Nuggets of Faith Box Set (Devotional and Workbook)

By Levon Sparks Salone

Nuggets of Faith, a daily devotional, and its companion workbook, Nuggets of Faith Workbook, are included in a box set to provide you with a year of motivation and inspiration. Packed with daily devotionals, daily Scriptures, daily thoughts to ponder and a question guide for each corresponding day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Levon Sparks Salone
• Release date: Aug 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005848644

Levon Sparks Salone

Mrs. Levon Sparks Salone served as a Clinical Counselor where she specialized in the areas of chemical dependency, women's issues and family dynamics. During her career, she conducted trainings, workshops and motivational speeches for various agencies, companies and groups across the US. She left her 20-year tenure as a counselor to hone her skills in writing.

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Nuggets of Faith

Levon Sparks Salone

Smashwords Edition 2016

Copyright©2016 Levon Sparks Salone

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the author/publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Other Books by Levon Sparks Salone

Fiction:

Waltzing with Deception (The Chillings Series, Book 1)

Unjust Ruling (The Chillings Series, Book 2)

When Truth Speaks (The Chillings Series, Book 3)

Feigned Allegiance (The Chillings Series, Book 4)

Silencing The Heart's Whispers (The Chillings Series, Book 5)

Non-Fiction:

Writing Prompts for Creative Writers

Men Hurt Too!

Before We Say I Do: The Premarital Workbook

30-Point Plan to Winning Your Employees’ Loyalty and Respect

150 Plus 1 Acts of Kindness

Help…My Finances Are Out of Control!

Life’s Motivational Moments (Volume 1)

Life’s Motivational Moments (Volume 2)

Life’s Motivational Moments (Volume 3)

Life’s Motivational Moments (Volume 4)

Life's Motivational Moments (Volume 5)

January 1

ACTS 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

When God has revealed Himself to a man, there is no way that he can remain the same. He will at some point feel the need to express what he has been shown. Others may try to dissuade his testimony, even calling him fanatical or foolish; however, the experience with God overrides all.

He may be ostracized for speaking of Him, but there is a driving force from within that tells him that he can only speak the things that he has seen and heard. He will break through tradition, legalism and man-made laws to proclaim the Truth.

Even under threats and punishment, he continues to tell what he’s encountered. When an individual reaches this pinnacle of communion, nothing stops his witness.

Just think what impact a believer can have on the world after having a personal encounter with God. It would be well worth the time spent in His Presence.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: When you spend time with God, you will be moved to witness of Him.

January 2

ROMANS 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This is an adage that has stood the test of time. Many have overlooked great opportunities that were right under their noses. They searched far and wide, despising opportunities that were right among them. Others, seeing these opportunities as golden ones, seized the moment and now acclaim extreme success. Likewise, possible mentors were overlooked because of familiarity. Again, others saw the vast knowledge and wisdom carried by these mentors and went above and beyond to draw from their wells. Jesus even said that a man is without honor amongst his own.

The Jews refused to accept the Gifts of Grace and Salvation through Jesus Christ. Because they stumbled at this concept, the Gentiles were welcomed in freely. As believers, we need to pray that our eyes will be opened to opportunities and mentors provided by God. Not only are we to see, but to take advantage of them.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Be careful not to forsake your flourishing field for a barren land.

January 3

HABAKKUK 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak; and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

There is one thing that is certain: when God speaks, it will surely come to pass. God had to teach Habakkuk this principle. He instructed Habakkuk to write the vision upon tablets so that passersby could easily read it. God then assured Habakkuk that the vision would surely come to fulfillment.

There is always a due season for the fulfillment of a vision. Therefore, God instructed Habakkuk to wait earnestly on the vision. He let him know that even if the vision didn’t appear overnight, it was on its way. He assured Habakkuk that the vision would be fulfilled in its appointed time.

Likewise, we may be waiting on something that God has spoken. Even though the thing may tarry, wait for it. It has an appointed time of fulfillment. When it does arrive, the timing will be perfect.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Though the vision tarries, wait for it. It shall come to pass.

January 4

I JOHN 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

God has called His children to be a royal priesthood, a chosen people. We are to be distinctly different from those of the world. We should carry the fragrance of obedience to the Father in our lives. Others should be able to recognize that we are a peculiar people without us having to wave banners or hand out tracks. We are to look different from those who don’t know our God.

We are instructed not to love or become loyal or devoted to the world or the things of the world. This doesn’t mean we aren’t to love those in the world; we are just to alienate ourselves from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. We cannot serve (or love) both God and the world. One will override.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Trying to love two is impossible to do.

