Before Christ vs After Christ – Temporary Happiness vs Lasting Joy

On 2026-07-30 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, July 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

1 Corinthians 13:6 ~Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ~ In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (AMP)

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 can identify with me, our growing-up years may have felt like some of the most challenging times of our lives. It wasn’t because we went hungry, had abusive parents, or lacked love, but because our parents seemed so strict on us—or at least, that’s how we felt at the time! While our friends gathered outside to play, we were often stuck indoors doing chores or helping our parents work hard to make ends meet. To our younger selves, it felt like plain misery!

It wasn’t until we reached adulthood and became parents ourselves that we looked back with gratitude. We realized we were being lovingly guided into responsible, successful lives by parents who faced immense pressure to protect us from the wrong influences. That early guidance taught us an invaluable lesson: to look at the bigger picture and focus on the good rather than the temporary hardships.

Before Christ, however, many of us carried that lingering sense of childhood burden into adulthood. Reaching independence, we promised ourselves we would never be governed or restricted like that again. We acted like birds released from a cage, doing our utmost to chase every freedom adulthood had to offer. “Self” became number one, and the world was ours to conquer. Overlooking others seemed like a small price to pay for personal freedom—even if it meant ignoring their feelings, needs, or struggles. We had little time or interest in supporting others, let alone celebrating their accomplishments.

But praise God, along the way, something changed. We began noticing people in our circle who lived entirely differently. They weren’t living selfishly; in fact, they were often the first to cheer for the happiness and success of others. It was a strange and fascinating phenomenon to us. What made them operate this way?

In time, the answer became clear: they had experienced something far greater than anything we had known. They had found, accepted, and trusted Jesus as Lord of their lives. He transformed them from the inside out. Witnessing that genuine transformation caused me to listen more closely to the gentle voice of God as He drew me to Himself in early 1976.

After Christ, everything changed. Jesus taught me what genuine love looks like because He first loved me. He showed me that true joy is not rooted in favorable circumstances but in a growing relationship with Him. As His love fills our hearts, we learn to rejoice in His truth, to celebrate His work in the lives of others, and to give thanks in every circumstance. This is the kind of rejoicing that pleases God because it flows from confidence in His faithfulness rather than confidence in our circumstances.

As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 teaches us, this is a joy rooted in gratitude—a joy that pleases God because it flows from knowing Him personally. Through Christ, we can rejoice not just when things go smoothly, but in every circumstance, knowing He is always present to love, guide, and protect every step we take on our journey home.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges in life is finding peace and a reason to rejoice when circumstances go against our desires. Yet, because God is sovereign and works all things together for our good, true faith empowers us to trust Him—even through the painful loss of a loved one, the heartbreak of a wayward child, or the heaviest trials of life.

We can rest assured that God is fully aware of our heartache. He keeps our minds anchored on the central truth of our salvation: Jesus endured the cross for us so that, despite the heartbreaks of this world, we have a glorious eternity ahead with Him. Why fret over the things outside our control when we know who holds our hand each day? Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who loves us unconditionally and guides us toward our heavenly home—where we will worship at His feet forever!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy that can only be found through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have allowed my circumstances to steal my joy or keep me from rejoicing in the blessings of others. Help me to trust You in every season of life and to give thanks, knowing that You are always faithful. Fill my heart with Your love so that I may rejoice in Your truth and reflect the joy of Christ to those around me. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus until the day I see Him face to face. In His precious name I pray, 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 – A Careless Tongue vs A Christ-Controlled Tongue

On 2026-07-29 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, July 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Matthew 12:36 ~ But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. (AMP)

Proverbs 21:23 ~ Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. (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.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation, reflected on what was said, and wondered, “Where in the world did that come from?”

Depending on our mood or attitude at the time, our words might have been sparked by anger, envy, or revenge—or, on better days, by love and goodwill. Jesus reminds us that our words reveal what is happening inside our hearts.

Before Christ, it was easy to be careless and uncontrolled with our words. When someone hurt us, we often fought back with our tongues. Without understanding that vengeance belongs to God, we felt compelled to get even through sharp retorts, lying, mocking, or spreading gossip. We either didn’t know the warning in Matthew 12:36 about accounting for every idle word, or we simply ignored it because settling a personal vendetta felt more important. In those moments, it was easy to see the truth in my mom’s old saying: “It’s easy to see there’s a devil in that person!”

