Justified by Grace—Adopted for Eternity

On 2026-04-25 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, April 25, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Romans 3:23-24 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

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

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

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

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

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

And something powerful happens when we truly surrender to Jesus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Called to Be Holy

On 2026-04-23 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, April 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
Read 1 Peter 1:14-16 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

¹⁴ So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. ¹⁵ But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. ¹⁶ For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

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

In 1 Peter 1:14–16, we are reminded of a powerful calling: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Growing up, most of us understood that our parents had expectations. When we lived under their roof, we knew there were standards to follow and consequences if we chose otherwise. Those lessons were meant to shape us—and in many ways, they did.

Now, as children of God, we live under a greater and more loving authority. Our Heavenly Father also has expectations for how we live—not to burden us, but to reflect His character in us.

Unlike our earthly parents, God sees everything. He knows our actions, hears our words, and even understands our thoughts (Matt 9:4; Luke 6:8). Yet this shouldn’t cause fear – it should draw us closer to Him. The same God who sees all is the One who loves us completely.

Our relationship with Jesus is not about earning His love or striving for a higher standing. That was already secured through Him. Instead, our obedience flows from love—a desire to reflect the One who saved us.

When we gave our lives to Christ, we turned away from our old ways and stepped into a new life. That means we no longer live as we once did, for in vs 16, that we are ‘holy’, because our mentor, Jesus, is also ‘Holy’! We grow to think, speak, and act more like Him every day.

And yes, this calling is high. We cannot achieve it in our own strength. But through Christ, what seems impossible becomes possible. He is the One who transforms us and helps us walk in holiness each day.

So let this truth settle in your heart: you are called to be holy—not because you can achieve it alone, but because you belong to a holy God who is faithfully shaping you.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for calling me to a life that reflects You. Help me to walk in obedience, not out of fear, but out of love. Shape my heart, my thoughts, and my actions so that I may live in a way that honors You. Amen.

Reflecting the Heart of the Father

On 2026-04-22 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, April 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
Read Luke 6:35-36 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

³⁵“I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. ³⁶Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.

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 our Scripture verses today, Jesus calls us to something higher: to love, to show kindness, and to be merciful—just as our Father is merciful.

The enemy will always try to pull us in the opposite direction. He stirs up thoughts of anger, revenge, selfishness, and unforgiveness. And when we act on those, we reflect his nature instead of God’s.

But when we gave our lives to Jesus, we made a decision to turn away from those old ways. We chose a new path—to follow Jesus and become more like Him.

In any meaningful relationship, we naturally want to please the one we love. In the same way, if we are growing in our relationship with Jesus, our desire will be to live in a way that honors Him. We begin to notice when our thoughts or actions don’t align with His heart.

Just look at Jesus’ example. When He was arrested, He healed the one who came against Him. While on the cross, He asked the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him. That is mercy. That is love. And that is the life He calls us to live.

So we must ask ourselves: if Jesus has forgiven us, loved us, and made us new, why would we allow old patterns to take hold again? Why let our words, thoughts, or actions be shaped by anything other than Him?

A strong relationship with Jesus doesn’t happen by accident—it requires daily connection. We speak to Jesus in prayer and praise. We listen through His Word, through fellowship, and through time spent in His presence.

And as we do, something beautiful happens – His love begins to overflow from our lives.

People will see it. They will recognize who we belong to—not by what we say, but by how we love, how we forgive, and how we show mercy.

PRAYER
Lord, fill my heart with Your love and mercy. Help me to reflect Your kindness in my thoughts, words, and actions. May my life clearly show that I belong to You. Amen.

Made New—and Sent Out

On 2026-04-21 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, April 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 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 20 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).

¹⁷ When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! ¹⁸ All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him…..
²⁰ So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is like God is calling to people through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace 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.

In these verses, we are given both a promise and a purpose. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” These are not just comforting words—they are truth that defines every believer.

We each have a choice: we can take God at His Word and believe that His transforming work in us is complete, or we can allow the enemy to keep pulling our attention back to the past—our own or someone else’s.

When we receive Jesus Christ as Savior, our lives are not slightly adjusted – they are completely changed. It is a turning point, a full surrender. We step off the path we once walked and begin a new life of faith, following Christ as Lord. We are no longer defined by who we used to be.

Scripture tells us that God removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. If He no longer holds our past against us, why do we continue to carry it? Why do we allow old labels, failures, or regrets to weigh us down when God has already declared us new?

And just as importantly, how do we view others who have been made new in Christ?

If God has forgiven them, who are we to see them differently? If He calls them His child—holy and set apart—why would we allow ourselves to view them through a lens of judgment or suspicion? Yes, we will all stumble at times. But God calls us to see one another through eyes of grace, not condemnation.

We are not here to measure one another—we are here to rejoice together in what God has done. To celebrate that He rescues, restores, and renews lives—just as He did for us.

Then comes the calling.

Verse 20 reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ. That means we carry His message to the world—not as experts or professionally trained theologians, but as recipients of grace. One person sharing bread with another. Not above anyone, but eager for others to experience the same mercy and joy we’ve received.

We are not saved to sit still—we are saved to be sent.

So share what God has done in your life. Share the hope, the peace, the joy that only He can give. It’s not about what we have materially—it’s about the life we’ve been given spiritually.

Let your life reflect the truth: you are made new, and you have been sent out with purpose.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for making me new. Help me to release the past and to see others through Your eyes of grace. Use me as Your ambassador to share the hope and joy I’ve found in You. Amen.

God is With You!

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

DATE POSTED
Monday, April 20, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Acts 7:9-10 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Amplified Bible (AMP).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Than We Can Imagine

On 2026-04-18 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, April 18, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read 1 Corinthians 2:9 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

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

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

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

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

What is it that makes you feel inadequate?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Always in His Presence

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

DATE POSTED
Friday, April 17, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Isaiah 53:6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

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

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

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

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

But what about us?

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

What’s the difference?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faith That Reflects the Lordship of Christ

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

DATE POSTED
Thursday, April 16, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read James 1:26-27 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seek God first. Trust Him always.

On 2026-04-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Matthew 6:31-33 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Easy to Read Version (ERV).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yet the child of God is called to something higher.

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

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

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

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

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

Trusting God Beyond Our Timeline

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

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read James 1:22-23 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

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

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

Thank God for the blessing of a new day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen.