Before Christ vs After Christ (The Difference Patience Makes)

On 2026-06-23 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, June 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
Feel free to read the following scriptures in your Bible.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 ~ It is better to finish something than to start it. It is better to be gentle and patient than to be proud and impatient. (ERV)

Hebrews 10:36 ~ You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what he promised you. (ERV)

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 can recall unfortunate moments in our lives when we became quickly angered, frustrated, or filled with rage. In those moments, we may have said or done things that harmed ourselves, hurt others, or damaged property around us. More often than not, those actions were fueled by impatience. We felt circumstances were beyond our control or moving in a direction that did not fit our plans.

What is interesting is that we can see traces of this behavior even in infants. They quickly learn how to get our attention, and when that no longer works, they often respond with a temper tantrum. As we grow older, those same tendencies remain. The difference is that we gradually learn that we cannot always have our own way.

The Struggle of Unbelievers

As I studied today’s lesson, I found it fascinating that Solomon connects impatience with pride. Before Christ, many of us believed we were capable of handling life on our own. We had our plans, our goals, and our timelines. When someone or something stood in our way, it disrupted everything we had envisioned and often caused great frustration. Those old “tantrums” would resurface, taking control of our words, actions, and emotions, often leaving us disappointed in ourselves afterward.

The Believer’s Struggle

However, as I reflected on this lesson, I couldn’t help but think about believers who still struggle with impatience. What happens in this case?

Let me quickly remind you that followers of Jesus Christ still sin. As long as we live on this earth, Satan will do everything he can to discourage, distract, and pull-down God’s children. Yet there is something wonderfully different about the believer.

Look again at Hebrews 10:36. What an encouragement! We are reminded that our greater reward awaits us. No matter what hardships we face here on earth, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as Lord and Savior have something the world does not possess—we have hope.

The Difference

The Bible assures believers of an eternal hope. Praise God!

For the Christian, joy truly comes in the morning—the day we will stand face to face with our King. Our trials are temporary. Our reward is eternal.

For those who have chosen to ignore the precious blood shed by Jesus for the forgiveness of their sin, things only get worse. Instead of joy in the morning, their just reward from their master will be even more intense pain, suffering, and eternal damnation in Hell with Satan.

Now What?

I believe God’s Word is clear.

For the believer in Jesus Christ, we are called to patiently endure until He comes again or calls us home. While we wait, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in encouraging one another toward love and good works. We must be especially mindful of those we love and care for who have chosen to live without Christ. We must stand ready and willing to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in helping them across the finish line. We want them in heaven with us, but how will they know or get there if we don’t tell them about Jesus?

For those who are content with living apart from Christ, I lovingly encourage you to remember that there are only two eternal destinations. the only alternative to heaven is eternity with the Evil One in Hell, with he and his demons.

The wonderful news is that this does not have to be your future. Jesus made a way through His death, burial, and resurrection. The decision to receive Him must be made while you still have breath.

The purpose of these devotionals is not to condemn, but to encourage. Life is not promised beyond this very moment. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, I encourage you to make that decision today.

Patiently waiting for Christ is far better than impatiently chasing the things of this world. One leads to temporary satisfaction; the other leads to eternal joy!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with me. So many times I have wanted things my way and according to my timetable. Forgive me for the moments when impatience, pride, and frustration have controlled my thoughts, words, and actions.

Help me to trust Your plans, Your timing, and Your purpose for my life. Teach me to patiently endure the challenges of this world while keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus and the eternal hope that awaits me.

Lord, place upon my heart those who do not yet know You. Give me courage, wisdom, and compassion to share the Good News with them. May my life reflect Your love and point others toward the salvation found only in Christ.

Until the day You call me home, help me to faithfully wait, faithfully serve, and faithfully trust. In Jesus’ name,
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!

Before Christ vs After Christ (Disobedience vs Obedience)

On 2026-06-22 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, June 22, 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
Feel free to read the following Scripture in your Bible:

“…if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.” — 1 Samuel 12:15 (NIV)

“…today I am letting you choose a blessing or a curse. You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God…” — Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (NCV)

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 may be a subject that many feel goes without saying. However, I believe the Holy Spirit wants to remind us why some areas of our lives may not be going as well as we had hoped.

The Bible is God’s love letter to us. Within its pages are His commands, His guidance, and His wisdom for living. As we obey our Master, we make ourselves available for His wonderful and endless blessings. Conversely, when we struggle through life and wonder why our faithful Father is not leading us as He promised, perhaps we should first examine our own hearts. Could it be that we have become unfaithful or even disobedient to the commands of our Heavenly Father?

