Month: September 2023

Stand For The Things Of God

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, Stand Firm, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dowling Park, 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 The Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Nehemiah 13:8-9; 11; 15; 17

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: 8 I was livid. In my anger, I threw all of Tobiah’s property out of the room. 9 Then I had them purify the rooms and restore what was supposed to be there—the sacred vessels, the grain offerings, and the incense.
11 I went straight to the leaders responsible for this and confronted them, asking, “Why are you neglecting God’s temple?”…..
15 At that same time, I looked around Judah and saw men working the winepresses on the Sabbath. Others I found bringing large loads of grain to be loaded on donkeys. Wine, grapes, figs—they brought every kind of load into Jerusalem on the Sabbath no matter the season. I warned them about selling food on the Sabbath, just as they were doing it.
17 I confronted the leaders of Judah, whom I held responsible for the public’s actions. Why are you doing what you know is wicked? You are desecrating the Sabbath!

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: As you meditate on this devotional today you might be surprised at all of the challenges that Nehemiah dealt with when he returned home to Jerusalem. You might even stand aghast at all that was taking place in Jerusalem, and in particular – in the temple. But then I hope that this will cause you to look at your own city, and your own church and compare all actions and crimes against the teachings God placed in His Word for us to follow. Who is the ‘Nehemiah’ that will be bold enough to stand firm for the things of God? Is it you?

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: It seems like we tend to turn away from older people who talk about the ‘good old days’ and their stories about the discipline and values that families adhered to back in their day. When we read accounts, such as this one in the book of Nehemiah, we are quickly reminded that God has been dealing with a sinful and unjust people from the very beginning of time. But dear friends, each of us have a choice to make about what our individual role will be, and also what we will do with Jesus. God provided His book of instruction – the Bible, for our benefit. Some countries, such as ours, decided to get it out of the public school system, because it was interfering with the free will of our students. Why, they should be allowed to do what they want, where they want to, and for as long as they choose to. Let me encourage you to gain enough courage to watch the evening news for a week, and try to alternate between different network channels, because opinions of the reporters are very much a part of what they will report on, and what they will choose to ignore or overlook. Let me warn you that you may become very disheartened over the crime, disrespect, anger, and actions of those who have gone through our free-reeling and Bible-less school system. Our ancestors talk about the very strict rules they insisted upon in God’s church and around church-sponsored events, but a visit to almost any church today will quickly reveal that things have changed dramatically. After spending time in our Bible today in Nehemiah chapter 13, will you join me around the throne and allow God to open our eyes to what He might want ‘Nehemiah’ to change, correct, or expose in our churches so that God might once again be glorified in His sanctuary – our churches? Because we have allowed God’s Word to be watered down, and we accept, without personal research or reasoning, the various explanations of what God could have meant by what He said, it seems like we have become a church where almost anything is accepted and allowed. Is there any wonder that when walking into a public setting that it is virtually impossible to identify God’s people versus Satan’s followers? Are you the ‘Nehemiah’ in your household? Your workplace? Your non-profit organization? Your church? and/or your community? Without your word from God, these ones will continue to push Satan’s agenda, and possibly without opposition from any of God’s children among their audience. To know God’s laws and His commands and to allow life to go on without your input on the way God demands, may very well be considered sin in God’s eyes. Your evaluation on Judgment Day may reveal your missed opportunities!

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: To know right from wrong, and be willing to speak up, and stand up as God’s representative, will show the world that God’s Word is applicable and sustainable even through the very odd and sinful times that we find ourselves in. Standing up for God and His commands may put you at odds with family, friends, coworkers and church leaders, but let’s always remember that ‘only what’s done for Jesus will last, and be recognized by God as holy’.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, I believe that it is always a pleasure to see Your people agree, and to work together for the good of the Gospel. But please give us wisdom to speak up, and stand up, for those things that may serve to compromise Your Word, Your commands and Your holy image. Lord, as Your personal representative, we want it to be obvious to those that we interact with that Jesus is actively involved in our decision making and in guiding us towards godly truth in all that we say and do. People still need the Lord, and they need to see You so much a part of our lives, as Christians, that they will know that our God lives, for they see You evident in and through us. Nehemiah didn’t have to wait for a word from his pastor, or for a committee to meet and give approval to him. He saw wrongdoing, and because he knew the Word of God, he went forward as Your representative to correct the wrongs. Oh, that we may be as close to You as Nehemiah was, and bold as he was to carry out what He knew would please You, even if some may have rejected him or accused him of taking things into his own hands. May it be obvious to all that we associate with that You rule and reign in our lives, and that we will stand up for what we know that You will want in every situation. Lord, we want You to be lifted up, without the need for others to be distracted by our boldness in sharing Your Word and standing firm for what we know You want from 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 nearby 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!

