Temptation begins within (our own desires)

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

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

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read James 1:12-15 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Living Bible (TLB).

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

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

Thank God for the blessing of a new day!

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

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

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

Consider these areas:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen!

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!

Live set apart… The Holy Spirit dwells in you

On 2026-04-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, April 11, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

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

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

Thank God for the blessing of a new day!

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

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

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

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

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

On 2026-04-092026-04-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, April 9, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Acts 8:18-21 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Passion Translation (TPT).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hearing From God will Result in a Growing Faith

On 2026-04-082026-04-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Romans 10:17 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Century Version (NCV).

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

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

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

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

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

Take a moment to reflect on your own walk:

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

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

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

Living Out God’s Assignment

On 2026-04-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Acts 20:24 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

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

Each day we are given is a blessing from God. Just as with any significant task assigned to us, fulfilling God’s purpose requires daily effort and intentional dedication. We must approach every day with a willingness to work wholeheartedly toward the responsibilities He has given us.

Attending church is more than a weekly ritual; it demonstrates to our neighbors that we are sincerely following Jesus’s command to gather together in worship. In church, we honor God as our Creator, Healer, Savior, Provider, and everlasting Father. Through participation, we may both bless others and receive blessings, as fellow believers share testimonies of God’s faithfulness and power in their lives. While personal praise is valuable, nothing compares to the experience of lifting holy hands and humble hearts alongside other believers in corporate worship. This collective praise strengthens our faith and encourages us to continue seeking God together.

For many, the next five days are spent at work, which can often feel like a chore. However, if we view our jobs through the lens of God’s blessings—His provision for our financial needs—we can also recognize opportunities to receive encouragement from other believers and to witness to coworkers who may not yet know Christ. Our daily actions and attitude serve as a testimony, and coworkers will observe whether following Jesus inspires them to reconsider their own beliefs.

The Scripture reminds us of Paul’s determination to obey God, even in the face of persecution. He trusted that God would supply his needs and grant him strength to endure hardships. Some believers will choose to follow Jesus regardless of the consequences, while others may shy away from confrontation to maintain comfort with those around them. Yet, every choice we make influences others and directs them toward the path we are modeling.

Believers are called to encourage one another, especially those whose hearts God has already stirred. It is essential to place God first in all we do and say. If our destination is heaven, we should guide others to join us at Jesus’s feet. Pray for them and with them, seeking daily guidance and boldness to commit their lives to Christ. This is the essence of the Good News—the wonderful grace of Jesus!

PRAYER
While others may be watching, Lord, my greatest concern is what You see in my efforts to thank You for Your goodness and praise You for who You are. I pray that today, this Scripture, and these thoughts will encourage believers to stay mindful of our testimony and commitment to You, knowing that many are looking for a living example of what You desire from us here on earth. Please use us as living witnesses of Your goodness, miracles, and promises to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and are saved. Continue preparing the hearts of those we love, so that the messenger You send their way today may simply share Your Gospel and lead them to Jesus. If we are that messenger, I ask that You work in our hearts and inspire us to represent You daily, so others may see, believe, and accept You as their personal Savior and Lord. AMEN!

Choosing God’s Way

On 2026-04-06 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, April 6, 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 6:12-13 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

¹²Do not let sin control your puny body any longer; do not give in to its sinful desires. ¹³Do 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.

Making the decision to follow God’s way may seem simple at first glance, but it is important to realize that unless you intentionally invite Jesus to guide you according to His purpose, Satan will attempt to reclaim control over your life. If you have accepted Jesus as Lord, you have left behind the ways of Satan. So, why allow him to draw you back into sinful behavior or persuade you to speak against God’s plan for your life?

Jesus never sinned; He is known as love and consistently spoke only what the Father directed Him to say. As His followers, we must ask ourselves if the same can be said of us. By accepting Jesus, you have committed to think, act, and speak as He did, because you are a Christian—a “little Christ.”

Consider the impact of your example: If someone encouraged their friends to live according to Jesus’ teachings and example, or to follow the footsteps of one of His devoted followers, would your actions lead them astray or confirm wise guidance? My prayer is that others will see Jesus reflected in everything we say, do, or think today, dear friend, brother, or sister.

PRAYER
Lord, I believe it’s clear that many believers can lose their way, perhaps thinking faith is just a one-time decision and commitment. But for those who are honest with themselves, we realize that even as believers, living in this world makes us vulnerable to Satan’s deceptions, especially when our hearts are more focused on worldly things than on a daily walk with You. Lord, I pray that we would be so filled with You and Your amazing love that there’s no room for Satan or his allies to exploit our weaknesses. With God, all things are possible! May we show that every day by asking You to guide our thoughts, actions, and words, so the world will see, know, and believe in the One in whom we have placed our faith and trust—Jesus Christ, my Lord! AMEN!

God’s Overflowing Love for Us

On 2026-04-04 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 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 Ephesians 1:6-8 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

Now all praise to God for his wonderful kindness to us and his favor that he has poured out upon us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved; and he has showered down upon us the richness of his grace—for how well he understands us and knows what is best for us at all times.

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 verse 1, Paul makes it clear that he is speaking to fellow Christians. If you are a believer, then God intends for you to take note of what He is saying through Paul in these verses—especially a few key truths.

Many feel a deep joy in knowing they belong to Jesus Christ, and rightly so. But notice this: even though God knows us completely—our thoughts, actions, words, and deeds—His kindness toward us still overflows. This kind of grace (unmerited favor) is difficult for us to fully grasp, because as humans, we tend to respond very differently. When others treat us wrongly, we often lean toward frustration or even revenge. Yet Jesus responds to us, His children, with grace and mercy.

