No Sadness in Heaven!

On 2026-05-26 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Revelation 21:4 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New International Version (NIV).

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

This is the second in a five-part series of devotionals I hope to share with you, focusing on five things that won’t be in Heaven, supported by the truth of God’s Word.

In this world, tears are a natural response to the heavy weight of sadness. So many things can trigger this emotion: the devastating loss of a loved one, the sudden illness of someone close to you (or your own health battles), deep physical or mental pain, or the crushing disappointment of seeing life turn out contrary to what you had been praying and hoping for. Think about your own journey—how often have you ever reached a stage in life where you felt completely settled, totally satisfied, and so at peace that absolutely nothing bothered you? On this side of eternity, those moments are few and far between.

But in our verse today, we are given a breathtaking glimpse through the Apostle John of how radically different things will be in the presence of Almighty God. In Heaven, the old order of things, the horror of things past, they will all be completely gone.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” — Revelation 21:4

Consider the character of the God who promises this, and whose presence will find ourselves. He is the One who created us, the One who loved us even when we were entirely unlovable, and the One who opened the doors of Heaven so that we could be with Him eternally. He did this by sending His precious Son as a sacrifice for the sins of everyone who accepts Him as Lord.

This same God will make His presence known to us, showering us with a pure love unlike anything we have ever experienced. He will gently wipe away those tears—the very ones that were once witnessed only in your most private, lonely moments—and He will replace that lingering sadness with an everlasting joy that is only possible through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! What a day that will be!

The Peace of a Parent’s Arms

Think about a small child who is crying. They don’t usually stop crying because someone explains the situation to them; they stop when they realize their parents are right by their side. The moment they are scooped up, all fear evaporates. They rest in the comforting assurance that their mom or dad is in total control of the circumstances, and they can finally be at peace in those loving arms.

That is exactly how I envision the peace we will experience in the very presence of our God.

While it is challenging to totally understand or explain this kind of peace to someone else, we know as believers that Jesus never lies. He never misguides us, and His Word explicitly promises this future reality. If it weren’t for the brokenness of sin that surrounds us here on earth, I believe we could taste that pinnacle of peace even today. But John reminds us that this absolute perfection is exactly what is being reserved at the throne of our Master for those who love Him, accept Him, and allow Him to be Lord.

An Invitation to Reflection and Action

My prayer today is that as you imagine the glory of God and begin to anticipate the joy of His presence, you will have a little talk with Him. Ask Him if there is anything standing in the way of your relationship with Him today.

To the one who has wanted nothing to do with Jesus: please realize that He is a loving God who will not force Himself on you. On Judgment Day, He will ultimately honor your choice, even if it brings tears to His eyes to see you choose an eternity separated from His goodness.

I deeply love and pray for those reading this, and my earnest desire is that you do not let your eyes close tonight without making things right between you and God. I want nothing more than for us to worship God together around His throne one day! But as Scripture tells us, there is only one way to Heaven, and that is through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He died for you so that you might live eternally with Him and the Father.

Salvation is not automatic, but it is a free gift. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, accept Him as your Lord and Savior, and He will receive you into His eternal kingdom. That single decision will make all the difference for your eternity. It’s your choice, dear one. Choose Jesus Christ today.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being a God who sees my private sorrows and counts every tear I shed. In a world filled with pain, disappointment, and loss, I cling to the beautiful promise that a day is coming when You will wipe away every tear from my eyes. Lord, help me to experience a taste of that perfect peace today—the peace of a child resting safely in their parent’s arms. I examine my heart before You now; if there is anything blocking my fellowship with You, I surrender it. I also pray urgently for those who do not yet know You. Break through their defenses, draw them to Your cross, and give them the courage to choose You today before time runs out. In the saving and comforting name of Jesus, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

No Sickness in Heaven!

On 2026-05-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, May 25, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Revelation 21:3-4 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

This is the first in a five-part series of devotionals I hope to share with you, focusing on five things that won’t be in Heaven, supported by the truth of God’s Word. While believers certainly have unlimited reasons to anticipate meeting our Lord and Savior, I hope these reminders will ignite an even greater excitement in our hearts about the things to come – our eternal home!

If you are reading this without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, my heart breaks that you might feel left out or discouraged by our anticipation. The enemy of our souls, Satan, offers no such eternal hope—only permanent, tragic separation from God’s goodness. But God’s deepest desire is for you to be part of His family. My prayer is that you will seek the Lord Jesus Christ today while He may be found, and safely secure your eternal destiny.