In our Scripture from 1 Samuel, Samuel was speaking to the Israelites about their rejection of God’s authority and their continued disobedience. As God’s spokesman, he reminded them that there are consequences for rebellion against the Lord. We must be careful not to assume that God views our disobedience differently today. While we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, God’s desire for obedience has never changed.

The verse tells us that if His people rebel against His commands, His hand will be against them, or He would curse them. I don’t know about you, but I cannot imagine anything worse. I dislike it when a friend is upset with me, but the thought of living outside of God’s favor and guidance is heartbreaking. As His child, I want to be as much like my Lord as possible. The thought of losing the joy of His fellowship or the blessing of His direction is something I never want to experience.

Now, in Deuteronomy, God spoke through Moses and presented His people with a choice: blessing or curse, obedience or disobedience. What strikes me is that God did not force their decision. He allowed them to choose.

The same choice stands before us today.

For those who belong to Christ, obedience did not earn you salvation, but it does reflect a heart that loves and honors God. The Lord promises blessing to those who walk in His ways. We often overlook just how blessed we already are. If we would take the time to count our blessings each day, we might find ourselves echoing the words of that old hymn: “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

Yet God also warned of the consequences of disobedience. When we become careless with His commands or begin picking and choosing which parts of His Word we will obey, we place ourselves in a dangerous position. Consider how devastating it would be if God removed some of the blessings we take for granted every day—our health, our provision, the sunshine, the rain, or even the ability to communicate with those we love. We are surrounded by God’s goodness, often without even noticing it.

Before Christ, many of us paid little attention to these warnings or promises. We simply expected our blessings and rarely considered the One from whom they came.

Then, through the miraculous work of God, we were drawn to Jesus Christ. We experienced His love, His forgiveness, and His saving power. We surrendered our lives to Him and discovered a joy and peace that can only come through a personal relationship with the Son of God.

However, I realize that some reading this devotional may have never truly surrendered their lives to Jesus. You may know about Him, attend church, or even believe in Him, but you have never given Him complete lordship over your life. It seems clear to me that the door to God’s richest blessings opens wide when we are fully surrendered to Christ.

Today, if you find where you fit into that last paragraph as it honestly describes you, please consider giving your life completely to Jesus. Turn from sin, trust Him as your Savior, and allow Him to lead your daily path. I am convinced that a life surrendered to Christ is a life transformed by His grace, guided by His wisdom, and overflowing with blessings that point others to Him.

The choice remains before us today, just as it did for Israel long ago: obedience or disobedience, blessing or curse. May we choose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us enough to give us Your Word, Your guidance, and Your commands. Forgive us for the times we have ignored Your voice, chosen our own way, or taken Your blessings for granted.

Help us to walk in obedience, not out of fear, but out of love for You. Search our hearts and reveal any area where we have become careless or rebellious. Give us the courage to surrender those things to You and the strength to follow wherever You lead.

For those who have never fully trusted in Jesus, draw them to Yourself today. Open their eyes to Your love, Your grace, and the abundant life found only in Christ.

May our lives bring honor to You and may our obedience point others to the goodness of our Savior.

In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (Laying Down the Spirit of Rebellion)

On 2026-06-21 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, June 21, 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 below in the Easy to Read Version (ERV) or in your Bible.

1Samuel 15:23 (ERV) ~ Refusing to obey is as bad as the sin of sorcery. Being stubborn and doing what you want is like the sin of worshiping idols. You refused to obey the Lord’s command, so he now refuses to accept you as king.”Hebrews 13:17 (ERV) ~ Obey your leaders. Be willing to do what they say. They are responsible for your spiritual welfare, so they are always watching to protect you. Obey them so that their work will give them joy, not grief. It won’t help you to make it hard for them.

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.

A rebellious child is one who challenges the authority of their parents from a very early age. Some will say that this is a sign of future leadership because they tend to think outside the box and are willing to stand their ground. Yet, when we are honest with ourselves, many of us will recognize that we once fit into that category. We had our own ideas, our own plans, and often resisted the authority placed over us.

However, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to something very different. We must seek His help in leaving behind our former ways and fully submit ourselves to the Lordship of our Savior. Jesus proved His love for us at Calvary, and He has prepared an eternal home for all who believe in and accept Him. When we recognize that someone truly has our best interests at heart, we naturally desire to please them. How much more should that be true of our relationship with Jesus? He has our best interests in mind every day and continually demonstrates His love, care, and faithfulness just as He did throughout Scripture.

