The Daily Nugget

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike continues in Romans 12:9 and the verses that follow, focusing on the first three attributes of a true Christian—genuine love, brotherly affection, and a heart that abhors evil while clinging to what is good. These qualities reveal the kind of love that flows from a transformed life and reflect God's goodness in the world around us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about the last three gifts listed in Romans 12:3–8: giving, leadership, and mercy. These gifts remind us that God equips each of us differently to build up His church. The gift of giving reflects God's generosity, the gift of leadership calls us to guide others with diligence and humility, and the gift of mercy shows His heart of compassion to those who are hurting. When each of us uses our gifts faithfully, the body of Christ thrives and God is glorified.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 12:3–8 and unpacks the first four gifts God gives His people to serve the body of Christ. These include prophecy, speaking God's truth; serving, meeting practical needs; teaching, helping others understand God's Word; and encouragement, inspiring others to live out their faith. Each gift is a unique expression of God's grace, meant to build up His church and bring Him glory.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 12:3–8 and how God has given each of us a supernatural way to impact His world through the Holy Spirit. He shares how God sometimes accentuates and enhances our natural, God-given abilities and design—and other times, He works by supernaturally changing us altogether. Either way, we are called to use our gifts humbly and faithfully for His glory.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike finishes Romans 12:1–2 and digs into what it means to live “in view of God's mercy.” He talks about how we can test and discern God's will through His Word and the Holy Spirit, making sure our lives align with His truth. Mike also reminds us that we are now God's temples—the place where His Spirit dwells—living in grateful response to the mercy of Christ, who has already paid it all.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike finishes Romans 12:1–2 by focusing on what it means to know the will of God. Paul is likely speaking here of God's general will—His revealed desires for how we live—rather than a specific roadmap for our daily decisions. We come to understand this will through the transforming of our minds by God's Word and by being led by His Spirit in everyday life.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about Romans 12:2 and what it means to not conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. He explores the difference between conforming and nonconforming, and the powerful process of bringing truth from the back of our minds to the front—so that our thinking and living are shaped by God's Word rather than the world around us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about Romans 12:1 — how the old sacrifices of animals have been replaced with a new kind of worship. Now, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God. That means giving Him all of who we are — our minds, hearts, and bodies. We offer our ears and eyes to learn His truth, and our hands, mouths, and feet to live it out in everyday life. True worship isn't just what we say or sing — it's offering our whole selves to God.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about how God hates sin—not out of anger alone, but because He delights in goodness and desires it for all His creatures. As we prepare for Paul's call to respond to the gospel, it's good to reflect on why God hates sin and how He is shaping us to become people who also love what is good and hate what destroys it.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about the importance of assuming good intentions with people. This is often easier with fellow believers, trusting that the Holy Spirit is at work in them, but it can still be challenging in the church and in the world. Through stories and reflections, we're reminded how much grace and patience it takes to love others well.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike finishes Romans 11, beginning at verse 25, where Paul speaks of a future resurgence of faith among the Jews. This promise doesn't mean every individual without exception, but rather that God's elect includes both Jews and Gentiles—sometimes more from one, sometimes more from the other. It's a reminder of God's sovereign plan to bring His people to faith across all nations.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 11:11–24, where Paul explains how the gospel has come to the Gentiles through Israel's unbelief. We are reminded to be thankful for this incredible gift of grace and to remain rooted in faith. As those grafted into God's family, we're called to live it out daily and pass it on to others.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike begins with Romans 10:21 and moves into Romans 11:1–10. Paul shows that while many in Israel have been hardened, God has always kept a remnant—a chosen people brought to faith by His grace. Paul himself and the other apostles are living proof of this. At the same time, Paul makes it clear that God closes the eyes and ears of the non-elect, a sobering reminder of His sovereignty in salvation.

Today on the Podcast, Mike I continue reflecting on the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. I share some of the different factors that contributed to this moment, including the major cultural shifts that accelerated during the Obama years and the turmoil that followed. I also talk about how historic views on sexuality and marriage have been consistent for thousands of years across cultures, and why such sudden change has sparked a strong pushback in our society today.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 10:14–18, where Paul emphasizes the necessity of proclaiming the gospel. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. This is why the church must be intentional about building up and sending out people to share the good news—because how can they believe if they have not heard?

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 10:5–13 and the heart of salvation. Both Jew and Gentile are saved not by works of the law, but through a changed heart of faith and the confession that Jesus is Lord. Paul reminds us that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” showing the simplicity and power of the gospel for all people.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 9:31–10:4, where Paul contrasts two paths to righteousness. The Gentiles received righteousness by faith in Jesus, while Israel stumbled by trying to earn it through the works of the law. True righteousness is not achieved by our effort, but received as a gift through Christ.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on Romans 9:27–30, where Paul reminds us that God has always preserved a faithful remnant who know Him and love Him. This truth should encourage us when we feel isolated or alone in our faith—God always keeps a people for Himself.