January 5

John 4:47-48 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

Have you ever gone to God with a request, and He responds to you in an unusual way? You may request healing, and He speaks to you about showing kindness to others. You may request finances, and He speaks to you about spending more time with your children. It may seem that He heard you incorrectly, but He never does. He speaks to the area that He desires for you to change; He already knows what He will do about your need.

The nobleman requested that Jesus come with him to heal his son. His son was at the point of death. Instead of referring to the man’s request, addressing his son’s illness, Jesus initially spoke to the nobleman about his belief. He wanted to know would the man believe without seeing signs and wonders. The nobleman came with one concern, but Jesus addressed another. When the most essential concern was addressed, Jesus took care of the nobleman’s need.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Because God knows all, He’ll address the right need (whether we realize it or not).

January 6

ACTS 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

When you get a revelation of who Jesus is, everything and everyone will appear small in comparison. He becomes the first priority in your life. You become willing to give up mother, father, sister, brother, lands, possessions, etc., if He gives the Call. Your love for Him far exceeds any devotion to anything or anyone. Even your very life will be placed on the line if necessary.

Paul was sold out for Jesus. Even when he was warned of impending danger, he was determined to continue to preach Jesus Christ. Others tried to dissuade him, but he was determined to finish his course, despite the cost. When those around him saw his commitment, they said, the Will of the Lord be done.

Jesus is waiting for others to become this committed to Him. He has already set the course. He’s just waiting for someone to walk in it.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: When you become sold out for Jesus, nothing will dissuade you.

January 7

MARK 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Jesus served as our Example on earth. He demonstrated how He wanted the children of God to walk. Throughout His ministry, He did many marvelous works, yet it was always noted He took ample time for prayer. Jesus saw prayer as a way to commune with the Father. He even said that He did nothing of Himself; He operated only as the Father directed.

Being that Jesus is our Example, we too should make adequate time for prayer. It is a way of communicating with our heavenly Father. It is a way that He has provided for us to get divine Instructions.

Let’s never forget the power of prayer. If our Lord refused to operate without frequent prayer, we definitely need to do the same.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Prayer is an excellent way to commune with the Father.

January 8

ACTS 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Believers are to live in such intimacy with God that their lives radiate with His Glory. Their major focus should be on pleasing the Father at all costs. There will be times when God may allow turmoil to enter the believer’s life, but these times are not to disillusion him, they are to push him closer to the Father’s Face. God will even allow others to observe the believer through his time of trial, setting the scene for the unbeliever to be amazed at God’s Grace on the believer’s life. The believer is anointed to pass the test with flying colors.

Because Paul and Silas magnified God in their midnight, the Power of God caused the foundations of the prison to be shaken. They could have escaped to freedom, but they remained in place in order to testify of Jesus Christ. When the keeper of the prison saw their witness, he asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? He wanted what Paul and Silas possessed.

Believers are commissioned to lives that radiate with the Presence of God. Ask yourself whether your life is so in tune with Christ that it convicts sinners to come to the Lord. God is still looking for chosen vessels. Will you answer the call?

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Are you willing to pay the price for God to work through you so that others may be saved?

January 9

DANIEL 6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

It is a great commentary when the heathen testify of what our God can and will do for us. They may not decide to change their lifestyles, but because of observing our steadfastness as believers, they will acclaim that our God will always show up and perform for His children.

King Darius decreed that no man should call on any God or man besides himself for a period of thirty days. Anyone violating this decree would be cast into the den of lions. When he found out that Daniel continually prayed to his God, the king labored diligently to deliver Daniel. However, since the decree could not be changed, Daniel’s fate appeared sealed. The king himself confessed, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee. There are two noteworthy points. First of all, King Darius knew that Daniel served God continually. Secondly, he replied that Daniel’s God would deliver him.

Are our lives so connected to God that even the heathen would testify of God’s Goodness and Faithfulness in our lives? It’s time for us, like Daniel, to become beacons of light so that even the heathen would marvel at the Faithfulness of our God.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: We as believers should live so committed to Christ that even the heathen will know that we have been with Him.

January 10

MARK 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

How important is your relationship with Jesus? If you were to prioritize things in your life, where would Jesus fall? Would He fall behind your husband, your wife, the football game, your job, your rest time? Or could you honestly say that He is priority? You may ask, How can I really know this? Well, examining your daily routine will give you a good indication of His importance in your life. Do you spend ample time with Him? Do you map out daily time to commune and fellowship with Him? Or do you speak to Him only in times of trouble or while you are on the run?

Jesus asked an essential question, What shall a man give in exchange for his soul? What would be your answer if Jesus came and asked you that question directly? Could you honestly say that you chose the better option... to be with Jesus? If you can’t truly make that confession, now is the time for change. Place Jesus as priority. Nothing that the world has to offer is more important.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Don’t sell yourself cheap. Choose a relationship with Jesus over the things of the world.

