Month: December 2023

Heart Condition – Yours and Others

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: Monday, December 11, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Florida Hunting Adventures, Okeechobee, 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 Hebrews 3:12-14

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Beware then of your own hearts, dear brothers, lest you find that they, too, are evil and unbelieving and are leading you away from the living God. Speak to each other about these things every day while there is still time so that none of you will become hardened against God, being blinded by the glamor of sin. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as we did when we first became Christians, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I bet you never thought that you had any responsibility for the heart of others, right? I’ve heard people say that there is so much effort in minding their own heart, that there really isn’t time or energy to worry about someone else’s heart! But that’s not what today’s Scripture indicates. Unfortunately, we tend to think a lot like husbands, when it comes to being verbal in telling their wives how much they love them, for many may tend to think that since they believe in ‘once saved, always saved’, there is no need to petition God each day for forgiveness of our sin. Unfortunately, friends, as long as we live in this sinful world, we are subject to its evil, dirty, sinful effects rubbing off on us. Yes, at Calvary, Jesus died for our sin – past, present and future, and when we accept Him as Lord, He blesses us with His special cleansing of our sin. However, there are several things that we must be mindful of as we continue to live here on earth, while keeping our eyes fixed on eternity with Jesus. Ponder these things in your own heart today, but I will share a few things that I believe might stir your hearts, as they did mine:
– a – Is God convinced of your decision to follow Him? You see, many want to get the pastor off their back, and some just want the nagging to stop from their parents, or spouse, or Christian friends who’ve been evangelizing them, so they head to the altar hoping to achieve this. However, God knows the deepest thoughts of your heart. Is He convinced that you were serious in what you did?
– b – Has your lifestyle changed? The Bible teaches that we must be willing to repent – turn from the direction we once traveled and acted, to the new way taught and practiced by our new leader, Jesus Christ. If you haven’t changed, then Satan has one more reason to tantalize you, because He sees where you are not serious about Christianity.
– c – Speak to others about their life in Christ and encourage them in their stand to follow Christ, even while in a sinful world led by the chief of sinners – Satan. We need each other, dear friends. Satan may be hot on your case because of the weak moments that you find yourself in, but if you see Christ in me, you are encouraged in seeing God still at work among His people. While you may be going through your weakest day, I may be on a righteous high in my relationship with Christ, so with my encouragement you might be helped and encouraged to overcome the ill attempts of Satan. Remember, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!
– d – Blinded by the glamour of sin? I love the analogy of someone helping a blind person avoid a fall, or an accident, for in the same way we could be a shining light to a Christian Brother or Sister blinded by what appears to be the glamour of their old sinful self. May the strong always be willing to help the weak!
Friends, I believe the bottom line intended by Jesus in this Scripture today, is that although we are to ready our own hearts for heaven and live a life closely resembling our Master and Lord, we must also be concerned about our fellow man, for when they are strong, they may be the very ones to help us through our weakest moments. Together we can be a strong force against Satan and his attempts to pull God’s children down. Let’s determine in our own hearts to help each other be the best we can be for the Kingdom of God!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord, for saving my soul, thank You also for melting the hardened hearts of my family and friends, for they are my encouragement when I am tempted and tried by the evil one. Please help us Lord to gain Your strength and Your power to overcome evil every day and make us even stronger as we reach out to help one another achieve this goal. I believe the world is anxious to see Jesus alive in their believing friends. Oh, dear Lord, please afford us this privilege so that the lost will see, understand and believe the love and promise of our Father in heaven. 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!

NOW and THEN

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, December 9, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Florida Hunting Adventures, Okeechobee, 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 Isaiah 9:5-7

