Month: January 2021

A Lesson From Noah on Faith and Obedience

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-01-09
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Genesis 7:5-7; 22-23;
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 5 So Noah did everything the Lord commanded him. 6 He was 600 years old when the flood came. 7 He boarded the boat with his wife and sons and their wives, to escape the flood.
22 everything that breathed and lived upon dry land. 23 All existence on the earth was blotted out—man and animals alike, and reptiles and birds. God destroyed them all, leaving only Noah alive, and those with him in the boat.

OBSERVATION: There are so many reasons that we may desire more faith, for we’ve come through some of the most challenging times of our lives in 2020, and as we enter 2021 we are still struggling in how to deal with the unknowns. Often our faith is restricted by our willingness to obey, however in today’s Scripture we can see great examples of each of these. Noah is a well known Old Testament man of God, so let’s seek God’s face and expect to learn from Noah today.

APPLICATION: Some of you may remember the story of Noah, and/or the Ark, as told on flannel graft in Sunday School, while some may remember the catchy tune in that old chorus ‘Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord’. But in reading the account told in the Bible, God provided a few important reasons why He felt it important that we know about Noah in an even deeper fashion. My attention was especially drawn to two very important characteristics of Noah that could serve to improve my walk with the Lord, and I pray that these may also help you:
1. Faith – Things were really bad at the time – crime, mischief, partying and carousing – perhaps very much like we experience in some of our neighborhoods today. And although we don’t read where God spoke to everyone mentioned in the Bible, yet Noah had such a relationship with God that He told Noah how upset He was with His people, and that He was considering starting all over again. There was some mention of ‘rain’ – an unknown entity at that time. There was also mention of enough rain that it would cause a devastating flood. Unimaginable to Noah, but God said it, he believed it, and was willing and ready to act on any further instructions given to him. So the mystery continued as Noah was told to build a boat – a giant boat – larger than anything imaginable at that time. If we are given all of the intricate details of the conversation God had with Noah, then it is easy to believe that Noah instantly obeyed God without question, and was ready to begin the work assigned to him. Do you see just a tiny bit of faith there? Building a huge boat in the middle of the land where there was no water, and it will eventually work just perfectly by floating with immense weight in it? Wow, is that ‘FAITH’, or is that ‘FAITH’? Do we truly have ‘faith’ to follow God, and any command He may issue to us?
2). Obedience – Build a monster ship; Peculiar wood that must be used in construction, and precise measurements; Gather pairs of all animals, birds and reptiles to take on to the ship; Take your beloved family, knowing that you will lose everything and everyone else? While Noah followed all these things in humble obedience, I don’t see where he had any questions or suggestion on items that weren’t included in God’s plan. What about food? What about waste? What should he tell folk that are sure to come and make fun of him? What about friends and extended family that would be left behind? What if his family questioned the trustworthiness of this massive ship that Noah built? No, instead we are told that Noah did just as he was told to do. Can you do that dear friend? Are you in close enough relationship with God that you will do any and every thing that He orders you to do?
I can only desire that God would make me an extension of His love, His care for others, and faith so convincing that I would follow Him in humble obedience, regardless of the earthly outcomes and in spite of what appears to be insurmountable challenges. Oh that instead of worrying about how things are possible, that instead I would confidently and faithfully accept the powerful hand of the Father and just do what He says, for His glory alone.

PRAYER: Lord, I believe that You are well aware of our strengths and our weaknesses. You know why we doubt, and You know why we fail to follow Your commands obediently. Please forgive us for our lack of faith, even though You have blessed us to see, and read about many miracles You performed. Your Word declares that with faith the size of a mustard seed, we could move mountains. You’ve proven Your strength, Your wisdom and Your might, and You have shown Your love for us in supernatural ways. So there is no Godly reason for us to doubt. Please continue to work miraculously in our lives so that we might have the faith of Noah, and so that we may act on Your instructions instinctively, just as Noah did. You are all-powerful and almighty, so we place ourselves squarely at Your disposal to do Your work, so that You may be glorified in our lives and through our witness. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Living In Fellowship With God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2021-01-08
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Genesis 6:10-13
TRANSLATION: Good News Translation (GNT)

BIBLE TEXT: 10 Noah had no faults and was the only good man of his time. He lived in fellowship with God, 11 but everyone else was evil in God’s sight, and violence had spread everywhere. 12 God looked at the world and saw that it was evil, for the people were all living evil lives. 13 God said to Noah, “I have decided to put an end to all people. I will destroy them completely, because the world is full of their violent deeds.

