Month: May 2023

Order In The Church

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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Thursday, 2023-05-11
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Timothy 3:14-15
TRANSLATION: Amplified Bible (AMP)

BIBLE TEXT: I hope to come to you before long, but I am writing these instructions to you in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

OBSERVATION: In our homes, we are raised with certain rules that we just fail to see the reason for, at times! In school, there’s more of the same, and also at work. There just seems to be an ongoing reason for rules, rules, rules! In starting out in ministry, Timothy needed lots of guidance and wisdom to continue leading the church in the order handed down from his ancestors. Paul offered guidance to Timothy, and the Holy Bible offers guidance to us today. Our meditation on the Scriptures today should help us better understand why we have rules.

APPLICATION: Until we understand the reasons for certain rules, it is challenging for us to change our worldly habits and follow the rules. I recently posted a devotional concerning the character expectations and integrity of a church leader. To the world, those rules from the Bible may seem unrealistic, and they may challenge believers on the reason for such rules. Sure, we can tell those questioning that it’s because God said so, but in our Scripture today we are actually told the reason for the rules and how it should be easy to understand the reason. It seems like whenever our government leadership thinks about changing certain national policies that might affect morale, they tend to ask leading church leaders for their opinion. Whenever an unbeliever walks into a church sanctuary, such as when attending a wedding or funeral, they tend to fall into place with everyone else in respecting the building as God’s place to meet with His people. From the understanding of today’s verses, it seems like Paul may have thought that questions may arise if Timothy instituted the rules he advised for the character and behavior of church leaders. So, Paul went on to explain the reasons why he wanted church leaders to be a special kind, or set apart, one who adheres to and respects the work of Christ in the local church. In some churches today, many of these rules are still in place, and here’s why: People will follow what their leaders say and do, and not so much what they demand in words alone. Church leaders will either teach, preach, or show by example that they represent a higher power – One who is above all mankind; One who has prepared a place for us to transition to when life here on earth is over; One who is perfect in every way, and has given His instructions for us to follow as we aim towards a life of perfection, like Him. Without observing the rules given by our Maker, we will instinctively follow the free reign of the evil one. Notice in the latter part of today’s Scripture, Paul reminded Timothy that the church belongs to, and should look like the church of the living God, for it is the pilar and foundation of the truth, and Jesus is the Truth, the Light and the Way. Friends, for those of you that sit in a congregation of church goers, we must all respect our leaders, but we must also keep them accountable – according to the rules and commands of God Almighty. For when they show us by example who it is that they worship, adore and serve, we will also be more apt to do the same. As a child, we played a game called ‘Follow the leader’. Perhaps it wasn’t a game after all, for we still do that at church, at work, and even at home. I believe the bottom line in what we should learn from this teaching today, is that each of us are called to ‘Follow the leader’. I must live in a way that my child will follow me and find that they are learning and following the ways of Jesus Christ. This will carry through in my workplace and in my church. Paul said that the church is the foundation of truth. I interpret that as saying that anytime one looks for an example of the Truth, they can look at the church. It only goes to say that the church must always be the church, or truth, God being our Guide and our Helper, so that others will not be misguided.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Representing our family heritage is one thing, but representing the holy Son of God is quite a challenge for us while living in the world with the opposition so prevalent. Praise God, we are children of the King!

PRAYER: Thank You Heavenly Father for Your mercies, and for Your commands and instruction, for without them, we would be deep in sin and living in the way of the evil one. Lord, some will go to church looking for love and for ideas to help improve their outlook on life. Some will search for a greater and higher being, but I pray that everyone that reads this devotional will find Jesus, the resurrected One the next time they go to church. The same One who provided salvation for all mankind from their sin and evil doing. Lord, please place it on our heart to pray for our church leaders, so that they may live in true and honest companionship with You, and in strict obedience to Your Word. Together we must be the church – Your truth, Your pilar and Your representatives that will lead the unsaved to 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!

The Excuses For Non-Attendance

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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, 2023-05-10
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

Also available via Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hcebkMndfK3GZKWjG8rvT

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 14:15-20
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!” Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

OBSERVATION: Unfortunately, things are not much different today than in the day of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus warned then, and I believe He continues to warn today, that when a banquet is prepared for us, and we are duly invited, there should be no reason for us to find excuses for not attending. I believe the Holy Spirit inspired me to compare this story by Jesus to the spiritual banquet that is prepared every week for us to meet with other believers in the presence of the King of all kings and receive the blessings of God, just as we would do at a banquet table with food. Take a few minutes to meditate on this with me today.

