Month: February 2024

Your Faith and Strength in God Will Sustain You

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, February 10, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, 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 Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 24:10

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: If you fall apart during a crisis, then you weren’t very strong to begin with.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I am convinced that the Holy Spirit wanted me to spend some time on this verse today. Perhaps one of the shortest in the whole chapter, and definitely one of the bluntest for us to accept, but it sure is impactful. There are so many Bible references and hymns of the faith that refer to the power of God, and I believe that we hang on to that because we know that we are minimally strong when things are going great in our lives, but this Scripture verse precisely describes us when things get stressful or tough, for we tend to fall apart. I wonder why?? Perhaps too often we pray for an easier, wealthier, and more successful life, rather than asking God to make us a stronger child of the King who can accept and deal with all circumstances of life that may confront us. Trials don’t make or break a person. They’re simply a gauge to show you where you’re at in your walk with the Lord. In Jeremiah12:5, God addressed this when He said: ‘If you are worn out after only running with a few men, how will you one day compete against horses? If you stumble on the easy terrain, how will you manage in the thick brush near the Jordan?’ Friends, in other words, if you’re exhausted by the problem facing you today, what will you do when even bigger problems come your way? Whatever I’m going through today is strengthening me for what will come tomorrow. 2024 came in with a bang for me, with trials, medical, finances, etc., it was enough for me to seek the face of the Master and question what it is that He desires of me to do differently in my life. But as I continue in the Word of God, I find refreshment that my God is waiting for me to open the doors of my heart so that He might open the floodgates of heaven to supply all my needs, guide me through all my challenges, and renew such a spirit of holiness in me that others might be touched by the power of my God, and overwhelmed with a desire to know Him in new and beneficial ways that might return glory, honor and praise to Him. Oh, that our strength might be renewed so that we may face our present challenges with such boldness and faith, that God will do even more to prepare us for what lies ahead! With God as my strength, I have nothing to fear! How about you, how do you deal with the extraordinary and stressful things of life? If you know my Jesus, then this devotional is for you. If not, then I believe this devotional will prompt you to a knowledge and acceptance of my Jesus, so that you too may depend on him in all circumstances of life. Please read on to my Footnote, where you will find tips on leading you to Jesus.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, I am convinced that You can do all things, and because of Your love for me, I ask that You give me ongoing faith to depend on You for today, while accepting of everything You will provide to help me through tomorrow. You are my Rock and my everlasting strength, dear Lord. Please continue to work out Your plan in my life so that I may be obedient to Your direction and accepting of Your love and protection in all circumstances of life. Many who will read this devotional are probably in a similar situation as I opened up about already. Please show Yourself to us and give us the faith and humbleness we need to call on You, depend on You, and trust You for everything that might come our way. 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!

Looking For Someone Greater

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: Wednesday, February 7, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, 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 New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 7:24-26