Wisdom For Today

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, Righteousness, Wisdom, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Wednesday, September 20, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dowling Park, 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 14:29-31;34;

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: 29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control],
But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see].
30 A calm and peaceful and tranquil heart is life and health to the body,
But passion and envy are like rottenness to the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor taunts and insults his Maker,
But he who is kind and merciful and gracious to the needy honors Him.
34 Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: Many turn to horoscopes, while some depend on positive thoughts of uplifting words from well-known speakers in their inbox to help inspire them to have a positive impact on others each day. But for the child of God, our Creator gave us a Book of Instruction to meet our every need in life. Few pastors and teachers tend to share the Proverbs, which leads me to think that many may tend to feel they are unimportant. But in providing His Word, I believe that God had us front and foremost in His mind for complete encouragement, healing and the kind of wisdom that only our Maker could give us as and when needed. Think on the Words inspired by our Master as we study these few verses from Proverbs today!

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: How often have you heard, or been guilty of saying, ‘where did he get that anger from’? Or perhaps you have gone on to liken a foolish or angry person to a relative who was also short-tempered, because you knew them to also act foolishly in stressful times! Some Bible translations used the word ‘stupid’ instead of ‘foolish’ in verse 29, but in either case I believe we can see more clearly why, when someone acts so irrational, they have allowed their anger to get the best of them. Friends, to correct this and help prevent this, I believe it would benefit us to stop and think about the source of peace in our lives. Surely it doesn’t come from the local bar, nor the crowds that hang out there. Nor does it come from the television where we tend to sit and ‘relax’ in front of at the end of our day, for it is obvious that movie producers are convinced that they must add violence, sex or sinful acts to a movie in order for it to be successful. Why even news channels seem to succeed from the hatred they spark from their one-sided reporting and repeating it constantly throughout the day by every reporter who has his/her own twist on what authorities must have intended by what they said or did. Verses 29 and 30 speak to the individual who has peace in their heart and is therefore able to control their emotions and reactions to life events. As already indicated, that peace comes from knowing God; being regularly reminded of how blessed we are to be a child of the King of all kings; and reenacting the love shown by Jesus when He willingly sacrificed His own life for our sin to enable our eternal destination in Heaven because of our submission to Him as Lord and Savior of our lives. After reading verse 31 in several translations, I better understood how the Holy Spirit is reminding us through Solomon that God created ALL mankind, so unless we treat EVERYONE like our Master’s son or daughter, we are insulting our Master. So many parents get hurt, angry, and are ready to fight if you say anything bad about their child – someone God created through them. Aren’t we really upsetting God when we push aside, ignore, and refuse to help one of His little ones in need of a hand-up? Friends, I am well aware of the abuse by many in trying to beg their way through life on a street corner, but let’s not use that for a crutch. There are many legitimate cases where people are suffering because of certain circumstances that have devoured their lifesavings and they just need help to make it through one more day. As a child of God, let us see the poor man or woman that God caused our path to cross with, also as a child created by our God. I believe I would be spot on if I predicted how most who meditate on this devotional today would respond to an individual who questioned us about the sinful state of our country. Wouldn’t we fault the bad politicians; or those with addictive drug or alcohol abuse; or those who commit other sinful acts, as the cause of our country’s downfall? But I believe the question I would end with today may sum up the last verse above: If every ‘Christian’ we know was to live as righteous as God expects of us, wouldn’t our country be exalted, just as the proverb says? Let’s not point fingers dear friends, until the one whose finger is pointed back at them, is truly living a noble and obedient life that is pleasing to Almighty God.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: There’s no need to purchase another inspirational book, or join another Bible study, or change churches in order to hear the Word preached more clearly. It’s all in the Book – God’s Word – the Bible; let’s just increase our desire to know Him better, and through meditating on His Word more regularly, let’s make every effort to draw closer to God, so that He would draw even closer to us. Let’s aim at mirroring all that our Master did so that we might look and sound like Him to a lost world!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, I am thankful that You created me, died and rose again for my sin, and gave me Your Word to guide me while here on earth being bombarded by Satan and his court. Please give me the desire to make a daily diet of delving into Your Word so that I might behold all that You would say to me for correction, encouragement and for living a life that is pleasing to You. Thank You for placing me where I’m at, and meeting everyone that I do, even with their needs and quirks that may seem challenging to me. I accept this as my mission and ask that You work powerfully through me to bless others and help them see You more vividly each day. May my audience also be touched by Your Word, not just what I had to say. I ask that You draw us close to You Lord, so that our land might become more righteous, especially when Your children reveal their righteousness before those in need of a Savior. 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 nearby 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!

