The Daily Nugget

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.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 7:7–12 and highlights just how deep our sin really runs. We are so sinful that even God's law—which is good, righteous, and holy—exposes and stirs up our rebellion. The very standard that reflects everything we want to be actually draws us to violate it. It's not because the law is bad, but because sin in us is that deceptive, that corrupt, and that strong. This passage reminds us how desperately we need grace—not just for forgiveness, but for transformation.

Today on the Daily Nugget Podcast, Mike reflects on Memorial Day and the powerful example of love it represents—not just tender love, but strong, sacrificial love. He shares how the greatest memorial act in history was Jesus laying down His life for us, the ultimate demonstration of love and redemption. Mike also takes a moment to express deep admiration for the men and women in the military whose courage and selflessness embody that same strength of love in service and sacrifice.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike shares a section from Chapter 1 of The Greatest Treasure on God's strong love that affirms us—not by approving of everything we do, but by calling us into who we're meant to be. He unpacks the important difference between acceptance and affirmation, reminding us that while we are called to accept everyone as image-bearers of God, we are not called to affirm every behavior. Just as God's love accepts us fully yet lovingly challenges us, true love embraces people without compromising the truth.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 7:4-6 and reminds us that we have died to the law so we can belong to Christ and bear fruit for God. He explains how, apart from the Spirit, we naturally produce either plastic fruit—fake and performative—or rotten fruit—sinful and destructive. But through the Spirit, we can bear real, life-giving fruit that reflects the character of Christ. It's not about trying harder; it's about abiding deeper.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 7:1–3 and the powerful truth that we've died to the law and now belong to Jesus. Just like a widow is free from her former marriage, we're no longer bound by rules—we're free to live in grace and love. You're not married to the law anymore. You're free to belong to Christ.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike shares from Romans 6:20–23. Shame is one of the enemy's most powerful tools—it isolates, destroys, and convinces us we're beyond redemption. But God doesn't just forgive our sins… He sets us free from shame. Through Jesus, we're not only rescued from the penalty of sin—we're invited into a brand-new life, marked by holiness and eternal joy.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike shares from Romans 6:15–19. We dive into what it means to become a slave to righteousness. Mike unpacks the powerful truth behind the Greek words doulos (slave/servant) and kurios (Lord), reminding us that we were not just freed from sin—we were freed for something far greater. As we submit to Jesus as Lord, we step into the life God intended for us all along: a life marked by holiness, purpose, and true freedom.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike Conan reflects on the story of the prodigal son, where a father joyfully welcomes back his lost son—not because of his worthiness, but because of the father's extravagant love. Mike reminds us that God's grace pursues us relentlessly and offers acceptance freely, no matter how far we've wandered. Let this encourage you to embrace God's unfailing love and share that hope with others.

Today on The Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on Romans 6:11–14 and the powerful truth that we've been set free from sin's grip. We are no longer prisoners—evil no longer controls us. Mike shares a fresh take on “ghosting” sin, encouraging listeners to walk in the freedom Christ has already won.

Today on The Daily Nugget, Mike focuses on Romans 6:8–10, where Paul reminds us that Jesus died once for all—and that's all that was needed. Mike unpacks the freeing truth that the ledger of sin isn't still running; it's been wiped clean by Christ's one, perfect sacrifice. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant it. There's no need for a second payment, no repeat trip to the cross—the debt has been fully paid.

