The Daily Nugget

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike highlights the reliability of the Scriptures as a powerful reason to believe. He talks about the historical accuracy of the Bible and shares the story of Lee Strobel—an investigative journalist who set out to expose the Bible's errors but instead found overwhelming evidence for its truth and ultimately embraced the faith. Mike also quotes respected history professor Lloyd Bridgeman, who once said the Bible is the most reliable book in history. Finally, he reflects on how God uses His Holy Scriptures to speak to us personally—because when we are spiritually alive, the Word of God becomes alive in us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike focuses on the theme of answered prayer and how it strengthens our confidence in God's reality. He shares several stories of God responding in clear, specific ways—reminders that the Lord hears us, cares for us, and actively works in our lives. These answered prayers serve as powerful “proof” that God is very real and deeply involved with His people.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike continues our Advent Apologetics series by reflecting on the universal reality of sin. Drawing from Romans 1, he shares how none of us would believe apart from God's grace—and that our very faith is evidence of God's real and active work in our lives. At a deep level, we all know our own sinfulness, and that awareness points us to our need for a Savior and to the God who opens our eyes to truth.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike begins a new series on apologetics by looking at Peter's call to be prepared to give a defense for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). He emphasizes that one of the most powerful apologetics we possess is a transformed life—one marked by love, hope, and goodness—as others witness God's work in us. This not only strengthens our witness to the world, but also reminds our own hearts of the hope we have in Christ.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike continues our Thanksgiving focus by sharing from another section of The Greatest Treasure, titled “God Is Always Working for Good in the World.” Even when life feels heavy or confusing, we can give thanks because God is continually at work—redeeming, restoring, guiding, and weaving His purposes together for our ultimate good and His glory. Gratitude grows when we remember that behind every moment stands a faithful God who is always working for good.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike honors Thanksgiving by sharing a section from his book The Greatest Treasure in the chapter on the goodness of God titled “God Is a Good Father Who Gives Us What We Need.” As we slow down and reflect, we're reminded that our Father sees us, knows us, and provides exactly what is needed in every season of life. Thanksgiving grows deeper when we recognize that every good thing we enjoy flows from the wise, loving hands of our perfectly good Father.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike follows up on our theme of gratitude by reminding us that the greatest gift we should be thankful for is the gospel itself. Christ humbly came, lived in perfect obedience, took upon Himself the wrath we deserved, rose again, and through His work we have been adopted as children of God with His Spirit now living in us. Nothing pleases God more than when His people thank Him for Christ and all He has done.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about gratitude and how Scripture consistently pairs thanksgiving with God's call to prayer. Drawing from five powerful passages (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18; Colossians 3:15–16; Colossians 4:2; John 15:4–5; Philippians 4:6–7), we see that whether we are walking through challenging seasons or celebrating great moments, God invites us to give thanks in all circumstances. Mike shares three ways gratitude shapes us: it fixes our eyes on God's sovereign character, it humbles us by reminding us we don't earn our blessings, and it lifts our vision beyond our present circumstances so we can celebrate God's goodness even in difficulty. He closes with a challenge—to thank God today for the countless blessings that are simply a taste of His unearned goodness in our lives.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike gives a brief summary of everything we've seen in the book of Romans, walking chapter by chapter through God's amazing plan of salvation. From our deep need to God's overflowing grace and the transformed life He calls us to live, Romans shows the fullness of the gospel. As we wrap up the journey, we declare with Paul: To God be the glory.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike concludes Romans 16 and reflects on how the study of theology should always lead us to doxology—worship, joy, and celebration in response to who God is. Paul ends this rich letter not with a final argument but with praise, reminding us that true theology doesn't puff us up; it lifts our eyes to God's greatness. As we study Him, the proper end is wonder, gratitude, and glory. Mike highlights how Paul could only finish Romans in one way—with heartfelt celebration of the God who saves, strengthens, and reveals His eternal purposes in Christ.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike continues in Romans 16:17–20 and focuses on the importance of knowing sound doctrine and guarding our lives and churches against false teachings. Paul warns believers to watch out for those who distort the gospel, and today we see those distortions show up as antinomianism (grace without obedience), legalism (obedience without grace), and gnosticism (secret knowledge over biblical truth). Sound doctrine protects us from these extremes and keeps our hearts anchored in the true gospel—so we can follow Jesus faithfully and help others do the same.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike begins Romans 16:1–16 and explores the vital role of women in the early church. He highlights Phoebe and several other women who profoundly impacted the Apostle Paul and contributed to the spread of the gospel. Mike also reflects on the women who have shaped his own life and ministry, showing how God has always used faithful, courageous women to strengthen His church and advance His mission.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike finishes Romans 15 and focuses on the call to be people of prayer—people who are willing to ask others to pray for us and people who trust deeply in the love and peace of God. Paul ends the chapter by inviting believers into his struggles through prayer and by expressing confidence that God will surround them with His love and fill them with His peace. As followers of Christ, we're reminded that prayer is both our lifeline and our shared ministry, drawing us closer to God and to one another.