January 11

LUKE 6:27-28 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Operating in God’s Kingdom is totally different from operating in the kingdom of the world. In the above passage, we are instructed to love our enemies. An enemy can be defined as someone who is against us personally or who attacks our plans and purposes. He does not have our best interest at heart.

It would appear logical that we would make all efforts to avoid individuals who fall into this category. Scripture reveals that we are to do just the opposite. We are to love those individuals, do good to them, bless them and pray for them. We are actually instructed to shine God’s Light onto the darkness. We can only effectively carry this torch of love when the Love of God is shed abroad within our hearts. It is through His Power that we are able to love the unlovely. In actuality, it is His Love flowing through us that will counteract each act of our enemy. This way may seem strange to the natural man, but if God instructed it, do it...it will work.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Handle your enemy with loving care...God instructed it.

January 12

I SAMUEL 15:24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Listening to the wrong voices can get you into a world of trouble. When God distinctively instructs you to do a thing, He expects His Command to be carried out completely. If voices from others arise with another plan, they must be rejected immediately.

God instructed Saul to kill all of the Amalekites, from the greatest to the least. Scripture reveals that Saul and the people spared King Agag, the best of the animals and all that was good. This may have been commendable in Saul’s sight, but unto God, it was as witchcraft, iniquity and idolatry. Because he listened to wrong voices, Saul suffered severe consequences.

We must always remember that God’s Word is the instruction for our lives. If others come along to move us away from the Word, we must dispel their persuasions immediately. Entertaining these type individuals can produce much grief in the end.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: We must distance ourselves from anyone or anything that will pull us away from the Things of God.

January 13

PSALM 78:38-39 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. For he remembered that they were but flesh; and a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

God is very merciful. He never deals with His children as they deserve. His Compassion is upon His children, and His ultimate Goal is to bring them into intimate relationship with Himself. Scripture reveals that He is full of Compassion. He is quick to forgive. His Love is so amazing that He loved His children while they were yet sinners.

Never pray for God to give you what you deserve. You must always remember that no one is accepted because of his great deeds. It’s only through the finished Work of Christ that anyone can be accepted or acceptable to God. In Christ, we are deserving. Without Christ, no manner of works will satisfy God.

Just remember, God readily forgives. His Anger is only for a moment. Don’t frustrate His Grace. Accept His Compassion then strive to walk in what He has ordained.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: God’s Anger lasts but for a moment. His Compassion lasts a lifetime.

January 14

MARK 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Every dry place we encounter in our lives is not necessarily because we have been disobedient, nor is it necessarily the work of the enemy. There are times when the Spirit of God will lead us to a wilderness, and it appears that we are among wild beasts. We may not understand the purpose for being in such a place, but it is always for our benefit.

God can use such a place to enhance our personal growth. We can become intimate with God in that place. We can receive revelation and strength there. Even though the conditions may be dry and/or wild, when God leads to such a place, He will always minister to us.

It is essential to remember that if God leads us to a difficult place, His Provision has already gone before us.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: God never leads to a dry place without providing His own personal Moisture.

January 15

JOHN 6:66-67 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Jesus may require some difficult things of us as believers. He may present some Sayings that are hard to accept. It is at these moments that we decide whether we will follow His Sayings or turn away from Him. We cannot be with Jesus and disobey His Sayings. The two go hand in hand.

When Jesus taught in the synagogue of Capernaum, his disciples decided that His Sayings were too difficult to receive. They remained with Him through the miracles, but when it came to displaying a deeper level of commitment, they murmured that His Teachings had gotten too hard. They only understood in the natural what He was trying to teach them spiritually. As a result, they decided to forsake Him. Jesus then turned to the inner circle of disciples and asked were they planning to leave also. He was ready to allow every disciple to leave before compromising on the Word of God. Fortunately, the disciples knew He was the Son of the living God. They all committed themselves to Him (with the exception of Judas Iscariot).

What will you do when the Sayings of Jesus get hard? Will you remain with Him only through the times of the miraculous or will you remain even when He requires more than you expected? Don’t turn away like the majority of the disciples. Follow the disciples who remained with Him. The decision to do so will be well worth it.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Don’t allow the hard Sayings of our Lord to drive you away from Him.

January 16

JOHN 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

Jesus did not allow circumstances and situations to keep Him from performing God’s Will for His life. Regardless of how dangerous things appeared, He knew that He would continue to walk in the Will of God. He knew that if God guided Him, He would provide for Him.

Jesus’ disciples had to grow in order to understand this principle. In the above Scripture, they were afraid that if Jesus journeyed through Judea, the Jews would make another attempt to stone Him. Instead of being immobilized with fear, Jesus surmised that a man must work while it is day. He knew the Will of the Father, and He planned to carry it out despite the possible threat of danger.

