God is With You!

On 2026-04-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, April 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 Acts 7:9-10 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Amplified Bible (AMP).

⁹“The [ten elder] patriarchs, overwhelmed with jealousy, sold [their younger brother] Joseph into [slavery in] Egypt; but God was with him, ¹⁰and He rescued him from all his suffering, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made Joseph governor over Egypt and over his entire household.

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 Acts 7:9–10, Stephen recounts the story of Joseph with a simple yet powerful truth: “God was with him.” Those four words carry a promise that reaches far beyond Joseph’s life—they speak directly into ours.

When we surrender our hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ, we are not entering into a part-time relationship with God. He does not come and go based on where we are or how well we’re doing. Scripture assures us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That means He is with us always—in every moment, every place, and every circumstance.

Yet sometimes we live as though God is only present in sacred spaces—at church, during Bible study, or in moments of prayer. But His presence is not confined to buildings or spiritual acts. He walks with us through every joy and every sorrow, loving us faithfully and patiently as we navigate a broken world.

I was recently reminded of this at a memorial service for a 7-day-old baby girl. The grief of those parents was overwhelming. And yet, even in their heartbreak, there was a quiet assurance: God was with them. He had not abandoned them in their pain, and He would continue to carry them through life.

In another part of our family, a young and very strong loved one has been battling cancer. From a human perspective, we may be tempted to ask, “Why?” But God’s perspective is different. Where we may see suffering, He sees a life still held, still loved, and still full of purpose. Just as with Joseph, God sees a jewel—being shaped and refined for His glory.

Joseph’s life was marked by betrayal, false accusation, and deep suffering. He was rejected by his own brothers and unjustly imprisoned. Yet none of those circumstances changed the truth: God was with him. And in time, God raised him up to a place of great influence, using his life to save many—including those who had wronged him.

The same is true for us. As children of the King, our worth is not measured by our circumstances or by the opinions of others. We are not less valuable in hardship, nor more valuable in success. In God’s eyes, we are His beloved—equally precious, equally known, and deeply loved.

So whatever you are facing today, hold fast to this truth: God is with you. He is working, even when you cannot see it. He is present, even when you cannot feel it. And He is faithful to complete what He has begun in you.

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Lift your head in hope. Your story is not over, and your life is not without purpose.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your constant presence. Help me to trust that You are with me in every season—through joy, sorrow, and uncertainty. Strengthen my faith, refine my heart, and use my life for Your glory. 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!

More Than We Can Imagine

On 2026-04-18 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, April 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 1 Corinthians 2:9 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

…“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

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 1 Corinthians 2:9, Paul echoes the words first spoken in Isaiah 64:4, reminding us that what God has prepared for those who love Him goes far beyond anything we can see, hear, or even imagine. When Scripture repeats itself, it’s often an invitation to pause, reflect, and truly take hold of the truth being emphasized.

So take a moment—slow down and meditate on this promise. Let the Holy Spirit speak personally to your heart.

What is it that makes you feel inadequate?

Many of us quietly believe that only the exceptionally gifted, highly favored, or naturally confident are the ones God chooses for meaningful service—even within the church. But is that really true? Or have we simply grown accustomed to comparing ourselves, assuming others are more qualified or more deserving of God’s grace?

Consider Moses—reluctant, full of excuses, and unsure of himself. Yet God used him to lead a nation out of bondage through signs, wonders, and divine provision. Think of Joseph—betrayed, abandoned, and left for dead, yet raised up by God to preserve an entire nation, including the very family who wronged him.

Even in our own lives, we’ve seen people who started where we did, yet God has lifted them into places of influence and service we never imagined.

Here’s the truth we must not forget: God does not create anything without purpose. He did not make you by accident, and He certainly did not make you lacking. He is not waiting for you to become “enough”—He is waiting for your willingness.

God is far more concerned with our availability than our ability.

He is the One who brings water from the rock, makes a path through the sea, and draws treasure from the depths of the earth. And in the same way, He forms something powerful and purposeful out of a life that is surrendered to Him.