But praise God – that is not where the story ends.

One of the greatest miracles of salvation is the transformation that takes place within a person’s heart. I never cease to be amazed at how the Holy Spirit can soften even the hardest heart. Those we might think are beyond hope suddenly becomes interested in the things of God. They begin asking questions about Jesus, reading His Word, and responding to His love. Whenever I see that happening, I rejoice because it is evidence that God is at work.

After Christ, everything begins to change. The same mouth that once spoke hurtful, careless, and destructive words now has the opportunity to encourage, forgive, comfort, and glorify God. This change is not simply the result of trying harder – it is the work of the Holy Spirit transforming the heart. As Paul reminds us, “the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

As believers, we should celebrate what God has done in the lives of others instead of questioning whether their transformation is genuine. If their faith is real, they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. If someone is being deceptive, God is fully capable of exposing the truth. He has already said, “Vengeance is Mine.” We do not need to fight our battles with careless words. We can trust the Lord to accomplish His perfect will while we speak with grace and love.

Letting God take control of our hearts means letting Him take control of our words. When our hearts are filled with His love, our speech will naturally reflect His peace.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Let’s follow the example Jesus set when He stood before Pilate. By remaining quiet in the face of accusation, Jesus showed great restraint and complete trust in the Father. This week, when temptation or provocation comes your way, choose to hold your tongue and let the peace of God rule in your heart. Remember, Jesus has already won the battle—you don’t have to fight it with careless words. Let go and let God!

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Thank You for transforming my heart and putting me on a new path. Forgive me for the times I have used careless, idle, or hurtful words when provoked. Today, I surrender my speech to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Guard my mouth, Father, and bridle my tongue when I am tempted to react in anger, envy, or self-defense. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. Help me to extend the same grace to others that You have so generously given to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ -> Focus: Hatred vs Love

On 2026-07-27 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, July 27, 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Matthew 5:21-22 ~ ²¹“Under the laws of Moses the rule was, ‘If you murder, you must die.’ ²²But I have added to that rule and tell you that if you are only angry, even in your own home, you are in danger of judgment! If you call your friend an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse him, you are in danger of the fires of hell. (TLB)

1 Corinthians 13:3 ~ ³If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. (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.

There is a strong temptation to live the way the world lives—following the crowd, doing whatever feels good in the moment, and speaking without filter. It is easy to go along just to get along, keeping up appearances so we don’t seem strange or distant. But God does not leave us there. In His mercy, the Holy Spirit interrupts our routine, prompting us to examine our hearts and consider where our paths are truly leading.

Many of us were blessed to grow up with parents, guardians, or mentors who wanted the very best for us. They encouraged us never to settle for following the crowd, but to strive for what truly matters.

Before Christ, many of us simply followed the pattern of the world. We often measured people by how they treated us. We loved those who loved us and found it difficult to forgive those who hurt us. Although we may not have considered ourselves hateful people, we often fell short of the kind of love God desires.

Many of us were blessed to have parents, grandparents, or godly mentors who demonstrated something very different. They spoke often of God’s goodness and lived with a peace that came from knowing Jesus Christ personally. They treated others with kindness, even when kindness was not returned. Their love seemed unusual because it reflected the love of Christ rather than the attitudes of the world. Their example pointed us toward the Savior who had changed their lives.

After Christ— everything changes.

When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we discover a love unlike anything this world can produce. Jesus willingly laid down His life for us on the cross. While suffering unimaginable pain, He prayed for those who crucified Him. He promised eternal life to the repentant thief hanging beside Him. He lovingly entrusted the care of His mother to John. He also wept with Mary and Martha over the death of Lazarus before demonstrating His power by raising him from the dead.

Everywhere Jesus went, His love was evident.

His words in John 15:13 summarize that love perfectly:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Jesus demonstrated that kind of selfless, sacrificial love for every one of us. That is why Paul could write in 1 Corinthians 13:3 that even the greatest acts of generosity amount to nothing if they are not motivated by love.

In our first focal verse – Matthew 5:21, Jesus shows where hatred begins; Later in the same chapter Vs 43-48 shows where Christ intends His disciples to end—with a supernatural love that even extends to their enemies. This kind of love is not natural—it is the evidence of a heart transformed by Christ.