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: In that glorious day of peace there will no longer be the issuing of battle gear; no more the bloodstained uniforms of war; all such will be burned.
For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of his father David. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: No matter where you go today, there will be a doomsday cry echoing by people you come into contact with. It might be about the wars that are going on and the atrocities we hear that fellow believers are experiencing every day in these war-stricken countries. Or, you might hear the cry of a wife, whose husband is in hospital and there is little hope of him being released alive. Or, even at a special time like Christmas when so many want to give gifts to loved ones, yet they have been unemployed most of the year and not sure where monies will come from for Christmas dinner, much less for gift-giving. In each of these cases, victims often wonder when there will be relief in sight. Isaiah not only witnessed many hopeless situations like this in his day, but if surrounding nations were not totally wiped out, their residents were definitely living in a day of fear and without hope. As a prophet of God, the Holy Spirit led Isaiah to also speak to the generations that would follow, because just as in the examples I gave, there is much that still troubles the souls of men today. However, God allowed Isaiah to be encouraged about a special gift that He would send to give hope to the hopeless. This would bring hope to Isaiah, his people, and to you and me today! These verses are often read in church services around Christmas time, but as I read these verses in the context of how God encouraged His people, I was reminded that God still wants His children to be encouraged by the awesome promise He has in store for us. For there will be no more wars, nor unemployment, nor sickness when we stand in the presence of our Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that those who believe on the name of Jesus here on earth, will enjoy a time of peace, contentment and love like nothing we ever experienced on earth, as we bask in His presence, worship, and adore Him for all eternity! Don’t you wish that you could face if only one day of that in the midst of your battles here on earth? Be reminded that God has never lied. His promises are true and we could depend on every detail that we read in His Word. However, part of what you will find, is that you must be born again. Unless you set aside the good, bad and indifference in this world and call on the name of Jesus for salvation, only then will you receive Eternal Life. If you fail, or neglect doing what Jesus ordered, you will be sent to an even worse place than anything you might face here on earth. It’s either heaven or hell, precious friends, and you determine your eternal destination by what you decide to do with Jesus. It’s really simple, but your decisions will make the difference between whatever you are going through now, and in what you will find when you are called out of this world. This great hope ahead, and you can drive the road to a wonderful eternal destiny when you decide today to follow Jesus. Please read my Footnote for instruction in making life-changing decisions today!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Faced with every challenge of each new day, it is so rewarding to read Your Word, oh Lord, and be reassured of what lies ahead for the child of God! Precious Lord, I ask that You kindly touch the heart of every reader or listener today and direct them to the place You have prepared for us for all eternity. It seems like life here on earth consists of more of the same each day, so to stand amazed in Your presence and wait for Your return brings glorious hope to all believers today. May Your kingdom come oh Lord, and Your will be done on earth today, and in heaven tomorrow – when we sit at Your feet and worship You endlessly. What a glorious hope, oh Lord – my Savior and my 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 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!

Biblical Tips To Overcome Foolishness

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

DATE POSTED: Thursday, December 7, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Florida Hunting Adventures, Okeechobee, 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 Proverbs 20:1; 3-4;

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Wine gives false courage; hard liquor leads to brawls; what fools men are to let it master them, making them reel drunkenly down the street!
It is an honor for a man to stay out of a fight. Only fools insist on quarreling.
If you won’t plow in the cold, you won’t eat at the harvest.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: It is so easy to look at someone, hear their foolish talks and see their foolish actions, and call them a fool. But do we stop to think about how others look at us? Without having to go through a lot of research as to the validity of our Bible text today, I believe we all can agree that our Designer and Creator must know everything about His created ones and what it is that might cause us to look foolish to others. The Bible teaches that God saw His servant Solomon as the wisest man on earth. God used this wise man to share wise nuggets with us about how we might appear wise and live like the created one God designed. So, let’s look at our Scripture, knowing that it is authentic and, because it was inspired by the Holy Spirit to godly men. Let’s satisfy our minds that this is sound advice for all now living, and all who will come after us. I find it interesting how some will turn to horoscopes, palm-readers or others with supposed ‘magical’ powers, and they will follow their advice closely. Yet when the God of this universe, and especially as Creator of you and I, makes the information included in today’s Scripture available to us, so that we might be warned of the dangers we might encounter, we tend to be hesitant in our obedience, and lacking in our attention to such caring and critical advice. Friends, although the advice seems clear, let’s look intently at what God is saying to us through these three verses:
-*- The danger of drunkenness – I believe that every family is affected in some way today by alcoholism, so I’m sure that we can all identify with the dangers of this dreaded disease. Although self-imposed, it is something that mankind has entered into in spite of the warnings given by our Maker. Pop into any restaurant that also serves alcohol and you will see patrons playing around with something that could cause them a lifetime of damage to their health, family, job, and/or friends. I’ve personally seen the unfortunate progression, where relatives started with casual drinks with co-workers and at business socials. This grew into doing the same at home. This deteriorated into losing jobs due to daytime drinking and careless/foolish behavior. Then it resulted in life-threatening organ diseases, and finally to death. those who are guilty may be saying just like these loved ones assured their relatives did – “don’t worry I have this under control”. But friends, no matter how much relatives may try to preach at you about your use and abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, God said through His servant Solomon that this nasty and dangerous habit would lead to false courage; brawls; foolish behavior; and something that makes you stagger down the street aimlessly, recklessly, unawares, and without purpose. Why not listen to God, my friend, and deal with life soberly while imitating the teachings of the One who made you?
-*- Fighting and Quarreling – In verse 3, God teaches us the value of being honored by your fellow man. Although many might say that they don’t like attention being given to them, especially in public, I believe deep down inside of us, we all long for others to see our value here on earth, no matter how insignificant we may feel it is! Solomon wants us to know that quarreling with each other and always being ready to oppose someone on something they say or believe, is a prime suspect for showing how foolish we are. Oh that we might think of that whenever we are tempted to challenge someone on something we may have a slightly different rendition on.
-*- Reaping what you sew – At first glance, Solomon appears to refer to harvesting food in the 4th verse. However, this could apply to many different things in life. If you want a good life, then be willing to obey your Creator and the teachings He left in His Book for you. If you want good children, then be willing to sacrifice and take the time to teach them the best qualities in life by what you say, and especially in what you do. If you want a good harvest in vegetable, fruit, cattle or grain, then be willing to spend the necessary time to cultivate, fertilize, irrigate and protect the farm. Try to remember throughout your lifetime – you will reap what you sew in life.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I have many more fingers pointing back at me than I could ever point at others, so please help me to always be mindful of everything I have challenged my readers and listeners with, in this devotional. Experience has shown that there is such joy in helping others. Please help each of us to follow Your example in helping others, encouraging others, and showing them Jesus in everything we say and do, so that You may be glorified through us. Please soften the hearts of my audience so that together we will not only listen to Your Word and learn about Your ways, but that we may demonstrate it as living examples of Yours here on earth. Please continue to draw the lost/unsaved unto Yourself today, and if this devotional could help in any way, I ask that You multiply its impact. Lord, I praise You for who You are, and for everything You do to guide us aright. Be glorified in us today, I ask. 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!