APPLICATION: I was touched as I read this story this morning. Perhaps for the first time I saw the tie between the direction Jesus gave to the Pharisees about hosting a banquet and the parable, or story that followed concerning the invitations to attend the banquet. I saw a deep parallel between the parable and our regular church services each week. I believe that if any of us knew, and was concerned about, the sacrifice, preparation time, study and research time, prayer and concern that went into preparing for our time together each week, we would probably bend over backwards to attend church and be thankful for the work of our pastors and church leaders. But could it be that we have become so self-centered and hardened to anything done for us by others, that we have forgotten everything our mom ever taught us about appreciating any and all things others may do for us? If we are truly following the will of God, is there anyone too good, or too evil, for us to share the love of Jesus with? Perhaps if we could take a close look at today’s Scripture and ask God to bring this to remembrance every time we push others away, or reject their invitation to be with them, we might seek the face of Jesus more frequently and beg His forgiveness while asking Him for strength to follow His will for our lives in all walks of life. Friends, this whole idea of accepting one another, and sacrificing a little bit of self in order to be a part of their joys and sorrows, all started with God, for He caused a Son – His only Son, to be born through miraculous means, so that He would ultimately be a substitute for the sin of all who choose to accept Him. This was done for those who we tend to turn away from, like criminals, known sinners, those who reject Christ, and of course, our God saw fit in doing this miraculous act for those He knew would accept His Son Jesus as Lord of their life. Nationality, nor color, nor male, nor female were exempt from the provisions made by God to enable our acceptance into heaven. I wonder how God must feel when He watches as we segregate those, we feel are unworthy? If only we would learn to do what God expects and commands of us, while letting Him be God and touch the hearts of those whom He loves and cares for. The Bible says that when Jesus arose from the dead, He went on to Heaven to prepare a place for us. It is totally God, in all of His wisdom and love, who will accept and/or reject those who will make it to heaven’s doors. We are not expected to help God decide on the sentence for each one. However, the Word of God teaches us that we are to love, encourage and spur one another on to the joys of heaven and our living God. It is virtually impossible to do that while allowing Satan to have his way in forcing a wedge between us and those God has placed in our path. So when we think of a banquet being prepared for us, think of the one meant to welcome us home to glory, and also the one each week where God chooses to soften our hearts so that we may not only hear His Word declared, but also allow it to minister to our heart. Prepare yourself for loving your ‘neighbor’ as much as we all love ourselves. God is love, so any thought we hear of hatred, revenge, or staying away from His church and His people, is a sign that Satan is way too active in our lives.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Time with Jesus will cause us to desire eternity with Him!

PRAYER: Lord, I believe if You made us as sick as we claim to be when it’s time for church, or as poor as we claim to be when we neglect giving to Your ministry causes, or any of the other multiple excuses that we make in life, especially when You are just waiting to bless us, we will be in deep trouble. Please Lord, forgive us for our ungrateful and evil ways. With the mouth, we say that we are Your child, but way too often we still act as if Satan is still in charge of our lives. Lord, I am serious about Heaven, and also about pleasing You in all that I do or say while still here on earth. Please give me strength and determination to live more in line with Your commands, Your will, and Your desires for me to be of Christian service to others that I come into contact with. I want others to see so much of Jesus in my life that they will desire and commit to a personal relationship with You. Please touch the hearts of all who will read this devotional. If they already serve You, I pray that they will become more committed to Your will and way. If they are still following the evil one, I pray that their hearts will be softened, and their eyes opened to You saving grace. May this be a day of decision and drawing closer to You in every 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!

Led By Righteousness or Blinded by Sin

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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Sunday, 2023-05-07
WRITTEN AT: Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas

SCRIPTURE FROM: Proverbs 4:18-19
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

OBSERVATION: In our Scripture, we see where Solomon was passing wisdom on to his son, just as he had gained from his father, David. Jesus said in John 1:12 that those of us who have accepted Him as Lord, we are also His children and, as such, He will lead us into all righteousness. Is there reason then for us to whine, complain and think of failure in life, if the Son of God gave us hope and opportunity for eternity with Him? Stay with me as we meditate on this important thought today!

