Conversely, when our caloric intake is less than we need, due to dieting, fasting, famine, etc., the body will burn the fat that is has accumulated in the times of plenty.
Fat can be classified in three different ways: “Visceral” – body fat stored within the abdominal cavity around a number of important body organs; “Subcutaneous” – the fat visible just under the skin; and “Intramuscular” – the fat located inside skeletal muscle fibers. This “intramuscular” fat is what we generally find in meats. Although it is perhaps not the healthiest, it is not the kind of fat that God is very specific about burning on the altar. Rather, all of the fat that God specifies falls into the category of “visceral” fat. When the Bible tells us that we are never to “eat” (use for ourselves) any fat, it isn’t necessarily telling us that we have to stay away from all fat in our food (though most of us would benefit from eating less of it!); rather, it is telling us that the excess that we have doesn’t belong to us! It belongs to God!
What does this have to do with our sacrifices – gifts to God of our time, our talent, our resources and our worship?
It means that when God gives us in excess, that excess belongs to Him! It is to be used for HIS purposes, as HE dictates!
Let’s take a practical look at this.
What if I finished my to-do list an hour earlier than anticipated? I would have a choice: I could curl up with a favorite book or a movie, or I could spend the hour writing a devotional God placed on my heart. The surprise free time is my “fat”, my excess. I can “eat” it myself, or I can “sacrifice” that time by giving it to the Lord in prayer or ministry.
Another example: Let’s say that you are a very talented musician. You could simply play the piano and guitar for your own amusement and stress management; or you could join the worship team at church.
A real-life example: Years ago I had a Golden Retriever girl dog. At the right time of the year, I took her to see a Golden Retriever boy dog, and a few weeks later, we had a litter of puppies. The fee for the boy dog’s services was the price of a puppy, and I had prepaid the owner what I was planning on asking for each puppy. Because of some extensive vet bills involved with this litter of puppies, and because it was Christmas time and puppies were in high demand, I ended up asking $100.00 more for each puppy. The extra money paid the vet bill with $100.00 to spare. That $100.00 was my “fat”. Since I was supposed to give the owner of the boy dog all the money from one puppy, however, that extra money really belonged to her; and instead of keeping it for myself, I sent it to her. She didn’t know I had asked an extra $100.00 per pup, nor did she realize I actually owed her an extra $100.00. That money was therefore also her “fat”, her excess. She also decided to not “eat” it, but instead gave it to a poor family who wouldn’t have had a Christmas otherwise.
Bottom line is, when God gives us excess, it is so that we have something to sow back into the Kingdom of God. This doesn’t mean that it is wrong to watch TV or to relax and do things that we find pleasing, as long as it is done to the glory of God (See 1 Cor. 10:13). What is wrong, however, is to keep all of our time, our talents, our resources and our worship for ourselves. It is wrong to “store them up”. Rather, God asks us to “sacrifice” our excess and sow it back into the Kingdom of God.
So how should our sacrifices look? Besides being completely free of “yeast” – sin, selfish ambition, legalism and pride; besides containing plenty of “salt” – reflecting Jesus and influencing the world for God’s Kingdom; we must also willingly give God all of our excess, that it may be sown back into the Kingdom of God!
Join us on Tuesday for “What Is in YOUR Sacrifice?” Part 3 for another lesson on sacrifice from Leviticus: “Perpetual Fire”
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Have a praise report? Why not share it? You never know when someone may be healed or brought to the Lord or empowered to take a stand in faith...because YOU gave God the praise specifically, thoroughly and publically!
Send your praise reports via email or via What'sApp to +1 (473) 417-8412. We also encourage you to post it on the Answers2Prayer facebook page!
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
The very next chapter of Leviticus gives us another command that may seem a bit strange in our day and age: All the fat of a sacrifice was to be given to the Lord: “…This includes all the fat around the internal organs, the two kidneys and the fat around them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver. These must be removed with the kidneys, and the priest will burn them on the altar. It is a special gift of food, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. All the fat belongs to the Lord. You must never eat any fat or blood.” (Leviticus 3:14b-17 NLT)
Although this chapter speaks specifically of something called a “Peace Offering”, or as translated in some English Bible versions, a “Fellowship Offering”, we do see the same admonition to burn the fat on the altar for all of the sacrifices. Why the fat? And what does this have to do with MY sacrifices? After all, I don’t make animal sacrifices, so there is no literal fat to give!
To understand this, let’s review for a moment what we know about fat. Fatty tissues in the body are actually just storage tanks. When our caloric intake is more than we need, the body stores away the excess as body fat. Conversely, when our caloric intake is less than we need, due to dieting, fasting, famine, etc., the body will burn the fat that is has accumulated in the times of plenty.
Fat can be classified in three different ways: “Visceral” – body fat stored within the abdominal cavity around a number of important body organs; “Subcutaneous” – the fat visible just under the skin; and “Intramuscular” – the fat located inside skeletal muscle fibers. This “intramuscular” fat is what we generally find in meats. Although it is perhaps not the healthiest, it is not the kind of fat that God is very specific about burning on the altar. Rather, all of the fat that God specifies falls into the category of “visceral” fat. When the Bible tells us that we are never to “eat” (use for ourselves) any fat, it isn’t necessarily telling us that we have to stay away from all fat in our food (though most of us would benefit from eating less of it!); rather, it is telling us that the excess that we have doesn’t belong to us! It belongs to God!
What does this have to do with our sacrifices – gifts to God of our time, our talent, our resources and our worship?
It means that when God gives us in excess, that excess belongs to Him! It is to be used for HIS purposes, as HE dictates!
Let’s take a practical look at this.
What if I finished my to-do list an hour earlier than anticipated? I would have a choice: I could curl up with a favorite book or a movie, or I could spend the hour writing a devotional God placed on my heart. The surprise free time is my “fat”, my excess. I can “eat” it myself, or I can “sacrifice” that time by giving it to the Lord in prayer or ministry.
Another example: Let’s say that you are a very talented musician. You could simply play the piano and guitar for your own amusement and stress management; or you could join the worship team at church.
A real-life example: Years ago I had a Golden Retriever girl dog. At the right time of the year, I took her to see a Golden Retriever boy dog, and a few weeks later, we had a litter of puppies. The fee for the boy dog’s services was the price of a puppy, and I had prepaid the owner what I was planning on asking for each puppy. Because of some extensive vet bills involved with this litter of puppies, and because it was Christmas time and puppies were in high demand, I ended up asking $100.00 more for each puppy. The extra money paid the vet bill with $100.00 to spare. That $100.00 was my “fat”. Since I was supposed to give the owner of the boy dog all the money from one puppy, however, that extra money really belonged to her; and instead of keeping it for myself, I sent it to her. She didn’t know I had asked an extra $100.00 per pup, nor did she realize I actually owed her an extra $100.00. That money was therefore also her “fat”, her excess. She also decided to not “eat” it, but instead gave it to a poor family who wouldn’t have had a Christmas otherwise.
Bottom line is, when God gives us excess, it is so that we have something to sow back into the Kingdom of God. This doesn’t mean that it is wrong to watch TV or to relax and do things that we find pleasing, as long as it is done to the glory of God (See 1 Cor. 10:13). What is wrong, however, is to keep all of our time, our talents, our resources and our worship for ourselves. It is wrong to “store them up”. Rather, God asks us to “sacrifice” our excess and sow it back into the Kingdom of God.
So how should our sacrifices look? Besides being completely free of “yeast” – sin, selfish ambition, legalism and pride; besides containing plenty of “salt” – reflecting Jesus and influencing the world for God’s Kingdom; we must also willingly give God all of our excess, that it may be sown back into the Kingdom of God!
Join us on Tuesday for “What Is in YOUR Sacrifice?” Part 3 for another lesson on sacrifice from Leviticus: “Perpetual Fire”
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Have a praise report? Why not share it? You never know when someone may be healed or brought to the Lord or empowered to take a stand in faith...because YOU gave God the praise specifically, thoroughly and publically!
Send your praise reports via email or via What'sApp to +1 (473) 417-8412. We also encourage you to post it on the Answers2Prayer facebook page!
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
In the introduction to this series, we saw that sacrifices were not only for the Old Covenant era; rather we are also expected to bring our sacrifices -- our praise and worship, our obedience and our time, talent and resources -- to the Lord. Throughout the rest of this 8 part series, we will be taking a look at some of the unusual requirements of the Old Covenant sacrifices, in order to better understand how to make our modern-day sacrifices more pleasing to the Lord. To begin, we see in the second chapter of Leviticus a rather strange command for the grain offerings:
“If your offering is a grain offering baked in an oven, it must be made of choice flour, but without any yeast….If your grain offering is cooked on a griddle, it must be made of choice flour mixed with olive oil but without any yeast…Do not use yeast in preparing any of the grain offerings you present to the Lord…Season all your grain offerings with salt … Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings.” (Lev. 2:4a 5, 11, 13a,c NLT)
Have you ever been reading through a recipe and found something that surprised you? Take, for example, a dill pickle recipe that calls for sugar, or perhaps a recipe for chocolate cake that calls for avocado. By the very nature of the fact that it is a recipe, it usually doesn’t explain why these things are important.
I find that Leviticus 2 reads somewhat like a recipe: Don’t add yeast…Don’t forget to add salt… There are some vague ideas about why: “because no yeast or honey may be burned as a special gift presented to the Lord…” (vs. 11b) and “season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God’s eternal covenant…” (Vs. 13b). Even this, however, leaves you scratching your head and wondering why yeast must be burned as a special gift and what salt has to do with covenant…
This prompted me to do a bit of research as to the biblical metaphoric meanings of salt and yeast:
Salt -- Salt is used to preserve and to slow decay. Salt is also a taste enhancer. From a Biblical perspective, salt is mentioned as part of a covenant relationship in several parts of the Bible. Numbers 18:19 talks about the covenant of salt made with the priests. 2 Chronicles 13:5 make reference to a covenant of salt with King David, etc. Thus salt is a symbol of the fact that the covenant relationship we have with God will never decay!
-- In His earthly ministry, Jesus tells us that we are to be, “the salt of the earth.” (Matt. 5:13a NLT). This means that we are to be used to preserve the world. As part of our covenant with the Lord, we are to influence our culture for the Kingdom. But Jesus goes on to say, “But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” (13b NLT) Thus, if we lose our influence for Christ in this world, then we can no longer preserve the world for God’s kingdom, and we are no longer of value to God.
Yeast -- Yeast is used to cause bread to rise. One little bit of yeast will infuse throughout the entire dough: “Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” (Luke 13:21 NLT).
-- Yeast is of high metaphoric value in the Bible. First mentioned as part of the Passover, the people were admonished to eat bread without yeast for seven days (See Ex. 12:17-20). The bread used in the temple services was also made without yeast, and interestingly, it is referred to as “The Bread of the presence” (See Ex. 25:30). Thus, it represented the presence of God, which is, of course, completely without sin. Jesus referred to Himself as the “Bread of Life” (Jn 6:22-59), and He, too, is completely without sin. At the last supper, Jesus gave us a special covenant involving bread: “On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” (1 Cor. 11:23-24 NLT). Thus, when we partake of this bread that Jesus broke for us, we are, in essence, inviting His presence within ourselves!
-- To shed a bit more light on the subject of yeast, Jesus warned us to, “Watch out!...Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matt. 16:6 NLT). We know that the Pharisees were known for their legalism (See Luke 11:37-54) and for their tendency to flaunt themselves (See Matt. 23:5).
In summary then, salt is good, because it is a preservative and represents how we are to influence our world for the Kingdom of God. Meanwhile, yeast is bad, because it represents sin, legalism and arrogance, and because even a tiny bit of these things, if allowed in our lives, will permeate throughout everything and influence everything we think and do.
This is all very interesting, but what does this have to do with sacrifice? We don’t, after all, bring grain and animal sacrifices to the Lord anymore, so how is this relevant to us?
We may not make grain and animal sacrifices, but we are still told to offer our bodies as living sacrifices: “Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing.” (Romans 12:1 CEV)
How do we make our bodies pure and pleasing? Leviticus 2 tells us how: We are to avoid yeast and include salt! This means that when we make a sacrifice by offering up our time, our talents, our resources and ultimately, our worship, we are to do so with a pure heart, without selfish ambition or conceit. We are to do so out of love for God, and not because we are trying to earn something from Him. We are not to be filled up without ourselves or our own self-importance; rather, we are to be a reflection of Him in all that we do, for in so doing, we will influence our world for God’s Kingdom!
What kind of a sacrifice has God called you to do? Be sure to avoid the yeast but add plenty of salt!
Join us on Thursday for What Is in YOUR Sacrifice? Part 2: What's All the Hype About...Fat?
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Do you find yourself far away from home? Do you even know where home is? Check out the mini-series, “Homeward Bound” (https://scripturalnuggets.org/category/mini-series/homeward-bound/ ), by Elizabeth Price.
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“If your offering is a grain offering baked in an oven, it must be made of choice flour, but without any yeast….If your grain offering is cooked on a griddle, it must be made of choice flour mixed with olive oil but without any yeast…Do not use yeast in preparing any of the grain offerings you present to the Lord…Season all your grain offerings with salt … Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings.” (Lev. 2:4a 5, 11, 13a,c NLT)
Have you ever been reading through a recipe and found something that surprised you? Take, for example, a dill pickle recipe that calls for sugar, or perhaps a recipe for chocolate cake that calls for avocado. By the very nature of the fact that it is a recipe, it usually doesn’t explain why these things are important.
I find that Leviticus 2 reads somewhat like a recipe: Don’t add yeast…Don’t forget to add salt… There are some vague ideas about why: “because no yeast or honey may be burned as a special gift presented to the Lord…” (vs. 11b) and “season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God’s eternal covenant…” (Vs. 13b). Even this, however, leaves you scratching your head and wondering why yeast must be burned as a special gift and what salt has to do with covenant…
This prompted me to do a bit of research as to the biblical metaphoric meanings of salt and yeast:
Salt -- Salt is used to preserve and to slow decay. Salt is also a taste enhancer. From a Biblical perspective, salt is mentioned as part of a covenant relationship in several parts of the Bible. Numbers 18:19 talks about the covenant of salt made with the priests. 2 Chronicles 13:5 make reference to a covenant of salt with King David, etc. Thus salt is a symbol of the fact that the covenant relationship we have with God will never decay!
-- In His earthly ministry, Jesus tells us that we are to be, “the salt of the earth.” (Matt. 5:13a NLT). This means that we are to be used to preserve the world. As part of our covenant with the Lord, we are to influence our culture for the Kingdom. But Jesus goes on to say, “But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” (13b NLT) Thus, if we lose our influence for Christ in this world, then we can no longer preserve the world for God’s kingdom, and we are no longer of value to God.
Yeast -- Yeast is used to cause bread to rise. One little bit of yeast will infuse throughout the entire dough: “Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” (Luke 13:21 NLT).
