Month: June 2021

Pass The Glory On

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, For His Glory, God's Glory, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2021-06-07
WRITTEN AT: Sebring, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: John 7:16-18
TRANSLATION: Good News Translation (GNT)

BIBLE TEXT:  16 Jesus answered, “What I teach is not my own teaching, but it comes from God, who sent me. 17 Whoever is willing to do what God wants will know whether what I teach comes from God or whether I speak on my own authority. 18 A person who speaks on his own authority is trying to gain glory for himself. But he who wants glory for the one who sent him is honest, and there is nothing false in him.

APPLICATION: The people recognized that Jesus was an awesome teacher. However Jesus wanted to make it clear that His words came directly from the Father. Verse 18 reminded me of some of our current day teachers, preachers and evangelists, where we see, or hear one speaking from a very selfish ‘me-ology’, instead of the unadulterated Word of God. Could that be the kind of person that Jesus was talking about – trying to gain glory, or draw attention to themselves, by speaking from their own perspective/learning/point-of-view? Let’s remember that our godly responsibility is to pray for those who teach us, not to judge them, or make fun of them or ridicule them. That’s where God takes over. Fortunately though, we also have preachers and teachers who display a true sensitivity to God and His Holy Spirit, and therefore there is a deep honesty and openness that causes them to lean on their Master and seek His will in their ministry. Did you notice that Jesus depended on His Father for the right words, and the best timing in which to say them? How much more should we do the same today? So you might wonder, what is there in this Scripture for laity, like you and I? 1). We have been given the litmus test to help us discern whether we are being fed the honest truth of God’s Word, or whether we are seeing a popularity contest, or perhaps self promotion. Honesty to ourselves will help us to place ourselves under the right preaching or teaching, so that we can be truly taught by God; and 2). Look inwardly and allow God to show you any faults that may be evident in your life. Perhaps you are the false teacher/preacher. Are you promoting self every opportunity, or are you standing behind the cross of Christ, with Him as your spokesman, so that His work will be accomplished? Let Him have His way in your life, friend. Don’t just let Him be the ‘co-pilot’ in your life, but give Him the wheel and let Him pilot you through this life. Let Him receive glory for all that is accomplished in your life and in your ministry.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Though so unworthy, yet I’m a child of the King! And because of that sonship, God will use even us to spread His Word and His good works so that He might be glorified by our circle of friends and influence. Let’s aim at having our audience see Jesus and not our weakness.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, it is so easy to sit back and gloat on the praises that others may shower upon us. Yes, I know it is meant to encourage us and lift us up, but dear Lord, in humility we need to constantly learn that it’s all about You, and not of ourselves. Oh that the people might always see Jesus, without attention being drawn to us. For without You in our lives, and without You guiding our every step, our impact on a lost world would be non-existent. Please continue to use our talents and our willingness to serve for Your glory, and hopefully for the growth of Your church. Please help us to display so much of You, that those that we come into contact with, may receive Your glory. Please forgive us Lord for those times that we may have promoted self instead of You, the One who makes this whole life possible, and worth it all! To God be the glory! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. 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!

Jesus Is Coming Soon!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Decisions, Don't Procrastinate, Reunion Day, Saved, signsLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2021-06-06
WRITTEN AT: Sebring, FL

Bible Reference: Luke 21:25–28
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text:  25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

OBSERVATION: How blessed we are to have been given tips, or warning signs, about the end of time, as we know it today. It is incumbent upon us to act on these warning signs and ready ourselves for the eminent return of Jesus Christ to take His bride (the church) home to glory with Him. To be a part of ‘The Church’, we must have accepted Jesus as our personal Savior. Failing to act on this will leave you in a state where Satan will continue to be your master, even through eternity in Hell. Please read on for help in avoiding such a pitfall in your life.

