Month: March 2023

Ready or Not, Jesus is Coming

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Ready to Go, Recognize God, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, 2023-03-04
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

OBSERVATION: I remember the words from a scary amusement park ride, that told riders to ensure their safety and intent, as there is no turning back now! ‘No escape’ – the same words used in today’s Scripture about the return of Christ to collect His church (believers in Jesus Christ). Many of us tend to be very organized and make special provisions to ensure we are ready (prepared) and on time for an event. Ready or not, Paul reminds us that there will be no turning back, reassessing, redoing, or making quick changes, when the trumpet of God sounds. There will be no escape. Your eternal destiny is sealed at that point. What will your outcome be?

APPLICATION: For those who read my ‘Observation’ you may be saying that this is just another religious scare tactic. But is that what you say to the neighbor who comes over and, in a sense of urgency and/or panic, tells you that there’s a fire at the back of your house? Do you curse at the weatherman when he warns you of a storm that is likely to cause havoc in your day tomorrow? So let me encourage you to take this word from Paul as a warning from the God who created you. Remember, He’s the One who hung on a cruel cross at Calvary out of His perfect love for you, and He prepared a way to enable you to become righteous in the sight of God – washed white as snow, when you seek His forgiveness and accept Him as Lord of your life. Be reminded that there is absolutely no amount of good you can do, or money you can give away, that will earn you the right into heaven. It is only through accepting the free gift of eternal life through knowing Jesus as your Savior and Lord. So, with that background information before you, let’s address the warning given to the church at Thessalonica by Paul. He gave two excellent illustrations to the church. Just as you wouldn’t dare wait until a specific night to secure your back door, or lock your vehicles because you know that a robber is coming that night, so it is with making your election secure, so that your destiny is grounded and secure, for you also don’t know the day or the hour that Jesus will return to take His bride – the church – you and I. Be sure to also look closely at the analogy about labor pains and how the birth of a baby will happen when least expected. Many mothers will prepare for that unexpected moment right at the very moment they learn they are pregnant. Doctors will tell couples an approximate date the baby should come. Husbands will leave home for work, thinking it will be an ordinary day at work – until they receive a panic call from their wife that ‘it’s time to get to the hospital!’ Friends, just as the dad knew that they would have a baby, so we also know that Jesus will return. Just as the dad declined a trip to a long-distance destination so he could be close enough when the call came to him, so we are to be ready for Christ’s return. Believers accepted this fact as one of the most important parts of their decision to accept Jesus as Lord. Unbelievers are reckless with this decision, just like the father who travels away from home convinced that his child will not come for a few days. He has deep regrets when he realizes that he was mistaken, but he can’t turn back the hands of time so he could do things differently. So it is with the unbeliever who delays the decision to accept Jesus as Lord. No matter the good intentions, and no matter how you had a place and time already planned to accept Jesus, He will return based on a decision by God alone, and not anyone’s good intentions or their timetable. Please, dear reader or listener, don’t be sorry for not making your decision to accept Jesus when you are first called by Him. Called? Yes, when you first realized that Jesus was real and that He loves you like no one else does. How do I know? Because children of the world who are led by Satan will not have thoughts of heaven, or Jesus, or eternal life. It is only when Jesus tugs at your heart that your mind will be turned from the things of this world and towards your heavenly Father. The Bible says that God will only call for so long, then He will give you up to your own choices. Death will come to all, no escape. Your eternal destination will depend on what you did with Jesus. Make it count dear friend, make that vital decision today to accept Jesus as Lord.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: You can avoid ever being told ‘go away from me, for I never knew you’. Listen to Jesus today and be ready for His return which could be at any moment.

PRAYER: You loved us enough to provide the mean of salvation for us; to call us to Yourself and away from the wickedness of this world; and to correct us as necessary even while still here on earth. We really have no excuse to ever be threatened with the words ‘there’s no turning back now’, for as Your child, our aim is to eventually be together with You and the Father, in the glories of heaven. Many doubt the weatherman, but destructive storms come. Many gamble on the day of arrival for their child, but the baby comes when the time is right. Similarly, many have chosen to gamble on Your return date to take Your church home to glory, but they have placed themselves into a wedge where there is no escape. Please Lord, touch the heart of each one who takes the time to read this devotional today. May they clearly see the truth of Your Word and accept the free gift of Salvation only available through accepting You as Lord of their life. 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!

Principles of Prayer

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Prayer, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, 2023-03-03
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 11:2-4; 9-10;
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 2 So Jesus told them, “Pray in this way: ‘Father, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom.
3 Give us each day the food we need. 4 Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And keep us from being tempted.’ ”
9 So I tell you to ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. 10 Everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches will find, and the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.