Our Fragile Earthly Bodies

It is a heavy reality that healthcare has become such a major burden in our lives because our earthly bodies are simply not perfect. From the very early stages of life, we are susceptible to illness and desperately in need of doctors. At every age, people face the daunting challenge of trying to get well, coupled with the heavy anxiety about how the medical bills will be paid. We often find ourselves pondering whether sickness will take us out or worrying about how to afford the necessary care.

Even when we get good news here on earth, it comes with limitations. The best we can expect is leaving the doctor’s office or the hospital to hear the words, “Go now and enjoy life; your illness is cured.” Yet, we all know the unspoken fine print: at least for now.

The Promise of a Perfect Body

I am convinced that God’s precious Word contains the answers to all of life’s struggles, which is why it is so vital that we immerse ourselves in the Bible every day. Through Scripture, we are assured that the prophets were right all along: Isaiah 33:24 reminds us that a day is coming when sickness will end.

Philippians 3:21 promises that in heaven, Jesus will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body—whole, free from sickness and death, and fit to glorify the Father forever. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 15:42-43 reminds us that we will gain a perfect, imperishable body. Perfect means exactly that: absolutely no flaws. It is hard for our human minds to imagine!

Our Response Today

Perhaps the best way a believer can start their day is to awaken and thank God for the body He has graced us with for this earth, while resting in the confident joy that our earthly sickness is only temporary. We will rise again in perfect health, just like our Lord and Savior! That truth alone is enough to get us out the door, rejoicing in the precious work of an all-powerful God who will one day present us whole – without sin or sickness, before His holy throne.

I pray that you can shout a loud “AMEN!” to that truth right now. We must remind the enemy that we are no longer his. We serve a risen, perfect God whom we will obey and imitate here on earth, practicing our praise and worship in preparation for the day we see Him face to face!

An Invitation For the one who has previously ignored the invitation to accept Jesus as Lord, and whose heart perhaps sank a little further when reading this devotional: please do not wait. Seek out a Bible-teaching pastor or a believer who demonstrates a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus, and ask them to show you the way to heaven. God has only promised us this very moment; there is no guarantee you will be around tomorrow to make that decision. Do it now, while His arms are opened wide to accept you.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the glorious promise of heaven and the assurance that one day, You will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more sickness, pain, or death. When my physical body fails or when the anxieties of health weigh heavily on my mind, remind me that this world is not my permanent home. Thank You for the promise of a glorified body, perfectly healed and whole. Lord, I also lift up anyone reading this who does not yet know You. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would draw them close today, giving them the courage to accept Your gift of salvation before it is too late. May our lives be a continuous practice of praise until the day we see You face to face. In the precious, healing name of Jesus, Amen.

The Power of a Blessing: Trusting God with Our Loved Ones and Our Critics

On 2026-05-23 By Ed AlgreenIn God’s Word, All have sinned, God Cares For Us, Acknowledge God, Awesome God, Accept Jesus NOWLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, May 23, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Numbers 6:24-26 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

²⁴ ‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.

²⁵ May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Through Moses, the Lord instructed Aaron to pray a specific blessing over the people of Israel—God’s chosen people. Wouldn’t it be incredible to pray this very same blessing over our own children every single day? But taking it a step further, I believe there are profound, unexpected blessings in store for us when we choose to pray this over those who cross us or despitefully use us, too.

I learned this firsthand years ago with a senior coworker of mine at work. We had a sharp disagreement over a certain procedure that she and I were challenged to come to a common decision. Now, those who know me might not see this stubborn side of my character very often, but I just wouldn’t bend on something I felt so right about. I know—not my best moment!

But shortly after that tense encounter, I heard a sermon that deeply convicted me. It challenged my church and I to pray God’s blessings over those who dislike us. So, I started praying for God to bless her with success and His awesome favor. And you know what? It worked! The tension melted over time, and at her retirement, I got a warm hug right along with everyone else who had grown to love and respect her.

Praying this Scripture over our children doesn’t mean they are “bad kids” or that their character is lacking. It simply means we are praying God’s absolute best over every season of their lives. You see, just like us at that age, they sometimes think they have it all figured out and have everything under control. It can be challenging for us to offer suggestions or corrections without causing friction. But when we pray for them, we are inviting the Creator of the universe to intervene—in their decisions, their attitudes, the way they raise their own children, and their dedication to Him.

