Month: June 2023

Honest In Business Dealings

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

DATE POSTED: Thursday, June 29, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Houston, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 11:1

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: A false balance and dishonest business practices are extremely offensive to the Lord,
But an accurate scale is His delight.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: Can everyone consider your words accurate and honest, without any hidden agendas on your behalf? God reported through Solomon in this Proverb today, that He is pleased when we report what is right, just and honest, but it truly disturbs Him when we use dishonest means and report part-truths. This may hurt, but stay with me as we look into fully understanding this Proverb today.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I try to always look at the available commentaries to make sure that there is not something in the Scripture that should be shared with you, that I have not fully understood or looked at from every angle. For those who are young, you may not know about the ‘scales’ mentioned in this Scripture today, but instead of digital, these were once manual, where you placed weights on one end, so that when weighing something on the other end, you would know how much it weighs. This description will help you better understand where Solomon was coming from when speaking of honesty in your scales, and also in the following illustration. One of my favorite commentators gave this story to lend understanding to the meaning of this verse: ‘Every day, the farmer delivered a pound of butter to the baker. But the baker began to notice that the pound of butter was becoming smaller and smaller and smaller. “My goodness,” he thought, “I’m being systematically cheated.” So he reported it to the town constable. The baker and the constable went to the farmer’s farm, where the farmer was accused of shortchanging the baker. “But the butter I give him weighs one pound,” the farmer insisted. “What are you using for a weight?” the constable asked. “The baker’s one-pound loaf of bread,” the farmer replied. Thus, the baker was caught in his own trap.’ Unfortunately, this principle can be applied to more than the butcher, farmer or grocer, for having worked in the financial sector all of my working life, I know that many businesses would present a ‘real’ P&L (Profit and Loss) sheet to the bank for a loan application, instead of the one filed with the Internal Revenue Service. I believe that if businesses were as ‘poor’ as the case presented to the Internal Revenue Service, then many would fail. Furthermore, I know that individuals dread the idea of the Internal Revenue Service auditing their personal tax returns as well. I wonder why! If we are truly honest, why do you suppose any of the above might be the case? But doesn’t this sound like manipulating the records for the individual’s, or business’ own profit? God knows the truth of that, and He will be the judge over those decisions. But I believe that manipulation is an abomination to God in all aspects of our lives, including our spiritual affairs. Church attendance and looking prim and proper is not proof that we will enter Heaven’s gates. Being good when around certain people is not considered good enough to enter Heaven’s gates, for it is only through surrendering one’s life to the lordship of Jesus Christ for His will and purpose, that one is truly saved. There was an old proverb that my parents taught during my youth, ‘you can change some of the people some of the time, but never all of the people all of the time’. So why then do we try to sway others towards such impression of us, even if it is a false impression? Let’s try to remember, God knows every little detail about us and our business dealings, so why would we possibly see the need to try and fool others into thinking otherwise? I believe that God is more concerned about our honesty, even when we realize that we have messed up, because He wants us to present ourselves as we are known to God, so that the people will know God and see Him in His children.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Praise God that He sees us just as we are. I’m sure that He must be disappointed how we try so hard to mask who and what we are to everyone else. Let’s remember, God never created junk, so there’s nothing wrong with us presenting ourselves as God sees us!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Praise the Lord God Almighty for creating even me in His perfect will. I may not be as tall as some, nor rich as others. I may not see or hear perfectly, but knowing that I was made by the Creator of this whole world, loved by Him so much that He was willing to sacrifice the life of His very own Son, and that He has prepared the most wonderful place ever imagined for my eternal home with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, why on earth would I feel it necessary to try and impress others to see me other than a child of that same King? Lord, please help us to be proud of our heritage and our relation to us. Please keep us honest and never see the need to fool others, or falsely report on things that You are obviously very aware of. Let others see Jesus in us, and not the obvious falsehoods that we try to introduce into our lives to please others. Your way is perfect. Please help us to replicate that perfection so that others will see and desire a relationship with You. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to 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!

Bold or Timid; Brave or Ashamed?