-- Yeast is of high metaphoric value in the Bible. First mentioned as part of the Passover, the people were admonished to eat bread without yeast for seven days (See Ex. 12:17-20). The bread used in the temple services was also made without yeast, and interestingly, it is referred to as “The Bread of the presence” (See Ex. 25:30). Thus, it represented the presence of God, which is, of course, completely without sin. Jesus referred to Himself as the “Bread of Life” (Jn 6:22-59), and He, too, is completely without sin. At the last supper, Jesus gave us a special covenant involving bread: “On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” (1 Cor. 11:23-24 NLT). Thus, when we partake of this bread that Jesus broke for us, we are, in essence, inviting His presence within ourselves!
-- To shed a bit more light on the subject of yeast, Jesus warned us to, “Watch out!...Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matt. 16:6 NLT). We know that the Pharisees were known for their legalism (See Luke 11:37-54) and for their tendency to flaunt themselves (See Matt. 23:5).
In summary then, salt is good, because it is a preservative and represents how we are to influence our world for the Kingdom of God. Meanwhile, yeast is bad, because it represents sin, legalism and arrogance, and because even a tiny bit of these things, if allowed in our lives, will permeate throughout everything and influence everything we think and do.
This is all very interesting, but what does this have to do with sacrifice? We don’t, after all, bring grain and animal sacrifices to the Lord anymore, so how is this relevant to us?
We may not make grain and animal sacrifices, but we are still told to offer our bodies as living sacrifices: “Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing.” (Romans 12:1 CEV)
How do we make our bodies pure and pleasing? Leviticus 2 tells us how: We are to avoid yeast and include salt! This means that when we make a sacrifice by offering up our time, our talents, our resources and ultimately, our worship, we are to do so with a pure heart, without selfish ambition or conceit. We are to do so out of love for God, and not because we are trying to earn something from Him. We are not to be filled up without ourselves or our own self-importance; rather, we are to be a reflection of Him in all that we do, for in so doing, we will influence our world for God’s Kingdom!
What kind of a sacrifice has God called you to do? Be sure to avoid the yeast but add plenty of salt!
Join us on Thursday for What Is in YOUR Sacrifice? Part 2: What's All the Hype About...Fat?
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
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Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
The 5 books of Moses are chalked full of various commands regarding offerings and sacrifices. If you are anything like me, the temptation is to skip over these particular chapters. After all, they are detailed descriptions of what was to happen during the Old Covenant era. What possible relevance could it have for New Covenant Christians?
Of course, the idea of sacrifice is also mentioned in the New Covenant (See Romans 12:1). Thus, if sacrifices are still relevant for the New Covenant era, then perhaps there are some truths in the books of Moses that can be gleaned to help us with our modern-day sacrifices! This will be the subject of the following 7-part series, entitled: “What’s in YOUR Sacrifice?” that will be appearing in the Nugget over the next three weeks.
Today we will take a moment to define what new Covent sacrifices are supposed to look like.
The afore-mentioned verse from Romans tells us to: "…give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” (Romans 12:1 NLT).
Let’s remember that Paul is writing to Jewish people who are very used to offering animal sacrifices to God. Paul is helping them understand that God still wants sacrifices, but He wants those sacrifices to be alive! The only true response to the mercy and grace God has shed on all of us is for us to give ourselves completely to Him to be used for His purposes!
This is a pretty broad command, and the writer of Hebrews goes on to break down the sacrifices for us: “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NLT). Our praise, therefore, is considered a New Covenant sacrifice. When we praise and worship Him, when we give Him the thanks He is due, we are offering sacrifices to our God.
Hebrews spells this out further: “And don’t forget to do good…” (Hebrews 13:16a NLT). When we do good deeds, we are not only following Jesus’ example on Earth, but we are giving sacrifices to God! The same verse goes on to say, “…and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” (Hebrews 13:16b NLT). Not only are we asked to do good and follow Jesus’ earthly example, but we are asked to share what we have with those in need.
Doing good and sharing with those in need can be done in so many ways; but I would like to propose that these fall into three primary categories: Sacrifices of resources, of time and of talent.
Sacrifices of our resources: The first thing that comes to mind when we think of our resources is our money. Yes, the tithe system was meant to support the Old Covenant, but the fact that we are under the New Covenant does not exonerate us from giving our money back to God. A quick read through the book of Acts drives this idea home, especially since the early church did not limit themselves to 10%, as was required under the Old Covenant. Rather, some of them gave everything they had! We are, therefore, to give to God what He puts on our hearts: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give.” (2 Cor. 9:7a NLT).
Our “resources”, however, are not limited to money. We may have a car that can be used to get our neighbor groceries. We may have extra food in our pantries for the homeless man down the street. We may have clothing that we no longer need. Basically, whatever material things we have that can be used to do good and share with those in need can be considered a sacrifice of our resources.
Sacrifices of our time: Sometimes we are asked to give our time to the Lord. We do this when we listen to someone in need. We do so when we lead out in a small group or pray for someone.
Sacrifices of our talent: Sacrifices of talent refer to when we use our talents for the Lord. Maybe you sing or play piano or guitar. When these talents are done to praise God, either privately or publicly, you are giving of your talent to the Lord. Maybe your talent is with wood working. When you agree to fix the fence of your elderly neighbor, your are sacrificing your talent. Maybe you sew or knit or crochet. You are sacrificing your talent when you make something for someone in need.
There are many other examples, too many for this devotional. Basically, however, whenever we give of what we have, be it our resources, our time, our talent or our praise, we are presenting New Covenant sacrifices to our God!
There is one more important point to consider: Sometimes we find ourselves limiting our sacrifices to giving money in church. When we read through the books of Moses, however, we note that the people were required to present a variety of different sacrifices (burnt offerings -- Lev. 1:3-17, grain offerings -- Lev. 2, sin offerings -- Lev. 4, peace offerings -- Lev. 4 & 7 and guilt offerings -- Lev. 5:14-6:7). God requires the same of us! He wants us to give sacrifices in all of the categories!
On Thursday we will begin this study on gleaning clues from the Old Covenant sacrificial system that can help us in our modern-day sacrifices. Join us on Thursday for Salt? Or Yeast? What’s in YOUR sacrifice? Part 1.
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
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Join us on Thursday for Salt? Or Yeast? What’s in YOUR sacrifice? Part 1.
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Of course, the idea of sacrifice is also mentioned in the New Covenant (See Romans 12:1). Thus, if sacrifices are still relevant for the New Covenant era, then perhaps there are some truths in the books of Moses that can be gleaned to help us with our modern-day sacrifices! This will be the subject of the following 7-part series, entitled: “What’s in YOUR Sacrifice?” that will be appearing in the Nugget over the next three weeks.
Today we will take a moment to define what new Covent sacrifices are supposed to look like.
The afore-mentioned verse from Romans tells us to: "…give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” (Romans 12:1 NLT).
Let’s remember that Paul is writing to Jewish people who are very used to offering animal sacrifices to God. Paul is helping them understand that God still wants sacrifices, but He wants those sacrifices to be alive! The only true response to the mercy and grace God has shed on all of us is for us to give ourselves completely to Him to be used for His purposes!
This is a pretty broad command, and the writer of Hebrews goes on to break down the sacrifices for us: “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NLT). Our praise, therefore, is considered a New Covenant sacrifice. When we praise and worship Him, when we give Him the thanks He is due, we are offering sacrifices to our God.
Hebrews spells this out further: “And don’t forget to do good…” (Hebrews 13:16a NLT). When we do good deeds, we are not only following Jesus’ example on Earth, but we are giving sacrifices to God! The same verse goes on to say, “…and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” (Hebrews 13:16b NLT). Not only are we asked to do good and follow Jesus’ earthly example, but we are asked to share what we have with those in need.
Doing good and sharing with those in need can be done in so many ways; but I would like to propose that these fall into three primary categories: Sacrifices of resources, of time and of talent.
Sacrifices of our resources: The first thing that comes to mind when we think of our resources is our money. Yes, the tithe system was meant to support the Old Covenant, but the fact that we are under the New Covenant does not exonerate us from giving our money back to God. A quick read through the book of Acts drives this idea home, especially since the early church did not limit themselves to 10%, as was required under the Old Covenant. Rather, some of them gave everything they had! We are, therefore, to give to God what He puts on our hearts: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give.” (2 Cor. 9:7a NLT).
Our “resources”, however, are not limited to money. We may have a car that can be used to get our neighbor groceries. We may have extra food in our pantries for the homeless man down the street. We may have clothing that we no longer need. Basically, whatever material things we have that can be used to do good and share with those in need can be considered a sacrifice of our resources.
Sacrifices of our time: Sometimes we are asked to give our time to the Lord. We do this when we listen to someone in need. We do so when we lead out in a small group or pray for someone.
Sacrifices of our talent: Sacrifices of talent refer to when we use our talents for the Lord. Maybe you sing or play piano or guitar. When these talents are done to praise God, either privately or publicly, you are giving of your talent to the Lord. Maybe your talent is with wood working. When you agree to fix the fence of your elderly neighbor, your are sacrificing your talent. Maybe you sew or knit or crochet. You are sacrificing your talent when you make something for someone in need.
There are many other examples, too many for this devotional. Basically, however, whenever we give of what we have, be it our resources, our time, our talent or our praise, we are presenting New Covenant sacrifices to our God!
There is one more important point to consider: Sometimes we find ourselves limiting our sacrifices to giving money in church. When we read through the books of Moses, however, we note that the people were required to present a variety of different sacrifices (burnt offerings -- Lev. 1:3-17, grain offerings -- Lev. 2, sin offerings -- Lev. 4, peace offerings -- Lev. 4 & 7 and guilt offerings -- Lev. 5:14-6:7). God requires the same of us! He wants us to give sacrifices in all of the categories!
On Thursday we will begin this study on gleaning clues from the Old Covenant sacrificial system that can help us in our modern-day sacrifices. Join us on Thursday for Salt? Or Yeast? What’s in YOUR sacrifice? Part 1.
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
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Join us on Thursday for Salt? Or Yeast? What’s in YOUR sacrifice? Part 1.
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Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady…” (Romans 5:3-4 NLT)
We hear often of vicious cycles…do not we? A person takes a small dose of narcotic drug to enjoy a bit of life or due to peer pressure say in a college… When the body starts craving for a “similar high”, he needs to take a greater dose of that drug (as the previous dosage would not give him a necessary kick), so much so that progressively and unwittingly he becomes entrapped in that vicious cycle. Ditto with borrowing money for “Demonstration effect” (to use the parlance of Economics) for purchasing luxury items to show-off in a society… Before one comes to his senses, he would be caught in a debt trap with maxed Credit cards.
Be that as it may, let me bring before you the intricacies of yet another cycle. Before doing so, I need to state that the main purpose of our Heavenly Father saving us Christians is to make us like His Son (See 2 Cor 3:18). In Eternity, the Christ-like obedience, patience, humility, gentleness, meekness, self-control borne out of deep love for the Father would keep us united with Him forever and ever, unlike the Devil who fell away, courtesy of pride. Now how do we absorb these Christ-like qualities in a measure our Saviour possessed? Do we get them by attending a Bible college for, say, 5 years?
Welcome to the subject of “Virtuous cycles”!!!
The main purpose for coming up with this message is to highlight the benefits of being “caught” in a virtuous cycle (read imbibing Christ-like virtues), in stark contrast to a vicious cycle!!!
To illustrate better the spiritual dynamics of a spiritual virtuous cycle, let me take the example of physical exercising. We need a quantum of strength to do physical exercise in the first place, and then by virtue of exercise, we further increase that same physical strength step by step. Similarly, at the point of regeneration as the measure of Spirit is given to us, a measure of virtues like love (for the Lord and fellow human beings), Heavenly joy, patience, meekness, gentleness, self-control constituting the Fruit of the Spirit (See Gal 5:22-23) are already there in a Christian. As our Heavenly Father in His Sovereign wisdom and will permits persecutions in our life as per our Cross-bearing capacity (see 1 Cor 10:13), the measure of the elements of the Fruit of the Spirit in us gets fully exercised to bear them. Just like after sustained physical exercising, we similarly find our strength increasing after a God-permitted trial. We find that by exercising the Fruit of the Spirit to endure a trial, we have in fact increased the measure of the Fruit of the Spirit in us…as the above-captioned Scripture portion oh, so clearly affirms. As the saying goes…”Proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof”, for with greater measure of the Fruit of the Spirit at the end of each successive trial, more Heavenly, indescribable joy flows in our hearts (1 Peter 1:7-8).
Again I reiterate, our Heavenly Father uses a prickly neighbor, a domineering boss, a fanatical Government, an unsaved or at times saved but an immature family member (Note: all these categories of people constitute those who are right around us… hmmm…Cross bearing entails the cross being very close to us necessarily touching our shoulders, as it were) to ensure that we keep exercising the elements of the Fruit of the Spirit in us continually so that the measure of the same in us (I reiterate) increases progressively. Cross-bearing, by now you would have realized, is synonymous to being a victim of injustice and lies, much like our Lord Himself, at the hands of the people quite close to us. (See Luke 23:23/1 Peter 2:18-23).
Eventually I would have to say that the realization of this truth that cross-bearing is beneficial, is, like all other truths, a liberating experience, for truth liberates (See John 8:31-32).
Reader if you are caught in a debilitating vicious cycle adversely affecting your health, pray that the good Lord, by His redemptive grace, sets you free. Meanwhile, Say Christian, are you caught in a virtuous cycle? Then apply these Scriptural exhortations to your circumstances without complaining:
“And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—and all along he knew who would—should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers…” (Rom 8:28-29 TLB)
“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” (James 1:2-4 TLB)
Prayer: Father, into Thy hands we commit ourselves for we know that You are using all circumstances to make us more like Your Son even our Saviour Jesus Christ. Enable us to draw more of Thy spiritual strength every single time, we face persecutions. In Jesus’ Name.
Suresh Manoharan
Hyderabad-India
J and SM Ministries
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Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6 ESV)
The weather in Mexico during the winter months is beautiful. However, storms can come in quickly from the sea. I witnessed one such tropical tempest one evening — the howling wind of the Pacific whipping the palm trees and shredding them, the rain pelting the resort buildings. Watching in amazement from the safety of my room, I felt something of what it must be like in the eye of the hurricane, in its calm and windless centre, while the storm whirls about it.
In my daily life, even in my inner sanctum, in my own eye of the hurricane, I look out in discomfort, as ever-increasing responsibilities of the workplace, care of an elderly parent, struggles to restore fitness and mobility after surgery, and worries over finding time to write and paint swirl around me. Peace can seem elusive, and I think I may be swept away at any moment.
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:15-17 ESV)
The words of the apostle Paul speak of a peace which is unworldly; it is a gift of God, not put upon by the whirlwind of conflict in our world. This peace is a major characteristic of God's community, and also the way to understand His will. Having the peace of God is the way to choose what to do and say, and the method of deciding on issues that we face as a church. The peace of Jesus will decide and govern us, not just in our inner sanctum, but in our community of faith. This radical, unearthly peace leads His believers to erupt in musical praise, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our hearts to God. This inner peace and confidence leads us to do things in the name of the Lord Jesus, even persevering in the difficult tasks, knowing for Whose sake they are done.