These days, we hear a lot of talk about “Spiritual Advisors” or accountability partners. Having these people in our lives is crucial as believers, because they genuinely care about our spiritual well-being. But look at the heavy example set by the prophet Samuel in his response to King Saul’s dilemma. Most of us naturally want to please our friends by standing with them in their decisions and supporting them. But the best, most effective spiritual advisor or accountability partner is the one who is willing to call out our shortcomings so that our eyes are opened to our sin and our rebellious spirit. If they are truly sent by God, they will always do this in love.

Saul often focused on his accomplishments and saw himself through the lens of his own success. The child of God must learn a different perspective. We should regularly acknowledge what God has done through us, for it is His power that saves, sustains, and strengthens us. Without Him, we would be powerless against the attacks of Satan and the pressures of this world.

Yesterday’s devotional reminded us that God places leaders in positions of authority and accomplishes His purposes through them. Hebrews reminds us again today that leaders are most effective when we pray for them and support them, rather than allowing our old rebellious nature to rise up once again. Every day we decide who is truly in charge of our lives and where our allegiance belongs.

Every single day, it becomes clear that we must choose who is in charge and to whom we owe our allegiance. If we truly trust God and are confident that He works all things together for our good, then it seems elementary that we would permit Him to do whatever He feels is necessary to bring us safely to His side one day in glory. As the last sentence of our verse from Hebrews warns us: don’t make it hard for them. Don’t interfere with the work God has determined to do. Just support His work and pray for the individuals He has chosen to accomplish His will.

I love that current TV commercial that pokes fun at how often we try to copy or re-live the lives of our parents. But isn’t that exactly what we do in our Christian walk sometimes? Despite the awesome love and power of our Father in heaven, we still find ourselves letting parts of our old, former life of sin kick in and manifest all over again. Hebrews 13 reminds us plainly that this sort of thing will not help us.

A life fully surrendered to God through the forgiveness found in Jesus Christ must seek to leave behind former thoughts, habits, attitudes, and sins. Instead, we are called to focus on living under the Lordship of our Savior and King. Before Christ, rebellion often defined us. After Christ, surrender should define us. Are you there yet? If not, why not? God is at work every single day. We must just decide to step out of the way and allow Him to work out His perfect will in us, for His ultimate glory!

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today thanking You for Your immense love—a love so deep that You proved it at Calvary and went ahead to prepare an eternal home for me. Lord, forgive me for the times my old, rebellious nature tries to make a comeback. Forgive me for the times I resist the leaders You have placed over me and lookout for my best interest, and those who watch out for my soul. Father, I want to leave my past habits, thoughts, and stubborn ways behind for good. I want to be fully surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus. Help me to support Your work, to pray faithfully for my leaders, and to get out of the way so that Your perfect will can be accomplished in my life. May everything I do bring glory to Your name. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (Respect for Authority)

On 2026-06-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, June 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 the following Scriptures in your Bible.

Acts 23:4-5 – ⁴ Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!”
⁵ Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written (in Exodus 22:28): ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.

Hebrews 13:17 (NIV) – ¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to 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.

At a very young age, we learned to love, jump for joy, and be incredibly happy whenever we received the things we were crying for. Unfortunately, we also learned how to kick back against our parents and caretakers when things didn’t go exactly the way we demanded. We showed our displeasure in all kinds of ways.

As we moved into our teenage years, that same attitude continued—only by then, we found more sophisticated, and often dangerous, ways of kicking against authority when they didn’t bow to our demands. But as adults, it is truly amazing how much we still allow those same childish ways to linger when it comes to authority. Yes, this even applies to those of us who know, and sincerely try to practice, what is commanded in the Word of God.

In Romans 13:1-2, we are commanded to honor and respect authority because it comes from God. This can be a difficult truth to accept. We often think that because we cast a vote, support a candidate, or express a preference, we are the ones who determine who will lead us. Yet every election reminds us that not everyone gets the leader they wanted.

The same can be true in our churches. Many autonomous churches search for and elect their own pastors. Yet not every member votes for the person who is ultimately called to lead. Have you ever stopped to consider why?

I believe Scripture gives us the answer: God is sovereign. His Word is true. While people may participate in the process, God ultimately allows those whom He chooses to serve in positions of authority. Whether in government, in our churches, in our workplaces, or in our homes, God is never surprised by who leads. He uses leaders to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His plans.

When we were children, our parents often said, “Come on now, be a big boy or girl. Stop crying and do what I told you.” They were not trying to make life difficult; they simply knew what was best in that moment.