Today on The Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 6:5–7 and the truth that Jesus came to free us from the prison of sin, not visit us in it. Using Brooks from The Shawshank Redemption as a picture of how we often grow comfortable in captivity, Mike challenges us to embrace the freedom Christ offers. If we've died with Christ, we're no longer slaves—so let's stop living like we're still behind bars.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 6:1–4, highlighting a powerful truth: when we truly understand the gospel, we might ask, “Do I even need to obey anymore?”—because we're loved and accepted based on Christ's righteousness credited to us. But Paul reminds us that we've been given a new life. Sin no longer has to reign in us—we are free to walk in the power of the resurrection.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reads from The Greatest Treasure and reflects on our battle with evil—even when we want to do good. This inner struggle is real, but so is the hope: God doesn't leave us in our weakness. His love doesn't just comfort—it empowers. Through the Spirit, God calls us to be obedient children and gives us the strength to live that out. Sin is strong, but God's love and power are stronger still.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on Romans 5:20–21 and the overwhelming power of God's grace. Sin is no small thing—it's a devastating problem that touches every part of our lives. But Paul reminds us that God's grace doesn't just meet our sin—it surpasses it. Through Christ, we are not only forgiven but made righteous. No matter how deep the sin, grace goes deeper still. That's the wonder of the gospel.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike shares his favorite verse about the gospel—Romans 5:18–19. Though we were condemned through one man's disobedience, we are made righteous through another's obedience. Christ's faithfulness changes everything. His perfect obedience didn't just make Him righteous—it made us righteous too. This is the beauty and power of the gospel: we are saved not by what we've done, but by what Jesus has done for us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike explores Romans 5:13–17 and the incredible contrast between the death that came through Adam and the life that comes through Christ. While Adam's trespass brought judgment and condemnation to all, Jesus offers the free gift of righteousness that brings justification and life.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reads the conclusion of Chapter 3 from The Greatest Treasure, focusing on the life-changing power of God's grace. He reminds us that grace means we are truly free—no longer bound to earn God's love but invited to rest in it. Mike challenges listeners to stop performing for God and start living in the freedom that Christ has already secured.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 5:12–14 and wrestles with a sobering truth: sin entered through one man, and death spread to all. Whether we've studied the law or not, we're all in trouble—because sin isn't just about knowledge, it's about condition. The law may make us more accountable, but even without it, we still fall short and need a Savior.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike walks through Romans 5:9–11 and reminds us that at the heart of the gospel is a Savior who took our place. Jesus absorbed the wrath of God and shed His blood for us—dying the death we deserved. Because of Him, we are no longer under judgment but are reconciled, rescued, and set free by grace.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on Romans 5:6–8, where we see the staggering contrast between who we are and who God is. While we were powerless, ungodly, and sinful, God loved us enough to send His Son to die in our place. Imagine choosing to die for people who could offer nothing in return—that's the kind of radical love God has shown us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 5:1–5 and shows how God uses our challenges to work faith, hope, and love deep into our lives. This is the most important thing we can gain in life—far greater than comfort or ease. Because of that, we can take joy even in our sufferings, knowing God is shaping us for something eternal.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reads a section from his chapter in The Greatest Treasure on grace. Grace isn't just something we receive, but it is something we give to those around us. Our relationships are meant to bring us joy and when they don't we may need to grow in grace.

Today on The Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 5:1-2 and the incredible hope we have through faith in Jesus. Because of Him, we not only stand in God's amazing grace, but we also rejoice in the promise of His glory—a glory that will one day be fully revealed. This future glory strengthens our faith for today and invites us to live with joy and confidence in God's goodness.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike explores Romans 4:18-25, highlighting Abraham's unwavering faith—a faith rooted in the hope and goodness of God. Just like Abraham, we are justified when we trust not in ourselves, but in the One who raises the dead. Jesus took the wrath we deserved, died in our place, and gave us His righteousness—this is the heart of the gospel.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 4:13–17 and unpacks the stunning reality that our inheritance as children of God comes by grace through faith—not by keeping the law. If our hope rested on our ability to obey, we'd only find ourselves under God's wrath. But in Christ, we are counted righteous and welcomed into the glorious inheritance promised to Abraham and his offspring—by faith alone.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on the sobering truth that God's holiness demands justice—and our sin earns a just penalty. Drawing from the chapter on God's holiness in The Greatest Treasure, we consider what it means to reject the Holy God, not just in belief but in the daily choices that dismiss His rightful place as King. On this Good Friday, we remember that the cross was necessary because the holy justice of God had to be satisfied—and Jesus bore the death and wrath we deserved so we could live forever in His grace .

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on Romans 4:9–12 and how both Jews and Gentiles are now part of God's covenant community through faith. He discusses baptism as the sign and seal of the New Covenant and shares why some—including himself—choose to baptize their infants as a way of marking that covenant. He also acknowledges the variety of views in the Church on how and when baptism is practiced, encouraging unity around our shared inclusion in Christ.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 4:6–8 and the powerful truth that forgiveness is one of the greatest blessings we can receive. David declares the joy of the one whose sins are covered and whose record is cleared—not by works, but by God's grace. There is no greater peace than knowing God will never count our sins against us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike reflects on Romans 4:4–5 and the difference between earning and receiving. When Paul talks about wages being owed for work, it's a reminder that under the law, we could never earn God's blessings—we fall short every time. But Jesus did the work perfectly. He earned everything, and then gave it to us as a gift. We don't earn salvation or favor with God—it's credited to us through faith in the One who already earned it all. Be encouraged today: what you could never achieve, Jesus has already done on your behalf.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 4:1–2 and reflects on the faith of Abraham. Though he lived long before Jesus, Abraham was not saved by works but by grace through faith—just like we are. The gospel has always been God's plan. From the Old Testament to the New, salvation has never been about what we do, but about trusting in the One who justifies the ungodly.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike walks us through Romans 1–3, painting a clear picture of the deep trouble humanity is in. Nature convicts us. Our consciences convict us. And the law convicts us. Every avenue leaves us without excuse. But even in the heaviness of conviction, there's a glimmer of hope—the righteousness of Christ is coming. The gospel doesn't ignore our guilt; it answers it with grace.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike explores the explosive power of God—the kind of power that doesn't just impress, but transforms. Drawing from the biblical word dunamis, he unpacks how God's strength breaks through darkness, fuels our faith, and gives us the boldness to live for Him. This isn't about muscle—it's about miracle-working power that changes everything.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 3:21–26 to highlight the stunning good news after all the heavy truths of the first three chapters. He unpacks the righteousness of God made available through the obedience of Christ, and how we receive it by grace through faith. Mike explains the powerful doctrine of justification and why it changes everything for those who believe.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 3:19-20, highlighting how the law reveals our sinfulness and leaves us speechless before God's holiness. It shows us that no one can be justified by works of the law, as we all fall short of God's perfection. But the good news is coming soon, as the gospel offers hope and redemption through Jesus Christ, fulfilling the law on our behalf.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks the sobering truth from Romans 3:10–18, revealing humanity's deep-rooted struggle with sin. Our words are often laced with deception, curses, and bitterness, exposing the brokenness within—and our actions follow suit, leading to violence, ruin, and unrest. At the heart of it all is a lack of reverence for God, leaving us desperately in need of His grace.