There is a hymn text by Helen H. Lemmel, with the words, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." The presence of God's peace enables us to survive in a peaceless world, as in the eye of the hurricane, in the realm of the Lord, who knows and preserves us. We respond with thankfulness in our hearts to God, and spontaneous songs of praise. Thanks be to God!
Prayer:
All praise to Him whose pow'r imparts
The love of God within our hearts,
The Spirit of all truth and peace,
The fount of joy and holiness.
To Father, Son, and Spirit now
Our souls we lift, our wills we bow
To You, the triune God, we raise
With loving hearts our song of praise.
- Matthew Merker, Bob Kauflin
Shirley Moulton
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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The weather in Mexico during the winter months is beautiful. However, storms can come in quickly from the sea. I witnessed one such tropical tempest one evening — the howling wind of the Pacific whipping the palm trees and shredding them, the rain pelting the resort buildings. Watching in amazement from the safety of my room, I felt something of what it must be like in the eye of the hurricane, in its calm and windless centre, while the storm whirls about it.
In my daily life, even in my inner sanctum, in my own eye of the hurricane, I look out in discomfort, as ever-increasing responsibilities of the workplace, care of an elderly parent, struggles to restore fitness and mobility after surgery, and worries over finding time to write and paint swirl around me. Peace can seem elusive, and I think I may be swept away at any moment.
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:15-17 ESV)
The words of the apostle Paul speak of a peace which is unworldly; it is a gift of God, not put upon by the whirlwind of conflict in our world. This peace is a major characteristic of God's community, and also the way to understand His will. Having the peace of God is the way to choose what to do and say, and the method of deciding on issues that we face as a church. The peace of Jesus will decide and govern us, not just in our inner sanctum, but in our community of faith. This radical, unearthly peace leads His believers to erupt in musical praise, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our hearts to God. This inner peace and confidence leads us to do things in the name of the Lord Jesus, even persevering in the difficult tasks, knowing for Whose sake they are done.
There is a hymn text by Helen H. Lemmel, with the words, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." The presence of God's peace enables us to survive in a peaceless world, as in the eye of the hurricane, in the realm of the Lord, who knows and preserves us. We respond with thankfulness in our hearts to God, and spontaneous songs of praise. Thanks be to God!
Prayer:
All praise to Him whose pow'r imparts
The love of God within our hearts,
The Spirit of all truth and peace,
The fount of joy and holiness.
To Father, Son, and Spirit now
Our souls we lift, our wills we bow
To You, the triune God, we raise
With loving hearts our song of praise.
- Matthew Merker, Bob Kauflin
Shirley Moulton
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Announcements
Do you know any Twitter fans? Why not invite them to follow Answers2Prayer on Twitter? This is their opportunity to discover that our Heavenly Father truly cares for them, and that Jesus is not only their Saviour but their friend as well!
The Illustrator and the Nugget have joined forces and are now on Twitter under the name Answers2Prayer. This group is dedicated to bringing people closer to our loving God through daily thought-provoking devotionals and inspirational stories.
As always, this is a free. Our goal is to help your friends and family make Jesus their focus!
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
I did it all. Being blind is sometimes yucky, especially when you end up with weird stuff in your mouth.
A while back, I took a bite of bread that tasted moist, really moist, more than usual.
"This taste funny," I murmured.
With a swift move, my mom grabbed it from my hand. "Don't eat that! It's all moldy."
Ugh!
Just last night I took a bite of a delicious pear. And when a piece refused to disintegrate between my teeth, I realized I was chewing those pesky round labels. Why do they put them on each piece of fruit?
But my foolishness didn't stop with eating strange stuff.
Before I knew Christ as my Lord, my problems were bigger. I chewed on ideas that weren't sweet such as "I can do it all on my own."
I bit on sour insecurities, reminding me I didn't measure up.
It continued. I tasted unpleasant notions that suggested my blindness defined who I was.
And I had a plate full of lies that said my visual limitations would kill my dreams and gloom would fill my days.
I know it's different for you.
Maybe blindness isn't the problem you face. Instead, some other heartache or disappointment left a bitter taste in your mouth. That's why from your lips come the complaint that life is cruel and unfair.
You're right, it is. That's why, In Proverbs 3, God gave us these five steps so we can taste His goodness served on a silver tray called His wisdom.
They're five areas where wisdom becomes the only path, the only option to make life more pleasant, easier and dare I say, delightful.
1. Embrace God's wisdom in order to live a long life and enjoy prosperity. "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." (Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV)
2. Take a deep breath and stop trying to please others. If you first love God above all and are faithful to Him, you'll gain favor with Him and favor with others too. "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV)
3. Going around in circles, looking for answers, searching for direction? Try this instead. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
4. Seek God's wisdom, not your own. "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV)
5. Emotional indigestion attacks when money dwindles and bills that pile up. But better than a hefty savings account, God has the only option to true abundance. "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV)
No matter what tastes bitter right now, no matter how unfair life has turned, or how much pain has invaded your days, embracing God's wisdom sets us free. It releases the toxins of doubt, worry, and fear. When they're conquered, you can taste and see His goodness. The goodness of His promises that repeat when you're down, He will lift you up. When you're frustrated, He will bring back peace. And when all seems hopeless, He will restore your faith to believe, truly believe that triumph is yours.
Let's Pray: Father, how often I chewed on the wrong things—misconceptions, insecurities, foolishness, and even hopelessness. Thank You for reaching down to rescue me with Your wisdom. In Jesus' name I thank you.
Are you facing life with God's wisdom or your own these days?
Janet P. Eckles
Announcements
If you are blessed by the Nugget, why not try The Illustrator? This newsletter, sent out four times a week, is dedicated to inspirational stories that will help you to draw nearer to God!
A while back, I took a bite of bread that tasted moist, really moist, more than usual.
"This taste funny," I murmured.
With a swift move, my mom grabbed it from my hand. "Don't eat that! It's all moldy."
Ugh!
Just last night I took a bite of a delicious pear. And when a piece refused to disintegrate between my teeth, I realized I was chewing those pesky round labels. Why do they put them on each piece of fruit?
But my foolishness didn't stop with eating strange stuff.
Before I knew Christ as my Lord, my problems were bigger. I chewed on ideas that weren't sweet such as "I can do it all on my own."
I bit on sour insecurities, reminding me I didn't measure up.
It continued. I tasted unpleasant notions that suggested my blindness defined who I was.
And I had a plate full of lies that said my visual limitations would kill my dreams and gloom would fill my days.
I know it's different for you.
Maybe blindness isn't the problem you face. Instead, some other heartache or disappointment left a bitter taste in your mouth. That's why from your lips come the complaint that life is cruel and unfair.
You're right, it is. That's why, In Proverbs 3, God gave us these five steps so we can taste His goodness served on a silver tray called His wisdom.
They're five areas where wisdom becomes the only path, the only option to make life more pleasant, easier and dare I say, delightful.
1. Embrace God's wisdom in order to live a long life and enjoy prosperity. "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." (Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV)
2. Take a deep breath and stop trying to please others. If you first love God above all and are faithful to Him, you'll gain favor with Him and favor with others too. "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV)
3. Going around in circles, looking for answers, searching for direction? Try this instead. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
4. Seek God's wisdom, not your own. "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV)
5. Emotional indigestion attacks when money dwindles and bills that pile up. But better than a hefty savings account, God has the only option to true abundance. "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV)
No matter what tastes bitter right now, no matter how unfair life has turned, or how much pain has invaded your days, embracing God's wisdom sets us free. It releases the toxins of doubt, worry, and fear. When they're conquered, you can taste and see His goodness. The goodness of His promises that repeat when you're down, He will lift you up. When you're frustrated, He will bring back peace. And when all seems hopeless, He will restore your faith to believe, truly believe that triumph is yours.
Let's Pray: Father, how often I chewed on the wrong things—misconceptions, insecurities, foolishness, and even hopelessness. Thank You for reaching down to rescue me with Your wisdom. In Jesus' name I thank you.
Are you facing life with God's wisdom or your own these days?
Janet P. Eckles
Announcements
If you are blessed by the Nugget, why not try The Illustrator? This newsletter, sent out four times a week, is dedicated to inspirational stories that will help you to draw nearer to God!
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34 NLT).
Am I the only one who has never fully understood this text? I mean, okay. We aren’t to worry about what’s ahead. I get that. We are to live one day at a time. I get that, too. But what about this last part? “Today’s trouble is enough for today”? How comforting is that? Not very, if you ask me…
Perhaps, however, I simply did not fully understand of what this means… Until last fall…
It all started last September when the leaves began to change in our little corner Canada. Now I realize I’m in the minority, but I’ve always hated fall. I see the leaves changing colors and think about how I’ll soon have to be raking them. I’ll feel the cooler temperatures and remember that winter is on its way. I’ll see the days shortening and shutter with dread at the shut-in feeling in January and February… It doesn’t help that I have a mild form of seasonal affect disorder and often feel depressed in the fall; nor does it help that I tend to get sick in the fall more than in any other season. As a result, my normal pattern through those autumn months is to feel depressed, sick and totally incapacitated with dread.
Since retirement, my husband and I have joined the ranks of Canadian Snow Birds, determining to never again spend winter in Canada. Last year, however, amidst the global pandemic, I didn’t even have the thought of “fleeing” to warmer climates to cheer me up…
It seemed, however, that God wanted to teach me a lesson or two last fall. In mid-September, He put it on our hearts to take our tiny travel trailer to the Georgian Bay off Lake Huron, and while there, I began to see, perhaps for the first time in my life, the vividly breath-taking colors of fall. All during that little break from the realities of the pandemic in our home community, every time a negative thought about fall came to mind, God simply wiped it out by directing my attention to the intense reds and yellows and oranges and greens. I came to a new level of understanding of Matthew 6:34 during that little trip. I realized that by worrying about the upcoming winter, I was blinding myself to the blessings of the fall. Yes, winter would come, but I didn’t need to worry about it. Instead, I was to rejoice in the moment.
That idea carried me through the first week of October. Even back home I found myself excited by the vivid colours and the ever-changing landscapes of the season. Unfortunately, however, in my mind, this lesson only seemed applicable to the seasons, for I found myself continuing to worry about everything else…
It wasn’t until Canadian Thanksgiving that God finally got through to me about the full meaning of Matthew 6:34, and He chose to do so through my mother. As mid-October and Canadian Thanksgiving loomed near, we were forced to watch our province plummet into its second wave of COVID infections. Naturally we had plans to be together as a family in the small little social bubble we had maintained over the summer with our university son and my aging, shut-in mother; but with the dinner ingredients already purchased and some of it cooked, new provincial regulations came into place: We were to only share Thanksgiving with those who lived in our own homes. That left our son and my mother all alone for Thanksgiving…
Since all of us were particularly cautious about taking COVID precautions seriously, we decided as a family that we would still have Thanksgiving dinner together; but that we would begin respecting provincial regulations the next day. When I discussed this with my mother, however, her response took me completely by surprise. With a shake in her voice, she asked: “But what about Christmas???”
That’s all it took. I suddenly realized that this one question mirrored my entire view on life. I could never rejoice about what I had because I was always too focused on what I might not have in the future, and my single-minded attention on the presumed difficulties of tomorrow actually made it difficult to resolve the real problems of the day! That’s when I finally began to fully understand Matthew 6:34. I don’t need to worry about tomorrow. Instead, I need to focus on the challenges of the here and now, and in the process, God would reveal to me the beauty and blessings of today!
This change in perspective has really made a difference over the past year, and it is helping me through yet another fall season. My prayer is that I will remember this lesson whenever challenges arise. I also pray that someone who also struggles with worry will read this story and be helped as I was. Let’s not let tomorrow’s worries distract us from how to make it through the here and now; and let’s not waste the beauties of today by worrying about tomorrow!
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Just how does the Bible suggest that we manage argument? Check out Managing Argument and discover some practical tips from the book of Job!
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Am I the only one who has never fully understood this text? I mean, okay. We aren’t to worry about what’s ahead. I get that. We are to live one day at a time. I get that, too. But what about this last part? “Today’s trouble is enough for today”? How comforting is that? Not very, if you ask me…
Perhaps, however, I simply did not fully understand of what this means… Until last fall…
It all started last September when the leaves began to change in our little corner Canada. Now I realize I’m in the minority, but I’ve always hated fall. I see the leaves changing colors and think about how I’ll soon have to be raking them. I’ll feel the cooler temperatures and remember that winter is on its way. I’ll see the days shortening and shutter with dread at the shut-in feeling in January and February… It doesn’t help that I have a mild form of seasonal affect disorder and often feel depressed in the fall; nor does it help that I tend to get sick in the fall more than in any other season. As a result, my normal pattern through those autumn months is to feel depressed, sick and totally incapacitated with dread.
Since retirement, my husband and I have joined the ranks of Canadian Snow Birds, determining to never again spend winter in Canada. Last year, however, amidst the global pandemic, I didn’t even have the thought of “fleeing” to warmer climates to cheer me up…
It seemed, however, that God wanted to teach me a lesson or two last fall. In mid-September, He put it on our hearts to take our tiny travel trailer to the Georgian Bay off Lake Huron, and while there, I began to see, perhaps for the first time in my life, the vividly breath-taking colors of fall. All during that little break from the realities of the pandemic in our home community, every time a negative thought about fall came to mind, God simply wiped it out by directing my attention to the intense reds and yellows and oranges and greens. I came to a new level of understanding of Matthew 6:34 during that little trip. I realized that by worrying about the upcoming winter, I was blinding myself to the blessings of the fall. Yes, winter would come, but I didn’t need to worry about it. Instead, I was to rejoice in the moment.
That idea carried me through the first week of October. Even back home I found myself excited by the vivid colours and the ever-changing landscapes of the season. Unfortunately, however, in my mind, this lesson only seemed applicable to the seasons, for I found myself continuing to worry about everything else…
It wasn’t until Canadian Thanksgiving that God finally got through to me about the full meaning of Matthew 6:34, and He chose to do so through my mother. As mid-October and Canadian Thanksgiving loomed near, we were forced to watch our province plummet into its second wave of COVID infections. Naturally we had plans to be together as a family in the small little social bubble we had maintained over the summer with our university son and my aging, shut-in mother; but with the dinner ingredients already purchased and some of it cooked, new provincial regulations came into place: We were to only share Thanksgiving with those who lived in our own homes. That left our son and my mother all alone for Thanksgiving…
Since all of us were particularly cautious about taking COVID precautions seriously, we decided as a family that we would still have Thanksgiving dinner together; but that we would begin respecting provincial regulations the next day. When I discussed this with my mother, however, her response took me completely by surprise. With a shake in her voice, she asked: “But what about Christmas???”
That’s all it took. I suddenly realized that this one question mirrored my entire view on life. I could never rejoice about what I had because I was always too focused on what I might not have in the future, and my single-minded attention on the presumed difficulties of tomorrow actually made it difficult to resolve the real problems of the day! That’s when I finally began to fully understand Matthew 6:34. I don’t need to worry about tomorrow. Instead, I need to focus on the challenges of the here and now, and in the process, God would reveal to me the beauty and blessings of today!