Only Jesus can produce that kind of love within us. As we yield ourselves to Him each day, His Holy Spirit changes our hearts so that we begin to love others as He first loved us.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Each Friday morning at our Nuggets Bible Study at Mariposa Apartments, we regularly ask God to place someone in our path who needs to experience His love. We pray for opportunities to share the Gospel and introduce others to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Today, I encourage you to pray that same prayer.

If you have never personally trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, there is no greater decision you will ever make. Romans 10:9-10 reminds us that salvation comes through believing in Him and confessing Him as Lord. Dear friend, settle that decision today. Receive the love that only Christ can give and allow Him to transform your heart. As His love fills your life, your love for others will naturally begin to reflect His.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me with a love far greater than I deserve. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to willingly lay down His life so that I might have forgiveness and eternal life.

Lord, search my heart today. Reveal any anger, bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness that keeps me from loving others as You have loved me. Replace those attitudes with the compassion, patience, kindness, and grace that come only through Your Holy Spirit.

Help me to see every person I meet today through Your eyes. Give me opportunities to share Your love with someone who needs encouragement or who has never accepted You as Savior. May my words, my actions, and my attitudes point others to Jesus.

Thank You for continually changing me into the likeness of Your Son. May my life be known more for love than anything else.

In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ – Uncontrolled Anger vs Spirit-Controlled Peace

On 2026-07-25 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, July 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

James 1:19-20 ~ ¹⁹Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. ²⁰Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (NLT)

Proverbs 15:1 ~ A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. (AMP)

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 challenge with reviewing today’s Scripture is that every single one of us—no matter how long we have walked with the Lord—still faces the temptation of anger. It is a universal struggle. But as believers, we are called to handle these moments differently than the world does. When old patterns of irritation and wrath pop up, it is a warning sign that the world’s mindset is trying to sneak back into our daily walk. A vibrant, daily relationship with Jesus reminds us of His deep love and provides the constant guidance we need to stay faithful to His commands.

To truly understand James’ teaching, we have to remember what life was like Before Christ. Back then, we simply didn’t know better. Our reactions were often driven by personal gain, pride, and self-preservation. As long as we felt we were winning the argument or looking out for “Number One,” we felt justified. It was a selfish cycle where self-gratification ruled the day.

Then came the miracle: God broke through our stubborn, prideful hearts. He drew us to Himself, opened our eyes, and showed us the beauty of surrender. Through His grace, He transformed us, turning our hearts of stone into soft ground where His Spirit could dwell. We now belong to the King of kings, the One who gave His only Son so that our sins could be forgiven and our eternity secured.

Now, After Christ, we are new creations. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we begin to understand His heart. We learn to follow His example, obey His Word, and listen to the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit. Yes, there are still moments when we become angry, but we no longer have to remain there. The Holy Spirit reminds us of Scriptures like James 1:19-20 and Proverbs 15:1, encouraging us to pause, listen carefully, speak gently, and respond in a way that honors God.

Human anger cannot produce the righteous life God desires. Instead, He calls the believer to display His love, His patience, and His peace. When we fail, we can immediately confess our sin, receive His forgiveness, and ask Him to help us respond differently the next time. As we surrender our hearts to Him each day, He continues His transforming work, replacing harshness with gentleness, impatience with grace, and anger with His perfect peace.

What a wonderful testimony it becomes when others see not merely our ability to control our temper, but the evidence that Christ truly lives within us.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE: The next time you feel anger beginning to rise within you, pause before you speak. Ask the Holy Spirit to guard your heart, your thoughts, and your words. Today, let’s invite Him to move the mountains of frustration, impatience, and pride in our hearts. Let’s ask Jesus to cultivate in us a fresh desire to obey His leading, allowing His peace to guard our words and our actions so that we might reflect His character to those around us.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for rescuing me from my old way of living and making me a new creation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I still allow anger to control my thoughts, words, and actions. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Please, fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that my responses will reflect Your love, patience, gentleness, and peace. May others see Christ living in me through the way I respond, even in difficult situations. Continue shaping me into the person You created me to be, bringing glory to Your holy name. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ ~ The Greatest Battle Is Against Self

On 2026-07-23 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, July 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Philippians 2:21 ~ ²⁰ I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. ²¹ All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. (NLT)

Luke 9:23 ~ ²³ And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests] and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. (AMP)

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 each devotional in this series has brought its own unique challenge. They gently remind us that Before Christ, we gave ourselves free rein to live as we pleased – to go where we wanted, do what we wanted, and pursue whatever made us happy. But as we often discovered, living life our own way led to disappointment, regret, and heartache. How refreshing it is to remember that After Christ, we willingly surrendered the rule of our lives to Him. By allowing Him to lead us, He not only changes our present lives but also prepares us for eternity with Him in Heaven.