So today, acknowledge Him as your King, your Creator, your Provider. Offer yourself fully—just as you are—and invite Him to use you.

Because what He has planned for your life may be far greater than anything you could ever think or imagine.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust that You have created me with purpose. Quiet the voice of comparison and doubt, and give me a willing heart. Use my life for Your glory in ways beyond what I can imagine. Amen.

Always in His Presence

On 2026-04-17 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Friday, April 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 Isaiah 53:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.

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.

It is clear throughout Scripture that God desires for all people to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and be saved. As we’re reminded in 1 Timothy 2:3–4, this is pleasing to God—that all would come to the knowledge of the truth. Yet despite knowing this, how often do we leave the place of worship and step right back into patterns that reflect our old selves?

Consider this: what would we think if we saw a pastor, priest, or church leader sitting at a bar in their ministry attire—speaking and behaving no differently than the world around them? It would trouble us. We would question their witness, their commitment, and their integrity.

But what about us?

We leave a time of worship, step into our daily environments, and are quickly met with frustrations—stressful calls, tense conversations, unexpected challenges. And in those moments, how easily we lose our composure. How quickly we set aside the very faith we just professed.

What’s the difference?

Isaiah reminds us that all have gone astray. Not some—all. There is no distinction when it comes to sin. God does not excuse it in one and condemn it in another. While some may carry greater responsibility, every heart is accountable before Him.

So the question is not whether we have wandered—we all have. The question is: are we seeking the help of our Lord to live differently?

If we have truly accepted Jesus as Lord, then our lives should reflect that surrender. We are called to walk in obedience—to follow His teachings and imitate His example. Not just within the walls of a church, but in every setting, every conversation, every moment.

Because the truth is, we are never outside of God’s presence.

He sees all things. He hears all things. He even knows our thoughts. There is no place we go, no situation we enter, where He is not present.

Think about how we behaved in the presence of someone we deeply respected – perhaps a parent or authority figure. We were mindful of our words and actions, seeking to honor them. How much more should we live with that same awareness before our Heavenly Father?

Not out of fear—but out of love, reverence, and gratitude.

So let us not live as though we step in and out of God’s presence. Instead, let us walk daily with the awareness that we are always before Him. And with His help, may our lives consistently reflect the One we claim as Lord.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You know our deepest thoughts and everything about us, yet You still gave Your life on Calvary for us. As our key verse reminds us today, You see our failures, yet I believe You stand with open arms, ready for us to come to You with our struggles and ask for help in the areas where we are weakest. We need You, Lord. Life is incredibly hard to navigate, especially while striving to obey Your commands. But You have promised never to leave us and to help us in every part of life we surrender to You. Please keep working in us and give us strength each day to let You into even the parts of our lives we feel ashamed of or unable to control. You are our strength and Deliverer, and in Your arms, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. We need You, Lord! AMEN!

Faith That Reflects the Lordship of Christ

On 2026-04-162026-04-16 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, April 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 James 1:26-27 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

²⁶If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. ²⁷Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

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 a person surrenders the lordship of their life to Jesus and accepts Him as Savior, they are doing more than making a statement—they are inviting Him to transform their life. It is a commitment to be redirected, to live in a way that reflects the life Jesus lived on earth, with the hope of one day being with Him in glory forever.

On the other hand, to reject Jesus as Lord is to choose to continue living life on one’s own terms. It is a decision to remain in sin, despite understanding where that path ultimately leads. Scripture makes it clear that there are eternal consequences tied to that choice.

In James 1:26–27, we find a strong and necessary warning for those who have accepted Christ. We are reminded that we cannot claim to follow Jesus and yet continue living as we did before knowing Him. A life unchanged calls into question the sincerity of our faith. Much like in a marriage, where unfaithfulness and neglect create division, a disconnect between what we profess and how we live reveals a deeper issue of the heart.

If we say that Jesus is Lord, then our lives should reflect that truth.

