Good Morning.  Here’s Today’s Nugget to chew on:

“This Is How U Get It”

1 Timothy 2:1-4 King James Version (KJV)

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
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Further Thought:  Isn’t it encouraging to know that God has already provided us with the answers to everything we need to live lives of quietness, peace, godliness, and honesty?  As most of us know, today is day two of the new administration in the United States, and our President is now Donald Trump.  I’m aware that some don’t approve of President Trump, just like some people don’t care for me or you.  But according to today’s passage, none of that matters.  God is telling his people that if you want quietness, peace, godliness, honesty, and my best for you and your family in 2025, then I need your cooperation.  I need you in love to pray daily for all men, not just the ones you like and who agree with you.  No, all men, which includes our President and his entire administration.  Remember, God used a murderer named Saul, who He later changed his name to Paul, to write over 2/3 of the New Testament.  So, if we would turn our complaining and bitterness into prayers of faith for our neighbors, supervisors, governors, mayors, police, congressional leaders, and our President, just imagine what God could do, not only in the United States of America but in every country around the globe.  Think about it: most of us have limited power to change anything happening in Congress or the White House, but our God does.  Let’s make the decision to stop complaining about it, which is wasted time and is a distraction to you and me.  Instead, let’s ask for God’s intervention in the matter.  Just like God needed Mary to get Jesus into the earth, He now needs you and me to permit Him daily into the lives of our fellow man.  We can all agree that there are things happening in our world that we don’t like or agree with.  Psalm 115:16 reminds us that God has given the earth to the children of men.  So, whatever we allow, He has to allow.

Galatians 5:6 reminds us that our faith in God works by our love for our fellow man.  As we close, lets remind ourselves that whatever we are believing God for [son, daughter, marriage, favor] its all connected to our love for our fellow man.  Ephesians 6:8 also reminds us “that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.”  So, if you refuse to forgive your fellowman and pray God’s best for them, then there is no need to expect to receive the blessings of God.  Why, because you have disconnected yourself from your power source.  Just like your lamp won’t turn on unless it’s connected to its power source, your faith in God won’t work when you choose not to operate in the love of God.  Let’s recognize that praying for God’s best for our fellow man doesn’t mean we have to have a relationship with them.  Romans 12:1 says that it’s our reasonable service.  I know most of us desire God’s best in 2025, but in order to receive His best, we will have to remove all distractions [CNN, FOX News, MSNBC…] so we can Stop & Hear what God desires to do in and through us in this New Year.  Finally, the God we serve, according to Ephesians 3:20, is able to do exceeding, abundantly, above all we can ask or think according to the power that is at work in us.  So, if the only power at work in you is complaining, unforgiveness, bitterness, or concerning yourself with things that aren’t your responsibility, then these are the only things you can and should expect to receive.  Recognize you haven’t given God anything to work with.  Now let me encourage you to remind and encourage your soul [mind, will, and emotions] that [I will move all distractions.  I will set aside time daily to pray, not only for my family but also for my fellow man]. 

Have a great day and keep chewing on God’s Word.

Additional references: Mark 9;22-26; Luke 1:26-38; Acts 8:3; Psalm 103:1-5; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Mark 9:23 and Mark 10:27

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“2025 Stop & Listen”

Today’s Recommended Reading Revelation 8