When we try to force change, we often just try to fit our loved ones into our own mold, which usually just drives a wedge between us. But God is concerned with them obeying Him and following His example. God knows how to handle every delicate detail of their lives in ways we would often fail at. True, lasting change must come from the inside out. God knows the heart, and He specializes in heart change!

Human nature makes it easy to secretly hope our difficult coworkers or friends face the consequences of their actions. However, it is extremely difficult to harbor a dislike for someone when you are honestly praying for God’s richest blessings over them. Doing so means you love them enough to ask God for His very best in their life. That kind of love is nothing short of amazing, for it imitates what God did for us while we were yet sinners – it is a love only God can place inside of you.

Each of us has been given an outstanding opportunity to start over today. God proves His mercy by providing us with a brand-new morning. Regardless of what happened yesterday or throughout this week, let’s use this fresh start today to fall more in love with Jesus than ever before. Let’s determine to let the love He has shown us overflow to others.

Aim to see Jesus glorified today through your actions, your thoughts, and your words. And today, try praying His priestly blessing over those you love, those you rub shoulders with each day, and especially those who challenge you!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of a brand-new day and the fresh mercies that come with it. Lord, I lift up my child and my loved ones to You. I ask that You bless them and keep them; make Your face shine upon them and be gracious to them. I release my desire to control or fix them, knowing that You specialize in changing hearts from the inside out.

Lord, I also pray for those who challenge me, disagree with me, or despitefully use me. I ask that You pour out Your favor and success upon them. Replace any frustration in my heart with the unconditional love of Jesus. Help me to be a reflection of Your grace today in my thoughts, words, and actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Content With Anything – Ways To Choose Happiness Over Stress

On 2026-05-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:11-12 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want;

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Some years ago, I was blessed to join about 25 others from my church on a mission trip to an area where the residents were far less fortunate than what we were accustomed to. There were profound lessons I learned on that trip that came rushing back to me as I read Philippians 4:11-12 today. Let me share a couple of them with you:

1. Finding Contentment in the Essentials

We were given strict limits on what we could bring along: just one average-sized duffle bag. This had to hold our clothes for an entire week, as well as our eating utensils (a plate, knife, spoon, and fork). I soon saw the very practical reason for this limitation—15 of us had to squeeze into a 15-passenger van with all our belongings! I was used to packing more than that just for an overnight stay at a relative’s house! Yet, it was amazing how, for one week, I found absolute contentment with only the bare necessities.

2. Discovering Joy Beyond Possessions

Often, we believe we must bring an abundance of gifts to elevate the less fortunate to our standards. But our leaders reminded us to meet the residents exactly where they lived and to respect what they had. They were genuinely happy in their homes, no matter how humble those homes appeared to us blessed folks from Florida!

It didn’t stop our hearts from aching when we saw homes built on an old garbage dump, using discarded materials, or children playing barefoot with whatever random objects they could find. Yet, in every circumstance, those children and families possessed a joy that outshone many of our own neighborhoods – places where we have more space than we could ever use and our children have more toys than they can play with.

Our church group went to minister, but we were the ones being ministered to in ways that our normal services in plush church buildings could hardly compare with. It was a real eye-opener to what the Apostle Paul taught the church at Philippi. It spoke volumes about the comfortable lifestyles we often live, without a second thought for those who are struggling.

God used that trip to open our eyes to the deeper truth of Paul’s letter: we must make sure there is room in our hearts and that our eyes are open wide enough to see what others are facing. Yes, they need Jesus just like we do. But it is hard to hear the Gospel when your stomach is hurting from a lack of nutritious food. When we meet their physical needs, they can better listen to the Gospel being preached by our pastors and by us as we witness to them in real life.

Please allow me to suggest a way we can stay humble and demonstrate that we have truly grasped Paul’s teaching today. Let’s strive to make a difference in the life of just one person outside of our family this week. Let’s ask God to direct us to a specific need and embolden us to help without passing judgment.

For those of us who have worked our entire lives, we might struggle with seeing someone begging for money on a street corner instead for seeking a job. But what about the senior citizen who runs out of grocery money two weeks into the month? How do they make it? Many of us throw away more leftovers than they have for one good meal a day. We cook more than enough to share a warm plate with someone in need.