APPLICATION:  I am not a meteorologist, but it seems like there are computers that are constantly analyzing the weather events of the past, so that based on certain wind flows and other conditions today, our favorite weather announcer could be prized with being the first to warn us about a predictable upcoming event, for our safety and security. Jesus shared with us in these verses today about various (obvious) WARNING signs that the Holy Spirit will cause us to stand to our feet and look up in full awe and anticipation to welcome our King – our Savior and our Messiah, as He comes to take us home with Him! Friends, when events such as this occur, there are often some folk who are waiting for the moment and are ready to go with the Master. However, there will unfortunately be those who have procrastinated, or refused to surrender their life to our Savior. Please consider me your biblical ‘meteorologist’ today, as based on God’s Holy Word, it is written that the first group mentioned above will be taken with Jesus to reside with His Father – our Almighty God, to live and reign with Him, to worship and adore Him throughout all eternity. This same Good Book also tells me to warn you that the second group will then cry aloud for the Savior, but because the decision was not made prior to His coming, He will have no choice but to disclaim them at that time and leave them behind with their earthly master, Satan. Friends, until the actual return of the Savior, you still have time to surrender your life to Him. However, because His return could be any minute now, you could very easily be totally out of time. May I encourage you to not tarry; please do not procrastinate; but instead make this a priority over anything else you have planned for today. Not sure how to handle this? Please read my ‘footnote’ for further instructions, or respond to me and I will personally give you guidance. This is way too important to procrastinate friend, please heed the WARNING!

PRAYER: Father, I am grateful that Your Holy Spirit visited with me and prompted me of the warning signs regarding my eternal destiny. Thank You for convicting me of my sin, and convincing me of my need for a Savior. I hurt today because of the multitude of friends and family that are playing with their commitment because they are not convinced of the warning signs. Lord, Your Word has been so clear and proven so true in so many ways. Please tender the hearts of my readers and those that are near and dear to each one of us today. May this devotional lead to a time of decision making by many as they listen to Your still small voice regarding your return and the certainty of eternity. We can only depend on You oh Lord, our Master and King, 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 Personal Encounter With The Master

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

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-06-05
WRITTEN AT: Sebring, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 10:48-52
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: 48 Those in the crowd were indignant and scolded him for making so much of a disturbance, but he kept shouting with all his might, “Son of David, have mercy on me now and heal me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they went to the blind man and said, “Have courage! Get up! Jesus is calling for you!” 50 So he threw off his beggars’ cloak, jumped up, and made his way to Jesus.
51 Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The man replied, “My Master, please, let me see again!”
52 Jesus responded, “Your faith heals you. Go in peace, with your sight restored.” All at once, the man’s eyes opened and he could see again, and he began at once to follow Jesus, walking down the road with him.

APPLICATION: In another story, I found it especially fitting how Jesus gathered the children to Himself, despite the disciples trying their best to send them away. Now in our story today, to see how the disciples also tried to send the blind man away so that Jesus would not be bothered by his call for mercy and healing. What I appreciate most of all though, is to see how Jesus singled out this blind man to learn more about his needs. We must be reminded that Jesus knew all about this man and his personal needs, long before he every ordered him to be brought before Him. However, it is often good for us to verbalize exactly what is going on inside of us, especially to the Creator of the Universe. Imagine for a moment if Jesus had just ordered that sight be returned to this man and afterwards, He just ordered the disciples to have him go about his way. What might the blind man have gained spiritually about that kind of distant encounter? Can’t you see that Jesus wanted to have a personal encounter with this man? We tend to grow relationally when we have a personal encounter, don’t we? That’s why pastors and evangelists often encourage non believers to not only meet the Savior, but to have a personal relationship with Him. There’s more accountability one for another when this happens, and we are more convinced of the love someone has for us when they are willing to meet with us where we are, understand our very personal convictions and needs, and make an effort to hold our hand or help us through the mountains in our life. Jesus is just that kind of loving Savior, and One that we have good reason to seek after, accept and follow for the rest of our lives. After all, He created us and He has a perfect plan for our lives. However, He will not force Himself on anyone, so just like the blind man, Jesus wants us to express our desire to know Him, to have a relationship with Him, and He wants to meet our needs in ways that are way beyond anything we could imagine. Have you called out to Jesus yet my friend? You may not be blind, but your needs may be even greater than Bartimaeus in various ways. Jesus knows about your troubles, challenges and your deepest needs, but He wants to hear from you. Are you interested in a one-on-one relationship with the Master and willing to share your heart with Him? Imagine His hands outreached in much the same way as He may have been when He ordered the disciples to bring him to Me. Talk with Him right now dear friend, and be willing to move when He calls.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Jesus is more interested in hearing about our needs than just healing from a distance. He wants a personal relationship with us as He meets with us and hears us acknowledge our shortcomings and our failures. With God, ALL things are possible!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for wanting to know me, to reach out and touch me rather than meeting my needs from a distance. It is such a relief to admit our inadequacies and inabilities to a God who knows it all and can remedy our every weakness. Please Lord, touch the hearts of my readers and listeners today, as together we acknowledge our need of the King of all kings. Open our eyes Lord, we want to see Jesus. Please make our lives shine with the love and glory of Jesus that the lost will be drawn to the source of our strength, love and wisdom. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. 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!