Today’s comparison is no exception. From the time we were infants, we selfishly cried for attention regardless of what our parents were going through. As adults, that same self-centered tendency often tries to control us. Life becomes all about me, me, me. Before Christ, it seemed like we had only one person to please, one person to enrich, and one person to champion in life: ourselves.

We see this surface as one of the biggest hurdles in marriage, where it takes intentional effort to value a spouse above oneself. We see it in the workplace, where thoughts of fair treatment can easily slide into resentment. Even the Apostle Paul encountered this same problem while looking for faithful ministry partners. Speaking of Timothy, Paul wrote:

“All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 2:21)

Paul found in Timothy something that had become increasingly rare—a servant whose primary concern was not himself, but Christ and the spiritual well-being of others. Timothy possessed the heart of God for God’s people.

Selfishness is one of the very first areas where God begins His transforming work in every believer because selfishness comes naturally to us. Jesus addressed this very issue when He said:

“If anyone wishes to follow Me… he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Dear ones, the contrast is simple yet profound: Before Christ, we lived to satisfy ourselves. After Christ, we surrender self to Him. With the Holy Spirit’s help, our greatest desire becomes pleasing God rather than pleasing ourselves.

Self-denial is not about losing who we are. It is about surrendering our will so that Christ may live His life through us. As we become more like Him, others begin to see less of us and more of Jesus.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

As children of God, our highest desire should be to please Him in everything we think, say, and do. In fact, our heart’s prayer should be that when people interact with us, they catch a glimpse of Jesus Himself.

With God as your helper, will you make ‘putting Him and others first’ your primary focus today?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me even when my life revolved around myself. Thank You for sending Jesus to save me and to transform my heart. Forgive me for the times I still place my own desires above Your will and above the needs of others.

Teach me to deny myself daily, take up my cross, and faithfully follow You. Help me to seek what matters most to Christ instead of what merely satisfies my flesh. Fill me with the humility, compassion, and servant’s heart that were so beautifully demonstrated in the life of Jesus.

May my words, attitudes, and actions point others to You. Let people see less of me and more of Christ living within me. By Your Holy Spirit, make me more like Jesus today than I was yesterday.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ – From Complaining to Praise

On 2026-07-22 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, July 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Philippians 2:14 ~ In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing (TLB)

Hebrews 13:15 ~ Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. (NIV)

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

There was once a popular song with the lighthearted lyrics, “It’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way!” Those words always brought a smile because they playfully exaggerated an attitude we all recognize. Yet beneath the humor lies a serious truth. Isn’t that often the spirit behind our complaints? We can become convinced that our opinions are right, our methods are best, and others simply fail to measure up.

So often in life, we secretly convince ourselves that we could do something better than someone else. As a result, we fall into the trap of complaining, finding fault, and arguing over how things are said or done. This happens in our homes, in our communities, and yes—even within the walls of the church. Yet, how quickly our perspective shifts once we spend an hour or a day walking in the shoes of the very person we were so quick to judge!

Before Christ, many of us lived with an inflated opinion of ourselves and a critical spirit toward others. We depended on our own understanding and often judged people without knowing their burdens or circumstances. God, in His wisdom, frequently places people in our lives who help expose those attitudes and teach us humility. Left to ourselves, we naturally drift toward pride and self-reliance.

Then came Christ, praise God!

When we surrendered our lives to Him, He began the lifelong work of changing our hearts. The Lord lovingly reveals attitudes that do not honor Him and patiently teaches us to replace bitterness with gratitude, criticism with encouragement, and complaining with praise. His desire is not merely to improve our behavior, but to transform our hearts so that they reflect the character of Jesus Christ.

