The Daily Nugget

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.

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.