James points us to what genuine faith looks like: controlling our speech, caring for those in need, and remaining unstained by the world. This is not about outward appearances or popular measures of spirituality—it is about a heart that has truly been changed and a life that demonstrates it.

It’s interesting how easily we can become focused on visible or debated aspects of church life, while overlooking the foundational call to simply be like Jesus. Yes, there are many important responsibilities within the body of Christ, but before all else, we are called to reflect Him in every area of our lives.

If Jesus is truly Lord, then let’s not live halfway or hope that our intentions are enough. Let’s be intentional about walking in His footsteps, honoring His Word, and fully obeying His commands.

After all, God knows what we say, He sees what we do, and He even knows our thoughts. We cannot fool Him—but we can choose to please Him.

So let us live in such a way that others see Christ in us—through our words, our actions, and our love. And may our lives encourage others to surrender to Jesus and follow Him wholeheartedly.

PRAYER
If we are to truly trust and follow You and Your commands, Lord Jesus, there is much that must change in our lives. So I come humbly, asking that You work powerfully in our hearts today and open our eyes to see You and all Your marvelous works. Please give us a deep desire to grow more like You each day and to freely show Your love through us to everyone we meet. Prepare the hearts of those we will encounter today so they can easily see Jesus in us and be inspired to know You personally. AMEN

Seek God first. Trust Him always.

On 2026-04-15 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, April 15, 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 Matthew 6:31-33 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy to Read Version (ERV).

³¹ “Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ ³² That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. ³³ What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.

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 are many phrases we hear so often from our pulpits and fellow believers that they become familiar—almost second nature to us. We repeat them, we quote them, and we believe that God will do exactly what He has promised. And rightly so—God is always faithful. But it is also wise for us to remember where those promises are found and to occasionally step back and read the surrounding verses. In doing so, we guard ourselves from taking God’s Word out of context and gain a fuller understanding of His heart.

In Matthew 6:31–33, we are reminded that God knows our needs and cares deeply for His children. We do not need to live in constant worry, striving, or desperation over the necessities of life. Our Heavenly Father already knows. He sees. He provides.

But let us not miss the depth and condition found in verse 33.

God is not to be viewed as a “biblical Santa Claus,” simply granting wishes upon request. In fact, Jesus points out that those who do not know God—the unbelievers—spend their time worrying, chasing, and begging for the basic needs of life, because that is all they understand.

Yet the child of God is called to something higher.

Those who truly believe—who seek to love, honor, obey, and serve Jesus as Lord—are invited into a different pursuit: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This is not a casual suggestion, but a defining priority. When our hearts are aligned with His kingdom and our lives reflect His righteousness, God, in His faithfulness, provides everything we need for life and for the work He has called us to do.

This promise is both comforting and clarifying. It is not merely about provision—it is about priority. It reminds us that God’s care is intimately connected to a life that is surrendered to Him.

So let us praise God for His faithful provision. And let us also be mindful of those who do not yet know Him—those who are burdened by worry because they have not yet experienced the peace found in trusting Him. May we pray for them, live before them as faithful examples, and point them to Jesus, who provides not only for our needs, but for our eternal hope.

Seek Him first. Trust Him always. And watch how faithfully He provides.

PRAYER
Thank You, dear Jesus, for Your watchful eye, care, and love for us. It’s beyond our understanding to grasp the depth of Your love, that You gave Your very life for us, even though we are sinners, just like those who arrested, charged, and led You to the cross. Please forgive us for failing to love You in return and for not accepting the free gift of eternal life, for which You gave everything. Today’s Scripture is yet another reminder that, for Your precious children, You will provide for every need. if we are obedient to Your teachings and commands. Lord, please touch the hearts of those who still doubt Your love and sincerity, stir us to live obedient and dedicated lives for Your glory, and keep us ready to praise You when we see You giving beyond anything we could imagine or ask. AMEN!

Trusting God Beyond Our Timeline

On 2026-04-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, April 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 James 1:22-23 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.