After Christ, our eyes are opened to a higher standard of living. The apostle Paul’s words to the believers in Philippi take on profound personal meaning: “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing.” This is not merely good advice; it is a timeless principle for every believer today. When we indulge in criticism, we tear down rather than build up. When a brother or sister in Christ seeks to honor God with their words and actions, who are we to tear them down? In doing so, are we not questioning the very God working in and through them? Remember, complaining tears down, while praise builds up. Criticism often draws attention to ourselves, but praise draws our attention to God.

Hebrews 13:15 reminds us to “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” Sometimes praise truly is a sacrifice. It is easy to praise God when life is pleasant; it is far more meaningful when we choose to praise Him in difficult seasons, trusting that He remains faithful, sovereign, and good.

May our hearts become so filled with gratitude for God’s grace that praise naturally becomes the fruit of our lips, leaving less and less room for complaining.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Throughout today, pay careful attention to your words. When you are tempted to complain, pause and instead thank God for His goodness and faithfulness. Ask Him to replace every critical thought with gratitude, every complaint with encouragement, and every argument with words that honor Christ. The more our hearts are occupied with praising our Savior, the less room there will be for criticism and complaining. As we keep our eyes fixed on the One we long to spend eternity with, we will find that His grace transforms not only our words, but also our hearts.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your amazing grace and for Your patience with me. So often I allow my heart to become distracted by the faults I see in others instead of focusing on Your goodness. Forgive me for the times my words have been filled with complaining, criticism, or arguing rather than praise and thanksgiving.

Lord, transform my heart so completely that gratitude becomes my natural response. Help me to see others through the eyes of Your love and to use my words to encourage instead of discourage, to build up instead of tear down. Teach me to trust Your wisdom even when circumstances are difficult, remembering that You are always faithful and always working for the good of those who love You.

May my lips continually offer You the sacrifice of praise, bringing honor and glory to Your holy name. Let my life reflect the joy of one who has been redeemed by Jesus Christ.

I humble ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (Bury Our Talents vs Develop & Use Them)

On 2026-07-21 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, July 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Matthew 5:29 ~ “For to everyone who has [and values his blessings and gifts from God, and has used them wisely], more will be given, and [he will be richly supplied so that] he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have [because he has ignored or disregarded his blessings and gifts from God], even what he does have will be taken away. (AMP)

1 Peter 4:10 ~ Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor]. (AMP)

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.

Normally, when someone recognizes a hidden talent in us, they encourage us to develop that gift so we can achieve great things in life. The origin of our gifts become evident for those of us who recognize our Creator, and we should be quick to glorify Him for His awesome works. How humbling and wonderful it is that He chooses to bless us as vessels through which He can work!

Before Christ, however, Satan works tirelessly to convince us that we are insignificant—that everyone else is more gifted, more capable, or more useful than we are. It is easy to compare ourselves with the polished performances we see at concerts, theme parks, sporting events, or on social media. In those moments, Satan seeks to keep our attention on the greatness of people rather than on the greatness of the God who gives every good gift. More importantly, he wants to prevent us from using our God-given abilities to bless others and bring glory to Christ.

But for those of us who have found, accepted, and serve our Creator and His Son, Jesus, we are constantly reminded that God does not make junk! He created us in His own image and placed us in this world as His representatives to bless others and, with His help, draw them to the foot of the cross. After Christ, our perspective changes. We are reminded that we are created in His image and placed here to represent Him. Life is no longer centered on personal achievement, recognition, or material gain. Instead, our greatest desire becomes honoring the One who blessed us with every ability we possess and using those abilities to point others to Jesus Christ

Even so, it can still be challenging to acknowledge that “plain old us” actually possesses a talent! If you struggle with this, I lovingly encourage you to consider three things:

The precious gift God placed in your parents’ arms at your birth.
The abilities and strengths you grew up with that you know, without a doubt, must have come from God’s mercy.
The multitude of people you have crossed paths with throughout your lifetime whom you were able to help in some small way.

Before Christ, the enemy offers many worldly excuses to claim these things happened purely by chance. But After Christ, my prayer is that you become increasingly thankful every time you stand in awe of God gifting you with a talent or simply the willingness to help someone else. Selfish old “you” (Before Christ) sought endlessly to please, profit, and entertain self. But with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside you, your perspective shifts dramatically: you recognize that God deserves our praise for every gift He gives us and every way He uses us to bless others.