OBSERVATION: It is evident in our Scripture today what makes God proud of us – when we live in a right relationship with Him, and how our evil minds upset Him – for He is the Designer; Maker of all things around us; and the God of this universe. As I read the Scriptures today, it was as if God chose to remind me that our recent events of riots; crime; hatred; envy and our insistence of our own personal agendas really compares to what He saw in the time of Noah. Friends, if we, as simple forms of mankind are fed up with the crime and sin of our countrymen/women, imagine how God must be getting to the end of His rope with us. But God gave us an example to follow – the story of Noah should open our eyes today about what truly pleases God.

APPLICATION: I wonder, how many Noah’s are there in your Circle of influence? I am amazed by the simple term used to clarify the righteousness of Noah – ‘He lived in fellowship with God’. Wow! We hear lots of good things said at a funeral, or at a roast, but how often have you heard of a man being referred to as ‘He lived in fellowship with God’. So I believe it is worth our time to consider what this truly means. Some versions says that Noah was right with God (a righteous man) and that he obeyed God. I believe that he was a man full of faith also, for God knew that it would take great faith in Him to obediently follow through with all He was about to order Noah to do. You see, men seem to love doing their own thing, by themselves, probably so they could receive all the praise. In a personal experience, I once worked with a group of men who agreed to undertake reconstruction of an area of our church auditorium to incorporate a sound system for the church. A fine, older gentleman took the charge, but soon many of the helpers felt they were interfering by trying to help, so they stopped going to try and help. They felt like the older gentleman wanted to complete the task alone. Now, notice how often the Bible records Noah objecting, correcting or suggesting to God what should be done differently with the dimensions, building material or layout of the ark. I believe that Noah had built such a love and respect for his Father – knowing that He had already created the whole earth perfectly, created mankind perfectly, and been more patient with His children than any man could attempt to do, so of course Noah listened to God, and obeyed Him without excuse or question. I believe we could easily see why God chose Noah, and why Moses referred to Noah as a man who lived in fellowship with God. But let’s now look at what may have upset God enough with the rest of His creation that He wanted to get rid of them and start over again? The Bible says that God was tired of their evil and the violence that had spread everywhere. Can we truly read those words and not reflect on our world today? There are some who are beheading Christians; some who are killing infants before they are given a chance at life; some who are killing police and others at they try to have their own way in riots; some who are stealing from the poor, even while watching them live under bridges out of their own poverty; some who reject the church because of its stand for God and some who attend church out of habit, but have no desire to commit to a right relationship with God. What is it that may cause God to act any differently with us, than the way He acted with the people of Noah’s day? Should He be any kinder to us? Should He save our people from disaster even when they act like Satan and follow his evil plan? Please let me encourage each reader today by saying that it is not too late to accept Jesus as Lord, and it is not too late to develop a right relationship with our Maker. Worship Him daily; read His Word daily for that day’s instructions, and reminders of how you should act; seek to recognize His presence in everything you attempt each day; and follow His commands in obedience to His Word each and every day. Enjoy a right relationship with Your Master and Lord, precious friend!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are merciful and kind, almighty and all-powerful. Your love for Your children is beyond our comprehension for it is so unconditional and pure. I believe that when You started the world population over at the time of the flood, You may have hoped that we would have learned our lesson from Your actions with the people of Noah’s day. I am truly saddened by the news each and every day, for it seems that our people today are much worse than anything You saw back then. Please be patient with us as we learn about Your goodness, and Your patience with Your children who consistently revert to evil, instead of seeking to follow Your will and Your design. Please Lord, forgive us of our sin – both our actions, words and our thoughts, for without You in our lives, we are left to the will of our earthly master – Satan. Only You could make things better for us, Lord. Please deal in the hearts of each reader that we may seek Your face and do Your will by having a right relationship with You, as long as we have breath here on earth. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Why Me, Lord?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Submission, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2021-01-07
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 3:13-17
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 13 Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John kept objecting and said, “I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?” 15 Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all that God wants us to do.” Then John agreed. 16 So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. 17 Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”

OBSERVATION: Ever been asked to do something that is totally out of your experience, talent or God-given abilities? I’m sure that you were probably way more likely to take on the challenge than I, for if it’s not a proven thing, I would have lots of questions and objections, since I don’t want to mess up. This was the option first taken by John, for he didn’t feel worthy to do such an honorable task as baptizing the King of the universe, the One in whose name John was actually baptizing others. I pray that our thoughts today would center around doing what God demands, even if it’s outside of our talent or knowledge base.