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: Saturday, June 24, 2023, and I was blessed to be at O’Brien, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN 2 Timothy 1:8-9

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: 8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: Which word in my title best describes your attitude towards telling the world about the One who saved you from your sin? Fortunately, we have the Word of God, and a trooper like Paul to remind us of what it would take to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy was brave and courageous as he went out to minister without his mentor by his side. Let us take note of Paul’s encouragement and be ready to minister also.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Paul knew that sooner or later someone would question Timothy about who sent him to them to minister in the name of Jesus Christ. Knowing that Satan would use any and all abnormal situations in a person’s life to impact the effect of their ministry, Paul wanted to see Timothy well prepared for the inevitable. However, these same challenges still exist today for the child of God who seeks to honor Jesus Christ and have a deep desire to minister in His name. So, I believe that spending some time in thought and meditation will help us to understand Paul’s advice to Timothy, and also how it could impact us. I believe the Holy Spirit caused me to think of some key words in Paul’s message, and in order to better understand and apply this advice, I was led to think of opposites. For example, if we are not ashamed, then we would be bold about our message and not allow anything or anyone to distract us in delivering that message. If we are to be bold in identifying with our mentors, whether it’s Jesus or an earthly mentor, like Paul was to Timothy, then our daily mission would be to imitate them in our words and in our actions. But Paul wanted Timothy to not be ashamed of him, nor the gospel of Jesus Christ. Can you identify with that? You know, those times when all of your peers are drinking and loudly jeering at each other, and you have to decide if you will join them, or truly be bold in your witness for Jesus Christ? Those times when you’re in a crowded restaurant along with a business partner that you took to lunch, but then it comes time for you to decide whether to publicly pray over your food, or not? Those times when you feel pressured by your spouse and the kids to not attend church so that you could go to the beach with them. Those conversations where you must decide whether to truly represent Christ, or join in with fellow employees and the off-color jokes they feel so proud of? Friends, through Jesus’ example, we can appreciate why it is so important to be bold and obey our Father’s will, instead of timid and doing what we know would make us comfortable and happy, at least in the world’s eyes. Jesus showed us how He was brave in the face of His enemies (Pilate and all those who judged Him) and He was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each day you and I are judged by our coworkers, our friends and our family. Some of us may be considered a ‘Jesus freak’; some, a ‘religious fanatic’, and some may even be looked upon as having lost their sense of reality, compared to mankind today. But I believe that it is time for us to answer the same question that Jesus posed to His disciples: ‘But whom do you say that I am’. For you see, I believe that depending on our response to that question, we will determine how committed we are to being bold, and not timid; brave and not ashamed. Jesus is the One who gives us the power to overcome the world, but we must decide in our own hearts if we will let Him.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and gives us power to overcome the world!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, You made the way for us to enter heaven, and You lived the life to demonstrate to us how we could live now, with our hearts and minds fixed on eternal life with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Thankfully, in Your Word, You also showed us men like Paul who lived life in full obedience to Your commands and ministered to others who needed You, no matter what the outcome might be. Unfortunately, today we are timid because we’re afraid of being challenged about our faith. We tend to be ashamed because of the mockery sinners choose to impress upon us when we refuse to do the wicked things they promote or go along with their mockery of the things of Christ. Please Lord, embolden us with Your power and teach us to stand for the things we believe in. Help us to apply the lessons we learn in church and in Your Word to the world at large when we encounter their wickedness. As children of the King, I believe we must learn to live in truest form like a prince so that the world will catch a glimpse of royalty, truth and love in its perfect sense. This will require us to be bold and brave, but I am convinced that You can do all things through those who place their faith and trust in You. Let others see Jesus in action dear Lord, for Your sake and for Your glory. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to 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!

Solemnly Warn Them

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, Warning, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, June 20, 2023, and I was blessed to be at O’Brien, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 17:3-4

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Pay attention and always be on guard [looking out for one another]! If your brother sins and disregards God’s precepts, solemnly warn him; and if he repents and changes, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him [that is, give up resentment and consider the offense recalled and annulled].”