Finally, remember that your gift or talent may not look like that of your parents, pastor, teacher, or best friend. The gift you have to share might be completely unique to you, and it may be oh-so-simple. Someone today might desperately need your smile, your encouraging words, a thoughtful compliment, or even a helping hand up from a chair. They may also need to know the source of your joy – giving you the opportunity to introduce them to Jesus and walk alongside them on their journey.

God cannot lie, and His Word assures us that He has given each of us a gift. Simply do what God leads you to do, using what comes naturally to you through His strength. Let us hold tight to His gifts, developing and using them faithfully so they may yield a rich harvest for His kingdom.

Today’s Challenge

Many of us enjoy receiving gifts. Today, let us pause and thank God for the gifts He has lovingly placed within us. Then ask Him to reveal fresh opportunities to develop those gifts and faithfully use them to bless others, glorify His name, and point people to Jesus Christ. May we never bury what God intended to be a blessing to the world.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with purpose and for graciously entrusting me with gifts that can bring honor to Your name. Forgive me for the times I have doubted Your work in my life, compared myself to others, or failed to use what You have given me. Help me to see every ability as a gift from Your loving hand and every opportunity to serve as a privilege. Fill me with courage to faithfully develop the talents You have entrusted to me, not for my own recognition, but so others may experience Your love and be drawn to Jesus Christ. May my life bring glory to You in both the great opportunities and the small acts of kindness. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (Presuming Tomorrow vs Trusting God’s Will)

On 2026-07-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, July 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Proverbs 27:1 ~ Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow – wait and see what happens. (TLB)

James 4:14-16 ~ Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and we will do this or that.” But as it is, you boast [vainly] in your pretension and arrogance. All such boasting is evil. (AMP)

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.

Perhaps one of the very first prayers many children learn is:

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take…”

It is a simple childhood prayer, yet it contains a profound truth that remains just as relevant throughout adulthood. None of us is promised tomorrow. Every breath we take is a gift from God, a truth reinforced by both of today’s Scripture passages.

Before Christ, it was easy to live as though tomorrow belonged to us. We confidently made plans, pursued our ambitions, and rarely paused to consider how fragile life truly is. Especially when we were younger, death seemed like something reserved for old age. Yet nearly everyone has experienced the sobering news of a friend, family member, or acquaintance whose life ended unexpectedly and far too soon. Such moments remind us that Solomon’s words are just as true today as when he first penned them: “Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow.”

Sadly, many continue through life making careful plans for careers, finances, retirement, and countless earthly pursuits, while giving little thought to where they will spend eternity. Scripture lovingly but clearly warns that neglecting God’s gracious offer of salvation carries eternal consequences.

Praise God, someone prayed for me. I sincerely hope that parents, family members, friends, or fellow believers are faithfully praying for each of you as well. Through God’s amazing grace, we can know Jesus Christ personally and receive the assurance of eternal life. God’s Word promises that whoever believes in His Son will spend eternity with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in our heavenly home.

What a wonderful difference Jesus Christ makes in our lives after salvation – After Christ! Through the convicting work and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we have been drawn into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He not only saves us but also gives us His Word as our daily instruction manual for living. There we learn how to love as He loved, serve as He served, forgive as He forgave, and walk in humble obedience to our Heavenly Father.

Living for Christ also means recognizing how brief this earthly life really is. James describes our lives as a vapor—visible for only a little while before disappearing. That perspective should shape the way we live each day. Like a vigilant soldier, we remain spiritually alert, knowing that Satan continually seeks to distract us from lives that honor God. We seek each day to walk faithfully, knowing that every moment is another opportunity to glorify Christ and lovingly point others to Him.

Rather than boasting about tomorrow, we now humbly say, “If the Lord wills.” Our plans remain in His hands, our hope rests in His promises, and our future is secure because of His grace.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Knowing Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and my future secure in the promises of God’s Word, I feel compelled to lovingly recommend my Savior to you today.

With Him, you are promised eternal life in Heaven. Without Him, you face the sobering reality of spending eternity separated from God. Only through a personal decision to follow Christ can your eternal destination be changed, and that decision must be made while you are alive today. Today can be your day of salvation. Turn to Christ while your heart is open to Him. Then, whether He grants you many more years or calls you home before this day is over, you can rest in the blessed assurance that Heaven awaits all who belong to Him. Then lovingly share that hope with someone else.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that every breath I take and every new day I receive is a gift from Your gracious hand. Forgive me for the times I have confidently planned my future without first seeking Your will or acknowledging that my life is completely in Your hands.

