Living as the Only Bible They Read

On 2026-05-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, May 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 Colossians 4:5-6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. ⁶ Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.

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.

Often, our circumstances have a way of showing us who we really are—our strengths, our flaws, and especially how we represent ourselves as children of the King.

When Paul wrote from prison, I believe the Holy Spirit gave him a fresh perspective on how to speak to the people around him. It’s easy for us to fall into a “church vocabulary” when we’re with other believers, but that language doesn’t always translate to those who don’t know Jesus yet.

We’ve all heard that we might be the only “Bible” some people ever read. The danger is when someone learns a little about Scripture and then looks at our lives, only to see a total contradiction. When they see us acting contrary to God’s Word, they’re left with two choices: they either think they misunderstood the Bible, or they decide we’re hypocrites.

It’s heartbreaking to hear someone say, “If that’s what Christianity is, I want no part of it.” While we can’t control their reactions, we can control our actions. If we live out the “Golden Rule” found in Luke 6:31-35, people will start to see Jesus instead of our flaws and prejudices.

Paul was surrounded by prisoners, a crowd much different from his usual circles. We never know who we’ll run into today, but if we strive to “hide behind the cross,” others will see His likeness instead of our own. If we make it our daily goal to represent Him well, people won’t just see us—they’ll feel like they’ve been in the presence of Jesus.

PRAYER
Loving Jesus, help me to be mindful of my witness today. Let my words and my actions match the heart of Your Word. Holy Spirit, please hide me behind the cross so that when others look at me, they don’t see my prejudices or flaws, but they see the beauty of Jesus. Make me a clear reflection of Your love to everyone I meet. I ask this in the name of Jesus, God’s only Son. 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!

Accepting the Perfect Will of God

On 2026-05-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Friday, May 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 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

¹⁵ ….. always try to do good to each other and to everyone else. ¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Always keep on praying. ¹⁸ No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to 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.

I believe every believer desires to know and follow the will of God. Yet, as we all know, Satan works tirelessly to distract us from anything that draws us closer to the Lord. Unless we intentionally keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can easily become discouraged, distracted, and uncertain about how to truly please God.

In First Epistle to the Thessalonians 5:15–18, Paul gives believers several powerful reminders that reveal the heart of a person who is walking in God’s will: be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance.

At first, some may wonder how this is even possible. How can we remain joyful during loss, hardship, sickness, disappointment, or uncertainty? But perhaps we must first understand the difference between happiness and joy.

Happiness often depends on circumstances. We are happy when life goes well—when a child succeeds, when prayers are answered the way we hoped, or when blessings overflow. But joy runs much deeper. True joy comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Circumstances may change, but the presence of Christ within us does not. Because of that, even in difficult seasons, we can still possess a deep and steady joy that the world cannot take away.

Paul also tells us to pray continually. Many people once believed prayer could only happen while kneeling quietly in a certain place. But God is not limited by location or circumstance. He hears us wherever we are. Prayer is really a continual awareness of God’s presence and a heart that stays connected to Him throughout the day.

Whether driving to work, facing an emergency, celebrating a blessing, or grieving a loss, we can speak to our Father at any moment—and He hears us. Paul encourages us to live with hearts constantly turned toward God.

Finally, Paul says we are to give thanks in every circumstance. This may be one of the hardest commands of all, because it requires us to trust and accept the will of God even when life hurts.

It is easy to thank God when life is going well. But when sickness comes, when dreams fall apart, or when we experience deep loss, gratitude becomes an act of faith. Giving thanks during painful seasons does not mean we enjoy suffering; it means we trust that God is still present, still loving, still faithful, and still in control.

God never changes. The same God who walks with us through our victories also walks beside us through our tears. His desire is not that we pretend life is easy, but that we remain anchored in Him through every season of life.

I love Paul’s concluding reminder: “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” What comfort to know that God has a plan for His children—those He loves deeply and for whom He is preparing an eternal home.

So today, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to trust God completely? Can we accept His will not only in the joyful moments, but also in the difficult ones? One thing is certain: He remains faithful through it all.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Teach me to trust You in every season of life. When circumstances are joyful, help me to praise You with gratitude. When life becomes difficult, help me to rest in Your promises and remember that You are still good. Give me a heart that rejoices in Your presence, a spirit that prays continually, and faith that thanks You even before I understand Your plans. Help me to surrender my own desires and fully accept Your perfect will for my life. Draw me closer to You through every victory and every trial. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To Show our Unselfishness – God first, Others second, Me last!