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: HELP!!!! For it seems like somewhere along the way, the world, or Satan, has changed the rules on us, and created in us a different plan to that ordered my God. Our Scripture today includes words spoken by Jesus Himself as he taught His disciples. Did this change somewhere along the way on how we are to correct one another today? Let’s have a look at this and see how to best apply the Word of God to our lives.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I believe that God, the One who created us in His image, and designed us to be like Him here on earth, He also has the right, privilege and design to point us in the right direction so that we may walk this earth, interact with others, and be a proper example of our Creator. Therefore, when I read this Scripture today, God drew my attention to these particular verses because, to obey this command, is probably one of the toughest things for mankind to act upon. Giving a pat-on-the-back to a pastor, church leaders or members seem to come somewhat naturally, even though very often we hesitate in doing so. But to discipline, or correct, is something that most Christians stay away from. Perhaps to avoid confrontation, or to avoid someone walking away from the church and either moving to another church, or just simply staying at home. Why, some really get their feelings hurt and stop giving to the Lord when they don’t get their own way at church. This may be caused because we have become a people so stuck in our own belief system, or in our own ways, that we truly don’t appreciate advice, or correction, from anyone else. No doubt Christians today have become so accustomed to, and try to practice wholeheartedly, the words of Jesus that we love one another with the love that Jesus loves us, that it just doesn’t seem right to correct someone. But try to apply that to parenting! Wouldn’t this world be in utter chaos if we chose not to correct and discipline our kids? I wonder, is that perhaps what might be going on in Christendom today with the lack of correction? By not correcting, or disciplining, or denouncing certain habits or behaviors, aren’t we perhaps endorsing them? Are we giving the ‘all-clear’ verdict from the church – God’s living organism on earth? Friends, we can all kid around about a time when we were disciplined by a parent, and they told us that their actions would hurt them more than it would us! We sometimes laugh about that, now that we are older, but has that not hardened us against disciplining others in the church now? I love the way that Jesus taught this principle. He directed us to discipline, and be ready to forgive, if we notice changes in their lives to show evidence of that correction, no matter how many times they come back to us and ask for forgiveness. What a lesson for us today. Way too often we expect military style turn around and repentance. Otherwise, we feel like our correction fell on deaf ears, or were simply rejected, leaving us with no alternative but to turn our backs on them. Friends, we discipline because we love that person ignoring the teaching and example of Jesus Christ, and we want to see them correct their ways. Let’s do all within our power to help other children of God overcome evil and live in accordance with God’s commands. Our aim should always be that we walk through the gates of heaven arm in arm as we prepare ourselves for the voice of Jesus in complimenting us for our obedience to His call and message.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: We warn someone because we love them, and we want to see them benefit from obedience, and be blessed of God.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You precious Lord for loving me enough to accept me as I was, and teaching me to correct my inadequacies and wrong doings each day. I apologize that this is such an ongoing necessity, for I’m sure You must have hoped that I would be self-sufficient and fully obedient to Your commands by now. Thank You Lord for Your patience and Your ongoing guidance to steer me aright. Please show me opportunities to help others along the way, even if that involves warning them at times. Lord, please help me to do that with a heart patterned after Your heart and filled with the same love that drove You to the cross to express Your love for mankind. For the church to be the church, I believe that we, Your servants, must learn to follow Your example and fully obey all Your commands. There is absolutely no time for being conflicted about our beliefs, as this will leave gaps for Satan to enter and destroy us. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to 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!

Active In Ministry, or Complaining?

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: Tursday, June 15, 2023, and I was blessed to be at O’Brien, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Contemporary English Version (CEV) IS FOUND IN Nehemiah 4:1-3

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: When Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, heard that we were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he became angry and started insulting our people. In front of his friends and the Samaritan army he said, “What is this feeble bunch of Jews trying to do? Are they going to rebuild the wall and offer sacrifices all in one day? Do they think they can make something out of this pile of scorched stones?” Tobiah from Ammon was standing beside Sanballat and said, “Look at the wall they are building! Why, even a fox could knock over this pile of stones.”