Teach me to live each day with humility, saying from my heart, “If the Lord wills,” as I surrender my plans, my dreams, and my future to You. Help me never to presume upon tomorrow but to faithfully serve You today, making every opportunity count for Your glory.

Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to secure my eternal future through His death and resurrection. Because of Him, I can face tomorrow—not with confidence in my own plans, but with confidence in Your unfailing promises.

Place within me a loving burden for those who have not yet trusted Christ. Give me courage to share the hope of the Gospel while there is still time, remembering that life is but a vapor. May my words, my actions, and my daily walk point others to the Savior who alone gives everlasting life.

May I live each day ready to meet You, faithfully doing Your will until You call me Home. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (Quick Riches vs Faithful Stewardship)

On 2026-07-19 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

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

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Proverbs 28:20, 22 ~ The man who wants to do right will get a rich reward. But the man who wants to get rich quick will quickly fail.
Trying to get rich quick is evil and leads to poverty. (TLB)

2 Corinthians 9:6, 11 ~ But remember this—if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much.
Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when we take your gifts to those who need them they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help. (TLB)

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.

Although stewardship is perhaps one of the least preached or taught subjects in many church circles, it remains a vital part of God’s Word. I believe it is intentionally designed to give us a proper perspective on who truly owns everything on this earth. The God who created us placed us here with absolutely nothing, yet He is entirely willing to give us everything we need to flourish as His children. In His Word, God teaches us how to proceed from a state of having nothing to living a successful life that blesses Him and everyone He places around us. Just as with human laws, God is clear about the dangers of disobedience and the pitfalls of circumventing His principles to follow the enemy’s leading. Conversely, He gives us profound reason to celebrate when we obey Him and strive to mirror His generosity here on earth.

To properly evaluate our obedience to God, we must briefly reflect on what our goals were before we accepted Jesus as our Savior—in our Before Christ days. Back then, we had no spiritual plumb line or guidance other than what Satan drove us to see in the worldly success of the rich and famous. Unfortunately, the evil one blinded us to the hidden failures and deep grief that often accompany sudden wealth—realities that prove God’s Word right, as warned in passages like our Proverbs 28 verses. Because we saw people of all ages achieve rapid financial success, we may have assumed it was a plan worth duplicating in our lives.

However, this does not mean wealth itself is wrong. Many godly men and women in Scripture were blessed materially. Neither does faithful stewardship mean a believer should never save, invest wisely, or prepare responsibly for the future. Rather, I believe God wants us to remember that He has a specific, beautiful plan for our lives. It is just as He declared to His people in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When we reject His plan and try to force our own affairs through short-sighted means, we inevitably invite failure and increase distance from God, just as Proverbs 28:22 warns. God’s way may not always be the quickest, but it is always the safest and the most rewarding.

If the worldly path leads to an empty, unsuccessful future, we must naturally study God’s Word to determine how to attain His favor and walk in unity with Him. After Christ, this path becomes beautifully evident. We are no longer just learning about His plans; our hearts are truly prepared to follow them in joyful obedience.

Having spent my entire working career in the financial industry, I find one comparison especially meaningful. Before Christ, if someone accumulated wealth, they were often encouraged to seek the advice of a financial advisor. After Christ, I came to realize that my greatest Financial Advisor has always been God Himself. Long before any earthly advisor existed, God had already written the perfect financial principles into His Word. No investment strategy, financial institution, or market guarantee can equal the wisdom, security, and faithfulness of following His plan.

The world may question why believers give generously to the work of God’s kingdom through offerings, missions, and tithes. Some may even view such giving as foolish. But God sees our giving as an act of obedience intended for our ultimate benefit and growth! Our scripture from 2 Corinthians 9 reminds us that when we sow generously in obedience, God is entirely faithful to return a generous harvest to us. Having worked in the financial industry all my working life, I can personally assure you: there are absolutely no earthly guarantees, or market promises bold enough to match God’s amazing promises and security. No secular institution can protect, maintain, or grow what is entrusted to it the way God guards a life surrendered to Him.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Isn’t it exciting how God shows us that stewardship is a lifestyle, not just a line item in our bank account? While we should be diligent and wise in managing our practical resources on earth, it is only through God’s amazing grace that we become more than conquerors – both in this life and for eternity. Today, commit to trusting Him completely with your finances and your future, keeping eternity firmly in view. Let us live ready to meet our Master, secure in the knowledge that He is in full control of our days on earth and stands ready to welcome us into His presence forever.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for every blessing You have entrusted to me. Forgive me for the times I have looked to the world for security instead of trusting in You. Teach me to be a faithful steward of my time, talents, opportunities, and finances. Help me to give generously, serve joyfully, and live with eternity always before me. May my life reflect that You are the Owner of all I have, and I am simply Your grateful servant. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Before Christ vs After Christ (Following the Crowd vs God-Fearing)