APPLICATION: I believe that many of us have a multitude of excuses that we pull from when asked to take on yet another job at church. I’ve never done that before; I have never been trained to do that; I don’t believe I’m suitable for that; I have too many irons in the fire already; Can’t you find someone else to do that? Those are probably some of the most common excuses we would give to the pastor, or the nominating team when approached about taking on additional responsibility at church. BUT, what if it was Jesus who approached us to do a specific task? He knows everything about us, including what He could do with a willing, obedient heart willing to serve God in whatever He asks. Wouldn’t you think that perhaps God has a special work to accomplish through you, and only for you? In other words, you may think that your friend Susie might be best suited for that, only to find out that God has a different mission for her. In fact the task He presented to you may not be suitable for anyone else but you, so unless you allow Him to complete His mission through you, that particular task may not be fulfilled. How would you then feel? Supposing your declination may prompt God to ask you if you don’t trust Him enough to complete the task He asked you to do? But look at the story of Jesus again, the prophets foretold it, and Jesus particularly went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. Although without sin, Jesus was prompted by the Father to be baptized as a sign of His identification with the Father. John had preached to the people that One would come whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. So John knew that this action requested by Jesus might look like he was overstepping his authority. John knew that it just appeared wrong for the servant to baptize by the Creator. Why me, Lord? John asked it, and I’m sure that many times we ask it, when approached to take on a task that seems outside of our comfort, talent and knowledge area. BUT, I believe that God enables the one that He calls to handle His work. I believe that as we surrender ourselves to the Master each day, God uses us to complete His work in much the same way that He wanted it done. He calls us into service and He enables us in our service to Him, so that His work may be completed supernaturally, even through His messengers. What if we determined in ourselves, with God’s help, to turn this little phrase around from ‘Why me, Lord?’ to ‘Why not me, Lord?’. Don’t you think that God will then see the willingness in us to do whatever He demands? What if John responded to Jesus: ‘why of course Jesus, I would be honored to follow Your command, even though I feel so unworthy’? Trusting in God often means that we are trusting Him to do far greater things than we could ever accomplish on our own.

PRAYER: As Your humble servant stands before You today Lord, I acknowledge that talent, knowledge and trust is limited without You. Please encourage my readers to join me in taking the hand of the One who calmed the waters; who parted the Red Sea; who caused the blind to see again and so much more, for with You all things are possible. Many are dying without hope and they need to know our Savior. Please give us strength, wisdom, boldness and power to overcome the expected opposition of the evil one and instead keep our eyes and trust fixed on You. It was determined that John should baptize You from the very desire of the Father. I believe that He also gave us Jesus so that we could do mighty and powerful things through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Use us Lord so that Your work may flourish in our midst, even through using humble servants such as us. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

The Knowledge of Man

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Knowledge, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2021-01-06
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Genesis 3:22-24
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 22 The Lord said, “These people now know the difference between right and wrong, just as we do. But they must not be allowed to eat fruit from the tree that lets them live forever.” 23 So the Lord God sent them out of the Garden of Eden, where they would have to work the ground from which the man had been made. 24 Then God put winged creatures at the entrance to the garden and a flaming, flashing sword to guard the way to the life-giving tree.

OBSERVATION: Whenever my mom saw something rare and marvelous happen, I remember my her exclaiming ‘oh the wisdom of man’. I also remember hearing my grandmother saying ‘Man, he has the knowledge to send people to the moon, but not smart enough to save his soul from Hell’! As I restart my reading of the Bible, I am always amazed by the new things that God always brings to my attention. Truly this is the ‘Living Word of God’! Meditate on the Word of God with me today friends.