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: Ministering in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is not for the weak or for those who can’t handle ridicule. It’s not because our generation has become hardened, obstinate, or determined to destroy Christians, but merely because Satan is constantly seeking to destroy the work of God, and he brings his army into action to kill, steal and destroy the work of the innocent endeavoring to promote their awesome God. Unfortunately, this is not just a story from the days of Nehemiah, but it is still happening in our churches today. Let’s anticipate blessings as we study how God has already helped others in much the same way that we need His help today.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Some would say that you are only criticized if you are doing something worthwhile. I would add that if you are never being criticized, then, it could be that you are just sitting around doing nothing worthwhile. When you take a right stand, you are going to be criticized. Unfortunately, I believe that mankind is very challenged to criticize on something they are very passionate about, without displaying that passion through their questions, help and or suggestions. Passion often comes across as being upset, being frustrated with the individual, or even being angry with the individual. But in the case of our Bible story today, it seems like Sanballat, and his men, felt threatened by the Jews who were rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Think about it, if you or I heard about an individual, or a group, who started attending our church, but they came with a history of successes in ministry or in life circumstances, we too would probably keep a close eye on them for any advancements, suggestions, or efforts to take over. Isn’t it unfortunate that we become satisfied in our rut? We realize that God could do a whole lot more through His people than we are prepared to put forth, but we’ve done all that we believe we should do, or we are just plain out tired and overworked, or we are just blinded to new visions of what God can truly do through us. Often lack of feeding on the Word of God will do this to us! But for the one who is diligent about the work of the Lord, let me encourage you, that what God has in store for you, no man can take it from you. Friends, I believe that if we are persistent in the Word of God, and faithful in our communication with the Father, He will fill us with more success in our ministry than we ever thought possible. There wouldn’t be a need for us to stop and pout about what others are doing, for we will be busy in accomplishing all that God has chosen to accomplish through us for His ultimate glory! There’s no time for complaining and whining before God, that’s a tool of the devil to impede the work and distract sinners looking for the peace and handiwork of God. As His agents here on earth, we must be about our Father’s work, not helping to add success to the enemy – Satan.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: While others are waiting to tear down the work God has ordained for us, God is choosing to use us to touch the lives of sinners looking for peace in the midst of their storms of life. Be willing servants, and let God have His way dear friends!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I am thankful that You have chosen to work through simple, but willing servants such as myself. No seminary, and no special skills in the eyes of educated men here on earth, but a willing and surrendered soul willing to allow You to have Your will and way in our lives for the sake of the unsaved reaching out in desperation for a Savior who could redirect their path away from the sins of this world. Only You can save a soul, and only You can direct a man, used to the sin of this world, into the glories of heaven where You are. Please Lord, draw the attention of other believers and myself to remember and recognize the pain of sin that the unsaved may bear, for I believe that it is then that we might see their need for a loving Lord who sits ready to receive them, should they choose to surrender their life to You. The world is hurting, and as children of the Almighty God, we have the answer to this horrific pain. and we should be sharing with the unsaved at every opportunity. Please open their eyes, and humble our hearts as helpful children of the King. Allow the unsaved to see Jesus today. For I ask this in the name, and power of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to 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!

Rewards For The Righteous

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: Saturday, June 10, 2023, and I was blessed to be at O’Brien, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 10:30-32

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: The [consistently] righteous will never be shaken, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth. The mouth of the righteous flows with [skillful and godly] wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know (speak) what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked knows (speaks) what is perverted (twisted).

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: God caught my attention today as I studied in the NLT where ‘The righteous’ was referred to as ‘The godly’. As I prepare my notes for publishing my thoughts, I often think about what a non-believer must think who happens across my Nuggets from the Word of God. So I spent some time studying and thinking about what the Bible means when it refers to ‘The godly’, or as the Amplified and several other versions refer to this cross-section of people as – ‘The righteous’. I believe that God might challenge you today as you meditate on the remainder of this devotional with me.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: The NLT (New Living Translation) refers to ‘the godly’, and I was amazed to discover a meaning of: ‘someone or something as having a religious character, being devout, and conforming to the laws and wishes of God. It can also refer to something that comes from God or is divine. Godliness is more than just external behaviors; it is an inward devotion to God that is outwardly displayed‘. The AMP version that I used above refers to ‘The righteous person’, and I believe that the above description also describes the person who has placed their life under the complete lordship of Jesus Christ, and who strives daily to live a life that is ‘right with God’, and living in obedience to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as detailed in His Word. Because of the struggles that Christians sometime feel like they are going through, I believe there exists a certain amount of doubt about the true value of being a Christian, or a godly person, or ‘righteous’ in God’s view. However, if you would take a few minutes to read this short chapter in Proverbs, I believe your eyes might be opened to the 11 times that Solomon explained how he felt the godly, or righteous person is benefited, or blessed by Almighty God. From our finances, to our nutritional needs, to the value of the words we speak, to our earnings, etc. This wise man of God also compared in each example how the children of Satan would struggle in each area that God’s children are blessed. I believe that today we should be consciously looking closer at the many ways that Christians are blessed in so many areas, compared to their worldly, unsaved, evil counterparts. Friends, we are children of the Creator of this universe; the One who offered salvation for even sinners who are so undeserving of such wondrous blessings; the King who rules above all kings and lords. We are a blessed people, and the best is yet to come, for when we leave this world behind, we are welcomed into the glories of heaven. What about you dear Christian friend, are you living today as one who has this kind of assurance and a future that is out of this world? What about you, dear one who has chosen death over life; Hell over Heaven; Satan over Father, Son and Holy Spirit? As long as you have life, you can still choose ‘life’ over death and Jesus over Satan. It’s up to you precious friend. Live today with the security of your future being in Jesus Christ! There are helpful tips in my Footnote to guide you in changing the trajectory of your life! Please do the smart thing today!