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.

Thank God for the blessing of a new day!

Israel had been through so much, and just like us, when things didn’t improve as quickly as they expected, they began to lose hope in the wonder-working God to whom they prayed.

Sadly, we often do the same. When our prayers are not answered the way we want—or as quickly as we demand—we begin to feel as though God has stepped away. Yet the challenge for us is to trust that God answers in the way that is best for our circumstances and according to His perfect plan. Like infants, we know what we want, and we want it now. But God, in His wisdom, sees far beyond what we can.

Jeremiah understood this deeply. He saw a people who were weary, discouraged, and in desperate need of hope from their Creator. And what a beautiful reminder we find in his words: no matter what God has done in the past, He is still at work today. Each new day is written by His hand, with a fresh expression of His mercy, purpose, and power.

One of our greatest challenges in prayer is our limited perspective. We tend to ask only for what we can see, imagine, or understand. But God is far greater than our thoughts, our expectations, and our perceived possibilities. His ways are higher, His plans are deeper, and His love is beyond measure.

Think about His love. How quickly do we withdraw our love when someone hurts us or speaks against us? Yet God’s love is not like ours. It is not conditional, not fleeting, and never-ending. As His children, called to reflect Him, we must ask ourselves: are we willing to love like He loves?

Imagine the impact on those who do not yet know Him. What if they encountered believers who responded to hatred with love, to offense with grace, and to rejection with kindness? They don’t just need to hear about Jesus—they need to see Him. And what a testimony it would be if they walked away in awe, giving praise to God for a love they cannot explain.

When we see something greater than what we have, we pursue it. So let the world see the One who gave everything so that we might have everything—now and forever. And with His help, the One we call on daily in prayer, we can live this out.

Take heart, dear ones. Trust His timing. Reflect His love. And let your life point others to Jesus.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we are reminded more each day that there is truly no one like You. You created us in Your image, yet You have given us the freedom to live and choose. Still, in Your great love, You sent Your Son to die for our sins, knowing how deeply this world would challenge our desire to follow You and live according to Your ways.

In today’s Scripture, we are reminded that You never change. Because of this, we can fully depend on You—to love us, to guide us, and to protect us every day as we call on Your name.

It is only by Your grace and Your power that we can even begin to reflect who You are. Yet we also recognize that the world still needs Jesus. So Lord, impress upon our hearts daily the importance of representing You well, so that others may see You through us and come to believe.

Have Your will and Your way in our lives—this is my sincere and continual prayer, O Lord.

Amen.

Temptation begins within (our own desires)

On 2026-04-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, April 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 James 1:12-15 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Living Bible (TLB).

¹²Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him. ¹³And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. ¹⁴Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. ¹⁵These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God.

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.

Thank God for the blessing of a new day!

After giving in to sin, or seeing its effects unfold in our lives, we often find ourselves asking, “How did I ever get to this point?” These verses in James 1:12–15 gently but truthfully walk us back through that very question.

In all honesty, we must acknowledge that we have sometimes exposed ourselves too openly to the enemy. Satan seeks to kill, steal, and destroy anything and anyone who belongs to Jesus Christ—especially those striving to please God. Yet even in recognizing this, we must also look within. Scripture reminds us that temptation begins in our own hearts, when desire is allowed to linger, grow, and take root.

And then we wonder, how did we ever take our eyes off Jesus? For He is still our Savior—unchanging, faithful, and near. It is in these moments that we must pause and evaluate what has taken priority in our lives, what may have quietly replaced Him at the center.

Consider these areas:

1. Prayer – I’ll be the first to agree with you—yes, God knows our every thought and intention. So why pray? Because the Word teaches us to. Because God calls us into regular, intentional communication with Him. Imagine not speaking with your spouse for an entire day – what would happen to that relationship? Prayer is how we stay connected to God. It is where we bring our heartaches, worries, desires, concerns, and our love for Jesus. It is where alignment is restored.