God is calling for current-day believers to follow Him just as diligently. If He has required a believer to do something, He will ensure that the believer is equipped for the task.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Situations and circumstances should never dictate whether or not you will obey God.

January 17

ACTS 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Have you ever been on a route in life in which you felt that things were progressing smoothly and you were making excellent strides, then all of the sudden the Spirit of God requests that you take a detour? You may initially question the request, stating that it can’t be of God because things are going too well as they are. Yet, the inner witness bids you to go into unfamiliar territory, and chart an uncharted course.

Fear, justifications and rationalizations begin to spring forth. You begin to evaluate your skills and resources and find yourself falling short. Nevertheless, the inner promptings get stronger and stronger.

These times could indicate that God is calling you into greater things. A God-mission appears to be an impossible mission in the flesh, but when you become connected to God and His Promptings, it changes from an impossibility to a possibility.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Don’t hesitate to take detours when prompted by God. They can lead to great adventures.

January 18

JOHN 8:11 …Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Jesus does not condone sin. He provides an avenue for escape. When an individual has fallen into sin, He is not quick to cast that person away. He does whatever is necessary to welcome him back into fellowship with Himself.

When the adulterous woman’s accusers left her standing before Jesus, He asked, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

She responded, No man, Lord. He then replied that He didn’t condemn her either. However, He charged her to go and sin no more.

He wasn’t pleased with the fact that she sinned, yet He was intuitive enough to know that she had a repentant heart. This prompted Him to forgive her and send her on her way.

We should always keep in mind that Jesus’ main Goal is to maintain fellowship with the believer. No, sin does not please Him, but His Compassion for us moves Him to forgive our sin.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Jesus forgives. Go and sin no more.

January 19

GALATIANS 1:23 But they had heard only, that he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

One encounter with the Almighty God can change an individual’s life forever. It changed a murderous Saul to a preaching Paul. It will take the most undesirable man and make him a flaming evangelist for our Lord.

There is something about an encounter with God that no one can refute. Others will immediately notice the change. There is no one who can encounter God and remain the same. Something changes. Something becomes broken. Something is made more glorious.

Have you ever had an encounter with our Lord? If you have, you would never be the same.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Religious rituals can never compare to a personal encounter with God.

January 20

MARK 10:34-35 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

Has there ever been a time in your life when Jesus was trying to give you a revelation but you were so consumed with your fleshly desires that you failed to hear what He had to say? In the above passage, Jesus was trying to tell His disciples what was about to happen to Him. He was letting them in on things to come in regards to the Kingdom. James and John were so consumed with obtaining positions that they failed to decipher what Jesus had to say.

How many times has this happened to you? Jesus may have been attempting to get you to a certain place, yet you failed to discern it because you were so wrapped up in self. If this has happened, repent. Become more attentive to the Voice of the Lord. When you do, He will give you the desires of your heart.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Focus on God and His Will. He will ensure that He gives you the desires of your heart.

January 21

PSALM 40:2-3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

Believers may go through treacherous times, but they are different from those who haven’t accepted Jesus because believers have the assurance that the God of the universe is always there. They may remember times when they were in horrible pits, miry clay, valley lows, etc.; however, the confidence comes in knowing that the Lord will bring each believer out. This is powerful because others will see the delivering Hand of our God.

The psalmist testified that God brought him out. God established his feet upon a rock. God established his goings. Not only that, God placed a song and praise in his mouth.

The awesome thing about this is that others saw what his God had done. Not only did they see it, they feared and trusted the Lord. One man’s confidence in his God led others to trust in Him also. Let this be our testimony.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: When we stand on the assurance of what our God can and will do, it will lead others to trust in Him also.

January 22

GENESIS 12:1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.

When God gets ready to move us into His divine Purposes for our lives, He will request that we leave the familiar. He will give us Instructions to leave those things/people who are dear to us in order to follow His Voice. He doesn’t consult with us regarding the Call. He instructs us according to His infinite Wisdom.

Separating ourselves from the familiar may be difficult to our flesh and emotions. We may want to obey God half-heartedly, but He waits until there is total obedience before He moves to the next Command.

God called Abram to get out of his country, away from his kindred and away from his father’s house. Initially, Abram partially obeyed. It wasn’t until he came to complete obedience (separating himself from Lot) that God was willing to move upon the Covenant He made.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Don’t allow disobedience or partial obedience to keep you from obtaining the Promises of God.

January 23

LUKE 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

There are times in our lives when God will reveal some awesome and magnificent things to us. When He initially reveals things to our hearts, we may become overwhelmed and doubt His Sayings. Yet, He is the God Who sees the ending from the beginning and