APPLICATION: I feel like the Holy Spirit led me to remember and recognize that there is righteousness and truth in following Christ. And it is easy to understand how we fail so often and become overwhelmed in the things of this world, for we take our eyes off Jesus. If we are to be led by Jesus, then we must communicate with Him. Of course, I believe that all of you know that communication involves words and actions between at least two people. If I am to do this with you, you may ask questions of me, and expect for me to respond. If you ask me to do something that either you are commanding, or asking a favor, or strongly suggest that I do because of all the reasons you give me, then you expect me to follow your good advice. If I don’t respond in deed or in words, then you will probably doubt if I care, or if I truly listened to you, or if I want to see change. Communication with God is no different. He is looking to build a relationship with us. To begin the process, I believe He is looking for us to accept the free gift of eternal life that He sacrificially provided for us. For a personal experience, let me share that I recently spoke with an elderly lady at the church I attended. I had just seen her come through a food line, but she shared with me how she labored over making cookies for the shut-in ministry of the church. I admire people who will find ways to help, even if they couldn’t ordinarily afford to help financially. However, I know of recipients of that ministry who quite frequently trash the food given to them because the items may not be as presentable as they had hoped, or taste like the ones they make. Knowing the sacrifice made, don’t you agree with me that the recipients were very selfish and ungrateful? However, the Bible tells me that God sent His Son as an infant – a time that we actually celebrate – Christmas. This Son performed miracles and showed love to the unlovable while He was on earth. God then commanded that He die at the hands of a wicked king, so that through His death and ultimate resurrection, those who accept Him as Lord, could enjoy eternity in Heaven with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Similar to the story of the lady at my church, we see here the ultimate sacrifice made for us. Following in the steps of our Master and Lord, Solomon is telling us that we will become righteous and shine before a dark and sinful world as brightly as the midday sun! Is that something that sounds appealing to you, that you could represent the King of all kings? And that no matter how despondent the world might become, this one light of hope to those in your circle of family and friends will go a longs ways in helping them see Jesus. The reality of life is that not everyone will accept this gift, for they are determined to be as miserable in their old skin, their sin and despondency. Sadly, Solomon also shared with us what happens next for these unhappy and disobedient children also. Unfortunately they will continue to stumble, whine and complain without realizing what caused them to stumble. Don’t we see this very often in life – the folk that enjoy being miserable and who others hate to see coming towards them? There is hope my friend! Jesus stands willing and ready to accept your call for mercy and eternal life! If you are sick, most will quickly find a doctor. Today I am happy to tell you that if you are still in darkness, unbelief, doubt and despondent about life, there is a ‘doctor’ for that as well. Jesus specializes in saving such individuals from sin – if they do their part, by believing in the holy Son of God and trusting Him unconditionally, He will save you and redirect your life to live in obedience to His commands – His Word – the Bible. Help is available to you in my ‘FOOTNOTE’. Please decide today to believe on the name of Jesus – the only Son of God!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Regardless of what all is going on around us, we can shine as brightly as the noonday sun, because of the Son who lives and reigns inside of us!

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for everything You have done for us to help us dig out of our lives of pain and misery here on earth. Not only can we find peace for today, but You have promised us eternal life in the glories of heaven also. Lord, I believe! Please continue to mold me into Your likeness, so that others will see and believe in the wonders of heaven and the hope that is ours. Life here on earth is very challenging, so we look forward in great expectation and wonder, for all that You will bless us with presently, and in the world to come. Please forgive us when we seem unappreciative and ungrateful, like in the above story. 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!

Guard Your Heart

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

DATE POSTED: Thursday, 2023-05-04
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Proverbs 4:23
TRANSLATION: New International Version (NIV)

BIBLE TEXT: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

OBSERVATION: At the top of the list for dads to teach their children, should be the importance of guarding their heart above everything else. Solomon spoke intently to his son on this matter, and fortunately he lived the life to support the advice he was giving to his son. Stay with me as we look into the possible reason why God also saw this necessary for us today.

APPLICATION: The most challenging thing in you giving advice, is the importance of you living the life that you are teaching others to do. Solomon was known as the wisest man on earth. Isn’t it interesting how he was also known as the richest man on earth? I wonder if there is any correlation! In our world today, we hear a lot about folk with heart disease, in fact, I have been diagnosed with it, but when we go to bed at night with our home doors locked shut, possibly bars on our windows and doors, and possibly a loaded gun under our pillow or in a bedside drawer; or if we constantly worry about money being stolen from our bank account; or a gunman firing his gun in a crowd where we may be celebrating a joyous time; could it possibly be that many are suffering from a heart that is spiritually diseased? However, I find it interesting that this was really addressed by Jesus in His day on earth where, in Matthew 15:18-20 He said: “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile him. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defiles a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Friends, when we guard our home, we protect everything inside in ways already mentioned, locked doors, etc. When we protect our kids or our spouse, we become bold enough to stand in the way of a speeding bullet, or even fight the biggest, ugliest, meanest, man who threatens their safety. Yet, we sit in front of our televisions for hours on end and allow the filth and sin-laden actions of twisted movie makers to intoxicate our hearts with the ways of the world – in absolute and total opposition to what God commands of us. In fact, many of you will opt for this, instead of meeting with God’s people for worship to our Lord and Savior. What if we start protecting our heart like we do our money, or our belongings? Do you suppose we will find greater peace with God; healing from the great Healer; wisdom from the wise and almighty God; protection from the evil one, by the Holy of Holies? Please consider this challenge before you call on God out of desperation again. You might have a clearer conscience in approaching God, and you might expect more from the God with whom you have made an effort to develop a relationship with.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: It’s from the heart that we love others and God. From this, we develop relationships with the ones who make a positive impact in our lives and gives us hope for every tomorrow!

PRAYER: You have been so good to us Lord! Thank You for the privilege of life itself, and thank You for providing the means by which we could enjoy life in peace, knowing that our eternal home in Heaven is assured and awaiting our arrival. Praise God, this will be the opportunity for us to meet Jesus face to face and spend all eternity worshipping our Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the purity and sincerity that only Heaven can give. While on earth, please use us for Your glory as we try to bless others and love them like they expect from You. Please use every possible opportunity today to humble the hearts of those who have decided to live life here on earth without You, as their negligence will only lead to eternity in Hell with the evil one. May this be the day that many will be touched by Jesus and/or drawn to You without reservation. 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!