This change in perspective has really made a difference over the past year, and it is helping me through yet another fall season. My prayer is that I will remember this lesson whenever challenges arise. I also pray that someone who also struggles with worry will read this story and be helped as I was. Let’s not let tomorrow’s worries distract us from how to make it through the here and now; and let’s not waste the beauties of today by worrying about tomorrow!
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Just how does the Bible suggest that we manage argument? Check out Managing Argument and discover some practical tips from the book of Job!
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
On a visit to London, England, a friend escorted me to a number of historical and popular sites, one being St. Paul’s Cathedral. A heroic survivor of the WW II Blitz, and site of the 1981 royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the beautiful cathedral was full of sightseers. My particular interest was to see the world famous painting, The Light of the World, by pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman, a larger version of the original 1853 painting. Ship owner and social reformer Charles Booth commissioned this second, larger painting in 1904, donating it to St. Paul’s Cathedral. There, it has been seen by many thousands, and the artwork has inspired musical works such as Arthur Sullivan’s 1873 oratorio, “The Light of the World”.
The painting is a representation of Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me.” (ESV) A robed Christ with halo, bearing a lantern which illumines His dear face, stands before a planked, wooden door, covered with vines and undergrowth, long unopened. The door has no handle; it must be opened from the inside. And Jesus, knocks quietly but insistently. Holman wrote, “I painted the picture with what I thought, unworthy though I was, to be by Divine command, and not simply as a good subject”; the handle-less door representing “the obstinately shut mind”.
The Lord Jesus calls to the hearts of lukewarm believers, asking to come in and have dinner, that is, to share a warm and intimate fellowship with them. Doesn’t He have the right to bash down that door, or enter in some other way? However, He chooses to call to each person’s heart, by showing mercy and providing for us, by sometimes allowing judgment and discipline, and by encouraging us through Scripture, the testimony of faithful believers, and by His Holy Spirit. The one who opens the door to Jesus repents of personal pride, self-reliance, dependency on human wisdom, and lukewarm faith.
The words of Revelations 3:20 were written to half-hearted Christians living in the trade-wealthy city of Laodicea, but are just as meaningful to people of today. Jesus offers this great invitation to share in a life-long personal fellowship and relationship; it is not a courtesy call! I pray you will hear His call to you today, and welcome in the heavenly Guest to share in your life and home.
Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, that You love us so much that You know each heart intimately, and yet wait patiently for us to open the door to You. We pray that you will use our testimony as Your faithful believers to cause many more to open the doors of their hearts to You. Amen.
Shirley Moulton
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Are you blessed by inspirational stories? Why not subscribe to "The Illustrator", a daily newsletter devoted to bringing people closer to Christ through inspirational stories? Simply click here, scroll down to the section labeled "Subscribe Here", and click "The Illustrator". Alternatively, you can email me, or send a message via What’sApp to +1 (473) 417-8412.
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
The painting is a representation of Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me.” (ESV) A robed Christ with halo, bearing a lantern which illumines His dear face, stands before a planked, wooden door, covered with vines and undergrowth, long unopened. The door has no handle; it must be opened from the inside. And Jesus, knocks quietly but insistently. Holman wrote, “I painted the picture with what I thought, unworthy though I was, to be by Divine command, and not simply as a good subject”; the handle-less door representing “the obstinately shut mind”.
The Lord Jesus calls to the hearts of lukewarm believers, asking to come in and have dinner, that is, to share a warm and intimate fellowship with them. Doesn’t He have the right to bash down that door, or enter in some other way? However, He chooses to call to each person’s heart, by showing mercy and providing for us, by sometimes allowing judgment and discipline, and by encouraging us through Scripture, the testimony of faithful believers, and by His Holy Spirit. The one who opens the door to Jesus repents of personal pride, self-reliance, dependency on human wisdom, and lukewarm faith.
The words of Revelations 3:20 were written to half-hearted Christians living in the trade-wealthy city of Laodicea, but are just as meaningful to people of today. Jesus offers this great invitation to share in a life-long personal fellowship and relationship; it is not a courtesy call! I pray you will hear His call to you today, and welcome in the heavenly Guest to share in your life and home.
Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, that You love us so much that You know each heart intimately, and yet wait patiently for us to open the door to You. We pray that you will use our testimony as Your faithful believers to cause many more to open the doors of their hearts to You. Amen.
Shirley Moulton
Announcements
Are you blessed by inspirational stories? Why not subscribe to "The Illustrator", a daily newsletter devoted to bringing people closer to Christ through inspirational stories? Simply click here, scroll down to the section labeled "Subscribe Here", and click "The Illustrator". Alternatively, you can email me, or send a message via What’sApp to +1 (473) 417-8412.
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
Do you STEW? I do.
To clarify, I don’t mean a crock pot filled with stewing beef, potatoes, and carrots. I’m referring to the tried and true human condition of good old-fashioned worry. We all do it. For me, it’s waking up in the middle of the night as my brain churns through a myriad of thoughts, ongoing concerns, prayer requests and unresolved daily life issues. And at 3 a.m.—such an over-active brain does little for one’s beauty sleep!
Let me ask you this; if you believe in Jesus Christ, do you still worry about your life? Yup, I do that, too. I’ll admit that I have trust issues and spend too much time stewing over things I’ve already prayed about—even when the bible tells me emphatically not to fret, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
As I laid in bed a few nights ago and tried to go back to sleep, I welcomed the distraction of a far-off train repeatedly blowing its whistle. As I prayed between clumps of meddling, sleep-depriving thoughts, I suddenly became aware of one indelible fact. In the grand scheme of my life—Nothing else matters but the relationship I have with my heavenly Father.
My point is this. I know that as human beings, we often spend our time in states of full-blown panic. Now read the verse that immediately follows Philippians 4:6. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. He will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NLT)
What’s the takeaway? Simply this: No amount of stewing or fussing or anxiety-laced thought will change the nugget of truth that Jesus is all that matters! Everything in the universe is about Jesus. God expressed His love for us through His only-begotten Son, Jesus. This means we can experience a peace in our lives that we can’t comprehend if only we’d place our stew pot of worries in His capable, healing hands. So, the next time you find yourself drowning in a cauldron of heebie-jeebies, pacify your thoughts by allowing Jesus to calm your heart and soul. You might just find yourself sleeping better, and if you’re like me, resting in Jesus is truly all that matters!
Paul Smyth
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You don't care for punishment? What if you knew it was for your own good? Check out "No Pain, No Gain!", a mini-series designed to help us see why correction is not only permitted but encouraged!
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
To clarify, I don’t mean a crock pot filled with stewing beef, potatoes, and carrots. I’m referring to the tried and true human condition of good old-fashioned worry. We all do it. For me, it’s waking up in the middle of the night as my brain churns through a myriad of thoughts, ongoing concerns, prayer requests and unresolved daily life issues. And at 3 a.m.—such an over-active brain does little for one’s beauty sleep!
Let me ask you this; if you believe in Jesus Christ, do you still worry about your life? Yup, I do that, too. I’ll admit that I have trust issues and spend too much time stewing over things I’ve already prayed about—even when the bible tells me emphatically not to fret, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
As I laid in bed a few nights ago and tried to go back to sleep, I welcomed the distraction of a far-off train repeatedly blowing its whistle. As I prayed between clumps of meddling, sleep-depriving thoughts, I suddenly became aware of one indelible fact. In the grand scheme of my life—Nothing else matters but the relationship I have with my heavenly Father.
My point is this. I know that as human beings, we often spend our time in states of full-blown panic. Now read the verse that immediately follows Philippians 4:6. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. He will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NLT)
What’s the takeaway? Simply this: No amount of stewing or fussing or anxiety-laced thought will change the nugget of truth that Jesus is all that matters! Everything in the universe is about Jesus. God expressed His love for us through His only-begotten Son, Jesus. This means we can experience a peace in our lives that we can’t comprehend if only we’d place our stew pot of worries in His capable, healing hands. So, the next time you find yourself drowning in a cauldron of heebie-jeebies, pacify your thoughts by allowing Jesus to calm your heart and soul. You might just find yourself sleeping better, and if you’re like me, resting in Jesus is truly all that matters!
Paul Smyth
Announcements
You don't care for punishment? What if you knew it was for your own good? Check out "No Pain, No Gain!", a mini-series designed to help us see why correction is not only permitted but encouraged!
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
In His final address, Jesus gave us what is now known as “The Great Commission”: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” (Matthew 28:18b-20a NLT). This isn’t a suggestion, it is a command; yet how often do we take this command seriously? I don’t know about you, but I am guilty of not taking it seriously enough of the time!
Jesus even goes so far as to tell us: “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:40, ESV). In other words, the spreading of the gospel is so important to the Kingdom of Heaven that when human voices are silenced, either by choice or by others, all nature will cry out in our place! Check out Ps. 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world…” (Ps. 19:1-4a ESV)!
I had a strange experience this morning that really hammered this image home to me. I looked out my patio door to see three pairs of patio shoes “run” across the yard – all on their own! I could only guess that it was the wind stirred up by the thunderstorms that would follow that powered those shoes, because without human power, they were at the mercy of the wind. Just like my patio shoes that “ran” across the patio this morning without any human to empower them, if I do not choose to follow Jesus’ command and spread the gospel, it will be spread! It will be spread without us by the heavenly wind, the Holy Spirit.
All this, however, is not to be seen as a cop-out. After all, Jesus didn’t give us the suggestion to spread the gospel, but He gave us the command! Many other parts of the Bible give hints and suggestions as to the importance of our participation in spreading the gospel. Once such verse comes from Isaiah 52: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 NLT). What this means is this: God values those who spread the gospel. He values them so much that even their feet are called beautiful! And we must remember that in the day this was written, people wore sandals and didn’t bathe daily, resulting in very dirty feet! Yet when they are used to spread the gospel, they are considered “beautiful”! In other words, the fact that the gospel will be spread even without us is simply a “plan B” so to speak, and how much better are “plan A”s usually than “plan B”s!
Yes, my patio shoes may “run” across the patio, pushed by the power of the wind, but how much better would it have been if I had simply moved them myself. I wouldn’t have had to go out in the storm to retrieve them, for one thing, and they wouldn’t have landed in the mud for another! In the same way, although the rocks will testify of God, how much better would it be for each of us to be carrying that message! How much clearer it would make the gospel for unbelievers.
As I watched those shoes this morning, I could only guess that they were not heavy enough to withstand the winds that the forthcoming thunderstorms had precipitated…I realized then that I often stop the Holy Spirit from moving because I am not fully surrendered to Him. If only my own will were as weak as those shoes. If only I were so surrendered to God’s Spirit that I would simply go in the power of His name…. How much better would it be for us each to carry the gospel message to the unbelievers by the power of the Heavenly “Wind”, the Holy Spirit! Not only would the result be so much more productive, but in the interim, we would be blessed!
Let’s not let our “gospel shoes” be carried across the world by the wind. Let’s strap them firmly to our feet. Let’s be so surrendered to God’s Spirit that He can carry us to where the gospel needs to be shared, that He will empower us to preach the gospel in word and deed. Let’s truly follow Jesus’ command to… GO!
Not sure how? God will tell you. The important thing is to be a willing vessel, to be open to His leading, and especially to … obey! For when we do, the gospel will be spread, lost sheep will be brought to the Lord, and our very feet will be called “beautiful”.much better would it be for us each to carry the gospel message to the unbelievers by the power of the Heavenly “Wind”, the Holy Spirit! Not only would the result be so much more productive, but in the interim, we would be blessed!
Let’s not let our “gospel shoes” be carried across the world by the wind. Let’s strap them firmly to our feet. Let’s be so surrendered to God’s Spirit that He can carry us to where the gospel needs to be shared, that He will empower us to preach the gospel in word and deed. Let’s truly follow Jesus’ command to… GO!
Not sure how? God will tell you. The important thing is to be a willing vessel, to be open to His leading, and especially to … obey! For when we do, the gospel will be spread, lost sheep will be brought to the Lord, and our very feet will be called “beautiful”.
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Jesus even goes so far as to tell us: “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:40, ESV). In other words, the spreading of the gospel is so important to the Kingdom of Heaven that when human voices are silenced, either by choice or by others, all nature will cry out in our place! Check out Ps. 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world…” (Ps. 19:1-4a ESV)!
I had a strange experience this morning that really hammered this image home to me. I looked out my patio door to see three pairs of patio shoes “run” across the yard – all on their own! I could only guess that it was the wind stirred up by the thunderstorms that would follow that powered those shoes, because without human power, they were at the mercy of the wind. Just like my patio shoes that “ran” across the patio this morning without any human to empower them, if I do not choose to follow Jesus’ command and spread the gospel, it will be spread! It will be spread without us by the heavenly wind, the Holy Spirit.
All this, however, is not to be seen as a cop-out. After all, Jesus didn’t give us the suggestion to spread the gospel, but He gave us the command! Many other parts of the Bible give hints and suggestions as to the importance of our participation in spreading the gospel. Once such verse comes from Isaiah 52: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 NLT). What this means is this: God values those who spread the gospel. He values them so much that even their feet are called beautiful! And we must remember that in the day this was written, people wore sandals and didn’t bathe daily, resulting in very dirty feet! Yet when they are used to spread the gospel, they are considered “beautiful”! In other words, the fact that the gospel will be spread even without us is simply a “plan B” so to speak, and how much better are “plan A”s usually than “plan B”s!
Yes, my patio shoes may “run” across the patio, pushed by the power of the wind, but how much better would it have been if I had simply moved them myself. I wouldn’t have had to go out in the storm to retrieve them, for one thing, and they wouldn’t have landed in the mud for another! In the same way, although the rocks will testify of God, how much better would it be for each of us to be carrying that message! How much clearer it would make the gospel for unbelievers.
As I watched those shoes this morning, I could only guess that they were not heavy enough to withstand the winds that the forthcoming thunderstorms had precipitated…I realized then that I often stop the Holy Spirit from moving because I am not fully surrendered to Him. If only my own will were as weak as those shoes. If only I were so surrendered to God’s Spirit that I would simply go in the power of His name…. How much better would it be for us each to carry the gospel message to the unbelievers by the power of the Heavenly “Wind”, the Holy Spirit! Not only would the result be so much more productive, but in the interim, we would be blessed!
Let’s not let our “gospel shoes” be carried across the world by the wind. Let’s strap them firmly to our feet. Let’s be so surrendered to God’s Spirit that He can carry us to where the gospel needs to be shared, that He will empower us to preach the gospel in word and deed. Let’s truly follow Jesus’ command to… GO!
Not sure how? God will tell you. The important thing is to be a willing vessel, to be open to His leading, and especially to … obey! For when we do, the gospel will be spread, lost sheep will be brought to the Lord, and our very feet will be called “beautiful”.much better would it be for us each to carry the gospel message to the unbelievers by the power of the Heavenly “Wind”, the Holy Spirit! Not only would the result be so much more productive, but in the interim, we would be blessed!