What about transportation? Many of us have multiple vehicles to travel around, enjoy our cities, and take in the sights. Meanwhile, others rely on the bus – waiting hours if they need a vehicle equipped for, or have space for, an assistive device. Did God bless us with our vehicles solely for our personal enjoyment? Wouldn’t God be deeply honored to see us bless others with the very things He has so graciously blessed us with?

Paul shared that he had learned the secret to being content in any and every situation. Have we? Let us start by being a river where God’s blessings flow freely through us, rather than a dam where His blessings stop right at the point of delivery!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the incredible blessings You have poured into my life—many of which I too often take for granted. Forgive me for the times I have focused on what I think I lack, rather than praising You for what I already have. Open my eyes to see the silent struggles of those around me, and give me a heart of deep compassion that refuses to pass judgment. Lord, teach me the secret of true contentment. Help me to be a river of Your grace, letting Your blessings flow freely through me to touch the lives of others, so that they might see the love of Jesus in my actions. In His holy name, Amen.

Think About Good Things – A Simple Way to Choose Happiness over Stress

On 2026-05-19 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:8 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

…Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

I remember attending a mid-week prayer and Bible study where the leader asked us to take a few minutes to offer up only prayers of thanksgiving for what God had done that week. We were told to save our petitions and requests for later in the service. It was amazing—and sobering—to realize how challenging it was just to say “thank you” without immediately asking for something else.

That moment reminded me of how easily we can slip into a lifestyle of asking God for help without taking the time to reflect on the countless prayers He has already answered. In my upbringing, my siblings and I would have been scolded for receiving a gift and failing to say “thank you.” Yet, Satan cleverly pulls us into the trap of ignoring the good God has done so we can spend all our time focusing on what we think we still need.

This is exactly why God inspired the Apostle Paul to write Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” God knew that we would struggle with the exact same mindset as the church at Philippi. If we filled our minds with the brighter things of life—the answered prayers, the victories of our loved ones, the open doors God chose for us to walk through, and the clear direction He gives when we struggle—we would instantly realize just how incredibly blessed we are. We would also recognize the gift of the body of believers we worship with each week, who encourage us, lift us up, and check in on our well-being.

Years ago, early on a Monday morning at work, I opened the front door for an employee and welcomed them with a warm, genuine smile. Instead of returning the smile, they asked what on earth could possibly have me so happy on a Monday morning at work. When I began listing the things I was already thankful for—including the beautiful handiwork of God I had seen on my drive in—they completely shut down the conversation.

When we allow ourselves to be filled with worry, stress, and the burdens of yesterday, we lose sight of the Lord. We forget that He is the One causing our hearts to beat today. We overlook a beautiful family who loves us, a workplace that puts bread on the table, and safety on the dangerous roads we travel. It is so easy to let the weight of the world pull us down and start wondering where God is.

But even in the middle of a broken world, the amazing love of Jesus still shines through. The Holy Son of God loved us enough to sacrifice His very life for us, and He continues to watch over us in every single circumstance of life.

Let’s choose to think on these things today. Let’s train our minds to find the good in our family members, neighbors, coworkers, and friends, instead of focusing on their faults or comparing ourselves to them. When we intentionally change what we look at, we will stop focusing on the enemy’s disruptions and start rejoicing in God’s abundant blessings. We might even find ourselves moving past treating Jesus as a casual, infrequent acquaintance, and truly making Him the Lord of our lives.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have taken Your blessings for granted and rushed into Your presence with demands rather than thanksgiving. Thank You for the breath in my lungs, the safety on the roads, the provision on my table, and the loved ones in my life. Most of all, thank You for the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. Holy Spirit, help me to take control of my thoughts today. When worry and negativity try to take over, remind me to focus on whatever is true, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Turn my eyes away from my problems and fix them onto Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Thankful Heart – A Key Path to Happiness over Stress

On 2026-05-18 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, May 18, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

When we think about the opposite of a thankful heart, a few distinct mindsets come to mind:

An Entitled Heart: One that feels like God and the world owe them something. It whispers, “After all, I’ve been a good person. I go to church at least a few times a year, and I try to be honest and upright. Surely I deserve God’s favor!”
A Demanding Heart: One that tries to step into God’s position, demanding immediate answers to every personal wish and command. We must remember that God owes us nothing; by His standard of perfect justice, our own righteousness could never earn a place in His presence.
A Superior Heart: One that places itself above everyone else—including God. It operates under the assumption that only you know what you truly need, rejecting any correction or guidance from the Lord about what is actually best for you.