Today on the daily Nugget, Mike shares an audio reading from the chapter in his book, The Greatest Treasure that tackles the challenges of Romans 9.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike works through Romans 9:19–26, perhaps the most challenging section in the most challenging chapter of the Bible. Paul doubles down on the truth that God is in charge of salvation—we are the clay, and He is the Potter. I consider both perspectives: the Calvinist view that emphasizes God's sovereign work, choice, and grace, and the Arminian view that highlights human free will and God's foreknowledge.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 9:14–18, where Paul wrestles with God's justice in hardening some and softening others. God does this to reveal His power and display His glory as He works out His good plan. The truth is, real justice would mean punishment for all of us, since we have all betrayed Him. The mystery is not that God judges, but that He saves—because none of us deserves to be saved.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike digs into Romans 9:6–13, one of the most controversial sections in perhaps the most controversial chapter of the Bible. Paul raises the question: is everyone who claims to be God's truly His? We see that being born into the covenant is not enough—there is more required to be counted among God's beloved and saved.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at the first five verses of Romans 9, where Paul pours out his deep love for his people, even though they have rejected God. This same sacrificial love is seen in Moses when he came down from the mountain and pleaded for Israel. The question for us is: do we carry that same kind of love for those around us who are far from God?

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike: I reflect on true hope—hope that isn't wishful thinking but rooted in Christ. We can be confident in this hope because God has poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has generously given to us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on the tragic death of Charlie Kirk and the impact he had in challenging and shaping his thinking. His violent death grieves and angers God, as all violence does, reminding us of how broken our world truly is. In Romans 8, Paul reminds us that in times like this, when our souls groan with sorrow, the Holy Spirit Himself intercedes for us with prayers too deep for words. This gives us both comfort and hope, knowing God is with us even in our grief.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike summarizes Romans 8, reflecting on God's amazing love for His people and His power, purpose, and sovereign plans carried out by the Holy Spirit. Paul is so convinced of God's work in the lives of believers that he feels compelled to continue into Romans 9, where he defends why God would act in such a way—saving some and not others.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 8:35–39 and focuses on what it means to be more than a conqueror. Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ, and because Jesus has already conquered sin, death, and every power that stands against us, we share in His victory. To be more than a conqueror means we don't just survive trials—we live with confidence and hope, knowing the battle has already been won on our behalf.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike finishes the last part of Romans 8 and reflects on what may be the most important question of all time: Can anything outside of us disrupt our relationship with God? Paul's answer is clear—no! Nothing in all creation has the power to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, which means we can live with unshakable confidence, knowing His love is secure no matter what comes our way.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 8:31–34, celebrating the truth that there is no condemnation for believers in Christ. Even when we stumble, God doesn't turn against us—He stands with us, reminding us that His grace is greater than our failures.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 8:29–30, where God reveals His destiny for our lives. His plans are to bless us and to shape us into the image of Christ, setting us apart as His own.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on Romans 8:28, reminding us that God works uniquely in the lives of His beloved. His ways may not look like what we expect, but His purposes are always good and bring about His good plans.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike kicks off the fall with a call to come home to grace. This is the perfect time to get life back on track, beginning with honest reflection and prayer, and ending with the transforming work of God's Spirit in us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 8:22–27 and the incredible truth that we are never alone in our pain. Scripture tells us that all creation is groaning, longing for redemption—and we groan too. But we're not groaning in vain. The Holy Spirit Himself enters into our suffering, joining us in our weakness and interceding on our behalf. When words fail and all we can offer is a groan, the Spirit carries our pain to the Father, praying with “groanings too deep for words.” This isn't distant comfort—it's deeply personal. God is not only aware of our suffering; He's with us in it, actively ministering to us, reminding us that our pain matters to Him.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike shares the conclusion from his book, The Greatest Treasure: The Life-Changing Riches of God's Seven Attributes. After exploring God's love, holiness, wisdom, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and sovereignty, this final section ties it all together. It's a powerful summary and a personal invitation to treasure God more deeply. Whether you've read the book or not, this episode will encourage you to reflect on the beauty and greatness of who God is—and how life-changing it is to know Him.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike shares the full Introduction to his new book, The Greatest Treasure: The Life-Changing Riches of God's Seven Attributes. This opening chapter lays the foundation for the journey ahead—helping us rediscover who God really is and why knowing Him is the greatest treasure we could ever find. Whether you've already started the book or are just tuning in, this episode is a perfect starting point.