In a similar way, I can almost hear our Heavenly Father saying, “My child, trust Me. I told you in My Word that I am in control. I allow leaders to serve according to My purposes. Honor them, respect them, and trust My judgment.”

This does not mean that every leader is perfect. Far from it. Every leader is a flawed human needing God’s grace. But God still calls us to respect the position of authority He has allowed them to hold. Notice how even Paul, after realizing he had spoken against the high priest, immediately acknowledged the authority of God’s Word and corrected himself.

As believers, we should strive to grow closer to God in every area of life, including our attitude toward leadership. The leader over us may not have been our first choice, but there is great peace in knowing that God remains on His throne and that nothing happens outside of His knowledge and control.

Perhaps one of the greatest responses we can have toward our leaders is prayer. Rather than criticizing them, we should faithfully pray for them. God has entrusted them with significant responsibilities—to watch over, protect, serve, and lead those under their care. Those responsibilities affect both believers and those who have yet to accept Jesus Christ as Lord. Before Christ, we often resisted authority whenever it conflicted with our desires. After Christ, we learn to trust God’s sovereignty, respect those He has placed over us, and pray for them as they carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them.

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today acknowledging that You are the Sovereign King over all the earth. Forgive me for the times I have let my old, childish nature rise up in rebellion or complaints against the leaders in my life. Your Word reminds me that all authority is established by You. Even when I do not understand or agree with a choice, help me to rest in Your perfect peace, knowing You are using them to accomplish Your divine purposes. Lord, I lift up my leaders to You today—in my church, my community, and my country. Give them wisdom, protect them, and help me to be a source of joy and respect to them as they carry out their heavy responsibilities. I choose to trust Your hand today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (Surrendering the Stubborn Heart)

On 2026-06-18 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, June 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 Samuel 15:23; Romans 6:13 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

1 Samuel 15:23 (TLB) ~ …rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. And now because you have rejected the word of Jehovah, he has rejected you…

Romans 6:13 (TLB) ~ Do not let any part of your bodies become tools of wickedness, to be used for sinning; but give yourselves completely to God—every part of you—for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes.

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 it is easy for all of us to understand the word stubbornness, because we have probably all put it on full display at one time or another. It represents those moments when we are fiercely determined to do exactly what we want, no matter what our parents, bosses, or authorities demand of us.

In many cases, we were disciplined for our stubbornness—and sometimes, that discipline is exactly what it took to get our attention! But within a family, and especially as a Christian, that strong will is truly broken only when we finally realize that someone loves us unconditionally. We realize they are simply trying to help us be our very best and most successful.

Think about that for a moment, because it is beautifully true of our Lord and Savior.

Many of us accepted Jesus through an altar call at church, perhaps while singing that powerful, familiar invitational hymn, “I Surrender All.” In that sacred moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to your heart. He gently but firmly encouraged you to surrender your sin, your self-will, your stubbornness, and your wickedness to God through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ.

For those of you who took that step of faith, you were saying a definitive “no” to self and a resounding “yes” to Jesus. Your stubborn spirit – the very thing that got you into trouble so many times before – was broken. You accepted Jesus as the absolute Lord of your life, willingly handing the steering wheel over to Him.

But let’s be honest: Do we consistently allow Him to control everything? I believe I can safely speak for us when I say, no. Neither you nor I will ever totally succeed at perfect surrender, as long as we remain here on earth, where sin and stubbornness run rampant. However, as children of the King, we must remain deeply attentive to the Holy Spirit who lives within us. He is faithful to continually lead us toward righteousness (being right with God) and to prompt us to seek forgiveness when we fall short.

As part of our new life in Christ—shedding the old, worn-out ways of this world – our deepest desire should be to please God and bless those around us. When we do stumble, a transformed heart will quickly feel a healthy sorrow for that sin. We will ask for forgiveness and immediately try to get back on track, patterning our lives after our Savior.

I feel compelled to remind us today: on the day we accepted Jesus as Lord, we decided to leave the ways of this world behind. We made a 180-degree turn to live each day for Him—obeying His commands and walking in the very footsteps He left as our example. If you detect today that you aren’t fully walking in that complete surrender, don’t despair. Go to Him as often as it takes. Ask for His forgiveness, and then ask for His supernatural strength and guidance to be more committed and more obedient tomorrow. He graciously gives us a brand-new day to begin again with Him and for Him. The Holy Spirit is right there to help you do it, so never, ever think that it’s impossible!