Today on the Podcast, Mike brings a “Freebie Friday” edition, focusing on the transformed life of someone who follows Christ—how true worship shapes everything, including how we handle our money. Mike digs into Jesus' teaching that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” showing how our financial priorities reveal what we truly value. As our hearts grow in worship, our generosity naturally follows, reflecting a life centered on Jesus and His kingdom.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 15:22–33 and focuses on the generosity Paul encouraged among believers. Paul reminded the churches that just as they had received spiritual blessings from others, they also owed it to share their material blessings in return. This partnership between believers showed the unity of the body of Christ and helped advance the gospel. In the same way, we are called to support God's work generously , using our financial resources to bless others and further His mission around the world.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 15:14–21, where we see the Apostle Paul's deep heart for the gospel. Paul made it his life's mission to lead people to Jesus so that they would glorify God in worship and honor Him through lives of obedience. His passion was that every believer would not only know Christ but also follow wherever He leads, living in a way that brings glory to His name. Paul reminds us that true ministry isn't about personal success—it's about helping others see and worship Jesus.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 15:8–13 and focuses on worship through singing and praising the name of God. Paul reminds us that God included the Gentiles so that all nations could lift their voices in praise to Him. Worship isn't just a feeling—it's our response to who God is and what He's done. As believers, our songs of praise declare His greatness to the world, fulfilling our purpose to glorify Him and invite others to join in that worship.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about the three key parts of Jesus' ministry with His disciples—worship, community, and renewal. Jesus regularly gathered with others in the synagogue for worship, showing the importance of being rooted in God's people. He also lived in close community, discipling His followers through shared life and daily experiences. And at key times, He led them on retreats for spiritual renewal, giving them space to rest and refocus on God's mission.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks about leadership—the joys and struggles of influencing, encouraging, and building up others toward a greater purpose. He reflects on how true leadership means serving others, helping them grow, and keeping the focus on something bigger than ourselves.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike dives into the first section of Romans 15, focusing on the importance of getting along with one another by thinking of others instead of ourselves. He reminds us that when we choose humility and unity, setting aside differences like race, gender, or social status, we bring glory to God through our harmony and shared purpose in Christ.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike finishes Romans 14, starting from verse 13, and talks about the “weaker brother” — focusing on issues like wine and food prohibitions. He shares how the core of being a Christian is learning to set aside our own desires for the sake of Christ and His people, choosing love and unity over personal freedom.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 14:1–12 and focuses on giving each other the freedom to disagree on non-essentials while maintaining open dialogue. He reminds us to trust that fellow believers are seeking to live for the glory of the Lord, even when their convictions or practices differ from our own.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike focuses on Romans 13:14 and talks about how the key to living a godly life is keeping our focus on Jesus. As we fix our eyes on Him, we are changed from the inside out. The flesh is real and can be a constant challenge, but the power to overcome it is found in Christ alone.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike talks a little bit about Halloween and shares both perspectives. On one hand, we're called to run from evil because light has no fellowship with darkness. On the other hand, some see it as an opportunity to bring light into the darkness. Mike unpacks both views and encourages listeners to seek the Lord's wisdom in how they approach it.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 13:11–end and talks about the challenges of the flesh and how our lives would look different if we truly believed Jesus could return tomorrow—or at any moment. He also shares a few thoughts on how this perspective shapes the way we approach things like Halloween and the choices we make each day.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Romans 13:8–10 and talks about the call to be different from the rest of the world. We're called to pursue loving our neighbors — to move beyond ourselves and live with generosity, giving freely to others as an expression of Christ's love in us.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike goes back to Romans 13:1–7 and talks again about why God calls us to submit to authority. We're to do it not just to keep order, but for eternal reasons—to avoid God's wrath and to follow the leading of our conscience. When we submit to authority, we're really submitting to God Himself, and we should do whatever that requires with a sincere heart.