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: You may be one of the many Christians who have been tempted to quit attending church, because you may have heard so many things about church leaders – their failures and public sin, and serious questions may have arisen about whether you should waste your time. But our Scripture today reminds us that Jesus is still King above all kings, and Lord above all lords! In previous verses, the Bible explains how previous priests may have failed and/or discontinued their ministry because of death. However, in our focal verses we can better understand why Jesus is our ultimate choice in choosing a spiritual leader that can help us navigate through life here on earth and lead us to a better place when we pass from this life to our eternal home. If you walked into a church, or if you met a church leader out in the world, you would probably have expected to experience the love and example of everything you ever heard about Jesus and/or His Father (God). In our Scripture verses, we can better understand why Jesus was so much more than previous priests chosen by their respective churches, and I believe this is worthy of note for us, so that we don’t expect too much of our Christian leaders. Our minds should be fixed on their leader and our ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is head of His church. You see, when we fix our minds on the purpose for which we want comfort, or healing, or uplifting, or someone to meet our needs, we know that we need someone superior to us and who cares for mankind way more than any other human being could possibly do. The writer of Hebrews helps us understand why it is that Jesus is superior to the high priests of Jesus’ day. They only lasted for a time, because they were not invincible. Compared to Jesus, who we need, because He is holy; blameless; unstained by sin; set apart from sinners; and now sits at the right hand of the Father, in His place of honor, petitioning for us. Is there any comparison to those we look to as pastor, priest or spiritual leader? NO there is no comparison, so while these earthly spiritual leaders are tasked with the responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with us, we must always bear in mind that they are human, just like us, and therefore subject to sin as long as they remain on this earth. Dear friends, while it behooves us to associate with, worship together with, and sit under the teaching of our spiritual leaders, we must always aim to live like, love like, and follow in obedience the teachings of, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Father – God Almighty. Let’s aim to fix our minds on the things of Christ and live like He did while on earth, and the teachings of our Father as detailed in the Word of God. We will be much too busy in our efforts to keep self righteous and holy, that we will not have time to look at the failures and faults of others.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Precious Lord, thank You for Your Word – a light unto our path and filled with instruction for our everyday walk here on earth. Without You, it seems like we are prone to failure and sin, but we are reminded once again that we serve a God, and a Savior, who is far greater than we are, yet desires relationship with us. Thank You Father, Son and Holy Spirit for not giving up on me. Having called me out of my lost condition and into the Kingdom of Light, with heaven as my anticipated home in glory! Please Lord, continue to prick my conscience on any thought, action or word that may not be pleasing to You, and please do the same for every reader who will happen across this devotional. Our ultimate goal is to be with You in glory some sweet day, and we ask that You help us to live obedient, holy and righteous lives until the day You call us home, so that others will be influenced for the Kingdom. Be glorified in and through us Lord, for Your honor and 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 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!

Take Peter’s Place

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, February 3, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, 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 Luke 22:55-61

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat among them. And
-> a servant-girl, …. said, “This man was with Him too.” But Peter denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him!” 
-> A little later someone else saw him and said, “You are one of them too.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 
-> After about an hour…. another man began to insist, “This man was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 
The Lord turned and looked at Peter…. 

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: It is so easy to see the faults of others, while all along, we might easily be found guilty of doing, saying or reacting to circumstances even worse than they are. The Holy Spirit caused me place myself in Peter’s position as I meditated on today’s Scripture, and I was forced to look deep inside of Peter’s mind, but also challenged to think about whether I would have acted and/or responded any differently. For those not familiar with the context of this Scripture, Jesus had been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane where He was in deep prayer with Peter and two other disciples. The arrest was aided by one of Jesus’ disciples, a traitor names Judas. Peter tried to reassure Jesus of his love, commitment and how he would never betray Jesus. After the arrest of Jesus, He was led around, until in today’s Scripture, being at the house of the Jewish High Priest. And it was here that Peter mingled with the crowd around the fire while Jesus was in the ‘hot seat’ being questioned by the authorities. Over the years, Christians, and their pastors, priests and teachers have criticized Peter for not sticking to his vow given to Jesus at the garden. But I wonder, are we any better today while at our jobs surrounded by jeering unbelievers? Or in our work lunchroom where others are ridiculing the church and Christian beliefs? Or at a restaurant when we are ashamed to bow our heads in prayer over our food? Or in a courtroom when we know what the outcome might be if we stay committed to telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Dear friends, the three individuals who challenged Peter, recognized he had been with Jesus. Do our friends and associates see that same evidence in you and me? Peter was probably afraid that since the leaders arrested Jesus and were now ready to crucify Him, they might very well do the same to him if they knew he was a part of the same team who went around ministering with Jesus. Many of your friends will know about, or suspect, your church affiliation also. Are you proud of that affiliation, or do you try to keep that a secret also, so that you not be considered one of those ‘Jesus freaks’? What’s your aim each day, to be like Peter and hide your church and or Jesus’ affiliation or are you seeking to share Jesus Christ and His love for all mankind with everyone you come into contact with? As you assume Peter’s position today, be prepared on how you will answer the three folks around the fire, or your peers that may ask you in varying ways ‘how are you associated with Jesus Christ’? Jesus already knows the response you will give, for He knows our very thoughts just like He knew Peter would deny Him three times. But let me encourage you to determine personally how you will respond to such questioning. Please let me encourage you to commit wholeheartedly to the lordship of Jesus Christ, knowing that He is more than conqueror to all those who ask Him to direct their lives, and be more like Him in every way, every day.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, it is easy for us to see the fault and apparent weakness in Peter. But we truly need You to open our eyes and hearts to recognize our own weakness and lack of commitment to You. And that’s the reason we come before You again today asking that You keep us humble, obedient to your teachings and commands, and determined to follow in Your footsteps every day and in every circumstance. Thank You Lord for being available to us at all times and thank You for the assurance of Your power and Your strength that can be made available to us in our time of need. Please Lord, have You own will and way in our lives, so that we may be pure examples of the God we serve. 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!