Let’s not let our “gospel shoes” be carried across the world by the wind. Let’s strap them firmly to our feet. Let’s be so surrendered to God’s Spirit that He can carry us to where the gospel needs to be shared, that He will empower us to preach the gospel in word and deed. Let’s truly follow Jesus’ command to… GO!
Not sure how? God will tell you. The important thing is to be a willing vessel, to be open to His leading, and especially to … obey! For when we do, the gospel will be spread, lost sheep will be brought to the Lord, and our very feet will be called “beautiful”.
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
Can there be a more bucolic, picturesque time of year than the annual trip with the family to the apple orchard? The Ottawa Valley features many commercial orchard farms, enticing people with not only diverse apple varieties to choose from, but wagons to carry pickers and apples to the gate, hay rides, petting zoos, and home-made pies and butter tarts from the on-site bakery. My brother has a lovely apple tree near his home, with pink, crispy apples to enjoy, at least the ones the deer haven’t managed to snack on! We have witnessed the doe and her fawns doing just that. We aren’t the only ones enjoying this annual treat.
Jesus spoke to His disciples about a different kind of fruit they were to bear. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another." (John 15:16-17 ESV) His followers enjoyed the tremendous privilege of being friends with Jesus, seeing prayers answered, and experiencing the blessings with Him first hand. These treasures weren’t earned, but rooted in the truth that Jesus chose them first, to develop into people who would remain and thrive, all to God’s glory.
Answered prayer is connected with bearing spiritual truth. As we know the Lord better and better, our prayers become aligned with His purposes, so that when we pray, He will give what we ask in Jesus’ name. When Jesus left them to return to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to not only comfort the disciples, but to continue the activity of asking and receiving. To ensure the growth of their ministry, the disciples were not to separate and go their own ways, but stay together and love each other.
We enjoy the fruits of the season, and the joy of togetherness. As we look to God in daily prayer, thank Him for choosing us and causing us to be fruitful. Thank Him for the treasure of answered prayer, which we enjoy on our own, and in the company of faithful believers.
Prayer: Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. And now let the weak say, “I am strong”. Let the poor say, “I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us”. Give thanks! (Henry Smith, Give Thanks, 1978), Amen.
Shirley Moulton
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Jesus spoke to His disciples about a different kind of fruit they were to bear. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another." (John 15:16-17 ESV) His followers enjoyed the tremendous privilege of being friends with Jesus, seeing prayers answered, and experiencing the blessings with Him first hand. These treasures weren’t earned, but rooted in the truth that Jesus chose them first, to develop into people who would remain and thrive, all to God’s glory.
Answered prayer is connected with bearing spiritual truth. As we know the Lord better and better, our prayers become aligned with His purposes, so that when we pray, He will give what we ask in Jesus’ name. When Jesus left them to return to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to not only comfort the disciples, but to continue the activity of asking and receiving. To ensure the growth of their ministry, the disciples were not to separate and go their own ways, but stay together and love each other.
We enjoy the fruits of the season, and the joy of togetherness. As we look to God in daily prayer, thank Him for choosing us and causing us to be fruitful. Thank Him for the treasure of answered prayer, which we enjoy on our own, and in the company of faithful believers.
Prayer: Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. And now let the weak say, “I am strong”. Let the poor say, “I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us”. Give thanks! (Henry Smith, Give Thanks, 1978), Amen.
Shirley Moulton
Announcements
Do you ever wonder about the tabernacle that Moses built in the wilderness? The books of Exodus and Leviticus spend many chapters describing its construction, but does it hold any relevance for us today? Please check out: Wilderness Instructions, a mini-series inspired by the tabernacle in the wilderness!
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
As summer turns to fall in the northern parts of North America, we find ourselves with an annual task in front of us: Winterizing! This includes cleaning out the garden and flower pots, storing pots in the shed, swapping out the lawnmower for the snow thrower, bringing in hoses, turning off and draining outside water lines, and of course, winterizing the travel trailer…
Of course, these things are all necessary to protect pipes/hoses/pots, etc. from the ice and snow of winter, but there is also other “winterizing” that we need to do as well…And this “winterizing” may need to be done at any time of year, no matter what the season. This is because things far worse than ice and snow are standing there, as if waiting to attack us, at our weakest moments: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12 NLT).
We’re talking about spiritual attacks here! Depression, anxiety, anger, insecurity, fear, worry, control, selfishness and self-pity, to name a few, things which will cause far more harm to us and to those around us than a simple burst pipe or cracked flower pot! Therefore, as important as it is to winterize my yard and trailer, it is far more important to “winterize” – to protect ourselves – against these spiritual forces from the dark, unseen world!
Unfortunately, unlike my winterizing that only needs to be done in the fall, “winterizing” against the spiritual attacks may have to happen at any time of year. These spiritual forces are always right there, waiting to take advantage of any weak moment to pounce.
And in case you think I just made that visual illustration up: “Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).
Even though I can’t rely on the calendar in the spiritual battle to tell me when I need to begin to prepare, there are warning signs. In the same way I know it’s time to winterize the yard when I see the evening temperatures begin to dip, when the leaves begin to change colors on the trees, when the days become shorter, etc., there are also signs that we can learn to pay attention to in order to be prepared when the devil may pounce. These “signs” will vary from person to person, but here are just a handful of common examples:
1. Irritability: If not taken care of immediately, that feeling of irritability can quickly develop into anger.
2. Certain thought patterns. You already know these thoughts lead you into temptation. They must be identified and nipped in the bud. If not, you will slip once again down that slippery slope.
3. What is it that sets off your depression? Is it anger? Frustration? Feeling out of control? Jealousy? Whenever you begin to feel these things, you will need to identify them and give them to God. Otherwise, you will slip right back down into depression.
4. Is your habitual spiritual battle worry? The only way to “winterize” against worry is recognize the moment things begin to look bleak and to give the circumstances all to God (and to not take them back!) so that they won’t develop into panic.
Though there are many more than this devotional has time to mention, God is always there to help us identify when the “ice and snow” are about to hit. He can show us the “signs”, and most importantly, He is there to help us work through them, for He has promised, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Cor. 10:13 NLT).
Winterizing is a lot of work. I know. We spent the morning working on this. “Winterizing” against the attacks of the devil can be a lot of work as well. We have to always be on the alert. We have to want to be secured against the traps of the devil. We need to be willing to hand over to God whatever it is that is fueling our worries, our anger, our irritations, our depression, our addictions, etc. We need to be open to the help He sends us. And perhaps, most importantly, we need to believe God’s promise of deliverance. After that, our God will do the rest!
Oh, and it’s true that we aren’t anywhere near finished winterizing for the year. I know it will be okay though, because the weather report doesn’t call for freezing temperatures this week. When you are thinking about “winterizing” against spiritual forces, however, doing only a half job will not work. You must continually be on the watch, you must allow God to dig down to the deepest recesses of your heart and reveal to you everything that needs to be “winterized”, and you must do a thorough job. Otherwise, the “roaring lion” devil will pounce right back the moment you let your guard down.
Gotta run. The hose needs to be brought in. Oh, and as I think about this, worry about not getting everything done right away is beginning to creep in. Perhaps I’d better spend some time with my Heavenly Father first, before those nagging worries develop into panic…
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Of course, these things are all necessary to protect pipes/hoses/pots, etc. from the ice and snow of winter, but there is also other “winterizing” that we need to do as well…And this “winterizing” may need to be done at any time of year, no matter what the season. This is because things far worse than ice and snow are standing there, as if waiting to attack us, at our weakest moments: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12 NLT).
We’re talking about spiritual attacks here! Depression, anxiety, anger, insecurity, fear, worry, control, selfishness and self-pity, to name a few, things which will cause far more harm to us and to those around us than a simple burst pipe or cracked flower pot! Therefore, as important as it is to winterize my yard and trailer, it is far more important to “winterize” – to protect ourselves – against these spiritual forces from the dark, unseen world!
Unfortunately, unlike my winterizing that only needs to be done in the fall, “winterizing” against the spiritual attacks may have to happen at any time of year. These spiritual forces are always right there, waiting to take advantage of any weak moment to pounce.
And in case you think I just made that visual illustration up: “Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).
Even though I can’t rely on the calendar in the spiritual battle to tell me when I need to begin to prepare, there are warning signs. In the same way I know it’s time to winterize the yard when I see the evening temperatures begin to dip, when the leaves begin to change colors on the trees, when the days become shorter, etc., there are also signs that we can learn to pay attention to in order to be prepared when the devil may pounce. These “signs” will vary from person to person, but here are just a handful of common examples:
1. Irritability: If not taken care of immediately, that feeling of irritability can quickly develop into anger.
2. Certain thought patterns. You already know these thoughts lead you into temptation. They must be identified and nipped in the bud. If not, you will slip once again down that slippery slope.
3. What is it that sets off your depression? Is it anger? Frustration? Feeling out of control? Jealousy? Whenever you begin to feel these things, you will need to identify them and give them to God. Otherwise, you will slip right back down into depression.
4. Is your habitual spiritual battle worry? The only way to “winterize” against worry is recognize the moment things begin to look bleak and to give the circumstances all to God (and to not take them back!) so that they won’t develop into panic.
Though there are many more than this devotional has time to mention, God is always there to help us identify when the “ice and snow” are about to hit. He can show us the “signs”, and most importantly, He is there to help us work through them, for He has promised, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Cor. 10:13 NLT).
Winterizing is a lot of work. I know. We spent the morning working on this. “Winterizing” against the attacks of the devil can be a lot of work as well. We have to always be on the alert. We have to want to be secured against the traps of the devil. We need to be willing to hand over to God whatever it is that is fueling our worries, our anger, our irritations, our depression, our addictions, etc. We need to be open to the help He sends us. And perhaps, most importantly, we need to believe God’s promise of deliverance. After that, our God will do the rest!
Oh, and it’s true that we aren’t anywhere near finished winterizing for the year. I know it will be okay though, because the weather report doesn’t call for freezing temperatures this week. When you are thinking about “winterizing” against spiritual forces, however, doing only a half job will not work. You must continually be on the watch, you must allow God to dig down to the deepest recesses of your heart and reveal to you everything that needs to be “winterized”, and you must do a thorough job. Otherwise, the “roaring lion” devil will pounce right back the moment you let your guard down.
Gotta run. The hose needs to be brought in. Oh, and as I think about this, worry about not getting everything done right away is beginning to creep in. Perhaps I’d better spend some time with my Heavenly Father first, before those nagging worries develop into panic…
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Do you ever wonder why the Holy Spirit is depicted as a dove? Check out the recently published mini-series, "Dovetailing Some Dove Facts", and find out!
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Ps. 118:24 NKJV)
It is closing in on my 54th birthday as I write this and I am reminded of a wonderful quote by the writer, Colette: “What a wonderful life I’ve had. I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” I was so blessed to grow up the way I did. I was surrounded by a loving family. I seemed to have all of nature as my playground. I took walks in the woods, went swimming every day during the summer, had countless touch football games with my friends, and curled up with a good book by the stove on cold, Winter’s days. I did well in school and formed friendships that I still have to this day. I was fortunate enough to go to college and learned so much there as well.
My life, of course, had its share of problems too. I married young and struggled financially for years to support my family. Two of my three children were diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation. And I realized that they would need to be looked after for the rest of their lives here. Yet, raising them brought so much learning, so much laughter, and so much love into my soul. In the end they became the greatest blessings in my life.
Still, it took me a long time to realize this. I spent years making the mistake so many of us here make. I constantly imagined what my life would be like if only my life’s circumstances were different. In the end I wasted so many days looking for a future that never came and not enjoying the “present” I had in front of me. It took me years to see that where you are is not as important as who you are and that simply living with love can bring you more joy than anything else in this life.
It is never too soon to realize how wonderful your life is. It is never too late to realize how wonderful your life is. And it is always time to live your life with love, laughter, and joy. Always remember this life is God’s gift to you. And how you live it is your gift to God.
Joseph J. Mazzella
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It is closing in on my 54th birthday as I write this and I am reminded of a wonderful quote by the writer, Colette: “What a wonderful life I’ve had. I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” I was so blessed to grow up the way I did. I was surrounded by a loving family. I seemed to have all of nature as my playground. I took walks in the woods, went swimming every day during the summer, had countless touch football games with my friends, and curled up with a good book by the stove on cold, Winter’s days. I did well in school and formed friendships that I still have to this day. I was fortunate enough to go to college and learned so much there as well.
My life, of course, had its share of problems too. I married young and struggled financially for years to support my family. Two of my three children were diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation. And I realized that they would need to be looked after for the rest of their lives here. Yet, raising them brought so much learning, so much laughter, and so much love into my soul. In the end they became the greatest blessings in my life.
Still, it took me a long time to realize this. I spent years making the mistake so many of us here make. I constantly imagined what my life would be like if only my life’s circumstances were different. In the end I wasted so many days looking for a future that never came and not enjoying the “present” I had in front of me. It took me years to see that where you are is not as important as who you are and that simply living with love can bring you more joy than anything else in this life.
It is never too soon to realize how wonderful your life is. It is never too late to realize how wonderful your life is. And it is always time to live your life with love, laughter, and joy. Always remember this life is God’s gift to you. And how you live it is your gift to God.
Joseph J. Mazzella
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Does it seem like everything is in chaos? Check out Order, Order, and Order, a mini-series by Suresh Manoharan, to find out!
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Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV)
The Trojan horse may seem like odd imagery for God's calling. I see it as helpful. Let me explain it first. In Greek mythology, a hollow wooden horse filled with Greek soldiers was left at the gates of Troy. The Trojans assumed it was a gift; so they dragged it inside. During the night the soldiers climbed out and defeated Troy.
We are like the Trojan horse in that we carry within the mighty force of Christ's nature and presence. Those who live and move among us have no idea what's inside until the door opens. They then see an all-surpassing power that they know must surely come from God. It can't come from the "horse". The horse, after all, isn't much. Indeed, it is powerless in itself.
This does not suggest a life of powerlessness and passivity. That would merely empower controllers. That is, in fact, the breeding ground of totalitarianism. Passivity is really a failure to embrace our calling as Trojan horses in the midst of an evil world.
The Trojan horse is not passive! It is clever and effective strategy. The armour of God passage in Ephesians 6:10-17 describes this clever strategy. The various armour parts listed there enclose the entire body, and together they form our defence. Although these parts normally function externally, here they function internally. They protect us by giving us a character disposition that is resilient to threatening temptations.
Let us, for example, take "the shield of faith". A secure faith in our mighty God can shield us from any threats that tempt us to fight back or run away. Our awareness of God enables us to stand firm. We know we have Christ's all-surpassing power within.
The armour of God passage warns us not to fight against "flesh and blood people" because people are not our real enemy. Our real adversary is comprised of spiritual forces and influences that work both inside and outside of us. Through Christ we have spiritual weapons to overcome them. It is our God-given duty to apply this armour through our character formation.
Prayer: Lord, we realize now that ongoing spiritual growth prepares us for those times when we will be surrounded by adversarial forces. We therefore submit ourselves to You — as Your Trojan horses. Train us through the school of life to take hold of Your all-surpassing power and spiritual provisions. Amen.