Today on the Daily Nugget, in honor of the official release of The Greatest Treasure, Mike shares another powerful section from the book—“The Wisest Person in History.” This episode focuses on Jesus as the embodiment of wisdom—not just a teacher of wisdom, but Wisdom personified. Discover how Jesus perfectly lived out God's wisdom and invites us to walk in it as well. There's no better way to mark release day than to fix our eyes on the One who is the Treasure Himself.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into the incredible reality of our adoption into God's family, as described in Romans 8. Building on our recent study, he shares a powerful reading from The Greatest Treasure—the chapter titled “The Grace of Adoption.” Discover how God's grace not only saves us but welcomes us in as His beloved children, giving us a new identity, security, and inheritance. This is more than theology—it's the heart of the gospel.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 8:18–25 and reflects on the brokenness we see all around us. From natural disasters to personal suffering, the world often feels like it's unraveling—but the Bible tells us it's all part of a deeper story. Creation itself is groaning, pointing us to the reality that God has something far greater in store. Our present struggles remind us that a future glory is coming—one that will make today's pain seem light by comparison. Hope is not lost. Redemption is on the way.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 8:14–17 and the incredible truth that we are not just saved—we are heirs. I focus on the inheritance part of the gospel, reminding us that while we live in the “now,” the “not yet” is coming, and it's more glorious than we can imagine. Earthly inheritances come with grief and loss—but our heavenly inheritance will come without loss, without separation, and with the joy of being fully united with our Father forever. It's a hope worth clinging to.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about the incredible truth that our sovereign God is faithful to His promises. In a world full of broken commitments and shifting circumstances, it's easy to become skeptical or discouraged. But God's promises never fail. From Abraham to Jesus to your life today, He has always fulfilled what He has spoken. Mike reminds us that trusting in God's sovereignty isn't blind optimism—it's anchoring our lives in the reliability of His character. Whether you're waiting for a breakthrough, carrying a burden, or just wondering if God sees you, this episode will renew your confidence that He does—and He always keeps His word.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 8:12–17 and the incredible gift of adoption into God's family. He contrasts the deep insecurity and longing of spiritual orphans—those who don't know where they belong—with the confidence and identity we receive as God's adopted children. When the Spirit testifies that we are His, we no longer have to strive to earn a place—we already belong. We are not slaves, not orphans—we are sons and daughters of the King.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on the word "realm" in Romans 8:9. When we have the Spirit, we've moved into a new home. Using the image of two houses in the same neighborhood, Mike reminds us that we now live in the Spirit's house—we might visit the old one (the flesh), but it's no longer our home. Our identity is now shaped by where we truly belong.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on Romans 8:9–11 and the incredible reality that God's Spirit dwells in us. He highlights how this may be the greatest blessing of all—not just that we are forgiven or promised heaven, but that God Himself lives within us. Mike also emphasizes the powerful statement that “we belong”—a truth that speaks to our identity, our security, and the deep connection we have with God through the Spirit.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 8:5–8, where Paul draws a clear line between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. Our default setting is the flesh—a mindset driven by self, pride, and sin. But when we belong to Christ, we're called into a new way of life, governed by the Spirit. Mike reminds us that cultivating this Spirit-filled life takes intentionality and effort. It's not automatic, and it's not easy. But the reward is life and peace, whereas the flesh only brings death and hostility toward God. A powerful reminder that spiritual formation requires focus, discipline, and daily surrender.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike shares from The Greatest Treasure, focusing on God's goodness as our perfect Father. Drawing from Romans 8:1–4 and Chapter 4 of his book, Mike reflects on how God, like a loving and capable dad, provides all we need—not just for survival, but for joy, peace, and spiritual growth. Just as a condemned building is no longer useful, we too were once without purpose, condemned by sin. But now, through Christ, we've been made new—secure, beloved, and supplied with everything necessary for life and godliness. This episode offers both deep reassurance and a call to trust in God's daily provision.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike explores Romans 8:1–4 and the powerful truth that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Mike unpacks what it really means to be condemned by God—not just feeling guilty, but being declared unusable, like a condemned building. He also addresses the eternal weight of condemnation in hell and the incredible hope we have through Jesus, who delivers us from that sentence forever.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike walks through Romans 7:21–25, wrapping up his look at the inner battle every believer faces. We are new creations who genuinely love God's law and long to walk in His ways—but there's still a part of us that rebels, pulling us toward sin. Mike reminds us of the daily grace and ultimate rescue found in Jesus, who delivers us now and will one day deliver us fully.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike circles back to Romans 7:14–18, focusing this time on the Apostle Paul's identity. Mike explores how Paul sees himself—not as a wretch—but as a saint made righteous through Christ. Evil, though still present, is portrayed as a foreign intruder, disrupting the new life Paul has in Jesus. This perspective offers hope and clarity for believers wrestling with sin while clinging to their true identity in Christ.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 7:14–18 and the deep, personal struggle that every believer faces—the battle within. Though we desire to follow God's ways, we often find ourselves falling short, doing the very things we hate. The Christian life isn't about perfection, but about engaging in this ongoing spiritual fight. Be encouraged: the struggle itself is a sign of life and evidence of God at work in you.

Today on the daily Nugget, Mike shares about something he recently lost and how God used it to give him a glimpse into how God feels about lost people. He digs into Luke 15 for a few minutes to discuss the very heart of God.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 7:13–14 and explores how God's law exposes the true depth of our sin. Far from being the problem, the law reveals just how sinful sin really is. As Mike shares, the more we see the holiness of God's commands, the more we realize our need for a Savior. This episode is a sobering yet hope-filled reminder that while the law shows us our condition, only grace can bring the cure.