Instead of these self-centered mindsets, Philippians 4:6 guides us toward a deeply grateful heart. This is a heart that realizes we are nothing compared to the God of this universe, the Creator of all mankind. Yet, it also realizes that He is a deeply sacrificial God who, through the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son, provided us with peace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Take a moment to truly meditate on that contrast. God is the only One who can claim a truly holy, all-righteous, all-loving, and everlasting status. Who are we to even try to match those qualities? Who are we that we could ever hope to stand in His presence? Yet, because of His staggering love, Jesus is preparing an eternal home for us where we will spend forever with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When we honestly assess our position compared to the King of kings and Lord of lords, we are quickly reminded of how blessed we really are. We are loved far beyond anything we could ever deserve, and we are amazingly honored just to bring our petitions before Him.

It is from this state of mind—filled with humility, reverence, love, and appreciation—that we can approach the throne of grace. Let’s always remember that He is God, and we are His servants. Let’s approach our Master with the absolute respect He deserves, carrying a heart that is profoundly grateful for all He has already done and all He has promised to do.

Scripture teaches us that taking our rightful, thankful, and humble position before God is exactly what brings true joy to our souls. It completely lifts the heavy burden of stress off our shoulders because we finally stop trying to control the world.

Are you there yet? Allow me to suggest that you take your rightful position at His feet today, and watch your worry turn into worship.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, search my heart today. Forgive me for the times I have allowed entitlement, pride, or a demanding spirit to creep into my prayers. Forgive me for acting as though You owe me anything, when in reality, You have already given me everything through Jesus. Lord, I want to take my rightful position as Your servant. I bow before You in true humility and reverence, amazed that the Creator of the universe invites me to speak to Him. Thank You for Your sacrificial love, Your forgiveness, and the eternal home You are preparing for me. I bring my requests to You today with a heart full of gratitude, trusting entirely in Your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Talk to God – A Key Path to Happiness over Stress

On 2026-05-17 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Sunday, May 17, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

In our previous look at Philippians 4:6, we talked about God’s blueprint for overcoming anxiety: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” But have you ever wondered what happens when people don’t have this wonderful advice – or choose to ignore it? When life doesn’t go the way we expect or demand, our natural human instinct is to panic, spiral, or immediately look for someone or something to blame.

True peace doesn’t mean life is free of storms; it means having an anchor in the midst of them. To show you what I mean, look at how the grace and love of God carried two of my close relatives through terrifying health crises over the past year.

The Interrupted Vacation

My sister works long, grueling hours under extreme stress. Last year, she took her annual vacation, fully expecting to get some much-needed rest and completely de-stress. But by the third day of her trip, our family had to call emergency services. She had blacked out for no apparent reason.

After a week in the hospital, doctors discovered an unexpected, underlying heart condition and performed a procedure to protect her future health. Humanly speaking, she had every right to be upset. Her hard-earned vacation was ruined. There was no pool time, no extra sleep, and no rest for our family, who spent those days sitting by a hospital bed.

Yet, as a believer, she found an unshakeable peace. She chose to speak to her Creator and ask Him to intervene. She recognized God’s hand in the timing: she was near a top-tier hospital, surrounded by expert medical care, and wrapped in the undivided attention of her family. She knew that the God we were praying to was working directly through those doctors to uncover the root cause and provide a modern medical solution. Without God, she could have been consumed by bitterness. With Him, and through His miraculous touch, she found calm reassurance from talking with Him, the One who designed her body.

The Journey Through the Valley

My brother-in-law is a strong, hardworking young man with a young family to support. Out of nowhere, he began suffering from terrible headaches and blackouts. Over the past 11 months he ended up spending many weeks at a time in the hospital, battling brain lymphoma.

It would have been easy for him to curse God. His healthy life was completely interrupted. He was temporarily unable to provide for his family, missed out on his teenage son’s milestones, and couldn’t be the active husband he wanted to be. But instead of bitterness, he chose a deep connection with God. He didn’t just talk to God; he surrendered his care to Him and committed to walking in obedience.