OBSERVATION: I find it intriguing when a young child asks for an adult to ‘dumb down’ their response to a question, or to better explain their advice or information. They need help in a certain area, and unless they receive clear and understandable information, they still won’t be able to do what’s needed or expected of them. Imagine a young Christian, they too need clear, concise and understandable direction. Jesus knew that, like His disciples, young Christians need direction on how to pray, and seasoned Christians need a refresher every so often. As applicable to you, so let today’s Scripture apply.

APPLICATION: When we are hungry, often we have been without food for a while, but we know where to go to satisfy that hunger. The disciples felt they were missing out on the benefits of prayer (communication with God), so they went to Jesus and asked how they might accomplish that. You may be approached by a new believer asking the same question, or you might benefit from the tips that Jesus gave to His disciples, to help you in your journey of communicating with God. Here are some key points that I found helpful:

  • Honor the name of Jesus – to address a judge of our court system, he will insist that you recognize his position and approach him as ‘your honor’. Therefore, we must not just barge in on Jesus with your demands, but instead recognize Him for who He is and for all He has done. Give Him honor and glory and praise for who He is.
  • Acknowledge His kingdom rule – He is King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He has charge of everything He created, and although God allows earthly men and women to rule here on earth, it’s only until He returns to take His bride (the born-again church) home to the Father. After experiencing so much turmoil here on earth, no matter what country you’re in, aren’t you ready to have the Prince of Peace assume His sovereign reign here on earth, as He is doing already in heaven? In your prayers. let Jesus know how you feel about that. You will not only reassure Him of your desire to see Him rule and reign eternally, but it will also give you opportunity to acknowledge your state of readiness for His rule, His return and His reign.
  • Forgive us, as we forgive others – Interesting how Jesus uses the same concept as He used about our giving. He said He would give us in the spirit that we give. Both in our giving and in our request for forgiveness, we must always be reminded that God’s Word declares that He will treat us like we treat others. Our actions set the stage for God’s reaction.
  • Temptation – I believe that Satan considers it his full-time job to temp humans – especially believers in Jesus Christ. While we hate our reaction to temptation, it does act as a test if our commitment to our Lord and our dependence on Him is at a level where it should be.

I especially included verses 9&10 so that we might rejoice in the blessings promised to those of us who sincerely communicate with, and honors God for, His promised blessings. Everything God does, and everything He asks of us, is from a heart of love, as He strives to make us the best children possible for Him to work through.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Praise God that He cares for us! In spite of knowing our wicked heart, yet He calls us to Himself, loves us, and desires to see us be usable vessels for His glory!

PRAYER: Praises to our wonderful, all-powerful and awesome God, who knows us, yet He loves us anyway and will always be ready to accept us into His kingdom, if we so desire and acknowledge Him as Lord. Thank You Father for teaching us the basic principles of prayer. We realize that it is open and unfiltered communication with You, but in following Your principles, we have a better idea of what you expect when You hear from us. please forgive us Lord if we have ever been too trivial in our prayers to You. We have been reminded that You deserve our utmost respect and honor as we seek Your face in worship and prayer. Please keep our hearts and minds fixed on You and may Your commands always come to mind when we communicate with You. Please speak to the hearts of those who need You as Lord and Savior, and may Your words be made clear for them to follow You in a spirit of holiness. Please continue to bless us Lord, as only You can. 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!

Who Do They Say You Are?

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Actions, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Thursday, 2023-03-02
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Chronicles 9:5-8
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 5 She said: Solomon, in my own country I had heard about your wisdom and all you’ve done. 6 But I didn’t believe it until I saw it with my own eyes! And there’s so much I didn’t hear about. You are greater than I was told. 7 Your people and officials are lucky to be here where they can listen to the wise things you say.
8 I praise the Lord your God. He is pleased with you and has made you king of Israel. God loves the people of this country and will never desert them, so he has given them a king who will rule fairly and honestly.

OBSERVATION: When a head of state visits with another head of state, they probably watch everything happening, and listen closely to everything they hear in and around the palace. Some may be critical, and some may see values that they want to adopt. Not sure how many will be as bold as the Queen of Sheba to tell their visiting dignitary what they thought and/or felt while visiting, but the queen was very open with king Solomon. Those of us that are leaders in God’s work here on earth are also scrutinized very closely by those we serve. As we meditate on this Scripture, I would like for us to reflect on what might be said of us.