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Having a mouth filled with wisdom, tells me that the world is watching and listening to the child of God. Let’s be so attuned to the Word of God that we will never disappoint the world in hearing true wisdom, as if directly from God.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord Jesus for blessing us way more than we could ever imagine, or deserve. Please work in us and keep us near the cross where your mercies and grace will always fill our hearts and impact our lives. May the meditation of my heart, and the words from my mouth be used by those who hear them, better know and accept You as Lord and Savior. Please continue to bless us, and always use us for Your glory. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to 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!

Our Source of Power, Love and Self-Control

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

DATE POSTED: Thursday, June 8, 2023, and I was blessed to be at O’Brien, FL when God inspired me to write this blog post. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) IS FOUND IN 2 Timothy 1:6-7

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: … I want you to remember the gift God gave you. God gave you that gift when I laid my hands on you. Now I want you to use that gift and let it grow more and more, like a small flame grows into a fire. The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: There are many excuses we give for not sharing our story with others nor the wonderful love of Jesus and the amazing sacrifice that He made, just for His children who accept Him as Lord and Savior. But as we remind ourselves of the great counsel given to Timothy, by Paul, in these verses, I wonder if we realize how meaningless those excuses are. Continue with me so we might think about this together.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: The excuses started with our ancestors of Bible times. Why Moses thought he could not speak clearly enough to accept God’s order to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Yet under the guidance, and with the power of, Almighty God, Moses led, fed and nurtured over a million people out of the slavery restraints of Pharoah, through the desert and the Red Sea as they headed towards the Promised Land. David, just a young lad, offered to battle Goliath, a giant whom the whole Israelite army feared, and in spite of the many excuses by the army generals, this young man’s dependence on God helped him to bring the giant down. Paul, a man in prison for simply spreading the love of Jesus Christ, yet God worked through him to save prison guards, break free from the prison chains and, against all possible odds, open the well secured gates to walk out and continue his ministry. I could go on and on about our miraculous God but suffice it to say that our excuses have no hold on the power of Almighty God, who stands ready to accomplish His work through simple old us, and against all doubts of sinful men. Timothy was very much like us, where he doubted his capabilities and possibly even the power of God. But praise God, Paul, who had seen God deliver him from many challenges, especially the constraints of the evil one, stood ready to mentor, encourage and help open up the spiritual eyes of Timothy. And because of God including this story in His Word, you and I could also be encouraged to face our giants in confidence knowing that the Holy Son of God, who came from very humble beginnings and encountered much mockery and scorn, sits at the right hand of the Father ready to help us overcome our fears, timidity and doubt. Friends, God wants us to simply do what the Holy Spirit leads us to do and say, so that the glory of God may still be revealed, even today, as we attempt to lead the unsaved into the joys of heaven, through the very Son of God. Sure, there may be mockery, doubt and even push-back by the nay sayers and those aiming to restrain the Word of God, but we must always remember that greater is He who lives and reigns inside of us, than he who continues to create havoc and all forms of sin among those of this world who refuse to accept Jesus as Lord. My fellow believers, Jesus is the source of our power, love and self-control, and there isn’t anything that He can’t do through us to accomplish His kingdom’s mission. Let us learn to go out into our mission field and share the love and ministry of Jesus Christ so that the world might know and believe in the very Son of God. Let’s no longer give the world reason to doubt God because of our timidity, we know that Jesus lives, because He lives inside of us. And from that power, we can do all things through Him who saved us from our sin and continues to ready us for heaven! What an awesome God we serve!