Never Lack Any Good Thing

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

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2021-06-04
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Psalm 34:8-10
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: 8 Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God.
    Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives
    to all who turn to hide themselves in him.
9 Worship in awe and wonder, all you who’ve been made holy!
    For all who fear him will feast with plenty.
10 Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry,
    but those who passionately pursue the Lord
    will never lack any good thing.

APPLICATION: For those of you that watch very much television, you could wind up very confused by the end of the day after being pitched commercial after commercial telling you how to choose the best products, food, partner, house, boat or investment. However, for the child of God, we know that the One in whom we believe brings us all of these things without us stressing over who to trust. Furthermore, as we seek God, accept His offer of salvation through His only Son, and understand His plan for our lives here on earth, we also learn more about the home He has prepared for us in Heaven after we transition from this world. Ever notice that at the very best, the world can offer us a real nice crypt, or mausoleum when we finish our time here on earth, but they have no power beyond that point. David had faced many challenges in his day, although he never indicated a state of perfection, for you see, David knew that he belonged to the Almighty God. In each verse of our Scripture today we could see where David is not only giving us great advice, but the advice is based on personal experience with his Maker. In verse 8, David coached us to ‘experience the joyous mercies that God gives to all who hide themselves in the arms of Jesus; In verse 9 David identified with all who worship God and recognize His amazing power and majesty, for as they fear Him, or respect the King of all kings, they will feast with plenty and they will enjoy the benefit of His goodness; And in verse 10, David encouraged us to passionately pursue the Lord – go after Him with heart, soul and mind, and we will be rewarded with so much that we will never lack any good thing. Friends, these things that David spoke about in our Scripture today will never show up on your TV screens, for these are offered only by our Father in Heaven, who sees our heart, knows our needs and longs to meet our every need while still here on earth, and when we transition to Glory to be with our Savior. Are you ready for the coming of the Lord dear friends, or are you satisfied with just the ordinary, yet stressful things of earth? There is a better way – seek the Lord while He may be found, and know His peace that surpasses all human understanding! You will never lack any good thing!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: I expanded above on three blessings noted in the focal verses today. These are proven and timeless promises by a God who loves us beyond description! Know Him today, and know this peace!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for all that You did in the life of Your servant, David. He was able to share with us from first hand experience how You blessed him and cared for him. Please provoke us to love and good works, so that we too might share the love of God. and Your mercies that endure for ever and for ever. We are too blessed to just keep Your mercies bottled up inside. Our family and friends deserve to know about You, may we be their inspiration. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. 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!

How To Have It All

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

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2021-06-03
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 10:29-30
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 29 Jesus told him:
You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or land for me and for the good news 30 will be rewarded. In this world they will be given a hundred times as many houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and pieces of land, though they will also be mistreated. And in the world to come, they will have eternal life. 