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to You today recognizing that my own stubborn will still tries to rear its head. Forgive me for the moments I try to take the controls back from You. Thank You for loving me enough to break my stubborn spirit and for drawing me close through the blood of Jesus. Lord, I don’t want any part of my life to be a tool for wickedness; I want to be a tool in Your hands for Your good purposes. Holy Spirit, keep my heart tender and quick to repent. Give me the strength and determination to make that 180-degree turn every single day, walking faithfully in the footsteps of my Savior. It’s in the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (Boasting vs Esteeming Others)

On 2026-06-17 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, June 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 1 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 2:3 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the The Voice (Voice).

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 might hear our family or friends remind us of things we did “when we were young and ignorant,” or laugh about the days “when we were young and thought we could conquer the world!” Because back then, we really believed we were ‘on top of the world’. But then, “life” happened. Troubles and circumstances came along that reminded us of just how small and powerless we really are in this great big universe.

To some degree, we were raised to think this way. Parents often encourage their kids to speak up, move to the front of the class, or tell us something like, “Don’t you ever think you are any less than that friend you are bragging about.” So naturally, we spend our lives trying to outdo our friends and prove that we are just as, or more important than they are. Maybe we even came from a family that never had to struggle for money, which can easily make a person feel superior to some who were less fortunate.

But our lesson today reminds us of who Christ is, and from whom we actually receive our life, good health, families, friends, and our resources.

The Great Equalizer

This is a good opportunity for us to look around and remind ourselves of a simple truth: when a doctor walks into a room with a serious medical report, those heavy words sound exactly the same whether a person has a large bank account or is struggling to make ends meet. All the wealth in the world cannot stop an illness from coming, and it cannot buy us one extra minute of life when our time here is up. At the end of the day, our very next breath is a gift that belongs completely to the Lord, not to our wallets.

Material goods might give us worldly boasting rights, but they do absolutely nothing for our character or our relationship with the Creator of this world. The person with material wealth and the person without it must walk the exact same road to meet Jesus. If they don’t know Him, there is only one tragic place awaiting them for eternity – Hell.

What a shame it will be to stand before God if we have nothing to show Him but worldly things. When we stand before His throne, He will not look at our material goods; He will look at the existence of a relationship we might, or might not, have with Him.

So, what do any of us really have to boast about? The Apostle Paul addresses this directly in 1 Corinthians 4:

“What makes you think you are more special than anyone else? What do you have that you didn’t receive as a gift? And if it was given to you, why do you boast as if you accomplished it on your own?” — 1 Corinthians 4:7 (The Voice)

If you know Jesus as your Savior, you are, at best, equal with the person sitting next to you who also knows Him. It doesn’t matter how much they were looked down on in school, or if you once chose not to hire someone because they weren’t dressed in fancy clothes like you. God’s Word completely uncovers wrongful boasting (and if you want to study this further, please take time to look at Jeremiah 9:23, James 4:16, and Luke 12:19).

Shifting the Spotlight

As believers in Jesus Christ, our “After Christ” life gives us a completely different reason to boast. We do have something to boast about—but it isn’t ourselves! We can be bold in boasting about the One who loved us so much that He died so that we might live eternally with Him and the Father in Heaven.

For those of us who have been redeemed, Jesus teaches us a brand-new way to treat the people around us:

“Don’t be jealous or proud but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3 (CEV)

Instead of bragging about ourselves, we are to look for the good in others and boast on them. Anytime we can put our own “self” aside, we are practicing true humility. Anytime we lift someone else up, we are unselfishly seeking the value in them, celebrating their character, and noticing their likeness to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus gave us the ultimate example of this. He humbled Himself by accepting the agony of the cross at Calvary. Remember, He is the same Jesus who walked on water, healed the blind and the lame, and stood before His accusers in total silence. With that kind of divine power, there was absolutely nothing He couldn’t do! Yet, He accepted death on a cross out of pure obedience to His Father, and for the good of everyone who would put their faith and trust in Him. He paid our heavy debt so that we could go free.

How is it with you today? Have you truly surrendered your life to Him? Whether we are naturally humble or naturally proud, we only have one way into Heaven—through believing in the Lord Jesus and accepting Him as our Savior. He is our strength, and the Holy Spirit is our Guide to living an obedient, clean, and righteous life that honors God. I hope from the bottom of my heart that I can depend on you joining me around the throne one day, so we can worship our King together – for all eternity!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I have allowed worldly success, material things, or a spirit of competition to make me feel superior to others. Remind me today that every good thing I have – my health, my family, and my resources – is a gift from You. Holy Spirit, help me to put my “self” aside. Teach me to look for the good in the people around me, to lift them up, and to esteem them more important than myself, just like Jesus did. I don’t want to boast in my own accomplishments anymore; I only want to boast in the cross of Christ and His amazing grace. Thank You for paying my debt and setting me free. In the precious and matchless name of Jesus, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (From Pride to Humility)

On 2026-06-16 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, June 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 Proverbs 16:5; James 4:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Amplified Bible (AMP).