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: His Spirit, God’s Holy Spirit, is our source of power and love and self-control and we no longer need to make excuses for not being worthy or able to accomplish His work.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Please, Lord Jesus, remind us constantly of the awesome power of our Holy and Mighty God that lives inside of us and stands ready to accomplish Your work through us. Any doubt or fear can only be attributed to the evil one who is constantly trying to block the work and power of God. I believe that one of Your greatest commands given to us is ‘Go ye into the world and preach the gospel’ and it’s probably one of the things that we work hardest at fighting, because in many ways we are still way too attuned to the voice of Satan. Lord, please fill us again today, so that we may stand bold in our faith and know without a doubt that You are our source of power, love and self-control, and that we can do ALL things through You – the One who saved us and works mightily through us. For the unsaved that we will cross paths with today, please help us to show the love and power of Jesus Christ, their only hope for eternity in heaven with You. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Go online to Apple Podcasts, or using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Please allow me to 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!

Having Something of Value

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, Worship2 Comments

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, June 6, 2023, and I was blessed to be at O’Brien, FL when God inspired me to write this blog post. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Luke 16:24-28

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’ “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: This is just an excerpt from a very well-known Bible story that involved a proud rich man, and a humble poor man who sat at his gate most days hoping to benefit from the scraps from the rich man’s table. From every indication, the rich man saw Lazarus as more of a bother than anything else, as long as the rich man felt more important than Lazarus was. I wonder how well we would do in our witness if we felt frowned upon by prospects we witnessed to?

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Jesus is telling this story, but He was treated in much the same way as Lazarus. However, I believe that many of us would be challenged to accept ridicule and still go on loving and looking out for a person’s best interest if they don’t appreciate, nor want us anywhere near to them. But as long as the rich man felt ‘rich’, or better than Lazarus, there was nothing that Lazarus could offer him of any meaningful good. However, when the position was reversed, the rich man suddenly discovered, and acknowledged, the value of poor old Lazarus. Apparently, the witness of this poor old man had an impact on the rich man’s life after all, even though his life here on earth was much too comfortable to think of ‘needing’ the God of this universe. Notice how, in two instances, the rich man asked Abraham to ‘send Lazarus’. When our lives are changed, and we could identify what helped our lives to change, we are suddenly ready to refer that change agent to others! Friends, none of us desire to be poor, or especially forced to beg for our nutritional needs, but throughout the Bible we are taught the benefits of humbling ourselves and persistence in our witness for our Lord and Savior. Just as I believe that the persistent witness of Lazarus had a profound effect on the rich man from our story today, I believe that we could also give God complete access to use us in witnessing to great and small alike – even those who we might often feel inferior to, because of their earthly status and value. Think about this, no matter how much money a man might have, he must still enter heaven through the same gate that the poorest man on earth, in order to see heaven. Jesus sent His Son so that ALL may enter, through Him, into the portals of Heaven. Yes, your approach may have to be different when witnessing to a rich man than you would to a beggar. But their need is the same, and the solution to their earthly problem of sin, is the very same. There is no ‘first class’ entrance, or golden gate, for one versus the other. Regardless of your financial status, your lineage or your job position on earth, we are all equal at the foot of the cross. The rich man struggled to see this while alive, and so will many who consider themselves above the rest, but our story, our witness, and our love for each and every one must be the same, for its only through Jesus that one will be saved and made acceptable to heaven.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Praise God, there is a way for us to enter heaven! We may not be guilty of the same sin as the rich man in our story, but without ever accepting Jesus as Lord, some will face the same predicament where they will see those who witnessed to them afar off in heaven spending time with Jesus, and they will wish they would have listened to the warnings.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, thank You for accepting me as Your son, and promising me the glories of heaven. But because of this story, I am reminded of the rich, the princes, the kings, the queens, and the CEOs of large corporations who may never see the need of One who offers them much more than anything they could ever have here on earth. It is challenging for even me to understand that they will be filtered through the same gate as me, to receive their judgment and directions for their final, eternal destiny. Please Lord, place men and women in their way, just like You did with Lazarus, but please help nonbelievers to catch a glimpse of Heaven, where You stand with opened arms to receive them, should they make good decisions today. You died for us all, now please speak intently to those who do not feel the need to accept You as Lord. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Go online to Apple Podcasts, or using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Please allow me to 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!