We were reminded yesterday of how the world responded to the greatest gift ever given—God’s own Son. Jesus was treated like a criminal and crucified. But tomorrow is the “Super Bowl” of Christianity—the greatest celebration of all! My prayer is that each of you will gather with fellow believers in a Bible-teaching church to celebrate, giving thanks and praise to God for providing a way out of our sin, and rejoicing in the eternal home He has already prepared for us.

PRAYER
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the greatest gift ever given to humanity and for the immeasurable love shown on Calvary, giving us the way to receive forgiveness for our sins and the promise of eternal life in heaven. As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection this weekend, may we remember the sacrifice You made and the hope we have through our risen Lord. Thank You for loving us far beyond what we deserve and for filling us with the hope of eternity. Help us to live each day in light of that hope, reflecting the love You showed while on earth, and never forgetting the blessings You pour out daily. We love You, Lord, and look forward to the day we are in Your presence forever! AMEN!

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be Saved

On 2026-04-03 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Friday, April 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 Luke 23:40-43 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy to Read Version (ERV).

40 But the other criminal stopped him. He said, “You should fear God. All of us will die soon. You and I are guilty. We deserve to die because we did wrong. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you begin ruling as king!” 43 Then Jesus said to him, “I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the short chapter referenced above, as its verses, particularly vs 5-6, will help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Some will criticize, assuming the worst and speaking hurtful words—unaware that such moments serve the enemy’s purposes. But praise God, others are determined to honor Him, to live as faithful representatives, and to follow His example for as long as they have breath on this earth.
Each of us will fall into one of these paths. My prayer is that we would daily seek God for hearts that are strong, steadfast, loving, and faithful—always pursuing righteousness and standing firm against anything that would draw us away from our commitment to our Lord and Savior.
And to those who have not yet believed, I humbly ask you to pause and reflect on the meaning of this day—Good Friday. It is a powerful reminder that God made a way for us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Even the criminal beside Him, in his final moments, recognized that love and chose to believe. Life is uncertain for all of us, and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Call out to God today. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. I long to see you in heaven—and that is only possible through Him. There is no other way, my friend.

PRAYER

Thank You, Jesus, for Your obedience and sacrifice on Calvary, providing the way for eternal life in heaven. I’m grateful for those who have accepted Your gift and for those still considering it. The criminal on the cross knew his death was near, yet even in his final moments, he believed in You. Each day, we lose friends and loved ones we never imagined were in their last moments. Please soften the hearts of those who delay and lead them to seek You before it’s too late. For believers, may we live rejoicing in Jesus our Savior and share that joy with others. Today could be our day, so Lord, have Your will and way in our lives for Your glory. AMEN!

Identified by Your Love

On 2026-04-02 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 2, 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 John 4:7-11 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the (NLT).

…Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to 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.

It’s easy to follow the crowd and mistake outward actions for a true relationship with God. But let us never forget—Jesus proved His love for us in the greatest way: while we were still sinners, He gave His life on the cross so we could have eternal life. We did nothing to deserve it, yet He loved us anyway.

As His children, we are called to reflect that same love. Not just in words or appearances, but in how we genuinely care for others—family, friends, and even those who may not return it.

As we reflect in the coming days, may our prayer be that our lives bring a smile to His face—that we love others as He has loved us: fully, selflessly, and unconditionally. And when it feels impossible, remember—Jesus will help us love His way if we simply ask.

PRAYER
Lord, You have shown us the way, and this weekend we reflect on the priceless gift You gave at Calvary. Yet, we often turn away even over small offenses. Help us remember that Satan constantly works to turn people from You and to discourage us from loving each other unconditionally and without prejudice. Continue to guide us in walking in Your ways so that those who encounter us see You in our lives and are drawn to know You personally. May You be lifted up and praised as a result of Your faithful children living out Your commands—this is my simple prayer today, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Focus on the joy ahead—present circumstances are temporary.

On 2026-04-01 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 1, 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 12:1-2 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the TLB.
… let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.

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

Often, it’s incredibly difficult to see beyond the bubble of trouble, confusion, and even seemingly impossible circumstances we face daily. Yet these verses come from the “faith” chapter, reminding us that as children of God, we have a bright future ahead—one so glorious that our present struggles fade as we fix our hearts on the JOY to come.

The heroes of the faith lived this way, proving that this perspective truly works. If you knew you would be a millionaire next week, it would be much easier to endure today’s challenges. How much more, then, should the promise of eternal life in heaven with our Lord and Savior—the God of the universe—fill us with hope and JOY? It simply doesn’t get any better than that.

So be willing to say each day, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.” Click on those words and listen to a song that will encourage your heart.

God loves you, my friend—and so do I.

PRAYER
Thank You Lord Jesus for encouraging us with the hope of tomorrow – a time when we will be with You in glory forever! Without that hope, we may easily surrender each day because of our earthly challenges. But praise God, we have a future in heaven, everlasting joy in worship at Your feet. Future hope and greater prospects tend to give us hope and, with joy, we plow through our days here on earth, no matter how challenging they become. But we’re only human, so precious Lord, I ask that You give each reader a ‘heavenly’ mind that will help us think beyond our current circumstances. Let today, and each day that You allow us to remain here on earth, be filled with the hope of our eternal future in heaven with You. Thank You Lord for loving us so much that You gave, and so much that You promised us a bright future to enjoy with You. AMEN!