APPLICATION: There are so many things that we could reflect on, and marvel over, as we look at the knowledge of mankind. I had a 7-hr surgery last year, where most of my cervical vertebrae were replaced through very small tubes and with robotic arms – truly unbelievable. And there are tons of other miraculous medical advancements that we could think of. Men has landed on the moon, and we now have humans living in space in the International Space Station. Who would have dreamed that mankind would ever develop such knowledge to accomplish such a feat? However, I believe that God would have us ponder the idea of why mankind chooses to make some of the foolish decisions that adds nothing positive to life. Here are some examples that crossed my mind as I pondered this:
~ God told us in John 3:16 that He loves us all, and that He died for us all, so that everyone who believes on His Son (surrenders lordship to Jesus and accepts His guiding hand/His will for life), that they would be assured of eternal life in heaven. Yet many would block their ears to hearing the Word, while others will choose to accept the love of God, knowing that it is unconditional, and hope for the best while they continue to practice every evil or leading of Satan here on this earth. What happened to knowledge or reasoning in this?
~ Some will choose to believe certain parts of the Bible that appease them, while rejecting other parts that must certainly be pointed at other individuals. What happened to knowledge or reasoning in this? Is it not clear enough in the Bible that Jesus died for us all and that God loves us all? Is it not clear that the Word of God was ordained by God to save the lost, enrich the lives of those who have accepted Jesus, and speak soberly to the lives of those who are hardened to the things of God?
~ Some realize that God is all-powerful and that He could do such things as heal the sick, make the blind to see again, make the lame to walk again, and even raise the dead to life again, but when we face either of these scenarios in our lives, do we first reach out to God for His healing touch on our lives? Although I have faith to believe that God can and will work through our medical professionals, our pastors and our lay leadership, yet I know that the throne of grace is open to all who call on the name of the Lord, and I am convinced that God will answer the pleas of His children in His way and in His time. However, please remember that ‘No’ is also an answer!
Friends, God said it from the very beginning that we have knowledge just like the triune God has. Oh that we would learn to always apply that knowledge in all areas of our life. Remember, seek God first, and all these things will be granted to you!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord that You are all-knowing and all-powerful. Thank You for also blessing us with so much knowledge. Please open our hearts and our understanding to always seek You first in all things, so that You may pour out your blessings on us and be glorified through our efforts while here on earth. The world says ‘Knowledge is power’. Praise to the God of all knowledge, we serve an awesome God who is so much greater than the whole world! Oh that we would always seek You in every challenge of life, and praise You for all our blessings. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Doing The Right Thing

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Right Spirit, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2021-01-05
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Genesis 4:6–7
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 6 The Lord said to Cain: What’s wrong with you? Why do you have such an angry look on your face? 7 If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy you, but don’t let it!

OBSERVATION: Isn’t it funny to watch a child try to wiggle out of their guilt when caught by a parent? Isn’t it heartbreaking to watch an adult in the courtroom when they are being tried for a crime? God Has designed our emotional system to respond one way when things are good and we are happy, but in a totally different way when we are upset, sad or disillusioned. As you meditate with me on this Scripture today, I hope that God will open our eyes of understanding and help us recognize those areas of our life that curtail our happiness.

APPLICATION: Notice how we never wish anyone a sad day, or an unhappy future. We know that our bodies react best to happiness, and our minds are most content when we are not sad. Yet we find ourselves doing things that we know will result in sin and unhappiness all the time. Jealousy seems to be a huge culprit in pushing us towards revenge and/or payback – in other words, we want to hurt the other party back for the hurt they caused us. This all started back with one of our very first ancestors – Cain. He became jealous of his brother Abel, so he thought that he would just terminate him altogether. The death of a loved one always makes us sad, but imagine how much worse that would be if we realized that we were responsible for the death of a loved one. I believe that leads to a double dose of unhappiness, as our conscience pricks us for disobeying God’s law about murder, plus our heart aches for the loss of one who spent time with us, albeit often challenging times. Friends, God not only knows all things, but He sees all things and also knows our innermost thoughts. So don’t you know that God was well aware of why Cain was so sad inside, despite any smiles he may have tried to force onto his face? God knew that if Cain had done the right thing, you know – chosen to discuss his hurt feelings with Abel and perhaps look to him for advice on what he might do better in providing more pleasing sacrifices to God, then there would have been contentment in Cain’s heart, and contentment leads one to happiness. Doing those things opposed to God’s laws, means that you sin by doing them. In spite of one becoming hardened to sin, deep inside they will still have a feeling of sadness and disappointment, because they know that they have hurt God, and in most cases hurt a fellow human being. Friends, I bet this all seems philosophical to some, but I believe that God wants us to know that the same thing occurs in the life of an individual today. While you may not have killed a brother, or anyone else, if you have done something that is sinful in God’s sight, then you have displeased Him. If you have sinned and done something wrong, I could only believe that it has also impacted the life of one or more other individuals. Why live with that guilt and unhappiness dear friend? God loves you and I believe that nothing will please Him more than to know that His child is happy and content with all that He has blessed you with. Let me encourage you to read the Word and seek to understand and apply it to your life this year. As you fill your heart with the Word of God, your desire to sin and displease Him will begin to disappear from your life. Unhappiness and stress will affect your heart and other vital body functions. Do the right thing, stay right with God, and live a long and happy life. God will be glorified in your life and it will impact others around you.