Diane Eaton
Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author's permission
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The Trojan horse may seem like odd imagery for God's calling. I see it as helpful. Let me explain it first. In Greek mythology, a hollow wooden horse filled with Greek soldiers was left at the gates of Troy. The Trojans assumed it was a gift; so they dragged it inside. During the night the soldiers climbed out and defeated Troy.
We are like the Trojan horse in that we carry within the mighty force of Christ's nature and presence. Those who live and move among us have no idea what's inside until the door opens. They then see an all-surpassing power that they know must surely come from God. It can't come from the "horse". The horse, after all, isn't much. Indeed, it is powerless in itself.
This does not suggest a life of powerlessness and passivity. That would merely empower controllers. That is, in fact, the breeding ground of totalitarianism. Passivity is really a failure to embrace our calling as Trojan horses in the midst of an evil world.
The Trojan horse is not passive! It is clever and effective strategy. The armour of God passage in Ephesians 6:10-17 describes this clever strategy. The various armour parts listed there enclose the entire body, and together they form our defence. Although these parts normally function externally, here they function internally. They protect us by giving us a character disposition that is resilient to threatening temptations.
Let us, for example, take "the shield of faith". A secure faith in our mighty God can shield us from any threats that tempt us to fight back or run away. Our awareness of God enables us to stand firm. We know we have Christ's all-surpassing power within.
The armour of God passage warns us not to fight against "flesh and blood people" because people are not our real enemy. Our real adversary is comprised of spiritual forces and influences that work both inside and outside of us. Through Christ we have spiritual weapons to overcome them. It is our God-given duty to apply this armour through our character formation.
Prayer: Lord, we realize now that ongoing spiritual growth prepares us for those times when we will be surrounded by adversarial forces. We therefore submit ourselves to You — as Your Trojan horses. Train us through the school of life to take hold of Your all-surpassing power and spiritual provisions. Amen.
Diane Eaton
Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author's permission
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The ultimate in prayers, changeless throughout history, powerful in simplicity: The Lord's Prayer. Please click here.
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Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
Invitation or Command?
October 10, 2021
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
~ Matthew 11:28-29 KJV ~
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV)
God is omnipotent. It always amazes me that He has chosen to allow us mere mortals to choose to obey Him, even though He has the power to make us do so.
From the start, He has given us a command but leaves us the choice.
"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV)
In the early 1970s, I saw a good example of this.
The church that we attended had a men's hockey team that played in a church league, but, with a lack of leadership, had not won a game for 18 months. They pressured my wife and myself to assume the challenging responsibilities for managing, training, and coaching.
To join, players had to be 16 or older. The members made an exception that allowed our 15-year-old son to join. They thought that this would encourage his parents to assume this onerous challenge. It also helped that he was a strong player.
I was not an experienced coach, but we agreed, and after two years, our team won the league championship.
My wife was a good organizer and an experienced nurse, so she was capable of handling management details and also treating injured players, even driving them to the hospital when required.
I had two basic tenets that I taught.
Firstly, the most important skill in sports is discipline — the ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Secondly, players never score any goals when they are sitting in the penalty box. Even though this was a church league, fighting was not uncommon.
At a critical time in one game, one of our toughest players was about to enter a melee that I knew would lead to a fight. Ted looked over to our bench on the opposite side of the rink, and I just beckoned to him to come.
He quickly skated over to our bench, and everyone on both teams were shocked that he didn't remain in the middle of the developing fight. Ted knew that if he disobeyed, one of the consequences for him would be sitting on the bench. As a real competitor, he always wanted to be on the ice, playing hard!
I could not have forced Ted to come, but he chose to take the simple beckoning as a command and not just as an invitation. He decided that obeying my command was the best for him and the team.
We live our Christian lives faithfully when we accept our heavenly Father's invitation to follow Christ Jesus and then obey His commands and share His love with others.
Prayer: Dear Father, give us Your grace to accept Your invitations and obey Your commands. Help us to show Your love in practical ways. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Vincent Walter
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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October 10, 2021
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
~ Matthew 11:28-29 KJV ~
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV)
God is omnipotent. It always amazes me that He has chosen to allow us mere mortals to choose to obey Him, even though He has the power to make us do so.
From the start, He has given us a command but leaves us the choice.
"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV)
In the early 1970s, I saw a good example of this.
The church that we attended had a men's hockey team that played in a church league, but, with a lack of leadership, had not won a game for 18 months. They pressured my wife and myself to assume the challenging responsibilities for managing, training, and coaching.
To join, players had to be 16 or older. The members made an exception that allowed our 15-year-old son to join. They thought that this would encourage his parents to assume this onerous challenge. It also helped that he was a strong player.
I was not an experienced coach, but we agreed, and after two years, our team won the league championship.
My wife was a good organizer and an experienced nurse, so she was capable of handling management details and also treating injured players, even driving them to the hospital when required.
I had two basic tenets that I taught.
Firstly, the most important skill in sports is discipline — the ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Secondly, players never score any goals when they are sitting in the penalty box. Even though this was a church league, fighting was not uncommon.
At a critical time in one game, one of our toughest players was about to enter a melee that I knew would lead to a fight. Ted looked over to our bench on the opposite side of the rink, and I just beckoned to him to come.
He quickly skated over to our bench, and everyone on both teams were shocked that he didn't remain in the middle of the developing fight. Ted knew that if he disobeyed, one of the consequences for him would be sitting on the bench. As a real competitor, he always wanted to be on the ice, playing hard!
I could not have forced Ted to come, but he chose to take the simple beckoning as a command and not just as an invitation. He decided that obeying my command was the best for him and the team.
We live our Christian lives faithfully when we accept our heavenly Father's invitation to follow Christ Jesus and then obey His commands and share His love with others.
Prayer: Dear Father, give us Your grace to accept Your invitations and obey Your commands. Help us to show Your love in practical ways. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Vincent Walter
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6 NKJV)
Recently, I came across the story of Martin Rinkart, a Lutheran minister, who came to the German city of Eilenburg in 1637 near the beginning of the Thirty Years' War. Because the city was walled, it became overcrowded with refugees from the armed conflict in the surrounding countryside. The city was conquered by different armies three times, and Rinkart often had to house soldiers in his home.
That same year, a severe plague broke out, killing 8,000 people, including Rinkart's wife, all of the town's other clergymen, and a large number of children. Rinkart had to do the work of three pastors, conducting as many as 50 funerals a day, a total of 4,480. Many refugees were buried in trenches without a service. After the plague, the city was hit by an extreme famine. Through it all, he faithfully cared for the sick and hungry, sharing what little food he had for his own family. Rinkart remained well throughout the plague and subsequent famine.
There is good evidence that he took to heart the apostle Paul's injunction, "Be thankful in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT), for out of this experience, he wrote the hymn, "Nun danket alle Gott", translated by Catherine Winkworth:
Now thank we all our God,
With heart, and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In Whom His world rejoices;
Who from our mother's arms
Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today. What can you think of today to be thankful to God for?
Recently, someone told me about taking a "gratitude walk". She takes time out to begin her day by walking and thinking about all the things that she is thankful for. She returns with a happy mind, at peace with the challenges of managing her household. God certainly knows what's best for us when He counselled us to "be thankful in all circumstances"!
Prayer: Lord God, give us grateful hearts! Help us always to have a positive, uplifting, thankful attitude, and to look for the good in everything. Amen.
Copyright 2021, by Robin Ross, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Mission, British Columbia, Canada
Reprinted from PresbyCan with author's permission
Announcements
The blood of Jesus: It is amazing in its healing and protective qualities. Have you been covered with Jesus' blood? If not, why not do so today? You can do so in one of three ways:
1. You can view our Salvation video;
2. You can visit our Savior's Call webpage, available in 10 different languages;
3. Or you can email us, or contact us via What’sApp at +1 (473) 417-8412, and we'll be happy to help you accept Jesus into your heart!
Don't wait! Do it today!
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Recently, I came across the story of Martin Rinkart, a Lutheran minister, who came to the German city of Eilenburg in 1637 near the beginning of the Thirty Years' War. Because the city was walled, it became overcrowded with refugees from the armed conflict in the surrounding countryside. The city was conquered by different armies three times, and Rinkart often had to house soldiers in his home.
That same year, a severe plague broke out, killing 8,000 people, including Rinkart's wife, all of the town's other clergymen, and a large number of children. Rinkart had to do the work of three pastors, conducting as many as 50 funerals a day, a total of 4,480. Many refugees were buried in trenches without a service. After the plague, the city was hit by an extreme famine. Through it all, he faithfully cared for the sick and hungry, sharing what little food he had for his own family. Rinkart remained well throughout the plague and subsequent famine.
There is good evidence that he took to heart the apostle Paul's injunction, "Be thankful in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT), for out of this experience, he wrote the hymn, "Nun danket alle Gott", translated by Catherine Winkworth:
Now thank we all our God,
With heart, and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In Whom His world rejoices;
Who from our mother's arms
Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today. What can you think of today to be thankful to God for?
Recently, someone told me about taking a "gratitude walk". She takes time out to begin her day by walking and thinking about all the things that she is thankful for. She returns with a happy mind, at peace with the challenges of managing her household. God certainly knows what's best for us when He counselled us to "be thankful in all circumstances"!
Prayer: Lord God, give us grateful hearts! Help us always to have a positive, uplifting, thankful attitude, and to look for the good in everything. Amen.
Copyright 2021, by Robin Ross, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Mission, British Columbia, Canada
Reprinted from PresbyCan with author's permission
Announcements
The blood of Jesus: It is amazing in its healing and protective qualities. Have you been covered with Jesus' blood? If not, why not do so today? You can do so in one of three ways:
1. You can view our Salvation video;
2. You can visit our Savior's Call webpage, available in 10 different languages;
3. Or you can email us, or contact us via What’sApp at +1 (473) 417-8412, and we'll be happy to help you accept Jesus into your heart!
Don't wait! Do it today!
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
Memorizing Scripture verses is not something I am good at. I usually don’t try as hard as I should, but do find Bible passages set to music in song easier to call to mind. I seem to be able to remember all sorts of other random facts and figures, though! We are often encouraged to meditate on God’s Word and commit it to memory, for many good reasons, as people of God to know their Father better. It should come as no surprise that writers of the Scriptures knew their psalms well, especially Psalm 31.
David is the writer of Psalm 31, and re-used some of it in the first verses of Psalm 71. Jeremiah referred to this psalm six times in the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations. Paul called it to mind in I Corinthians 16:13: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (ESV). Stephen commended his life to God in death with Psalm 31:5 in Acts 7:59: “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon (the Lord), and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (ASV) Jesus Himself recalled Psalm 31:5 at His death: “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit!’” (Luke 23:46a ESV)
The last words of martyrs Polycarp and John Huss were Psalm 31:5: “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” (ESV) Martin Luther, meditating on the first verses of Psalm 31, came to understand how God’s righteousness came not to condemn him as a sinner, but given to him when he put his faith in Christ.
If we remember Psalm 31:14: “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God’” (ESV), we know that in the midst of our troubles we don’t have to dwell on them, but know that our Lord is greater than all of them and be at peace in the knowledge that our times are in His hands (See Psalm 31:24). The last words of Psalm 31 are a call for courage in times of trouble: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24 ESV) When meditating on and memorizing Scripture seems difficult and time consuming, consider how this powerful psalm has inspired and given courage to writers of Scripture, martyrs, visionaries, and not least of all the Lord Jesus Himself. I suggest listening to “Make Your Face to Shine Upon Your Servant” by Esther Mui, for a wonderful musical version of verses in Psalm 31.
Prayer: Dearest Lord, “In You do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in Your righteousness deliver me! Incline Your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For You are my rock and fortress; and for Your name’s sake You lead me and guide me.” (Psalm 31:1-3a ESV). Amen.
Shirley Moulton
Announcements
The book of John takes us through many deep discussions that Jesus gave at various times in His ministry. Please click here for Study #1 -- JESUS AND NICODEMUS; Study #2 -- THE WOMAN AT THE WELL; Study #3 -- AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA; Study #4 -- THE BREAD OF LIFE; Study #5 -- The Shepherd and His Flock; and Study #6 -- The Vine and the Branches.
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
David is the writer of Psalm 31, and re-used some of it in the first verses of Psalm 71. Jeremiah referred to this psalm six times in the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations. Paul called it to mind in I Corinthians 16:13: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (ESV). Stephen commended his life to God in death with Psalm 31:5 in Acts 7:59: “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon (the Lord), and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (ASV) Jesus Himself recalled Psalm 31:5 at His death: “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit!’” (Luke 23:46a ESV)
The last words of martyrs Polycarp and John Huss were Psalm 31:5: “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” (ESV) Martin Luther, meditating on the first verses of Psalm 31, came to understand how God’s righteousness came not to condemn him as a sinner, but given to him when he put his faith in Christ.
If we remember Psalm 31:14: “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God’” (ESV), we know that in the midst of our troubles we don’t have to dwell on them, but know that our Lord is greater than all of them and be at peace in the knowledge that our times are in His hands (See Psalm 31:24). The last words of Psalm 31 are a call for courage in times of trouble: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24 ESV) When meditating on and memorizing Scripture seems difficult and time consuming, consider how this powerful psalm has inspired and given courage to writers of Scripture, martyrs, visionaries, and not least of all the Lord Jesus Himself. I suggest listening to “Make Your Face to Shine Upon Your Servant” by Esther Mui, for a wonderful musical version of verses in Psalm 31.
Prayer: Dearest Lord, “In You do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in Your righteousness deliver me! Incline Your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For You are my rock and fortress; and for Your name’s sake You lead me and guide me.” (Psalm 31:1-3a ESV). Amen.
Shirley Moulton
Announcements
The book of John takes us through many deep discussions that Jesus gave at various times in His ministry. Please click here for Study #1 -- JESUS AND NICODEMUS; Study #2 -- THE WOMAN AT THE WELL; Study #3 -- AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA; Study #4 -- THE BREAD OF LIFE; Study #5 -- The Shepherd and His Flock; and Study #6 -- The Vine and the Branches.
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
GOD IS LOVE
I’m a father of three grown children, and even though my offspring no longer live at home, there isn’t a day that goes by when they don’t come to mind or when I miss them and pray for them. I often ponder those years of bouncing my kids on my knee and then cuddling in for a group hug. I confess as a sappy dad, I miss those days tremendously.
The other night while asleep, I apparently travelled through some sort of time-machine portal, because in that dream, my two sons and daughter were again small. I’d say ten, eight and five respectively. My boys each occupied a knee, while my blond hair, pony-tailed little girl snuggled in at my side. I remember wrapping my arms around my kids, hugging them fiercely as my heart burst open with love for each of them. Emotions welled up and I began to sob. In that instant, I was reminded of how much more my own heavenly Father loves me—tattered baggage and all. I awoke in tears, my chest heaving from the vividness of what I had experienced.