Throughout this challenge he described this past year as “quite the journey,” but just days ago, he was released from the hospital, celebrating being completely cancer-free! He is living proof today that when you place your faith in God, talk to Him, and surrender your will to Him, He will reveal Himself in ways you never could have imagined.

The Invitation

Perhaps you are reading this today and your life looks very different. You might not need a medical miracle right now, or maybe you are still struggling to believe that God works this way. My responsibility as a servant of God isn’t to argue, but simply to remind you of what God’s Word promises and show you how He still fulfills those promises in real time.

We serve an awesome, all-powerful God. Don’t wait for a crisis to catch up with you before you finally share your heart and soul with Him. His arms are outstretched right now, waiting for your call out to Him. He is ready to comfort you, guide you, and forgive you if you simply ask Him and commit to a personal relationship with Him.

Jesus is indeed Lord of all. I pray that you will make Him the Lord of your life today.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are the Master, and I am Your servant. Forgive me for the times I have allowed worry and stress to consume me instead of bringing my needs to You. Thank You for Your unlimited power, Your perfect timing, and Your amazing love. Today, I lay down my anxieties and present my needs to You with a grateful heart. I thank You for the blessings I already have, and I trust Your answers—whether they are yes, wait, or no. Let Your peace rule my heart today, and let my life reflect Your goodness to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

From Worry to Worship

On 2026-05-16 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, May 16, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

There’s a famous secular song that tells us, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!” It’s a catchy tune, but it leaves us with a massive challenge: how exactly do we stop worrying, and how do we stay happy when life gets heavy? Another song tells us, “Don’t worry about a thing.” Again, it sounds nice, but human advice can only take us so far.

Many people don’t realize that the Word of God contains practical instructions for every single aspect of life. It comes straight from the Creator of the universe—the One who designed you and me. Who better to fill in the blanks of our lives than God Himself?

In our focal verse today, Philippians 4:6, God speaks through the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi. This verse wasn’t included in the Bible just to give us a nice story to read; God knew we would face the perplexing challenge of stress and anxiety, and He wanted us to have the ultimate antidote.

Paul gives us the exact strategy His children need: Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. Notice that God wants us to be intentional. This isn’t about wishing on a star or chasing wild imaginations; it’s about bringing our genuine, heartfelt needs to Him. Often, we get frustrated with the world because we desire things we don’t need or can’t afford. But when it comes to our actual needs, the stakes are higher. We become desperate, and stress creeps in because we don’t see a way out without divine intervention.

If you take away nothing else today, remember this: Simply ask God for what you need, and do it with a thankful heart. Does that sound too simple? Perhaps. But if you believe in God’s unlimited power and His amazing love for His children, you can rest assured that He is always true to His Word. He will come through for us.

To help us approach Him with the right heart, here are four keys to asking with the right attitude:

1. Remember Who He Is – He is God, and we are not. Approach Him as a servant approaches a master—with deep reverence. A servant never dictates terms to the master. We are in no position to tell the Lord, Creator, Healer, and Deliverer of this universe how to do His job. We simply make our request and trust His authority.

2. Seek His Will First – We ask because we want God’s perfect will to be done. Sometimes, He has a purpose for us to fulfill or a ministry to grow within us before He lifts the trial or provides the physical healing. Trust His process.

3. Trust His Answers – We ask because we recognize that we cannot provide these things for ourselves. When we surrender our needs to Him, His answer may come in one of three ways:

Yes: An immediate, timely provision.
Wait: His timing is flawless. When the breakthrough finally comes, it will be undeniably clear to everyone that God alone answered that prayer.
No: Because He loves you, He will withhold things that might ultimately harm you or others. His “no” is protection.

4. Lead with Gratitude – This key is right there in the verse—ask with thanksgiving. Be grateful that the Master of the universe allows us to have a personal relationship where we can bring Him anything. For example, if you are seeking relief from a painful arm, thank Him first for the blessing of your other healthy, pain-free arm. Then, ask Him to restore the one that hurts. Avoid complaining about how easy everyone else has it. Instead, focus on His current blessings.

Final Thoughts – We serve an awesome, all-powerful God who has already blessed us beyond anything we could think, imagine, or deserve. Let’s start taking even the smallest stressors to Him. When we learn to rejoice over His answers to the little things, our faith grows, preparing us to trust Him with the much larger needs of life. Remind the world whose you are today by how you respond to life’s circumstances. Don’t let anxiety and stress rule your day. Instead, take it to God from a heart of deep thanksgiving. He is waiting to hear your cry and respond as only He can!