PRAYER: Thank You precious Lord for life itself, and for providing a wonderful world around us to enjoy. We are blessed to meet some of the kindest and nicest people wherever we go, and it becomes so evident that Your love exudes from them in amazing ways. Your laws are perfect, and I am convinced that they were put in place to help us live a long, happy life, so that we could be a blessing to others. Please help us to stay strong and not be so determined to have our own way and do our own thing, but instead stay strong in the power of Your might, Your power, and Your will. I believe that true happiness comes from You, but we need Your strength to overcome the power of Satan to live like You. Please be our Guide, Protector, Friend and Savior until You call us home to glory. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Mature, Yet Willing To Learn

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Maturity, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2021-01-4
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Luke 2:46-47
TRANSLATION: New International Version (NIV)

BIBLE TEXT: 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

OBSERVATION: Is it painstaking for you to sit and listen to someone less educated than yourself try to explain something that comes very natural and simple to you? Could you ever learn anything new from them? Would you have enough patience and ingenuity to try and simplify your message enough so that even they would understand? Do you suppose that Jesus had any of these issues when He sat down with the teachers and leaders in the temple? Let’s just stop and ponder over these things for a few moments as we start, or continue our day.

APPLICATION: At 12 years old, Jesus decided to stay at the temple and learn from the elders and teachers. Unfortunately this was at the expense of worrying His earthly parents half to death when the discovered that He simply was not with them as they returned home to Nazareth from Bethlehem, where they had gone as part of a mandatory census. Although interesting that this 12 year old would feel at home sitting with these scholarly elders, yet when His parents finally caught up with Him, He sounded surprised that they didn’t realize that He would naturally be in His Father’s house learning, teaching and sharing the love of His Father. From a humanly standpoint, there are a few things that should catch our attention here:
1. That Jesus would be respectful in learning from some of the same men that would probably take part in having Him crucified later in His life. It takes a very mature person to sit and listen to people that have tried to get you in trouble, to report you to the authorities, to distract from your ministry, etc. Yet Jesus did!
2. Jesus joined in and answered questions just like any other student might do. The Bible says that the group of teachers were amazed by His answers. After all Jesus, being God, knew all that had transpired and all that will transpire in the future. Don’t you know that some of His answers reflected things that the teachers themselves were unaware of? Yet Jesus did!
3. Imagine after a few answers the teachers may have asked this young 12 year old, where He was from and from whom had He received His learning? Imagine how shocked they were in hearing His responses to personal questions, should they have inquired about that? After all, Jesus was born of an earthly mother, so He was human. But He was born of the Holy Ghost as part of the triune God, so He was also God. But this is who Jesus was!
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could truly be more mature in 2021, like Jesus was? As a student of the Word, I have sometimes taught Bible Study. It always made me nervous to look over my audience and see a Pastor or church leader listening in, because I was well aware that I was never well learned, or smart enough to share the Word of God with the unction and power that it deserves. Yet Jesus astonished His teachers with His knowledge and abilities. Imagine if I was teaching and saw someone in the audience who had betrayed me in the past, or might be trying to belittle me before the Pastor, or my employer. Could I have taught the class without making jabs at them? But Jesus succeeded in this! As we seek to grow in maturity in 2021, may it be mirrored after the One who is our primary mentor – Jesus Christ, and may God be glorified because of our efforts.

PRAYER: I wonder if we could ever become truly mature in the eyes of Jesus, our King? But Lord, You know our heart and you therefore know whether our intentions are pure. Thank You for protecting us and bringing us into another year that could be just as challenging as 2020, or even worse. However, as Your child who longs to serve You with all my heart, may I ask that You please help mature me to respond to life’s challenges with the same love and good heart as You did. Fill my lips with words that will share Your love for mankind. Help Your children to draw closer to You in spite of earth’s trials and temptations. May we be ready for Your return or Your calling on our life, so that You may be glorified even through us. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

A Place To Call ‘Home’

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Heaven, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2021-01-03
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Psalm 1:5–6
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 5 Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God.
6 The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road
that leads to ruin.