On 2026-07-18 By Ed AlgreenIn God’s Word, All have sinned, God Cares For Us, Acknowledge God, Awesome God, Accept Jesus NOWLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, July 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
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Proverbs 1:10 ~ My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. (NIV)

Proverbs 3:7 ~ Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. (AMP)

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 comparison between life before Christ and life after Christ is not merely about distinguishing unbelievers from believers. It is also a reminder that, although we belong to Christ, we still live in a world that constantly seeks to influence our thoughts, values, and decisions.

One principle that has helped me over the years is this: whenever I sense myself leaning—even slightly—toward following the crowd instead of following God, I make every effort to immediately seek His face and ask Him to redirect my heart. I want my life to reflect His ways rather than the world’s ways. I believe this is the essence of what Proverbs 3:7 teaches when it speaks of fearing the Lord. It is not a fear of punishment, but a reverent awe that leads us to trust Him, obey Him, and turn away from evil.

Before Christ, many of us were guided by parents, friends, or people who appeared popular, successful, or accepting. We naturally followed those who seemed to have the answers, even though the path they offered often led us away from what may have been God’s plan for us. Without Christ, we simply lived according to the world’s standards because we knew no better.

My own story was somewhat different. I was raised in church by God-fearing parents who did their absolute best to point me toward God. Yet, in those early years, my behavior was driven more by a healthy fear of my parents than a reverent fear of God; I had no personal allegiance to Him or His will.

Parents, may I lovingly encourage you never to stop praying for your children. Pray that they will hear God’s voice calling them to salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. God hears those prayers.

In spite of the powerful attractions and fleeting fun of the world, God directed me to the right place at the perfect time in His divine plan. He even placed a messenger—an angel—in my path to encourage me to make a decision. I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord in 1988. Despite the world’s constant efforts to distract me over the decades, I still stand today in total awe of Him, led by His Holy Spirit, and ready for the day He calls me home.

Dear friend, this is not a fairy tale. This is the transforming power of God. What He has done in my life, He is able to do in yours. He can break the grip of this world, replace it with a heart that longs to please Him, and give you the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The simplest way I can describe the difference is this: After Christ, everything changed. It was as if a true conscience came alive within me—a deep, permanent awareness of the God who sacrificed His only Son for my sins. This loving God didn’t just save me; He assured me of a new identity. I am no longer a wanderer following a crowd; I am a son of the King of kings, clothed in spiritual royalty!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

I have no doubt that God can do the exact same work in your life, dear one. In John 3:16, Jesus reassures us that He died so that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.

Please don’t settle for merely following the crowd. God has wonderful plans for your life, but He patiently waits for you to open your heart to Him. He alone can perform the miracle of giving you new life through Jesus Christ—a life that begins today and continues throughout eternity. My prayer is that you will willingly lay aside the empty attractions of this world and embrace the immeasurable joy of walking with Christ. There is no greater life than one lived in reverent awe of God, faithfully following Him until the day He welcomes you home. The crowd may influence your direction, but only Christ can transform your destination.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for saving us, changing us, and giving us a brand-new identity in Christ Jesus. Lord, we confess that the pull of this world can be strong, and the temptation to simply “follow the crowd” is always present. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to give us a sharp awareness and a quick conviction the moment our steps begin to lean away from Your path.

We lift up our children and the next generation to You today. Please speak to their hearts with a voice so distinct and powerful that they cannot ignore Your call to salvation. Break the subtle attractions of worldly pleasure in their lives, and replace them with a deep, reverent awe of You.

Help us to leave the fleeting standards of this world behind and serve You faithfully until You call us home to glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.