I believe without question that God impressed this dream into my soul, a poignant reminder that as a father himself, he loves me unconditionally, forgivingly—and without condemnation because of his own Son’s sacrifice on the cross for my sin. With my children’s young faces still etched into my memory, I laid in bed for several long minutes, grateful for the mental picture of holding my kids tight, and equally stunned at the fresh revelation that I’m loved even more than I can imagine by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A God steeped in open-armed, non-judgemental, logic-defying love.
And did you know He loves you, too?
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4, 9-10 NIV)
It doesn’t matter your social status. It doesn’t matter your background, your sins committed or the cluttered messy baggage you haul around in your backpack each day. GOD IS CRAZY IN LOVE WITH YOU! He wants a relationship with you—wants to wrap his arms around you and weep because he loves you so much and that you came to him. He craves your heart and wants to be involved in every aspect of your life.
And the coolest part is—all you need to do is let him in. “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NIV)
Paul Smyth
Announcements
The blood of Jesus: It is amazing in its healing and protective qualities. Have you been covered with Jesus' blood? If not, why not do so today? You can do so in one of three ways:
1. You can view our Salvation video;
2. You can visit our Savior's Call webpage, available in 10 different languages;
3. Or you can email us, or contact us via What’sApp at +1 (473) 417-8412, and we'll be happy to help you accept Jesus into your heart!
Don't wait! Do it today!
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
I’m a father of three grown children, and even though my offspring no longer live at home, there isn’t a day that goes by when they don’t come to mind or when I miss them and pray for them. I often ponder those years of bouncing my kids on my knee and then cuddling in for a group hug. I confess as a sappy dad, I miss those days tremendously.
The other night while asleep, I apparently travelled through some sort of time-machine portal, because in that dream, my two sons and daughter were again small. I’d say ten, eight and five respectively. My boys each occupied a knee, while my blond hair, pony-tailed little girl snuggled in at my side. I remember wrapping my arms around my kids, hugging them fiercely as my heart burst open with love for each of them. Emotions welled up and I began to sob. In that instant, I was reminded of how much more my own heavenly Father loves me—tattered baggage and all. I awoke in tears, my chest heaving from the vividness of what I had experienced.
I believe without question that God impressed this dream into my soul, a poignant reminder that as a father himself, he loves me unconditionally, forgivingly—and without condemnation because of his own Son’s sacrifice on the cross for my sin. With my children’s young faces still etched into my memory, I laid in bed for several long minutes, grateful for the mental picture of holding my kids tight, and equally stunned at the fresh revelation that I’m loved even more than I can imagine by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A God steeped in open-armed, non-judgemental, logic-defying love.
And did you know He loves you, too?
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4, 9-10 NIV)
It doesn’t matter your social status. It doesn’t matter your background, your sins committed or the cluttered messy baggage you haul around in your backpack each day. GOD IS CRAZY IN LOVE WITH YOU! He wants a relationship with you—wants to wrap his arms around you and weep because he loves you so much and that you came to him. He craves your heart and wants to be involved in every aspect of your life.
And the coolest part is—all you need to do is let him in. “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NIV)
Paul Smyth
Announcements
The blood of Jesus: It is amazing in its healing and protective qualities. Have you been covered with Jesus' blood? If not, why not do so today? You can do so in one of three ways:
1. You can view our Salvation video;
2. You can visit our Savior's Call webpage, available in 10 different languages;
3. Or you can email us, or contact us via What’sApp at +1 (473) 417-8412, and we'll be happy to help you accept Jesus into your heart!
Don't wait! Do it today!
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
(Written in August 2020)
Peace.
It seems such an elusive concept in today’s world. What with explosions, hurricanes, flooding, drought, earthquakes and locust; blatant racism and violent demonstrations; civil wars; drowning migrants, unprecedented political unrest; poisonings; military coups; world hunger... And I haven’t even mentioned COVID, the rise of it’s second wave and the economic crisis it has sent the world into.
And you say … peace?
When I woke up this morning, I began to pray for the world and all its troubles, and it didn’t take long for me to get all worked up. I opened my eyes then, and I found myself staring out the bedroom window. The sun wasn’t quite yet up, and the sky looked like cotton candy with its wisps of blue and pink cloud intertwining across the horizon. The air outside was perfectly still, not even a leaf was rustling. There was no noise of cars, no footsteps, no workers working… Peace.
But how can it be so… peaceful? I mean, the wars/hurricanes/explosions/poisonings/etc. hadn’t just disappeared overnight! COVID-19 still rampaged the world!
And I abandoned that peaceful feeling as I crawled out of bed.
Fast-forward a few hours. My husband and I were out for our daily stroll, and we had decided to walk the banks of the local canal. As is our habit, when we turned around to begin our return trek, we began interceding for the world and all of its problems. Just at the peak of our prayer, when it seemed there was no solution, my eyes drifted out over the abandoned shipping canal, now used exclusively for recreation. The greenish water was calm and clear. The trees lining both sides of the water were lush and still. A couple fished on a rustic dock. A lone duck paddled across the water, leaving behind a tiny wake… Peace.
But how can it be so… peaceful? I mean…
Wait. Hadn’t I already used those words once today? Why was God bringing these peaceful scenes to my attention, not once, but twice in the same day? And both times, just as I was getting all worked up about the troubles in the world?
It didn’t take me long to realize that this was definitely a God-moment, and as I watched that duck make its way across the water, I slowly began to understand: God wanted me to know that I can have peace in my heart despite the problems of the world. He was helping me to understand that peace can co-exist with chaos. Didn’t He tell us, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid…” (John 14:27 NLT)? It doesn't matter how much chaos the world gives. Even amidst the worst trouble, Jesus left us a gift – a gift of peace of mind and heart.
Those weren’t the only two times when I became upset about the condition of the world that day. The next times, however, God brought to my mind the cotton-candy clouds and the little wake left by the lone duck, and I understood. I am to receive the gift of peace that Jesus has for each of us. I am not to be troubled or afraid. I am to pray for the world, and I am to intercede for those in need; but I am not to carry that burden. I am simply to hand it over to the One who is big enough to carry it.
What has robbed you of your peace today? Don't carry that pain. Instead, surrender it to the One who is big enough to carry it for you. Pray. Intercede. But receive His peace. Yes. I did mean "right now"!
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
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Looking for peace but having trouble finding it? Why not check out previous devotionals on peace from the Scriptural Nuggets website? Click here!
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Peace.
It seems such an elusive concept in today’s world. What with explosions, hurricanes, flooding, drought, earthquakes and locust; blatant racism and violent demonstrations; civil wars; drowning migrants, unprecedented political unrest; poisonings; military coups; world hunger... And I haven’t even mentioned COVID, the rise of it’s second wave and the economic crisis it has sent the world into.
And you say … peace?
When I woke up this morning, I began to pray for the world and all its troubles, and it didn’t take long for me to get all worked up. I opened my eyes then, and I found myself staring out the bedroom window. The sun wasn’t quite yet up, and the sky looked like cotton candy with its wisps of blue and pink cloud intertwining across the horizon. The air outside was perfectly still, not even a leaf was rustling. There was no noise of cars, no footsteps, no workers working… Peace.
But how can it be so… peaceful? I mean, the wars/hurricanes/explosions/poisonings/etc. hadn’t just disappeared overnight! COVID-19 still rampaged the world!
And I abandoned that peaceful feeling as I crawled out of bed.
Fast-forward a few hours. My husband and I were out for our daily stroll, and we had decided to walk the banks of the local canal. As is our habit, when we turned around to begin our return trek, we began interceding for the world and all of its problems. Just at the peak of our prayer, when it seemed there was no solution, my eyes drifted out over the abandoned shipping canal, now used exclusively for recreation. The greenish water was calm and clear. The trees lining both sides of the water were lush and still. A couple fished on a rustic dock. A lone duck paddled across the water, leaving behind a tiny wake… Peace.
But how can it be so… peaceful? I mean…
Wait. Hadn’t I already used those words once today? Why was God bringing these peaceful scenes to my attention, not once, but twice in the same day? And both times, just as I was getting all worked up about the troubles in the world?
It didn’t take me long to realize that this was definitely a God-moment, and as I watched that duck make its way across the water, I slowly began to understand: God wanted me to know that I can have peace in my heart despite the problems of the world. He was helping me to understand that peace can co-exist with chaos. Didn’t He tell us, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid…” (John 14:27 NLT)? It doesn't matter how much chaos the world gives. Even amidst the worst trouble, Jesus left us a gift – a gift of peace of mind and heart.
Those weren’t the only two times when I became upset about the condition of the world that day. The next times, however, God brought to my mind the cotton-candy clouds and the little wake left by the lone duck, and I understood. I am to receive the gift of peace that Jesus has for each of us. I am not to be troubled or afraid. I am to pray for the world, and I am to intercede for those in need; but I am not to carry that burden. I am simply to hand it over to the One who is big enough to carry it.
What has robbed you of your peace today? Don't carry that pain. Instead, surrender it to the One who is big enough to carry it for you. Pray. Intercede. But receive His peace. Yes. I did mean "right now"!
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two adult boys, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, The Illustrator, a four-times-a-week internet newsletter, and the Sermon Illustrator website, all with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
Announcements
Looking for peace but having trouble finding it? Why not check out previous devotionals on peace from the Scriptural Nuggets website? Click here!
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
Life Can't Get Worse: Living With Alzheimer's, Part 3
October 1, 2021
So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
~ Romans 14:19 NASB ~
In the fall of 2018, my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We had both just retired, and we were looking forward to many years of happiness together. We wanted to make up for all the busyness of our careers. We wanted to travel, to write, to share home and gardening projects, and especially, to be the ministry team God had created us to be. But with those dreaded words, "You have early Alzheimer's," all of our plans and dreams were instantly washed away.
I wish I could say it took me by surprise, but I can't. I had been suspecting this for months, maybe even years. As a practising Speech-Language Pathologist/Therapist with more than 30 years of experience in adult neurological communication disorders, I have to admit that the red flags had been waving for a while. Nonetheless, no one wants confirmation that what they fear has become a reality.
Because of my background, I was acutely aware of what was ahead. The man I had shared my life with, the one who was the father to my children, was gone; and I would be forced to sit back and watch as everything I knew and loved about the man I married slipped away. Naturally, this also meant that all of our plans and hopes and dreams were also slipping away, for a diagnosis of Alzheimer's isn't compatible with how we had hoped to spend our retirement.
We normally think of grief as being something brought on by a death; but in reality, we tend to grieve any loss in our lives. The only problem is, when there is no death, we tend to feel guilty about our grief. I mean, how could I grieve the loss of my husband when he was physically still there? And of course, there was the grief over the loss of our hopes and dreams for retirement. Wasn't it selfish to be grieving these things when the loss was so much more devastating to my husband?
There was only one thing I could do: I could fight back! Where there is life, there is hope, right? So I determined to do some cognitive stimulation with him every day. That would help, right?
I will say that I did see changes… but not the kind I was hoping for. Everything I had intended for good only served to bring the deficits that he was already acutely aware of to the forefront of his mind. The result? A chasm of frustration formed between us, and he was pushed into depression.
I realize now how insensitive I was. I mean, if you can't make heads or tails out of an analog clock, if your visual perception makes you see things very differently from how they actually are, would you want someone continually pushing a clock under your nose and asking you the time?
But if I couldn't "make him better", then what was I supposed to do?
The “lecturing” started then. Whatever came to my mind came out my mouth: “You should try harder.” “Don’t you ever listen?” “I’ve already shown you how to do that three times!” Then I would be forced to watch as my poor, hurting husband crumpled even further into his sea of uselessness and despair.
It was definitely a dark time for us, and I couldn't have been happier when God appeared to my husband in the bathroom that afternoon, promising to heal his sore shoulder and his cognition. God had heard my prayers. He would make it all new again.
The only problem was, that renewal didn't happen right away. In fact, I didn't see any signs of it happening at all at first. All I could see was the continued daily loss of cognitive abilities; and the angry frustration in me mounted, making me doubt my husband's story, making me doubt that my God keeps His promises...
I am ashamed to admit how long this all went on. Suffice is to say, those were not pleasant days for any of us. Looking back over all of this, I realize that there wasn't much I did that was right. However, God doesn't want us to dwell in our past mistakes. He wants us to learn from them and move on; and by the grace of God, that is what I finally resolved to do. The Bible tells us multiple times to, "build one another up": "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another." (Romans 14:19 NASB) This doesn't qualify that we are only to do this in the best of times. It does not exclude the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, or any other thing that might be affecting the one you love, so I finally resolved to, "pursue the things which make for peace and the building up..." of my husband!
I hope and pray that if someone you know and love is going through Alzheimer's, or other types of serious problems, you will remember my story. Yes, it is normal to grieve the loss of your loved one the way you knew him or her. Yes, it is normal to grieve the loss of the life you had, of your plans and hopes and dreams. Nonetheless, that person is still there, and in their moments of clarity (and we have no way of knowing when those will come!), that person is hurting far worse than you could ever imagine. We have it in our power to either support and love them through these hard times, or to make their lives unlivable. Let’s resolve to do the former, to always build one another up, no matter what!
In His love,
Lyn Chaffart
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I would come to realize that God was using these dark days to teach me some valuable lessons... Join us on Friday for "Living With Alzheimer's, Part 4"!
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October 1, 2021
So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
~ Romans 14:19 NASB ~
In the fall of 2018, my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We had both just retired, and we were looking forward to many years of happiness together. We wanted to make up for all the busyness of our careers. We wanted to travel, to write, to share home and gardening projects, and especially, to be the ministry team God had created us to be. But with those dreaded words, "You have early Alzheimer's," all of our plans and dreams were instantly washed away.
I wish I could say it took me by surprise, but I can't. I had been suspecting this for months, maybe even years. As a practising Speech-Language Pathologist/Therapist with more than 30 years of experience in adult neurological communication disorders, I have to admit that the red flags had been waving for a while. Nonetheless, no one wants confirmation that what they fear has become a reality.
Because of my background, I was acutely aware of what was ahead. The man I had shared my life with, the one who was the father to my children, was gone; and I would be forced to sit back and watch as everything I knew and loved about the man I married slipped away. Naturally, this also meant that all of our plans and hopes and dreams were also slipping away, for a diagnosis of Alzheimer's isn't compatible with how we had hoped to spend our retirement.
We normally think of grief as being something brought on by a death; but in reality, we tend to grieve any loss in our lives. The only problem is, when there is no death, we tend to feel guilty about our grief. I mean, how could I grieve the loss of my husband when he was physically still there? And of course, there was the grief over the loss of our hopes and dreams for retirement. Wasn't it selfish to be grieving these things when the loss was so much more devastating to my husband?
There was only one thing I could do: I could fight back! Where there is life, there is hope, right? So I determined to do some cognitive stimulation with him every day. That would help, right?
I will say that I did see changes… but not the kind I was hoping for. Everything I had intended for good only served to bring the deficits that he was already acutely aware of to the forefront of his mind. The result? A chasm of frustration formed between us, and he was pushed into depression.
I realize now how insensitive I was. I mean, if you can't make heads or tails out of an analog clock, if your visual perception makes you see things very differently from how they actually are, would you want someone continually pushing a clock under your nose and asking you the time?