Try To Please God and Be Like Him

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: Saturday, June 3, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Gainesville, FL when God inspired me to write this blog post. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE The Contemporary English Version (CEV) IS FOUND IN 1 Timothy 6:11-14

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Timothy, you belong to God, so keep away from all these evil things. Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle. Fight a good fight for the faith and claim eternal life. God offered it to you when you clearly told about your faith, while so many people listened. 13  Now I ask you to make a promise. Make it in the presence of God, who gives life to all, and in the presence of Christ Jesus, who openly told Pontius Pilate about his faith. 14 Promise to obey completely and fully all that you have been told until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.

THINK ABOUT THIS: Try comparing this advice by Paul, to that of our local churches, where salvation for a believer means one more added to the total number of decisions, and possibly one more candidate to be added to total baptisms for the church. It looks good on the pastor’s resume and the church may even be recognized by their regional headquarters for a good number of decisions and/or baptisms. But for Paul, he was seeking to help his ‘son’ in the ministry by giving him guidelines to help others in need of, or seeking salvation, and then to live more like Jesus. Perhaps we might see more effective and practicing Christians, if they were led in similar ways to how Paul led Timothy. Let’s look deeper.

HOW WE MIGHT APPLY THE WORD: In a normal household, children would be out of control if they were allowed to do their own thing and follow the crowd in deciding good from bad, and blessings over curses. Why, even for children today, they would be little terrors that might cause the general public to turn their heads on them, if they simply did what the average child practiced at school. I believe that the Holy Spirit was actively working in the mind of Paul as he sent Timothy out for ministry. Yes, it would be a source of relief for him, as the ministry was becoming overbearing for Paul alone. However, if you throw a good man at a church where everyone has their own opinion about how things should be done, then he might quickly discern that his desire to serve God’s people in God’s house, might be almost as challenging as taking on the challenges of a business in this mostly pagan world. Mind you, when I was in the working world, we sometimes chose to bring a replacement in and assume a job position without the privilege of training by the incumbent. This was because we didn’t want the new person to attain all of the negativity and bad habits of the person exiting that position. That may be a good explanation why church leaders choose to handle new Christians the way they do! For it is often said that new Christians are generally on fire for the Lord, until they rub shoulders with older Christians who quickly brings them down off that mountain of joy and happiness in the Lord! Sad, isn’t it? Instead of the many fancy core principles that pastors lead their churches to adopt, wouldn’t it be awesome to see us instead concentrate on the principles Paul taught Timothy to strive at developing? Paul warned Timothy to flee from the principles he had been warned about in earlier chapters, primarily the pursuit and purpose of wealth. But then Paul gave him some very important characteristics to pursue: a). Righteousness – being right with God in all walks of life; b). Godliness – no surprise here, for Christians must make every effort, and pray for help in living a godly, or God-like life; c). Faith – When you trust in, or rely upon, something or someone despite a lack of concrete proof. Salvation, which is purely a work of God’s grace, can be received only through faith; d). Love – Learn to show such admiration for God, and for those who share your faith, that the world will see pure, unadulterated love in action; e). Endurance – show your faith, love, and righteousness, not only around church and in the company of those who love you, but to everyone that surrounds you. Aim to live out Hebrews 12:1 ‘Lay aside every hindrance…… and run with endurance; and f). Gentleness – Although Christians have so much to feel all powerful and super excited about, but when we strive to live like Jesus, then we must learn to be quiet, if needed, even while being unfairly judged by the world. Although stronger than any lion, yet Jesus is often portrayed as a lamb, and we must follow in His example.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: We must live like Jesus if we are truly His disciple. The world needs Jesus, not more of our attempts to improve our own self image.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Precious Lord, I believe that way too often we wind up trying to improve our self image instead of imitating Your characteristics demonstrated on earth for us. Thank You for Your Word that so clearly gives us guidance, and I thank You that in Paul’s efforts to give guidance to Timothy, the Holy Spirit is also guiding us to take note and follow the guidance given by Paul. We have a long ways to go, and we need frequent reminders, especially when we are so easily distracted by the world. Please Lord, guide us with Your all-powerful hand into the way that You would have us to live so that unbelievers might catch a glimpse of You in action, and have a desire to accept You as Lord. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Go online to Apple Podcasts, or using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Please allow me to 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 Acquire Wisdom