On 2026-05-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
^day, May ^, 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 2:3-5 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. 4 Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.

5 Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus 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.

As Paul wrote to the believers in Epistle to the Philippians, I believe God filled him with wisdom about the attitudes and actions needed for His children to become more like Jesus. But we must be careful not to read this passage as though it only applied to the Philippian church long ago. God included these teachings in Scripture because He knew believers in every generation would struggle with the very same things.

Sadly, many of the sins, attitudes, and failures we read about in the Bible are still repeated today. Growing up, I remember how quickly the children in our home learned from the discipline of another sibling. Mom and Dad didn’t need to warn each child separately. If something was wrong for one, it was wrong for all. In much the same way, God uses the examples in Scripture to teach every one of His children. When He corrects sin or praises obedience in His Word, those lessons still apply to us today.

In verses 3–4, Paul teaches us not to live seeking attention, praise, or admiration from others. God already sees every thought, word, and action, so rather than trying to impress people, we should focus on humility. Pride causes us to elevate ourselves while looking down on others, but humility reminds us that any one of us could fail without God’s grace. Imagine how different our relationships would be if we truly valued others above ourselves.

Paul also teaches us to genuinely care about the needs of others. In today’s world, that can be difficult. Many people are distracted by devices, consumed with their own accomplishments, or too busy to truly listen. Yet one of the greatest gifts we can offer someone is our full attention.

Good listening means:

Allowing others to finish speaking before we respond;
Focusing on their words instead of planning our next reply;
Setting aside distractions;
Giving people the respect of our undivided attention.

When we truly listen, we hear more than words. We begin to understand another person’s heart, struggles, fears, and hopes. Instead of trying to outshine others with our own stories, we learn to love them the way Christ loves us.

I especially love verse 5, where Paul says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” It’s as though Paul is reminding us that whenever we are unsure how to treat others, we should look at Jesus. Think about how He treated people—with compassion, patience, humility, and love—and then follow His example.

The more we live with the mind of Christ, the more the world will see Jesus in us.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Please remove pride, selfishness, and distraction from my heart. Teach me to love others the way Jesus loves me. Help me to listen carefully, serve humbly, and think more about the needs of others than my own desires. Give me the mind of Christ so that my words, actions, and attitudes may reflect You each day. May others see Your love through me and be drawn closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Mind of Christ: Choosing Humility Over Self

On 2026-05-05 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 5, 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 2:5-8 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Message (MSG).

^5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

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.

For those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and walk in obedience to His Word, there are moments when we may pause and wonder: Who am I that a King would die for me—and still promise me the glory of heaven?

Yet Scripture reminds us that believers are called to reflect Christ. We are to follow His example and represent Him here on earth. In the Epistle to the Philippians 2:5–8, Paul urges us to have the same mindset as Jesus—a mindset marked by humility and surrender.

Think about that for a moment. Jesus, though fully God, did not cling to His position or demand honor. Instead, He humbled Himself, took on human form, served others, and ultimately gave His life on the cross for us. This is the example we are called to follow.

Now consider your daily life – your interactions at home, church, work, or in your community. Who do we tend to admire or follow? Often, it’s those who are successful in life, rich, praised, or placed in positions of influence. But Jesus showed us a different way. He demonstrated that true greatness is not found in status, recognition, or power, but in humility, service, and obedience to God.

Our human nature pulls us toward selfish ambition – wanting more, seeking recognition, striving to be first. But Jesus calls us to lay those desires down. He healed the broken, served the overlooked, and gave everything for others. And despite what the world may think, this is the life that truly matters.

The truth is simple: only what’s done for Christ will last. The world offers temporary rewards and shifting values, but Jesus offers eternal life and a place in His Kingdom.

So today, we are faced with a choice. Will we continue chasing the things of this world, or will we choose to follow Christ fully – living in humility, walking in obedience, and preparing for His return?

One day, our King is coming again. Can we stand before Him and hear the words ‘Well done good and faithful servant’? What a glorious day that will be!