Proverbs 16:5 (AMP)
Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; Be assured he will not go unpunished.

James 4:6 (AMP)
But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].”

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 parents teach their children to take pride in themselves and strive to become the best person they can be. Others constantly criticize and discourage their children, leaving them feeling inadequate and unworthy. Sadly, we often see the effects of both extremes in the people we work with, those who marry into our families, and even those who serve alongside us in our churches.

But is either of these what God is referring to in the verses above? I do not believe so.

Understanding the Danger of Pride

I believe these verses clearly identify the type of pride God is warning us about.

Arrogant in heart — This needs no real explanation. We all do our absolute utmost to avoid people who are arrogant and think they are above everyone else in all things.

Disgusting and Exceedingly Offensive — A proud person often couldn’t care less about their audience. They speak unholy words and are completely insensitive to the lives of others. While some folks are careful to speak heartfelt words, others are so raw and offensive in their behavior that we wouldn’t want our mothers or our children exposed to them.

Haughty and Self-Exalting — This means setting oneself up as greater than anyone else in speech, accomplishments, or achievements. Pride closes the heart of a haughty person to God’s grace because it essentially says, “I don’t need You.”

Will be punished — Parents often warn their children about the consequences of disobedience. In a far greater way, God has clearly shown us how He desires us to live through His Son, Jesus Christ, through His Word, and through faithful and devoted believers. Therefore, God leaves no room for doubt: He makes it clear that the prideful will be punished.

The True Blessing of Humility

Thankfully, God also shows us the beautiful opposite of pride, which is humility. A humble person is simply someone who turns away from self-righteousness. According to the scriptures, a humble life receives two amazing gifts:

Given the Holy Spirit — When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, God does not leave us to walk this journey alone. He gives us the Holy Spirit to live within us, guide us, teach us, convict us, and help us grow in Christlikeness. The Holy Spirit continually works to develop the character and qualities that honor God.

The old life begins to fade away, and a new life begins. Yet while we remain in this world, we will continue to face temptations and spiritual battles. That is why the presence and power of the Holy Spirit are such precious gifts to every believer.

Given more grace — James tells us that God gives “more grace.” We need that grace every day because our old nature naturally wants to put self first. Humility is not something we achieve on our own; it is something God develops within us as we submit ourselves to Him.

The right order of our priorities — I believe a huge part of walking in humility is keeping our allegiance in the proper, biblical order. A humble heart keeps things lined up like this:

God → Family → Others → Church → Me

This order reminds us that through God’s amazing grace, and entirely above our own selfish desires, we can learn to serve others just like our Savior modeled for us.

Please remember: Before Christ, we naturally lived to exalt ourselves; After Christ, our greatest desire should be to exalt our Savior. I believe you will recognize and agree with the selfish things we all used to do before accepting Christ. My hope and heart’s desire today is that you will ask the Holy Spirit every single day to fill you with the grace needed to overcome the prideful ways of this world. Let us live a humble and sincere life patterned after Jesus Christ, until the beautiful day He calls us home to our eternal home in Heaven!.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word that lovingly warns us about the dangers of pride and teaches us the beauty of humility. Forgive us for the times we have trusted in ourselves more than in You, sought our own glory, or placed our desires above Your will.

Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit and grant us the grace needed to live humble and obedient lives. Help us to keep You first in all things and to serve others with the same love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated throughout His life.

May our hearts remain soft before You, our minds surrendered to You, and our lives be a testimony of Your transforming power. Teach us daily to walk in humility so that You may be honored and glorified through us.

In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (An Unforgiving Spirit vs A Forgiving Spirit)

On 2026-06-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, June 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 Colossians 3:13 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

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.

The War for Our Peace

We have all heard the horror stories of what happens when human anger goes unchecked. It festers into bitterness, grows into hatred, and leads to destructive actions. Most of us easily agree that this kind of malice belongs to the devil, and that believers should have no part in it.