Guard Your Heart – It determines Your Output

On 2026-05-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, May 14, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Proverbs 4:23 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Voice (VOICE).

²³ Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

In the preceding verses, we are reminded of the importance of listening to and obeying the Word of God. But then comes this powerful verse that reminds us of something very important: guard what goes into your heart, because it will affect the outflow of your whole life.

This is much like military personnel being warned to pay close attention to Central Command. If they ignore, twist, or manipulate the instructions given, they could end up harmed by what should have protected them.

I believe God is reminding us here to guard what enters our heart — our thoughts, our minds, and our decision-making. When the love, peace, and joy of God fill our hearts, then our words, attitudes, and actions will naturally reflect those things. But when we constantly surround ourselves with hateful, selfish, angry, or ungodly influences, it begins to affect us also. Before long, we may find ourselves speaking, thinking, and behaving in ways that do not honor God.

The same is true for the movies we watch, the Facebook posts we entertain, the music we listen to, the conversations we entertain, and the places we choose to spend our time. All these things influence the heart and mind. Sometimes we may even wonder, “Where did those thoughts come from?” or “Why did I respond that way?” Many times, it is because we allowed unhealthy influences to settle into our hearts.

Some may try to justify sinful behavior by pointing out that terrible things happened in the Bible too. But the greater message of the Bible is this: although sin brought destruction to individuals, families, cities, and nations, God still loved us enough to send Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners. Jesus came so that we might be forgiven, changed, and restored through Him. So that we might have pure and righteous hearts.

God gives each of us a choice. We can continue living life our own way and reject Him, or we can recognize the grace and mercy offered through Jesus Christ, accept Him as Lord and Savior, and receive the promise of eternal life with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever. To me, the choice is clear. Jesus is the only One who can truly cleanse our hearts and guide our lives. He is my Savior and Lord, and I pray that you will choose Him fully and allow Him to guard and direct your heart each day. What a joy it would be to worship at the feet of Jesus together throughout all eternity!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding us of the importance of guarding our hearts. Help us to be careful about the things we allow into our minds and spirits. Fill our hearts with Your love, peace, wisdom, and truth so that our words, attitudes, and actions will reflect You. Lord, remove anything from our lives that pulls us away from You. Help us to recognize the grace You freely offer through Jesus Christ and to choose obedience over sin each day. Strengthen us to walk closely with You and to honor You in all we say and do. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us and to give us the hope of eternal life. May our hearts remain fixed on You until the day we worship You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Trading Worry for Peace

On 2026-05-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Philippians 4:6-7 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. ⁷ If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

If you’re married, your spouse can usually tell when you’re worried before you even say a word. They ask because they love you and want to help. God is the same way, only He’s a step ahead—He already knows your thoughts before they even form.

So why do we worry? Usually, it’s because we feel like we’ve run out of options. We try to fix things ourselves first—like taking a pill for a backache or trying a new exercise. We only turn to the “Doctor” when our own solutions fail. But if we have a relationship with a God who loves us perfectly, why wouldn’t we talk to Him first?

When we keep our struggles to ourselves, we end up “moping” in our troubles. We might even mistakenly feel like God doesn’t care because He hasn’t stepped in yet. But Paul tells us the secret: Tell Him. Present your needs to Him with a thankful heart.

The “thanksgiving” part is key. Most of us wait until the prayer is answered to say thank you. But Paul suggests we thank Him while we are asking. This shows we have total confidence that our problem is in the right hands. It’s like saying, “Father, I’m giving this to You because You’re the only one who can fix it, and I’m thanking You now because I know You will handle it better than I ever could.”

That kind of faith brings a peace that doesn’t even make sense to the world. If you aren’t there yet, don’t be discouraged. Revisit the cross and commit yourself fully to the Savior. Remember how much He has already done for you and start sharing your heart with Him today.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for knowing me better than I know myself. Forgive me for making You my last resort instead of my first response. Today, I bring You the things that are weighing on my heart, and you already know them individually, but I will mention them each privately. I choose to thank You right now—not because the problem is gone, but because You are in control of it. Fill my mind with Your peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.