What’s Blocking Your View?

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, September 17, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dowling Park, 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 Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Luke 19:1-5

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: As Jesus was passing through Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus, one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax-collecting business (and, of course, a very rich man), tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds. So he ran ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree beside the road, to watch from there.
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick! Come down! For I am going to be a guest in your home today!”

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: I find it interesting the number of excuses we could come up with for getting out of our comfortable beds and homes to attend church, or to be with fellow believers, or to spend time with the Lord. This may change some if a well-known evangelist is visiting our town, or a popular spokesman who claims the gift of healing will be present. However, today’s Scripture tells of a most unlikely man who overcame all odds to see Jesus as He was marching along the streets of his town.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I tend to repeat something I once heard a preacher say: If God made us half as sick as we sometimes tell the preacher when asked about church attendance, we might really be in trouble. Or if God made us half as poor as we claim to be financially when we tithe, we would be on the government’s poverty list. But do you suppose we might act differently if we know that Jesus is coming to our state, or our city, or our neighborhood, or our church? What might be our excuses about the things that could possibly interfere with our attendance, or our visibility? As I get older there seems to be a lot more excuses, but since I am teased a lot about my height, it might be a very possible excuse since I could attend and still struggle to see Jesus over the heads of the crowd! But doesn’t it seem like these excuses are only used when visiting a spiritual event? But let’s think about our Sunday morning excuses: often sports will be a major blocker for many in attending church, and often this would extend to very special moments at church. I often believe that this might even distract some from going to see and experience Jesus in person? Slight aches and pains seem to stop us and so does sneezing that might indicate a cold is coming on! But what would have happened to the crippled man if he didn’t insist on his friends taking him on his bed into the presence of Jesus? Or the blind man who sat by the wayside where Jesus was passing along, if he didn’t speak up and shout out to Jesus? We tend to worry a lot about what others think of us, and I’m sure that Zacchaeus was no exception. Imagine, a tax collector who was known by everyone as a very rich and prominent man in the community, even though much of his gain came from cheating the people. But, praise God, Zacchaeus knew that, like everyone else, he personally needed Jesus – to see Him, experience Him, and to know that he was in the presence of God’s precious Son. Friends, I’m sure that you are in much the same boat as I am, and many others around you. We fall into our routine of sleeping in – especially on Sunday mornings; we convince ourselves that Sunday is the only day for the beach; we can’t hardly move for the pain in our back, (which don’t seem to bother us on a workday or stop us from getting out to the stores), we just can’t make it out to church. Plus, we foresee how painful it will be for us to sit for an hour in church. We just need to sit in our comfortable chair at home until our pain pills kick in!! Perhaps through my examples, you saw how many excuses we find to possibly block our view of Jesus. Please allow me to encourage you to adopt reasoning like Zacchaeus, let’s make it happen and place our priorities in order, allowing nothing to block our view of our wonderful Savior who died and rose again for our benefit – so that we might have the best possible life here on earth, and eternity with the King of all kings and Lord of all lords in heaven.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Zacchaeus did his part – he climbed high enough to see Jesus even over the large crowd. Jesus did His part, as He always does, He recognized the need of Zacchaeus and met his needs as only Jesus could, for salvation comes from Jesus alone!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I believe that many are probably deciding at that moment why they can’t attend worship services today to sing praises to the King of all kings. Some may have calculated reasons many hours before today, and I’m sure that it must have hurt You, knowing that You went to the extreme of death for each of us, so that we might have life here on earth, and life more abundantly in heaven with You and the Father. Zacchaeus overcame one of his biggest challenges and he saw and experienced You in all of Your glory. Please remind us of this every time we allow Satan to fill our minds with excuses not to assemble ourselves together with other believers to worship You. This was important enough for You to place this command in Your Word. Please help us to not try and rewrite the Book, for in Revelations You warned us of such. You deserve our eternal praise. Please help us to never find excuses why we would deliberately allow anything to come between us and our time together in worship to you. For doing this, would generally indicate that we will allow Satan to interfere in our decision making during the week also. Times where we must stand up for You, and all that You have taught 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 nearby 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!