APPLICATION: Take a quick look at the rewards in store for the believer in Jesus Christ, and you might wonder what could possibly be concerning to unbelievers when they use the excuse that they would have to give up everything in order to surrender their lives to Jesus! I must share with you the testimony of an old missionary from our church. He shared with the men’s group how, when he was called on mission by Jesus, he started by giving his home and earthly possessions to a local church. He didn’t sell the house, because that was not a part of God’s calling. God told him that if he agreed to go to the mission field, he would take care of him. The gentleman didn’t want the worries of home and property back in the US, and he wanted to take God at His word about caring for him in a foreign land. He stood before us, after retiring from the mission field, and his life was about as rich as one could every expect to be here on earth. He had successfully completed a lot of work overseas, and now the work continues under his wise counsel. He was well cared for, healthy, blessed and living in a home located in a Missionary Camp in our local area. I now wonder if this Scripture was an inspiration to His life’s commitment and story of success? Friends, God is always true to His commitment to us. If He takes us to a situation, He will see us successfully through it. Just look at the blessings in store for those who commit to give up their life, as they know it today, and follow Him into His mission, wherever needed. He has gifts stored up for us here on earth, and He also has a glorious home prepared for us to spend eternity, when we leave this world! Notice that neither of God’s promises are conditional upon the stock market, as those rich on earth are so concerned about. I am convinced that God not only loves us unconditionally today, but praise the Lord He also has a whole new world prepared for us on the other side!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: There is no distinction in God’s Word that specifies which class, color or creed of people His rewards will be awarded to – just children of the Most High God who have chosen to surrender to His call on their life! That includes me – and you, my faithful readers and podcast listeners! Praise to our Almighty God!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for loving even me, and the plans You have for me! Thank You for my readers and listeners of this devotional, together we praise You and look forward to not only enjoying our heavenly home, but just to see you face-to-face and worship at the feet of You and our Mighty God! Please Lord, use us in Your service while here on earth as we prepare for the glorious day when we will transition from earth to heaven! I am convinced that the best is yet to come! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. 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!

Things That Hinder Our Relationship

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

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2021-06-02
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 10:20-22
TRANSLATION: New Century Version (NCV)

BIBLE TEXT: 20 The man said, “Teacher, I have obeyed all these things since I was a boy.”
21 Jesus, looking at the man, loved him and said, “There is one more thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”
22 He was very sad to hear Jesus say this, and he left sorrowfully, because he was rich.

APPLICATION: For a young man who is really into hunting, he may be in shock over his wife feeling alone and unattended to, because his personal needs are being met with things outside of his marriage. The rich young ruler in our story today felt accomplished, because he was able to acquire everything he needed to meet the needs in his life, for there was no shortage of money. In fact, he had convinced himself that he was really a good person, because he always strived to obey the commands taught by His priest. But just as in our case today, Jesus was able to look right through this man’s ideals and wishes, and He was able to see that everything hinged on the idea that the man’s money could buy everything he needed or wanted, so he struggled with the idea of surrendering his life to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Friends, before you dismiss this devotional because you don’t have the money to ever feel like it could control you, let me first suggest that anything could really replace the thought that ‘money’ could disrupt our relationship with Jesus Christ. Elsewhere in the Bible, Jesus taught that we must become like a little child. That’s because a child has no money, or anything else that would disrupt, or distract, from an honest relationship with anyone. Imagine for a moment that you followed the instructions that Jesus gave to the rich young ruler. Can you begin to imagine how dependent you would be each day on the Savior – your Provider and giver of all good things in life? My friends, this is how Jesus wants us to be: Humble ourselves before Him; Recognize Him for who He is; Depend on Him as the giver of life itself and every good thing that we truly need; and to respond to Him in honor, praise and thanksgiving for every little thing in life. Are you there yet? Can you see how we are no different to the rich young ruler? Yes, it may not be because we are rich, but we have great parents who respond to every need we have; or we may have a spouse who has a great job; or a friend who looks out for us like a brother; etc, etc. What is it that distracts you from a deep, sincere, undivided relationship with the Master? I believe that Jesus is saying to us today, go and sell, or go and sever those ties, then come and bow at my feet for mercy, love and total dependence. Jesus loves us and longs to be our Savior and our Lord. Do you love Him and long to follow in sincere dependence of Him?