2. Bible Reading – I hear you—you went to church, you listened closely, and your day is already full. But let me encourage you: at the end of the day, instead of convincing God of your lack of time, try saying, “I’m sorry God, but reading Your Word was not a priority today.” Ouch. In that moment of honesty, we quickly recognize what we did prioritize—news, scores, conversations, extra rest. Bible reading is God’s way of speaking to us—guiding us, correcting us, and reminding us of His unconditional love.

3. Church Attendance, Giving, and Encouraging One Another – These are acts of obedience to God and His Word. They are not routine obligations, but expressions of love and allegiance. When we are honest, we realize that watching from a distance is not the same as engaging as God intended. These practices demonstrate—to the world and to the enemy—who truly rules in our hearts. Does our faith reflect that God reigns fully within us?

Now, may I ask you to read these Scripture verses again and allow God to speak clearly and personally to your heart? If Jesus Christ is truly your Savior and Lord, then let us live as He commands—guarding our hearts and giving no room for temptation to grow.

James reminds us that desire, when left unchecked, leads to sin, and sin leads to death. But there is a promise for those who endure: God blesses those who remain steadfast. The path forward begins with refocusing our hearts, restoring what has been neglected, and placing Jesus back where He belongs—at the very center.

PRAYER
Lord, as I meditate on Your Word, I am reminded once again how deeply I need You in every area of my life. It is clear that the enemy seeks to attack Your children, and on our own, we are powerless to stand against him. Yet Your Word lovingly reminds us that temptation begins within our own hearts.

So instead of looking for someone to blame or yielding to the enemy’s schemes, help us to search within first. Reveal anything in us that has given the enemy room to work. Too often, we have allowed his influence to shape our thoughts, causing us to see life through his lens rather than through the truth and clarity of Your Word.

Lord, continue to speak to us through Scripture, and draw us into deeper communication with You through prayer. Lead us to live lives that reflect You—lives that honor and obey Your Word in every way. I know that this kind of life will stir opposition from the enemy, but as Your child, my desire is to please You above all else.

The world desperately needs Jesus. But how will they come to know You if I claim Your name and yet live no differently? Let my life be a true reflection of my faith.

Please impress upon my heart—and the hearts of all who read this—the importance of living in a way that honors and obeys our Master, Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Live set apart… The Holy Spirit dwells in you

On 2026-04-11 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, April 11, 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 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

16 Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and that is what you are.

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

Thank God for the blessing of a new day!

As we reflect on today’s verses, we often think of church sanctuaries as holy places with rules meant to honor God. Yet Scripture reminds us that when we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us—making our lives His temple.

Holiness, then, is not just about a place, but a life set apart for Him. It means striving to keep our thoughts, words, and actions aligned with God’s Word, free from sin and dishonor. This is not easy in a sinful world, and we cannot do it on our own.

That’s why we must remain rooted in Scripture and committed to daily prayer—seeking God’s guidance, confessing our sins, and asking for His strength to walk in obedience. While we may struggle, God is able, and He delights in a heart that longs to be more like Him.

PRAYER
It is beyond our simple understanding that a holy God would come and take residence inside of us, yet these verses reenforce this fact, that part of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit, lives inside of us. Lord, we do our best to keep our houses clean, especially when someone is coming to visit or live with us, yet we take it so lightly that a holy God chooses to setup His temple inside of us. We thank You, Lord for being our Comfort, Protector, Guide and Encourager. Please guide us into doing our part of keeping Your temple holy and free from sin. That requires a daily nudge away from sin, and instead, to live holy lives dedicated to understanding Your Word and obeying it fully, God being our helper. As saints of the King of all kings, we need You Lord Jesus, and we are fully dependent on You. AMEN!

You Can’t Buy God—But You Can Honor Him

On 2026-04-092026-04-09 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, April 9, 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 Acts 8:18-21 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Passion Translation (TPT).