He’s All I Need

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, September 12, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dowling Park, 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 Lamentations 3:21-24

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Then I remember something that fills me with hope. The Lord’s kindness never fails! If He had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed.
The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.
Deep in my heart I say, “The Lord is all I need; I can depend on Him!”

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: On Sunday I joined with others as we sat in a sanctuary untouched by recent events, although our community all around it was severely impacted. This was a place of calm and reassuring peace where, in spite of the terror over the past 2 weeks from hurricane Idalia, we were personally unmarred by the danger and fury of the strong winds and tornadoes. God drew my attention to the fact that no matter what the storms of life may bring each day, there is a place of refuge for the Christian who place their trust in God over the wild and burdensome times we face. Perhaps as we meditate on this Scripture today, we will be reminded that our God is able, and that He is all we need in life here on earth.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: In the first part of this chapter from which our verses are taken, we can reaffirm that we are not ‘odd balls’ for being angry about our circumstances, or upset with the masses because of the appearance of them picking on us, because Jeremiah was also very upset with how his life was going. But when Jeremiah came to his senses, he showed us how, regardless of what goes on in this world, as children of the one, true, and living God, we have one encouraging fact to hold high – our God is faithful and we could rest assured that His loving kindness never fails! Friends, He can always be trusted to show us His mercies anew ever morning and we could depend on Him, no matter how many around us may fail or disappoint us. Therefore, HE IS ALL WE NEED! Child of God, when we bring this to mind each day, we walk around with a smile on our faces, because we know that in spite of any circumstances that will come our way that day, our God will never fail us, and He is always on our side. I recall walking by someone who opened the door for me at work on a Monday morning. As usual, I greeted them with a smile and gave them a kind and encouraging word. When questioned how I could sport a smile on a Monday morning, I was able to share how fortunate I was to be alive; report to a job and not the unemployment line; the promise of coworkers who would normally be kind to me; and a loving family who prays for me while away from them. It wasn’t a sermon, but I merely shared my heart in response to their question. Although I am far from perfect, I serve a God who is perfect in every way. Although I face challenges just like everyone else who heads out to a world filled with the evil ways of Satan, I have a choice to represent my loving and caring Lord or follow the crowd into monopolizing every misfortune that could possibly come my way when I do life on my own. As a child of the King of all kings, I am part of His royal family, protected by Almighty God; loved and encouraged by His Holy Spirit; and reminded of my worth by the extreme lengths Jesus went to, for me to have access to Heaven with my Lord and Savior forever and forever! You see, others are watching you and me. They will know to whom we belong by the calm assurance we reflect about our eternal home and our earthly master. A thought to ponder, based on your words and actions yesterday, what do you suppose they concluded? What is it that you suppose you need the help of God’s Son to overcome so that the world – your world, might see and believe that there is a God? Remember, they will see the evidence all over us? At one time I was in a gas station about 50 miles away from my home town. The attendant shouted out asking how was Cloide’s son today? To my surprise, the young man recognized my dad in my looks and my actions. I wonder how often in a day someone recognizes our heavenly Father in us? Dear friends, in every circumstance of life, let’s be reminded each day through our relationship with Him, that our God is all we need. He will be faithful throughout the ages, and we could count on Him to be our Guide, our Healer, our Savior, our Guide and our everlasting Father both now, and forevermore.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: God’s loving kindness never fails! He is all we need in life, and He will love on us and care for us throughout all eternity!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for life here on earth, and life more abundant that I can look forward to in heaven with You. Seldom are we looked upon as royalty here on earth, yet I am reminded once again that I am a child of the King of all kings. I was also reminded that the world still needs Jesus, and often it’s the kind words of Your children that will convince them of the existence and availability of our awesome King. Please Lord, use us, Your royal line, to show who it is that lives and reigns inside of us, so that the unsaved might be reassured of the importance of knowing You personally. You are all we need Lord. Thank You for your faithfulness Lord, great and mighty is the Lord our God today and forevermore.. 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 nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Why Are We Here?