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Jesus identified the earthly things that the rich young ruler needed to separate from, but he encouraged him to ‘come then and follow Him’. In spite of who we were, God sees us in love and encourages us to come, follow Him! That’s unconditional love!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for seeing us in our most sinful state, but still assuring us of Your love and inviting us to come and be Your guest. Lord, we are challenged by the things we have come to love in this world, and often we allow these things to blur our vision of You. The world needs to see an honest vision of You without any distraction from us. Please open our eyes and our hearts so that we might willingly sever our ties with anything that misrepresents You, and may our lives be so complete in You, so that You may accomplish Your work in and through us, as You see fit. We love You Lord, please help us to love You without distractions interfering in that commitment. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. 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!

May Onlookers Be Convinced of Jesus

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

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2021-06-01
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Isaiah 48:11–13
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 11 I will rescue you for my sake – yes, for my own sake! I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols! 12 “Listen to me, O family of Jacob, Israel my chosen one! I alone am God, the First and the Last. 13 It was my hand that laid the foundations of the earth, my right hand that spread out the heavens above. When I call out the stars, they all appear in order.”

APPLICATION: I believe that God spoke to me on two items in these verses this morning, and I wanted to share these thoughts with you:
1. The verses preceding those above spoke about God purifying His people with fire. Then He said something very powerful in verse 11: “I will not let my reputation be tarnished”. Friends, we may claim the name of ‘Christian’ or ‘follower’ or we may have a desire, and a commitment to live like Jesus. However, this may sometimes result in no change in our lives. So we claim to the world that we are ‘Christian’ but we go on living like the world. Based on today’s Scripture, I believe that God will then quickly step in to make sure that His reputation is not tarnished. We hear about Christian leaders being caught in adultery or some other sin, and we may sometimes wonder how did they get caught. We see where sin may have caused the divorce of very good friends. Why? We hear about friends who attend church regularly may no longer attend church, but tend to frequent parties that they never bothered with. These are all awful examples of people who we thought had their act together and were faithful to their Lord, why?? Friends, God said that He will not allow His reputation to be tarnished. I believe that this still very much applies today! Christianity is not a ‘pretend’ thing, it’s a lifelong commitment to the very One who sacrificed His life for our salvation. He’s the One who holds our future in His hands, and may I remind you that He will not allow His reputation to be tarnished!
2. In verses 12 and 13 God reminds us of His awesome power and supremacy. Let’s try to keep in mind that this God that we serve; He who created the universe that we enjoy today; He is the ONLY true God – the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end. Let’s also note that it is just not the human race that is under the obligation of obeying our Master, but even to the stars that we enjoy looking at – God also made them and they are obedient to His call. When we think of the awesomeness of our God, do we need to go any further than to simply read His Word and savor the awesome descriptions of our Creator? May I remind you that we serve a strong, awesome God!
Friends, do you know this awesome God of whom I have spoken in this devotional? If you do, please enjoy His presence today and rejoice in the awesome God that He truly is. If you don’t know my God, please allow me to introduce Him to you. There is information in my ‘Footnote’ that might help you, but I would welcome your email asking for my help. It would be my honor to introduce you to the One who will make the difference between eternal life with the Creator of this universe vs endless death in the presence of the Evil One – Satan. You may do a fine job of showing the world that you are a married person, but are they just as convinced that you are truly a son or daughter of the most High God? If not, why not? Strive to have such a relationship with the Master, that He will shine through in your actions and in your words to one another.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: At times we may feel so engrossed in this wicked world that they are bound to see our mistakes and our sinful nature. God said that He will rescue us – but for His own name’s sake. Is He being glorified through the way that you Live?

PRAYER: Praise God, I can rejoice in the joy of my salvation, the Creator of this universe and the One who lives forevermore! Lord, please deal in my heart daily so that I may never misrepresent You or tarnish Your name. Please touch the hearts of my readers today so that they may also commit to a pure, dedicated life that is totally sold out to You – a life that will never sacrifice or tarnish the wonderful name of Jesus. May others see Jesus through our actions and through all areas of our character, for I ask this in the precious and holy name of Jesus, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. 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!