The question today is: Are you ready, should your encounter with God be today?

PRAYER
Please Lord, teach us to live this life like You taught us to and like You exampled for us. The rewards are ‘out of this world’, but the joy of obedience is all based on our commitment to You, precious Lord. Beginning with me, and including all my readers, please give us the mind of Christ – one that is conformed to Your likeness and Your perfect will. Let others see Jesus, and may You see in us the image of Your Son, Jesus. AMEN!

Love Like Jesus—Even When It’s Hard

On 2026-05-04 By Ed AlgreenIn God’s Word, All have sinned, God Cares For Us, Acknowledge God, Awesome God, Accept Jesus NOWLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, May 4, 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 Luke 6:31-35 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Passion Translation (TPT).

³¹The way you want others to treat you is how you should treat everyone else.

³²“Are you really showing true love by loving only those who love you? Even those who don’t know God will do that. ³³Are you really showing compassion when you do good deeds only to those who do good deeds to you? Even those who don’t know God will do that.

³⁵Rather love your enemies and continue to treat them well. When you lend money, don’t despair if you are never paid back, for it is not lost. You will receive a rich reward, and you will be known as true children of the Most High God, having his same nature. Be like your Father who is famous for his kindness to heal even the thankless and cruel. ³⁶Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for 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’s easy to notice when people treat us poorly or fail to appreciate what we do. But when we compare that to how Jesus has treated us, it changes our perspective.

In the Gospel of Luke 6:31–35, Jesus teaches us a powerful truth: treat others the way you want to be treated—even when they don’t deserve it.

If we want to understand how we truly love others, we should ask ourselves: Do we love only those who are kind to us, or do we also love those who hurt us, misunderstand us, or even reject us?

Jesus set the example for us:

He spent time with sinners. He even ate with them.
He called tax collectors—people known for cheating others—to follow Him.
He touched and healed those society rejected.
He chose a humble young woman to be part of His greatest plan – to mother His only Son.

Jesus didn’t love based on what people deserved—He loved based on who He is.

And then there’s the greatest example of all: God gave His Son for us, even when we were undeserving. That kind of love is hard for us to fully grasp, but it shows us how deeply we are loved.

Because of that love, Jesus calls us to do the same—to forgive, to give, and to love without expecting anything in return. On our own, that feels impossible. But with His help, we can love the way He loves us.

Imagine how powerful it would be if others recognized our faith—not just by what we say, but by how we love, forgive, and serve.

Take a moment today to talk with Jesus. Ask Him to shape your heart, your actions, and your character so that others can clearly see Him in you.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to love others the way You have loved me—freely, fully, and without condition. Give me the strength to forgive, to give, and to reflect Your heart in all I do.

Please bless each reader of this devotional and provoke them to a full understanding of Your Word and the desire to obey it fully. Amen.

Not Ashamed!

On 2026-05-03 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 3, 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 1:15-16 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Message (MSG).

¹⁵ …that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.

¹⁶It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!

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.

Paul expresses an eager desire to share the gospel and boldly declares that he is not ashamed of it. His passion is heartwarming and prompts us to share that same Good News. After all, Paul had been rescued from a life of deep sin, and that transformation filled him with urgency to tell others about Jesus.

We understand that kind of excitement. We gladly talk about our children, our accomplishments, and the things that bring us joy. Yet when it comes to sharing the greatest news of all – the saving power of Jesus – we can become hesitant. Fear, pride, or concern about what others might think often keeps us silent.

But Paul reminds us that the gospel is not just good news—it is the power of God for salvation. How can we keep that to ourselves, especially when we know the eternal difference it makes?

There may be people in our lives who have not yet come to know Jesus. What if our silence keeps them from hearing the truth? What if our story could point them to hope, forgiveness, and eternal life?

Like Paul, may we be filled with a boldness that comes from gratitude. If God has changed our lives, then we have something worth sharing. Let us ask Him for courage to speak, love to reach others, and a heart that is unashamed of the gospel.

Take a moment today for honest reflection: Are you ready for heaven? And are you helping others find their way there?

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for saving me and giving me new life through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve stayed silent when I should have spoken. Fill me with boldness, love, and urgency to share the gospel with others. Help me to live unashamed, always ready to point someone to You. Amen.