Yet, we must still address this today because Satan hasn’t changed his tactics. He constantly targets believers, tempting us to react, hold grudges, and operate exactly like the world does. The enemy’s ultimate goal is to keep people—both the unsaved and the body of Christ—in total turmoil and at odds with one another. It is the exact opposite of what God designed for us.

Before Christ: Standing in Turmoil

Before Christ, our default response to being offended is to withhold grace. We build walls, we nurse our wounds, and we demand that the other person pays for what they did. But Jesus drew a direct line between the forgiveness we extend and the forgiveness we receive.

Look at how clearly this is laid out in the Gospel of Mark:

“Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings [against Him and others]. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.” — Mark 11:25-26 (AMP)

When we feel the slightest hesitation to let something go, we have to stop and use the Word of God as our plumbline. The Savior’s standard will always look radically different from the practices of the world.

After Christ: Total Forgiveness as a Lifestyle

When you make that 180-degree turn to follow Jesus, you experience the ultimate clean slate. At the moment of salvation, God forgives you totally. He completely wipes your slate clean.

So, why does Jesus continue to talk to believers about forgiveness after we are saved?

Because if we fall back into our old, worldly patterns of harboring an unforgiving spirit, we compromise our daily fellowship with God. We are held accountable. When we approach God’s throne expecting full, unconditional, and complete mercy for our daily mistakes, we cannot simultaneously hold a debt over someone else’s head.

Consider the standard of our Holy God:

He loved us and proved it at Calvary while we were still sinners rejecting Him.

He forgives us completely without us ever earning it.

Our focal verse in Colossians teaches us a vital key: we are to forgive them immediately, not wait around for them to ask for it. When we choose to love unconditionally – loving both those who support us and those who oppose or misunderstand us – forgiveness becomes our natural reflex. Let’s make it a deliberate point to forgive exactly like Jesus teaches, rather than living by the conditional expectations of the world. God is our Judge, not culture. Drop the issue, let it go, and keep your slate clean.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful, complete, and overwhelming forgiveness You poured out on me at the cross. Thank You for wiping my slate clean when I didn’t deserve it. Forgive me for the times I have taken Your mercy for granted while holding onto grudges and offenses against others.

Holy Spirit, search my heart right now. If there is any hidden resentment, anger, or unwillingness to let go of a past hurt, I ask You to root it out. Give me the strength to obey Colossians 3:13 today. I choose to drop the issue, release the debt, and forgive those who have offended me just as You forgave me. I refuse to give the enemy a foothold of turmoil in my life. Let Your peace rule in my heart today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Before Christ vs. After Christ (Bitterness vs The Tender Hearted)

On 2026-06-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, June 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 Hebrews 12:14-15 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

¹⁴ Try to stay out of all quarrels, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord. ¹⁵ Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.

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.

The Suddenness of Eternity

Isn’t it mind-blowing how quickly we rush to the bedside of someone about to depart this world? We desperately want to ensure they have made peace with God before they meet their Maker and Eternal Judge. But let’s be honest: countlessly more people wake up in the morning and never make it back to bed at night. Accidents, sudden illnesses, and unexpected tragedies take lives on the spot every single day.

If eternity is always that close, shouldn’t we always care about our spiritual condition – and our relationships with one another, rather than waiting for a finish line we might not see coming?

The writer of Hebrews is speaking directly to believers here, about living a holy life. Think about it: if we care enough about our earthly employers to act in a way that pleases them on the job every day, how much more effort should a child of the King make to avoid the pitfalls of unholiness, in order to please their Lord and Savior?

Before Christ: The Root of Bitterness

Before Christ, we are ruled by the need to have our own way. This selfishness naturally breeds quarrels. When we allow fighting to take over, we quickly default right back to the behavior of the world.

When you make that radical, 180-degree turn toward Jesus, God views you as holy. You have the Holy Spirit residing inside of you. But verse 15 issues a strict warning: Watch out for bitterness. When we let guardrails down, quarrels creep in, and bitterness takes root. Bitterness doesn’t stay quiet; it grows, turning us against our brothers, sisters, neighbors, coworkers, and relatives. When we harbor resentment, we stop representing the King and start doing the dirty work of the enemy—Satan—who desires nothing more than to steal, kill, and destroy what is holy.

After Christ: Tenderhearted and Forgiving

One of the most beautiful things about the Word of God is that it never exposes our sin without providing the remedy to stay holy. In Ephesians 4:31-32 (TLB), God gives us a clear exchange policy for our new life in Christ:

“Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.”