Today on the Daily Nugget Podcast, Mike focuses on Romans 13:1–7, where Paul reminds us that all authority ultimately comes from God. Mike shares how God delegates His authority to different spheres of leadership — in government, the workplace, the church, and the home — and how our response to that authority reflects our trust in God's sovereign design. He emphasizes that we are called to submit in the gray areas where the Bible doesn't give direct commands, showing respect and humility toward those in leadership. However, when an authority's command directly contradicts God's Word, our loyalty must remain with the Lord — even if that means facing difficult consequences. This passage challenges us to live with wisdom, discernment, and a deep awareness that honoring rightful authority is one way we honor God Himself.

Today on the Daily Nugget Podcast, Mike shares a story that illustrates the powerful practice of returning trouble with blessing and loving others even in the midst of challenges. Building on the themes from Romans 12 that we've explored over the past week, he shows how living out God's call to genuine love, patience, and grace can transform difficult situations and relationships. This kind of love doesn't come naturally — it comes from the Holy Spirit working in us, teaching us to respond to hurt with kindness and to reflect Christ's heart in real life.

Today on the Daily Nugget Podcast, Mike finishes Romans 12 by looking at verses 14 through the end of the chapter, focusing on what it means to live in love with those around us. He unpacks many of the verses in this powerful section, where Paul calls believers to bless those who persecute them, to live in harmony, to overcome evil with good, and to leave vengeance in God's hands. Mike shares how this kind of love isn't natural — it's supernatural — flowing from a heart transformed by God's mercy. As followers of Jesus, we're called to reflect His grace and peace in how we respond to others, even in conflict or hardship. Living this way shows the world what real, Christlike love looks like in everyday life.

Today on the Daily Nugget Podcast, Mike wraps up Romans 12:9–13 by focusing on the final three marks of a transformed life: “faithful in prayer, sharing with the Lord's people who are in need, and practicing hospitality.” He talks about how these qualities flow from a heart that's been changed by God's grace — one that stays connected to Him through prayer and expresses His love through generous and open-handed living. Mike encourages listeners to cultivate a consistent prayer life that keeps them rooted in God's presence, to be generous with both their resources and compassion, and to open their homes and hearts to others. These everyday acts of faithfulness show the world what it means to live out genuine, Spirit-led love.

Today on the Daily Nugget Podcast, Mike continues in Romans 12:9–13, focusing on the next two phrases: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” He shares how these qualities reveal a heart anchored in Christ — one that endures and thrives no matter the circumstances. Joyful hope comes from trusting God's promises even when we can't yet see the outcome, and patience in affliction grows as we remember that God is working through our trials to shape our character. Mike encourages listeners to hold tightly to hope, to endure hardship with grace, and to keep their eyes on Jesus, who strengthens and sustains us through every season.

Today on the Daily Nugget Podcast, Mike talks about Romans 12:9–13, focusing especially on the verses “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord,” and “Honor one another above yourselves.” He shares how real transformation shows up in a believer's passion, humility, and purpose — not just in what we know, but in how we live. God calls us to a faith that's alive and energized by the Holy Spirit, not cold or routine. Mike encourages listeners to stay spiritually alert, to keep their fire for God burning even in difficult seasons, and to show genuine honor and care for others, remembering that true zeal and love flow from a heart centered on serving the Lord.

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.