God Completes What He Starts

On 2026-04-302026-04-30 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 30, 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 3:22 and Philippians 1:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (Romans 3:22 NLT).

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (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.

Most of us like to finish what we start. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in seeing something through to completion. But have you ever stopped to consider where that desire comes from?

In Romans 3:23, we’re reminded of a sobering truth: all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Left to ourselves, we could never achieve the righteousness needed to stand before Him. Yet through faith in Jesus Christ, we are made right with God. That’s the starting point—grace, not effort.

But the journey doesn’t end there.

As long as we live in this world, we will face temptation, struggle, and the pull of sin. It’s a real battle. Left alone, we would stumble often and lose heart. Yet God, in His mercy, doesn’t abandon what He begins.

In Philippians 1:6, we are given a powerful assurance: He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ return. What a promise! Our salvation is not just a moment—it’s a lifelong work of God’s faithfulness.

Even when relationships on earth falter—friendships break, families struggle, and trust is sometimes lost—God remains constant. He is not like us. His commitment is perfect. His love does not waver. And His plan does not fail.

One day, Christ will return for His people – believers, the church, His bride—and we will be with Him forever. No more struggle. No more brokenness. Just eternal joy, worship, and fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

So, take heart today. If you belong to Jesus, your story is still being written—and God Himself is the Author who never leaves His work unfinished.

What an incredible God we serve.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for saving me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. When I feel weak or discouraged, remind me that You are still at work in me. Strengthen me to resist temptation and to trust in Your ongoing work in my life. Help me to rest in the promise that You will complete what You have started. Keep my eyes fixed on the hope of eternity with You. Bless each reader to see the truth, accept it and live in expectation of what You have prepared for them, in love and for their eternal benefit.
Amen.

Clothed in Christ, Living in Unity

On 2026-04-29 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 29, 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 Colossians 3:12-15 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New International Version (NIV).

12 … as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

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 Epistle to the Colossians 3:12–15, the apostle Paul the Apostle paints a powerful picture of what it means to live as one body in Christianity. Verse 15 speaks of the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts, reminding us that we are called to unity—but that unity doesn’t happen by accident.

Think about the human body. It would be chaotic if the eyes, hands, and feet all worked against each other. Every part must function in harmony. In the same way, as believers, we are called to live in agreement—guided by Christ, not by selfish desire.

Paul helps us understand how to achieve this. Before we can experience the peace and unity of verse 15, we must first embrace the attitudes in verses 12–14: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. These are not optional traits—they are the very “clothing” of those who belong to Jesus Christ. They are what it takes to show the world what Jesus looks, sounds and acts like.

Each new day gives us a fresh opportunity to “put on” these qualities. Much like a daily commitment, we choose whether we will reflect Christ or react according to our own feelings. Unity in the body begins when we take our eyes off ourselves and begin to see the needs, struggles, and hearts of others.

This is especially important within the family of believers. It’s easy to respond harshly when hurt or misunderstood, in fact, that’s what makes Satan’s day, but that response does not reflect Christ. Instead, Jesus calls us to something higher—to respond with grace, to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to love even when it’s difficult.

Our time here is brief, but the impact of living God’s way has eternal significance. When we live in His love, we offer others something far greater than temporary comfort—we point them to lasting hope. So today, choose to be clothed in Christ. Let His peace rule your heart. And live in such a way that others see not just you—but Jesus Christ alive and well in you.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Thank You for calling me to be part of Your body. Help me each day to put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and love. Teach me to look beyond myself and see the needs of others. When I am tempted to respond in my own strength, remind me of Your grace and forgiveness toward me. Let Your peace rule in my heart so that I may live in unity with others and reflect You in all I do. Use my life to point others to Your everlasting hope. Amen.

A Love That Shines – Just Like Jesus Loves Us

On 2026-04-28 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 28, 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 John 13:34-35 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

³⁴“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. ³⁵All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”

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.

Jesus Christ calls His followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. These weren’t casual words—they were part of a deeper preparation of His disciples for the day He would no longer walk beside them physically. Much like the moments surrounding the Last Supper and the washing of feet, Jesus was revealing the heart of His kingdom: love expressed through humble action.