We often joke around and tell people, “You really know exactly which buttons to push, don’t you?” While we say it with a laugh, the truth behind it is sobering. When we deliberately provoke someone, we are often trying to push them off the ledge. We intentionally try to make them lose their temper, expose their weakness, and compromise their Christian walk.

God hates this. He will hold us responsible for provoking our brothers and sisters into sin. Instead, the Bible tells us that we are called to provoke one another toward love and good works. Because you are an “After Christ” believer, the King of Love lives inside you. Choosing to be tenderhearted and forgiving isn’t an impossible standard—through the Holy Spirit, it is entirely attainable. Choose to drop the grudge today. Your willingness to forgive is the truest indication that you are a child of the King.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me today of how fragile life is and how urgent it is to live holy in the present. Forgive me for the times I have allowed bitterness to take root in my heart, and for the times I have deliberately “pushed buttons” to provoke others into anger instead of love.

Holy Spirit, uproot every trace of resentment, mean-temperedness, and malice inside me. I don’t want to do the enemy’s work by spreading division. Instead, soften my heart. Make me truly tenderhearted and quick to forgive, reflecting the massive debt of forgiveness You paid for me on the cross. Let my words and actions today protect the peace of your Kingdom and honor You as my King.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Before Christ vs. After Christ (The Mirror of Judgment)

On 2026-06-10 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, June 10, 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 7:1-2 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

¹ “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. ² For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

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 spend a lot of time trying not to worry about tomorrow, but today’s truth brings a sobering reality: Each day, we are actively laying the foundation for how we ourselves will be judged. It can be tempting to feel exempt from this rule. We might assume Jesus’ warning only applies to the ungodly or the unsaved. But let’s not alter the Word of God. Jesus delivered these words during the Sermon on the Mount, and they apply to everyone who claims to follow Him.

Why is Jesus so uncompromising here? Because human judgment is deeply flawed. Earthly judges carry personal prejudices; they might throw the maximum penalty at a crime they personally abhor, or show unearned leniency to a cause they privately support.

But Jesus is our perfect, completely unbiased Judge.

Ask yourself this critical question: If you stood before a judge today, and you knew your sentence would be based entirely on how you have judged the people around you, would your mind be at ease, or would you be terrified? Your answer reveals whether you are letting God be God, or if you are disobediently sitting in His judgment seat.

Before Christ: Pointing Fingers

Before Christ, our natural instinct is to deflect. We shift the focus away from our own flaws by magnifying the failures of others. God exposes this trap clearly through the Apostle Paul:

“Therefore you have no excuse or justification, everyone of you who [hypocritically] judges and condemns others; for in passing judgment on another person, you condemn yourself, because you who judge… are habitually practicing the very same things.” — Romans 2:1 (AMP)

When we live according to the world’s standards, we point fingers at others without realizing those same fingers point right back at our own hidden sins.

After Christ: Restoration over Condemnation

When we pass from death to life in Christ, our mandate shifts from condemnation to restoration. Our merciful God never points out a problem in us without showing us how He prefers we handle it. The Word gives us a two-step checklist for an “After Christ” mindset:

Step 1: Look Inward First. “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23). Jesus told us to take the log out of our own eye before reaching for the speck in our neighbor’s eye. We have more than enough to manage in our own spiritual walk without policing everyone else.
Step 2: Restore with Gentleness. “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.” (Galatians 6:1). The goal of a believer is never to execute judgment, but to help a falling brother or sister overcome evil.

A Lesson in the Lack of Perspective

I learned the danger of worldly judgment firsthand. I was leading a church committee and voiced my frustration about a member who had been completely absent from our activities. I quickly received a lesson in humility. Another member informed me that this individual was actually out serving the Lord almost daily while the rest of us were at our regular day jobs.

Because I didn’t have the full picture, I judged poorly. That experience taught me to keep my eyes on the kingdom work assigned to me. Too often, we stress over what others are or aren’t doing. But God holds us accountable for the specific work He gave us individually. Let’s leave the judging to the Only One holy enough to handle it.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,

Your Word is a mirror, and today it challenges me deeply. Forgive me for the times I have stepped into Your seat of judgment, pointing out the specks in the lives of my brothers and sisters while ignoring the logs in my own. Forgive me for judging situations where I did not have the full picture.

Holy Spirit, search my heart today. Uproot any hidden hypocrisy, pride, or resentment. Help me to focus entirely on the unique assignment You have placed before me. When I see someone stumble, give me a heart that longs to restore them in gentleness, rather than a mind that rushes to condemn them. Teach me to give the same radical grace and mercy to others that You have so freely poured out on me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.