Praise God for His Compassion!

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, Worship1 Comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, February 2, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, 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 Good News Translation (GNT) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 30:18-23

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: And yet the Lord is waiting to be merciful to you. He is ready to take pity on you because he always does what is right. Happy are those who put their trust in the Lord.
You people who live in Jerusalem will not weep any more. The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you. The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more. If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.” 
Whenever you plant your crops, the Lord will send rain to make them grow and will give you a rich harvest, and your livestock will have plenty of pasture. 

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: To get the full impact of these verses today, you will want to click on my Scripture reference and read the whole chapter of Isaiah 30. In fact, you may also wonder if Isaiah may have been blessed with this prophecy because of everything that has happened in your life! Israel had turned to Egypt for help instead of turning to the God of this universe – very much like we tend to do when we moan, complain, and turn to various government programs or other resources when we feel like we have reached the end of our supply chain, friends list, protection or hope. God disciplined Israel pretty severely through heartaches, trials, lost battles, and just plain hopelessness. He wanted them to see what life would be like if they got their wish to truly exclude Him from their lives. Not sure about you dear friends, but there seems to be times in my life also when so many unexpected things are occurring that I am made to wonder if my life is properly aligned and obedient in every way with my Master – Jesus Christ. But then comes verse 19 above where we are reminded that we serve a compassionate God. For me, this breaks down to Him being loving, caring, and always having our best interest at heart, even when He has to discipline us. However, although this is what we derive from our understanding of God, what do we learn about ourselves in this Scripture today? Unfortunately, it becomes very evident that we are spoiled worse than the most undisciplined child we can think of. In spite of us not doing our part, we first blame God for not caring about our situation, or denouncing all those that God may have placed in our path to love and care for us, or complaining about our lack of perfect health, finances, material goods, opportunities, and prospects for our future. Oh that we would be reminded today that God is still love; that He created us in His image; that He sacrificed His very own Son so that we might be forgiven of our sin and allowed to join Him in heaven one day; that His love for us is far greater than anything our human minds could comprehend; and that He has a future in mind for us just as He had for the Israelites, if only we would turn from our wicked ways and acknowledge Him as Lord and everlasting Savior. Yes, my friend, we serve a compassionate God. Do you know Him intimately? Have you given Him lordship of your life? I really want to see you in heaven one day, so please allow me to encourage you to sure up your relationship with the only One who can make this possible, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord for loving me, even when I may appear unlovable to others around me. Thank You for providing the means for my future in heaven to be assured. Please Lord, continue to impress upon the hearts of my readers, listeners, and myself that we have a strong hope and a very bright future. Soften hearts so that we might take our eyes off self long enough to see a loving, compassionate and caring Savior who truly wants us in His presence one day when life here on earth is complete. Please give us opportunity to share this love with others today so that they may also be reminded of Your compassion and grace causing them to develop a growing desire to find and 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. 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!