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: Friday, September 8, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Ashford, AL 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 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) IS FOUND IN Titus 1:1-3

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I was sent to lead God’s chosen people to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to a godly life. My message is based on the confidence of eternal life. God, who never lies, promised this eternal life before the world began. God has revealed this in every era by spreading his word. I was entrusted with this word by the command of God our Savior.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: The Holy Spirit directed Paul to acknowledge who he was in relation to Christ. Some in the position of Titus may have challenged Paul to ‘state your position, then talk to me’. Paul didn’t just answer that question, but he also clarified why Christ sent him, or why he was in such a position to challenge Titus. I challenge you to consider the question posed in my subject today, as you meditate with me on this devotional, ‘Why am I here’? Also be sure to consider ‘Why might God have me here’?

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I borrowed this title from a pastor/friend of mine who posted just these words in a recent Facebook post. It caught my attention and caused me to search the Scriptures for the reasons why God placed me here, and then to consider how much of that am I adhering to. Titus knew the heart of the man he had joined forces with, to spread the Good News, but for the readers of God’s Word thousands of years later, we might certainly want to know why Paul felt at liberty to fill the position of: mentor to Titus; servant of the Lord God; and evangelist; to Titus, and also to us. If you walked around your town’s public square and found a man preaching, the first thing you might ask is: who is this man? or what church does he represent? For you need to know if this man is a legitimate representative of Jesus Christ, and whether it’s worth your while to stop and listen to him. To fully appreciate why Paul found it necessary to qualify himself at the very beginning of this book, we must be reminded who Paul was – a persecutor of Christians. I believe it might be extra challenging for us if God would reveal, based on our actions and our words, who we are: to our spouse; to our children; in our homes; at our workplace; in a restaurant – in and out of town; in our home church or at a visiting church; etc. Imagine replaying a video recording of your encounters in any of the above-mentioned scenarios on your good days and also on those days when you’ve felt under pressure? I am always challenged by the determination of Paul to bear witness to the truth of God’s promise of eternal life. But if we pay close attention, we will see where Paul told Titus the reason why he shares the Good News. Friends, it was true back then, and it is still true today, it’s the Word of God that will expose sin and challenge mankind to surrender their life to the lordship of Jesus Christ in order to be saved from Hell. No amount of church attendance, giving to the poor, or any other kind word or deed will do the trick. I love the way this translation reads that Paul challenged Titus to this teaching to help people live a godly life. Paul said that was his mission. In all honesty, don’t we know without a doubt that the world today is badly in need of help to truly live a godly life? Based on our mission, our actions and our words, I wonder if we could honestly declare that we are on mission to lead the lost to Christ, and/or show them the way to live a godly life? If our heart is right with God, and our minds set on getting as many as possible into heaven with us, then perhaps we will have a stronger determination to make every moment count. Have a little talk with Jesus, my friends, and let Him convince you and help you stand ready to make a difference in this world for Him.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: God placed us here to be His witness and to do His will. There should never be a question as to why we are here. Just obey the Father who placed us here.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Based on how we spend our time each day, or the things we spend our money on, it may be obvious that our minds are fixed on earning maximum income for our own selfish use, or on promoting self at work, church or in our community. But Lord, I believe You are showing us through Your servant, Paul, today that there is only one thing that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the folk following in our footsteps, and that’s the love of Jesus and the expression of words and actions that exemplify what You taught to us and exampled before us. Please Lord, help us that our time here on earth will not be in vain, but for anyone who imitates us, will actually be imitating You and Your teachings. People still need the Lord, perhaps more today than ever before, may our lives be worthy of Your kingdom, Lord, and for leading others to their eternal home in glory also. 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 nearby 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!