Today on The Daily Nugget, Mike reads a section from his book, The Greatest Treasure, exploring the challenge of doing God's will, just as Jesus exemplified when He surrendered to the Father's plan. As disciples, we are called to remain faithful in a world filled with temptation, relying on God's Spirit to guide and empower us. Through prayer, obedience, and the power of the Gospel, we can resist evil, walk in God's strength, and lead others into His light.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike explores Romans 3:1-8, diving into the excuses people craft to justify breaking God's law instead of owning up to their shortcomings. He highlights how Paul addresses the flawed logic of those who claim their unrighteousness somehow enhances God's righteousness, showing that such rationalizations don't absolve guilt.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike digs into Romans 2:20, where Paul reveals the law as a source of wisdom, light, knowledge, and truth. Far from being burdensome, God's law guides us toward living in a way that brings glory to Him. Join me as we explore how embracing the law shapes us and leads us to reflect God's goodness in our lives, bringing honor to Him through wisdom and truth.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 2:16-29, where Paul reveals that being right with God is all about the heart. The Jews mistakenly believed it was about keeping the law, yet they failed to obey it and remained far from God. Mike reminds us that true faith is not about outward rules but a heart transformed by God's grace.

Today on The Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 2:12-16, where Paul reveals that all people are guilty before God—whether they have the law or not. Those under the law will be judged by it, while the Gentiles, though they lack the law, still bear God's moral imprint on their hearts. Their conscience testifies to what is right and wrong, yet they—like those with the law—fail to follow the good path. This passage reminds us that no one is without excuse and points us to our desperate need for God's grace.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike explores the heart of God as reflected in Luke 15, where we see His overwhelming joy and celebration when lost people come home. God's love for the lost is immeasurable, and He actively seeks to restore those who are far from Him. Join us as we reflect on the beauty of redemption and how we can mirror God's heart in our own lives.

Today on The Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 3:6-11 and explores three possible interpretations of how we receive God's favor. Can we earn it on our own, or perhaps after Jesus comes into our lives? Or is it Jesus who earns God's favor and transfers it to us? Mike ultimately lands on the beautiful truth that Jesus alone is obedient, securing God's blessing for us, His people. This is the heart of the gospel—our hope is not in our own righteousness, but in Christ's perfect righteousness given to us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into Romans 2:4-11, highlighting how God's kindness, patience, and protection from His wrath are meant to lead us to repentance. I discuss the danger of misinterpreting His mercy as approval of sin, when in reality, it is a call to turn back to Him. True repentance not only spares us from God's righteous judgment but also draws us into the fullness of His grace and life.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike discusses how we're called to lovingly hold each other accountable, but we must be careful not to become self-righteous in the process. Using Romans 2:1-3, we learn that when we judge others, we must remember that we, too, are sinners in need of God's grace. While we are called to help one another grow, we must do so with humility, recognizing that God's judgment is based on truth, not our own perfection.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into the final verses of Romans, where Paul offers a sobering reminder: it is not only sinful to commit acts of unrighteousness but also to approve of or celebrate those who do. We'll explore how this truth challenges us to stand firm in godliness, even when culture pressures us to compromise. Join me as we unpack what it means to live with conviction and reflect God's holiness in a world that often calls evil good.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike begins to look at Paul's list of sins in Romans 1:28-32. It is a long list and by the time we are done, not many of us are still standing. In fact none. The list reminds us how bleak our condition is before Christ comes!

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 1:26-27. He continues to discuss the sinful state that humanity has fallen into. This state includes our sexuality. He talks about same-sex attraction and homosexual practices and the struggles with them in history and the current challenge in culture.