Jesus didn’t just speak about love—He demonstrated it. He knelt, served, and gave of Himself fully. Scripture reminds us that God is love, so if we claim Him as Lord, then His love should be the very first thing others notice in us.

Think about seasons in life when you’ve cared for someone in deep need – perhaps an aging parent or a loved one who required constant attention. Those moments stretch you beyond convenience into true, sacrificial love. It’s humbling. It’s costly. And yet, it reflects the very heart of Christ. When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He showed us that no act of service is beneath us when it is driven by love.

Living as salt and light means allowing that same love to shape how we respond to others – especially when it’s difficult. There may be times when you’re called to help someone you don’t naturally feel drawn to, or even someone who has not treated you kindly. In those moments, we are reminded to love not based on feeling, but on the example Jesus set for us.

When we choose to love this way, it stands out. It becomes a light—something others can’t quite explain apart from the presence of God within us. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness or service is the very thing that carries someone through their day.

So today, let His love lead you. Be ready. Be willing. Be the salt that brings hope and the light that points others to Him.

And as you do, don’t be surprised when God meets you in those moments with blessings that remind you just how faithful He is.

PRAYER
Lord, we are remembering today that You are love! The essence of love demonstrated in so many ways, and it teaches us to love likewise. There is no guide on when or how or whom to love, but to merely follow in Your way and love others unconditionally. Satan is busy throwing reasons at us as to why someone is not worthy of our love, but You never showed this nor exampled it for us. So, precious Lord, teach us to love like you. In fact, so much so that others will know who lives in, and loves through, us. Be glorified today as we interact with others who need to see Your perfect love. Thank You Jesus! AMEN!

Justified by Grace—Adopted for Eternity

On 2026-04-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, April 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 Romans 3:23-24 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

²³ All have sinned and are not good enough to share God’s divine greatness. ²⁴ They are made right with God by his grace. This is a free gift. They are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus 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.

When it comes to our children, there is very little we wouldn’t do for them. Whether they meet every expectation or fall short in many ways, our love for them remains. In a far greater and more perfect way, this is how God loves us.

Our Scripture reminds us that all have sinned—every one of us has fallen short of God’s glory. Yet in His incredible love, God did not leave us in that condition. Instead, He provided the way for us to be made right with Him through His grace. And when we accept that precious gift through Jesus Christ, we are welcomed into His family—children of the King, loved and cared for now and forever.

While we remain here on earth, God knows that we will still face temptation and the pull of sin. But He also assures us that through Christ, we are forgiven. This forgiveness is not partial—it covers our past, our present, and our future, as we walk in relationship with Him.

And something powerful happens when we truly surrender to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us—guiding, convicting, and transforming us. He opens our eyes to recognize sin, strengthens our desire to resist it, and leads us toward a life marked by love, obedience, and righteousness. We are no longer alone in the struggle; God Himself is at work within us.

If, however, you feel as though something is missing—if there is no conviction, no desire for change, no evidence of God’s Spirit at work—it may be time to honestly reexamine your relationship with Him. God is faithful, and He keeps every promise. He does not fail to complete what He begins in those who truly belong to Him.

Life on this earth will always bring challenges. But let this truth steady your heart: God is still on the throne. His love has not changed. And His invitation to salvation remains open. He desires for you to be part of His family—His children, His church—secure in His care for all eternity.

Does that sound impossible? It might—if we rely on our own strength. But think about the commitment found in a faithful marriage, where one chooses to remain true despite temptation. If we can show that kind of faithfulness in human relationships, how much more can we live faithfully toward God with the help of the Holy Spirit?

You are justified (made right) by grace. You are adopted (into God’s family) in love. Now live in the power He has given you.

PRAYER
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for all You have done to give freedom from sin to those who place their faith and trust in You as Lord and Savior. Scripture reminds us that this comes only through the grace You provide. Thank You, Jesus! Yet, as long as we remain in this world of sin and evil, we face constant temptation and provocation to continue sinning. Thank You for the assurance that the Holy Spirit lives within us to help, guide, and encourage us toward a life of righteousness and holiness, just as You are holy. Thank You for Your faithfulness in giving us all we need to remain steadfast, even when the pull of temptation feels too strong in our own strength. Please continue to preserve us and keep us holy before the Lord until You call us to join You and the Father in heaven for all eternity. AMEN!