¹⁸ When Simon saw how the Holy Spirit was released through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he approached them and offered them money, ¹⁹saying, “I want this power too. I’m willing to pay you for the anointing that you have, so that I also can lay my hands on everyone to receive the Holy Spirit.”²⁰Peter rebuked him and said, “Your money will go with you to destruction! How could you even think that you could purchase God’s supernatural gift with money? ²¹You will never have this gift or take part in this ministry, for your heart is not right with God.

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.

Scripture teaches us to give back to the Lord from what He has blessed us with. A tenth is often used as a guideline, yet many feel they cannot afford to give. But the truth is this—what remains, blessed by God, is far greater than anything we try to hold onto ourselves. It is far better to live on what God has blessed than to cling to more without acknowledging Him.

Still, we must be careful: giving is not a transaction. It is not a way to gain favor, earn salvation, or secure blessings. Simon’s mistake was thinking he could offer money in exchange for God’s power. Peter’s response makes it clear—God is not interested in bargains; He desires hearts that are surrendered.

Consider what God has already given. Through Jesus Christ, He gave us everything—100%—so that we might have eternal life. In light of that, is anything we give truly too much?

Our giving, then, is not about obligation or reward. It flows from love. Just as in any relationship, love moves us to give freely, joyfully, and without condition. We give because we trust God, because we are grateful, and because we desire for others to experience the same gift of salvation.

So today, examine your heart. Are you giving to get something from God—or giving because He has already given you everything?

Remember, we don’t give to earn heaven. We give because He first loved us—and He gave.

PRAYER
Lord, we thank You for who You are and for All that You do for us every day. You gave it all for us, yet we permit Satan to interfere with our giving and therefore wreak havoc on our minds. Please forgive us Lord, for had you not given to us, we would have nothing at all to give or use selfishly on ourselves. Please examine our hearts and help us to overcome the temptation of feeling we deserve more from You, especially if we give. Bless us Lord so that we could give even more – and in abundance. To God be the glory for all that was given for our salvation, and in support of all that we need every day. AMEN!

Hearing From God will Result in a Growing Faith

On 2026-04-082026-04-08 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, April 8, 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 Romans 10:17 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Century Version (NCV).

¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing the Good News, and people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ.

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.

We learn through communication. As children, we learn to speak by hearing and imitating those around us. In school, we understand better when a teacher explains things in a way we can grasp—not just by reading words on a page.

In the same way, our spiritual growth depends on a living relationship with God. The Bible may sit on a shelf, but it becomes life-changing when we actively engage with it. God has already reached out to us; now we must respond for that relationship to grow.

We speak to God through prayer, praise, and worship—but how do we hear from Him? Through His Word. The Bible is God’s living message, still relevant today. He also speaks through preaching and through other believers. Scripture reminds us that faith comes from hearing the Word of God, so the depth of our faith often reflects how much we are truly hearing from God.

Take a moment to reflect on your own walk:

Are you spending meaningful time in God’s Word? Focus not just on reading, but on understanding.
Are you regularly gathering with other believers? Fellowship encourages and strengthens both you and others.
Are you sharing God’s goodness with those around you? Sometimes, you may be the only “sermon” someone hears that day.

Remember, what fills your heart will flow from your mouth. May your words reflect a heart overflowing with God’s love, gratitude, and truth.

PRAYER
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for wanting to be a part of our lives. While men who rule over others may become dictators, Your Word makes it clear that You are a loving Lord whose greatest desire is for us to succeed while representing You in every way. You are a good and gracious God, deserving of all the glory we can humbly give at every opportunity. Our faith in You is the foundation of our Christianity, so I ask, in light of today’s Scripture, that You give us a persistent longing to hear from You more than ever before, for this will strengthen our faith. Sadly, in our own strength, we allow many distractions to push our relationship with You to the background. Today’s Scripture reminds us to be steadfast in communication with You through regular prayer, Bible study, and church, where we hear Your Word preached and encourage one another. I believe You created us to love one another, but too often Satan disrupts this desire. We need more of You in our lives, dear Jesus. Please hear our prayer and help us. AMEN!