But if I couldn't "make him better", then what was I supposed to do?
The “lecturing” started then. Whatever came to my mind came out my mouth: “You should try harder.” “Don’t you ever listen?” “I’ve already shown you how to do that three times!” Then I would be forced to watch as my poor, hurting husband crumpled even further into his sea of uselessness and despair.
It was definitely a dark time for us, and I couldn't have been happier when God appeared to my husband in the bathroom that afternoon, promising to heal his sore shoulder and his cognition. God had heard my prayers. He would make it all new again.
The only problem was, that renewal didn't happen right away. In fact, I didn't see any signs of it happening at all at first. All I could see was the continued daily loss of cognitive abilities; and the angry frustration in me mounted, making me doubt my husband's story, making me doubt that my God keeps His promises...
I am ashamed to admit how long this all went on. Suffice is to say, those were not pleasant days for any of us. Looking back over all of this, I realize that there wasn't much I did that was right. However, God doesn't want us to dwell in our past mistakes. He wants us to learn from them and move on; and by the grace of God, that is what I finally resolved to do. The Bible tells us multiple times to, "build one another up": "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another." (Romans 14:19 NASB) This doesn't qualify that we are only to do this in the best of times. It does not exclude the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, or any other thing that might be affecting the one you love, so I finally resolved to, "pursue the things which make for peace and the building up..." of my husband!
I hope and pray that if someone you know and love is going through Alzheimer's, or other types of serious problems, you will remember my story. Yes, it is normal to grieve the loss of your loved one the way you knew him or her. Yes, it is normal to grieve the loss of the life you had, of your plans and hopes and dreams. Nonetheless, that person is still there, and in their moments of clarity (and we have no way of knowing when those will come!), that person is hurting far worse than you could ever imagine. We have it in our power to either support and love them through these hard times, or to make their lives unlivable. Let’s resolve to do the former, to always build one another up, no matter what!
In His love,
Lyn Chaffart
Announcements
I would come to realize that God was using these dark days to teach me some valuable lessons... Join us on Friday for "Living With Alzheimer's, Part 4"!
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
“For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail.” (Psalms 91:11-12 NIV)
We are living in unprecedented times when all around us, people are being infected and dying of a virus that has doctors, nurses, and all kinds of support care scrambling, trying to help people of every race, age, culture, you name it! I say, “unprecedented” because the last time our world went through a pandemic was about one hundred years ago when they didn’t have the information we have available to us in terms of science, medicine and certainly not social media!
Do I know people who have had this virus and survived? Yes. Do I know people who have had this virus and not survived? Sadly, yes. Did I think it could strike “close to home”? Yes. But did I really think it would touch my family? NO! This last week, Covid19 “hit home” and I can honestly say, I felt terrified, anxious, freaked out…and the list went on. Did I think to pray? Absolutely!!
When I got the text that one of my precious family was a “close contact” with a “positive case”, my heart sank and I felt my world “shake”. When I received the text that the “close contact” now became a “positive” test result, I realized the ramifications and “domino effect” this had on not only other family, on me, but also those all around. It was almost overwhelming to think what this meant.
My response? “And God is fully capable of invisible barriers.” This is not typically something I say to myself or others, so I wasn’t sure exactly where that confident statement came from. I was scared, and yet I found myself sending texts back about “God is still on His throne” and “This has already passed through the hand of God”. That last statement came from a message from a very precious pastor 20 years ago when our family went through job loss. I just kept sending words of encouragement while I was grappling with fear. Those words were not coming from me, but through me, and I was encouraged too.
As we received the first “negative” result of the next person, it was actually “impossible” that this next “close contact” didn’t get Covid as they were married to the first person! Then, it was my turn to get the test and I received a “negative” result as well! I firmly believe God gave me the words “invisible barrier” in advance of knowing any of this as I prayed for protection and angels to surround everyone involved.
As I write this, we are running full tilt into the fourth wave of this pandemic. Am I okay with this? No way! Am I concerned? Yes, very much so. Do I think God is still on His throne? He sure is, and He is also walking right beside me. As I thought about writing these words, I had no idea what bible verse to go with it. God reminded me of a few verses of how He sends His angels to watch over us. To protect us. To comfort us.
Maybe there is something you are navigating through and you question where God is in the middle of your circumstances. The encouraging words I would “text” to you are: keep praying, dig into God’s Word and find His comfort and promises and hold on tight. We just don’t know what He is doing “behind the scenes” and what “invisible barriers” He has already put up that we may never know about…until we see Him face to face. I wish I could say I was at “perfect Peace”, but God is still working with me on that and reminds me regularly of His wings (See Psalms 91:3). His angels and His constant love are around me, no matter what. …and He is there for you too!
May God bless those who are reading this. May you be encouraged.
Diane Smyth
Announcements
Need help? Let us come along side you in prayer. Email us; or send a message via What'sApp to +91 98696 68137.
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
We are living in unprecedented times when all around us, people are being infected and dying of a virus that has doctors, nurses, and all kinds of support care scrambling, trying to help people of every race, age, culture, you name it! I say, “unprecedented” because the last time our world went through a pandemic was about one hundred years ago when they didn’t have the information we have available to us in terms of science, medicine and certainly not social media!
Do I know people who have had this virus and survived? Yes. Do I know people who have had this virus and not survived? Sadly, yes. Did I think it could strike “close to home”? Yes. But did I really think it would touch my family? NO! This last week, Covid19 “hit home” and I can honestly say, I felt terrified, anxious, freaked out…and the list went on. Did I think to pray? Absolutely!!
When I got the text that one of my precious family was a “close contact” with a “positive case”, my heart sank and I felt my world “shake”. When I received the text that the “close contact” now became a “positive” test result, I realized the ramifications and “domino effect” this had on not only other family, on me, but also those all around. It was almost overwhelming to think what this meant.
My response? “And God is fully capable of invisible barriers.” This is not typically something I say to myself or others, so I wasn’t sure exactly where that confident statement came from. I was scared, and yet I found myself sending texts back about “God is still on His throne” and “This has already passed through the hand of God”. That last statement came from a message from a very precious pastor 20 years ago when our family went through job loss. I just kept sending words of encouragement while I was grappling with fear. Those words were not coming from me, but through me, and I was encouraged too.
As we received the first “negative” result of the next person, it was actually “impossible” that this next “close contact” didn’t get Covid as they were married to the first person! Then, it was my turn to get the test and I received a “negative” result as well! I firmly believe God gave me the words “invisible barrier” in advance of knowing any of this as I prayed for protection and angels to surround everyone involved.
As I write this, we are running full tilt into the fourth wave of this pandemic. Am I okay with this? No way! Am I concerned? Yes, very much so. Do I think God is still on His throne? He sure is, and He is also walking right beside me. As I thought about writing these words, I had no idea what bible verse to go with it. God reminded me of a few verses of how He sends His angels to watch over us. To protect us. To comfort us.
Maybe there is something you are navigating through and you question where God is in the middle of your circumstances. The encouraging words I would “text” to you are: keep praying, dig into God’s Word and find His comfort and promises and hold on tight. We just don’t know what He is doing “behind the scenes” and what “invisible barriers” He has already put up that we may never know about…until we see Him face to face. I wish I could say I was at “perfect Peace”, but God is still working with me on that and reminds me regularly of His wings (See Psalms 91:3). His angels and His constant love are around me, no matter what. …and He is there for you too!
May God bless those who are reading this. May you be encouraged.
Diane Smyth
Announcements
Need help? Let us come along side you in prayer. Email us; or send a message via What'sApp to +91 98696 68137.
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
As a student, I participated in a job experience program for a few weeks at a local newspaper office. One evening, I took the stairs to the building lobby instead of the elevator, but found as the heavy door latched behind me, it would not reopen. With mounting panic and racing heart, I tried every exit door on the landings below, but each was also locked soundly. My shoulders tightened with fear and my throat constricted. Finally, the last doorway to the lobby was open, and I burst through it with relief. There was no one around; I may have been trapped in that stairwell for a while before someone heard me.
David, the writer of Psalm 69, knew what it was like to be in big trouble: "Answer my prayers, O Lord, for Your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for Your mercy is plentiful. Don’t hide from Your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!" (Psalm 69:16-17 ESV). Often our troubles aren’t of our own doing. David, feeling his life was out of control, poured out his despair to God in prayer. Only so much in life is under our control, but if we believe God is control continually, we won’t question His sovereign plans. Do we question Him when things don’t go the way we like?
The best response is to go to the Lord first in prayer, when we feel overwhelmed: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7 ESV) It’s a picture of unloading all our troubles into His care, and then just walking away without a backward glance. We can trust God to carry the load, because He is in control, wiser than us, full of mercy, purely righteous, and with an infinite supply of love to give away. Our response is to trust His timing completely, for His love and grace to tide us over the problem, and to be released from it at the right time. We may not enjoy the waiting period, but know that He loves to douse us mercy when it’s needed the most.
"Then will I praise God’s name with singing, and I will honour Him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord…..the humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; He does not despise His imprisoned people." (Psalm 69:30-33 ESV) While we wait for deliverance, His love and mercy can be our focus. Whether caught in a locked stairwell, or in a problem that lasts much longer, we can know God like David did, and trust Him for His power and wise purposes. He is there to comfort us in every circumstance; we may get tired of the trials, but He never tires of buoying us up and rescuing during trying times.
Shirley Moulton
Announcements
Wonder where evil came from? Check out Tangle Untangled! A mini-series by Elizabeth Price.
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
David, the writer of Psalm 69, knew what it was like to be in big trouble: "Answer my prayers, O Lord, for Your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for Your mercy is plentiful. Don’t hide from Your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!" (Psalm 69:16-17 ESV). Often our troubles aren’t of our own doing. David, feeling his life was out of control, poured out his despair to God in prayer. Only so much in life is under our control, but if we believe God is control continually, we won’t question His sovereign plans. Do we question Him when things don’t go the way we like?
The best response is to go to the Lord first in prayer, when we feel overwhelmed: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7 ESV) It’s a picture of unloading all our troubles into His care, and then just walking away without a backward glance. We can trust God to carry the load, because He is in control, wiser than us, full of mercy, purely righteous, and with an infinite supply of love to give away. Our response is to trust His timing completely, for His love and grace to tide us over the problem, and to be released from it at the right time. We may not enjoy the waiting period, but know that He loves to douse us mercy when it’s needed the most.
"Then will I praise God’s name with singing, and I will honour Him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord…..the humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; He does not despise His imprisoned people." (Psalm 69:30-33 ESV) While we wait for deliverance, His love and mercy can be our focus. Whether caught in a locked stairwell, or in a problem that lasts much longer, we can know God like David did, and trust Him for His power and wise purposes. He is there to comfort us in every circumstance; we may get tired of the trials, but He never tires of buoying us up and rescuing during trying times.
Shirley Moulton
Announcements
Wonder where evil came from? Check out Tangle Untangled! A mini-series by Elizabeth Price.
Subscribe Other Devotionals Contact Us
Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
Re: NUGGET Today's Devotional
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11 NIV)
She is like a hyperactive octopus. Her arms and hands never cease in their enthusiasm to reach and grab anything and everything in sight. We have nicknamed her Elasti-girl as her arms seem to have an amazing ability to stretch and stretch as she seeks to embrace that which she has set her eye upon. And she is not even one year old. What determination.
As I watch this little one and am forever kept on my toes, keeping inappropriate items out of her reach I am reminded of the need to never stop reaching either. To never stop reaching out to God in my endeavor to become more like Jesus Christ in my daily walk: to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. To never stop stretching in love to embrace others around me, to love my neighbour as myself. To determine in my heart not to conform any longer to this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of my mind, that I will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. To not lean upon my own understanding but in all my ways to acknowledge Him that He might direct and show me the best way to go.
All of these spiritual goals require me to stretch and reach and to determine within my own heart to keep reaching and stretching for as long as I shall live. For as the apostle Paul, wrote in today's verse: "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11 NIV)
Zeal is defined as: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. I remember it well. I used to be filled with it night and day but as I age it is more often a memory than a reality. A common problem which I often hear discussed among older people. The mind is willing but the body is weak. Or as the Lord put it to His disciples, who kept falling asleep as He was praying at Gethsemane, before His crucifixion: "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Matthew 26:41 NIV)
And herein lies the answer to staying strong in our fervor for serving the Lord; in our ability to keep reaching and stretching in our Christian life: Watch and pray.
My little granddaughter is always watching for her opportunity to stretch and grab something. We too must continually ask God to open our spiritual eyes to watch and observe what is happening around us that we might stretch out and grab onto it in prayer. For when we pray according to God's will we know that He will answer it. And when God answers our prayers, when we see Him at work in our lives and world, our zeal and enthusiasm for serving Him continues to burn brightly all the days of our life.
Prayer: Father God thank You that we can keep reaching and stretching and growing in our Christian lives and fervor for serving You as we faithfully watch and pray according to Your command and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.
In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Announcements
Wonder where evil came from? Check out Tangle Untangled! A mini-series by Elizabeth Price.
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
She is like a hyperactive octopus. Her arms and hands never cease in their enthusiasm to reach and grab anything and everything in sight. We have nicknamed her Elasti-girl as her arms seem to have an amazing ability to stretch and stretch as she seeks to embrace that which she has set her eye upon. And she is not even one year old. What determination.
As I watch this little one and am forever kept on my toes, keeping inappropriate items out of her reach I am reminded of the need to never stop reaching either. To never stop reaching out to God in my endeavor to become more like Jesus Christ in my daily walk: to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. To never stop stretching in love to embrace others around me, to love my neighbour as myself. To determine in my heart not to conform any longer to this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of my mind, that I will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. To not lean upon my own understanding but in all my ways to acknowledge Him that He might direct and show me the best way to go.
All of these spiritual goals require me to stretch and reach and to determine within my own heart to keep reaching and stretching for as long as I shall live. For as the apostle Paul, wrote in today's verse: "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11 NIV)
Zeal is defined as: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. I remember it well. I used to be filled with it night and day but as I age it is more often a memory than a reality. A common problem which I often hear discussed among older people. The mind is willing but the body is weak. Or as the Lord put it to His disciples, who kept falling asleep as He was praying at Gethsemane, before His crucifixion: "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Matthew 26:41 NIV)
And herein lies the answer to staying strong in our fervor for serving the Lord; in our ability to keep reaching and stretching in our Christian life: Watch and pray.
My little granddaughter is always watching for her opportunity to stretch and grab something. We too must continually ask God to open our spiritual eyes to watch and observe what is happening around us that we might stretch out and grab onto it in prayer. For when we pray according to God's will we know that He will answer it. And when God answers our prayers, when we see Him at work in our lives and world, our zeal and enthusiasm for serving Him continues to burn brightly all the days of our life.
Prayer: Father God thank You that we can keep reaching and stretching and growing in our Christian lives and fervor for serving You as we faithfully watch and pray according to Your command and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.
In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Announcements
Wonder where evil came from? Check out Tangle Untangled! A mini-series by Elizabeth Price.
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Copyright 2020 Answers2Prayer, All rights reserved.
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