OBSERVATION: Imagine for a moment that you landed on a desolate island where you know no one, nor have you made any arrangements for a place to stay there. What would you do? In today’s Scripture the Psalmist reminds us that when we leave this world, the Lord will take care of His own (those who have prearranged their meeting with Him, by accepting Him as Lord) However, the unsaved will be left with their earthly master – Satan, as they won’t have a place with the people of God. Think about whether this is really what you want, as there may still be time to change your mind while there is breath in your body.

APPLICATION: Financial advisors may give you advice as you enter into a New Year that may have opportunities equal to or worse than 2020. Medical doctors may give you advice on keeping your body healthy and prepared for the unexpected in 2021. But the Word of God is faithful in preparing you for the expected, after you leave this world. On each nightly news broadcast, we are given the numbers who became hospitalized, or have died from the Coronavirus. It only makes sense that you were not included in either of the totals mentioned, because you are reading this devotional. However, on the Day of Judgment that the Psalmist refers to in our Scripture, no one is excluded. Everyone will be accounted for. The children of God will be welcomed home to heaven by their Maker, because of their acceptance of His Son, Jesus. Those who rejected Jesus will not be welcomed there, which means that they will revert to Hell where Satan will rule over them with fire and brimstone for all eternity. The choice is made today, while you are still alive. You may argue that you made no such choice. Unfortunately that means that you have accepted your current leader (Satan) to continue ruling over you, and his ongoing reign is already explained. Friends, you prepared yourself to live independently; you prepared yourself financially to see yourself through everyday life; you prepared yourself for happiness by marrying the spouse of your dreams. But unless you prepare yourself for heaven by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will not have a home with Jesus and His saints. This could mean separation from family, friends, spouse and children. There’s no one to blame your outcome on, and there’s no one who could make the arrangements for you. This is a personal decision for each one, and the verdict is for all eternity. Please make this very early stage of 2021 of key importance to your eternal well being. Accept Jesus today and be saved for all eternity. Self-help is provided in my Footnote, and my contact information is also included, to help you change your destination plans. No excuses my friend, do this today, please?

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for speaking words of wisdom to me back in 1976 and helping me make preparation for my eternity with You. Thank You for all who read this blog, and I thank you for friends and family. Please speak to their hearts today through Your powerful Word. Convict them of their sin and please reinforce the facts shared in my message today. According to Your Word there will only be a place in Your kingdom for those who have accepted Your Son. Please emphasize the shortness of time to all those who need to make important life changes. May today be a day of decision for each one, I pray. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

God – Ever Was, Always Is and Always Will Be!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Challenges, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-01-02
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Genesis 1:1
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

OBSERVATION: I believe that some of the most powerful words in the Bible are included in our Scripture today! Before there was anything in the universe, there was God! In yesterday’s blog we looked at some of the concluding verses of the Bible and we saw where God was calling us home to Glory – so we know He is waiting for us when this universe becomes non-existent, at the end of time. The sun arose this morning, not of its own accord, or by happen-chance, but because God placed it in the sky and orchestrated its rising and its setting for each day His children need it. He always was, He always is and He always will be! That’s my God! Do you know Him?