APPLICATION: For those who are called into ministry, like pastors, they have a mission to fulfill, so to criticize them is like criticizing the One who called them into ministry and sent them to serve in ministry at our church. However, there are many others who help pastors achieve the work for which God has called them, and who also serve in support functions to maintain the various ministries of the church. The Queen wanted to visit with Solomon because of all the good things she had heard about him. Because of what she said to Solomon, I believe that the Queen had heard very admirable things about the king and the way that he ran his kingdom. The Holy Spirit caused me to ponder what my pastor, church leaders, congregation, and my community has determined in their hearts about me in being head of my family; a good neighbor; upstanding in my community; persistent in my church attendance; involved and committed in the ministries of my church. For you see, I believe each of these things are inter-related. For example, if I struggle in my interpersonal relationships in my family, at work, and in volunteer work in my social clubs, don’t you think that the same will be expected of me at church? In the case of Solomon, the Queen was pleasantly surprised to find that she had heard nowhere near the full story on the king. Everything she had heard was confirmed, plus she witnessed many additional qualities about this awesome king. I was blessed in reading verse 8, for there we see that the Queen acknowledged where Solomon’s qualities came from! She thanked God – the God of Solomon, for blessing Solomon with such wonderful qualities, and also for God blessing His people, the Israelites, with such an awesome leader and king. No matter how hard we work, we can rest assured that others are looking on and drawing their own conclusions about whether we are sincere in our work, or just pretending. If we say that we believe in Jesus Christ and that we will always honor Him in every aspect of our life, then it should be evident to others. They should want to honor our God, because of how well we are doing.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Just as the Queen of Sheba praised God for what she saw in His servant, Solomon, I pray that we may bless others in similar ways, to the glory of God!

PRAYER: Lord, I praise You for who You are! I pray that You might always be such a vital part of our lives that others might lift up holy hands in praise to the Almighty for what they see in us. As You bless us, oh Lord, may we also be a blessing to others. Yes, we may not be rich like Solomon, but just as the Queen of Sheba saw his character shining through and knew it was Your hand working in his life, may those we come into contact with be enriched and blessed by the qualities You bestow on us every day. May they always see You at work in us, Lord, and may they have a deep desire to know You in a personal and intimate way. 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!

Personal Righteousness

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, Righteous, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Wednesday, 2023-03-01
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Psalm 141:3-4
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: 3 Guard my mouth, O Eternal One; control what I say. Keep a careful watch on every word I speak.
4 Don’t allow my deepest desires to steer me toward doing what is wrong or associating with wicked people or joining in their wicked works or tasting any of their pleasures.

OBSERVATION: Although you could never be God, I wonder what you would want to see differently in me, or others around you! What kind of list might I create for self-correction! In being reminded of the holy and righteous God that we serve, I wonder what our list would be to better align ourselves with His righteousness? Obviously, David found himself in an environment where he could speak to God about his inadequacies. As you meditate on this today, think about where, when and how you will find peace and quiet for your time with God, so that you could truly hear Him.

APPLICATION: Not sure about you, but when considering my strengths and weaknesses, I sometimes wonder how on earth a holy and righteous God would ever consider having a relationship with me. I’ve never been to prison, or even hauled down to the Police station for questioning, but when I look at my list of things that I fall short on, it becomes frightening to think that I could ever be worthy of a perfect God’s love. I believe the difference between David and myself is that David spoke to God as one who knew every little detail about his character and his heart. It’s when we approach God about our sin, while thinking that our actions are a surprise to Him, or a disappointment that may cause Him to turn away from us. In other words, we may feel like there is something that we’ve hidden from Him, until that very moment. Is it any wonder that we shy away from wanting to be in His presence and seek His forgiveness? But somehow, I believe that David was very much at ease in speaking with God on almost any occasion and no matter where he was at. Paul exemplified similar behavior in the relationship he enjoyed with the Master, remember in prison? But notice how David zoned in on the most important parts of his body that tend to get all of us in trouble – the mouth and the heart – our desires. These things will kill the spirit in a church, cause pastors to give up their ministry out of despair, thinking that Satan is just too busy and active among the members. Unfortunately, even though church leadership may feel like the arguments and internal fighting happens behind closed doors, it is very obvious to the visitor who is spiritually led and dependent on the Holy Spirit. David had many who were out to get him as a leader. I believe that in his humble spirit, he was asking God to help him be an imitator of his Creator to even those out to break his spirit and his will. I believe it is a built-in reaction for us to snap back and say inappropriate things when others try to destroy us. Oh, for the heart of David to ask God for power to respond like He would – in love, compassion and after God’s own heart – even towards those whom Satan is leading to destroy us.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Having a heart pleasing to God, is one that is filled with His righteousness and a humbleness – a heart willing to ask for that help and strength from God. May it be so today for the one who knows Jesus as Lord and seeking to live in His righteousness. And for the one who is led by Satan, may the tug on their heart overwhelm their decision to follow Jesus, as Lord and King of their life.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, only You truly know our heart and the pull of Satan in trying to destroy Your soldiers of the cross while trying to live on this earth. I believe You designed us to be dependent on You, Lord, so please give us extra strength each day, and place within us a desire to seek Your face and Your guiding hand to help us through this life while promoting Your kingdom in every way possible. Satan has tugged at the unsaved and kept them walking down a path that’s far away from the way of the cross. It’s a heart matter for those who choose to follow in an opposite path to that which leads to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, so please consider touching the hearts of those we love and care about yet distracted by Satan. May this be the day that they sing out their need for a Savior, and may they turn from their sin and follow you with all their heart, soul and mind. 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!