God – Our Father

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, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Monday, December 4, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Florida Hunting Adventures, Okeechobee, 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 Hebrews 2:11-13

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: We who have been made holy by Jesus, now have the same Father he has. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers. For he says in the book of Psalms, “I will talk to my brothers about God my Father, and together we will sing his praises.” At another time he said, “I will put my trust in God along with my brothers.” And at still another time, “See, here am I and the children God gave me.”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: For those with siblings, you may remember a time where you felt like slipping under the dinner table, or behind the family home while someone important visited your home, because you may have been embarrassed by a sibling who acted up! Knowing that God knows everything about us and all about what we say or do, there may be times that you feel embarrassed to enter into God’s presence, for you are well aware of your ‘acting up’- your sin, and you are ashamed to see, or hear, what God might say about it. But friends, I was so comforted by the words shared by the author of Hebrews under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I trust that you will be reminded of why the Bible teaches us that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father petitioning the Father on our behalf – He considers us His brothers and sisters! Is there any wonder He voluntarily surrendered Himself to die on a cross at Calvary – it was with His brothers and sisters foremost on His mind, and to secure a heavenly home for those who would surrender their lives to His sacrifice and calling. When a sinner answers the call to salvation, because of what Jesus did at Calvary, can you imagine the joy and celebration that Jesus and the angels must initiate before the Father? After all, one more has been added to the chorus that will stand before the Father singing praises when we see Him face-to-face! Despite what I already said about the embarrassment of some siblings, more often than not we stand very proud to be associated with our siblings. I feel like Jesus was feeling a certain amount of happiness and pride to rejoice before the Father over His brothers and sisters who would join Him one day soon in a hallelujah chorus before the Father! But please allow me to caution those who might take this lightly and assume that they are destined for heaven, even in their sin. Heaven, and this meeting place before the Father, is a place reserved for those who accepted the greatest gift ever given – the one given by God – His precious Son, whom He sacrificed for those who would surrender their lives to His lordship. These precious saints become the ‘brothers and sisters’ of our Lord Jesus, referred to in our Scripture today. Are you included in that number dear friend? This is a decision and action that requires you to become personally involved in the decision, and in seeking and believing on the name of Jesus. Parents, wives, siblings, nor pastors can do this for you. This requires your direct, personal decision and action. Please read my Footnote below for tips on becoming a Christian. Know that the return of Jesus to collect all His brothers and sisters could be any second after you read these words, so please don’t delay.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Heavenly Father for the gift of salvation, made possible through an enormous sacrifice You made at Calvary through Your precious Son. In 1976 You made me very aware of this sacrifice and helped me set pride aside to surrender my life to Jesus. Having been given the privilege of writing this devotional, I am now asking that You will prick the heart of every reader who happens across this blog. Please draw them to Yourself, and make them fully aware that the brothers and sisters referred to in todays Scripture, represent folk who have totally surrendered their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. No church or religion could save them. Nothing but the blood of Jesus, shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of their sin. Thank You Jesus for accepting us as Your brothers and sisters, because of what You did at Calvary. Oh how we anxiously await that great day when we will stand before the Father in total adoration and hearts filled with praise! 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!