APPLICATION: I believe that one thing 2020 taught us, is that we live in an uncertain world, where mankind could only hope to try and find solutions to protect us against what has already occurred, and in hopes that they could build our immunities against a recurrence of that. World governments could prepare financial budgets based on past experience and on things that they plan to do that will involve certain finances, but no one in the whole world had a financial plan for COVID, nor did they have a budget in place to help scientists prepare for a medical solution that would prevent thousands of deaths. I was so overwhelmed in awe as I started my time through the Bible again! For I was reminded in the very first chapter of the Book, that God not only created the universe, but He went on to create everything that mankind would need to survive. I was enthused by the way the CEV version explained how God commanded each thing into being – major things that we often take for granted, such as light (and darkness); water; the sky; land; living creatures, and so on. As He reflected on all that He made, He was proud of it and happy with the results. Perhaps a great reminder for His created beings (you and I) to recognize these things and praise God for them, for they cannot be replaced by the ingenuity of man, should the need ever arise! I was also reminded that if God was so pleased with what He made, why on earth do we allow Satan to misguide us into complaining about: no sunshine today; no rain for the past month; if only I was as handsome/beautiful and slim as that popular movie star; lack of money (notice that money wasn’t even mentioned!!), etc. God made us as we are for His good purpose, why mess that up? God gave us all we need, why complain? God loves us unconditionally, why fret, doubt and become disheartened? God created us, everything around us, and also everything we will need after life here on this earth. We are truly blessed and can safely enter this new year knowing that God is in control of it all. If He leaves us here for a while longer – to God be the glory! If He’s ready for us in Heaven – to God be the glory! There is no other like our God! Glory to God in the highest!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that You will touch the lives of Your children, that You created, and that You provided everything for. Please convince each one that You are true to Your Word and that we can rest assured that, come what may in 2021, it will not occur without Your knowledge and without You power to overcome it, or take us out of it. Your inspired Word is filled with words that describe the glories of heaven, where there will be no more sorrow, no pain, no diseases, and other things that seem to worry us. Please help us in this temporary position here below until we arrive forever glorified at Your feet. Thank You Father for Your love and Your patience with us as we endure the challenges of earth. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Soon and Very Soon!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Christ's Return, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Return to Christ, The Return of Jesus, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2021-01-01
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Revelation 22:10-14
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 10 Don’t keep the prophecies in this book a secret. These things will happen soon. 11 Evil people will keep on being evil, and everyone who is dirty-minded will still be dirty-minded. But good people will keep on doing right, and God’s people will always be holy.
12 Then I was told: I am coming soon! And when I come, I will reward everyone for what they have done. 13 I am Alpha and Omega,[b] the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
14 God will bless all who have washed their robes. They will each have the right to eat fruit from the tree that gives life, and they can enter the gates of the city. 

OBSERVATION: Happy New Year to all my faithful followers and readers of this blog! By reading today’s devotional, you have been awarded the gift of yet another day, another month and another year to sing the praises of our King, and to continue sharing His love with those that you come into contact with! Welcome to 2021!

APPLICATION: Our verses for meditation today comes from the last chapter of the last book of the Holy Bible – God’s precious Word! I believe God is assuring us that there was great purpose in having gone methodically through the entire contents of His Word, for it all leads to one thing – His ultimate return to earth to take His bride – the church – those who are called by His name, home to glory with Him, for an eternity with He and the Father. For you see dear folk, there are many who have divided the Word and taken advantage of the various pieces of the Bible that appeal to them, and speak to their belief system. However, we can see from today’s Scripture that God wanted John to tell us all that He was deliberate in all that He shared with us, and that there are consequences for any that have added or subtracted from His Holy Word. Furthermore, we are reminded that everything shared with us leads to the return of Jesus Christ, and that awesome event is about to unfold, for He is coming soon, according to His own words! Notice that He said that He will return with rewards for everyone. No doubt you might automatically assume that He must have rewards even for those who don’t deserve the gift of heaven. Friends, I glorify God that He is doing the judging, and not I or anyone else I might know here on earth. For those who are ready, meaning that we have accepted the gift of salvation through God’s Son – Jesus Christ, then we will be rewarded with Eternal Life. The Bible tells us so. For those who have done nothing in preparation for Christ’s return, they too will receive what they deserve – eternal damnation. The Word is clear my friend, there is no ‘middle-of-the-road’ choices. So let me encourage you on this very first day of this New Year, prepare yourself for what Jesus Christ has promised: He is coming soon, and He will take His bride on to glory with Him. Please don’t be left behind watching as your Christ-following family and friends leave this world supernaturally. You too can be in that group. 2021 can be bright and filled with the promise of happiness in the Lord, despite any circumstances that may come our way! 2020 was filled with surprises, and some were impacted by its events that they, nor us ever expected to see. With Christ, we can be content in knowing that in death we will gain the heights and glory of heaven, while in life we can press on to encourage others towards knowing our Savior and Lord. I trust that you are content in the Lord dear friend.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for watching over us in 2020, and thank You for giving us additional opportunities in 2021. Thank You for opening my eyes, and my understanding to accept You as Lord! Thank You for bringing my readers and I through a very challenging, different and difficult year. Thank You for giving us another chance to share You with those we know and care about. May You be glorified in 2021 like never before! Come Lord Jesus, come! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!