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, Wisdom, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Thursday, June 1, 2023, and I was blessed to be at O’Brien, FL when God inspired me to write this blog post. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE The Passion Translation (TPT) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 9:10-12

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship Yahweh. To receive the revelation of the Holy One, you must come to the one who has living-understanding. Wisdom will extend your life, making every year more fruitful than the one before. So it is to your advantage to be wise. But to ignore the counsel of wisdom is to invite trouble into your life.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: What is wisdom? As a child I often heard my parents speak of ‘that wise old man down the street’. But what did that mean? Unfortunately, I always assumed that if there was ever anything I wanted to know, I should go to ‘that wise old man down the street’! But Solomon was the wisest man on earth, while Jesus was the wisest man who ever lived. However, the Bible teaches us that God is still interested in teaching us how to acquire wisdom, and its benefits, once acquired. Let’s examine this today.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: One of my favorite Bible commentators teaches that wisdom is: ‘the ability to understand the divine perspective and apply it to life, comes from God. He’s the only source. If you’re going to become wise, you have to get to know God through his Word and take him seriously.‘ Many Bible versions tell us that wisdom begins with the fear, or deep respect of, God. When we stand in the presence of our Holy God and humble ourselves; pay our respect to Him; and honor Him with our praise, worship and adoration, then we are truly recognizing His unique power and lordship over us. We acknowledge that God is supreme, and just like a baby bird would wait with an open mouth to receive food from its mother, we too stand before the Almighty waiting to be fed by His teaching and instruction. In verses 7 – 9, Solomon teaches us why some will not subscribe to such a feeding from the Creator of this earth, therefore we can better understand why our churches are no longer filled with folk looking to be fed by God. But let’s try to concentrate on the subject today – how to acquire wisdom. Notice it’s not through a better high school, a foreign based college, or the degrees we might gain through further education. Wisdom begins as we recognize God and humble ourselves to believe in and accept the awesome power and wisdom of our Creator. Remember, He was always here, He created us and the beauty of everything around us, He provided the only source of salvation for us to achieve Heaven and to be with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God protects, loves and guides His children through every walk of life. He is God, when we stand on the mountain tops and shout praises to Him, and He is still God, when we slump into depressive times in the valleys of our life. If He was a school pal with all these attributes, we would trust them completely with our lives and our belongings, and we would sing accolades to the awesome person that they are. Yet, God not only does all that, but He also has prepared a place for us to live eternally with Him, so He is the God of our beginning, our ongoing life on earth, and the eternal God who will care for us forever. Shouldn’t we all the more stand before Him in awe and appreciation for who He is and for all that He has promised to do for us. Friends, as God fills us with this kind of wisdom, He will open our eyes to see Him for who He truly is. Please consider joining me, as together we bow at the feet of Jesus and worship Him, and as we open His Word each day and allow Him to fill us with wisdom from on high. There is no greater love and no greater wisdom my friends. Husbands tend to tell wives that they could conquer the world with them by his side. I believe we can say without a doubt that we, the children of Almighty God, can not only conquer earth and its daily challenges, but we are given cause for endless worship in knowing that our future is secure in heaven! Praise to our ever-living God!

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Verses 11 & 12 read: Wisdom will extend your life, making every year more fruitful than the one before. So it is to your advantage to be wise.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: To seek after wisdom is a personal choice, so Jesus, my wonderful Savior and Lord, please incent me to always seek after the wisdom that is only possible from You. Being reminded of the rewards for seeking more wisdom and persistently seeking to become wiser, I pray that we will all take full advantage of meeting regularly with the great wisdom-giver, our only wise and holy God. Please help us to learn, understand and follow Your ways oh Lord, so that others may see You in us and want to know You personally. Thank you for Your words of wisdom through Solomon in verses 7-9 where You showed us who would appreciate the wisdom we offer to them. Please help each reader or listener to join me in being faithful to sharing the wisdom from on high, without looking for any personal acolades. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Go online to Apple Podcasts, or using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Please allow me to 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!