Category: Accept Jesus NOW

Finding Joy in Hardship: Embracing Life’s Challenges

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, Assurance, Awesome God, Believers, Biblical Decisions, Blinded by Sin, Chosen by God, Christ-Like, Christianity, Faith, Refocus, Relationship, RighteousnessLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, November 26, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from The Voice (VOICE) and found in James 1:2-4

THE SCRIPTURE READS
2-4 Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. 

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Hardships and tests of any kind are sure to put some of us under, so everyone avoids anything that will stress us out and cause us to be wanting in any way. After all, we tend to think that we are special in God’s sight, and He would protect us from these types of challenges. Yet, many who will read this devotional today will acknowledge that they are either going through a tough time or have gone through some very tough times in their lifetime. Yes, even to dedicated Christians. So, as we meditate on this Scripture, we must remind ourselves that the Word of God, is God-breathed. In other words, the writers were deeply inspired by the Holy Spirit, to the extent that these words are exactly what God intended for His children to look to for knowledge, direction in life, and to abide by in every circumstance of life. Now, is it possible to run from these challenges? Of course, some will turn to drugs and or alcohol to help them through the tough times in life. This is very similar to marriage – a union where at least one partner doesn’t give their all to show and experience love or they are willing to deal with differences, instead of fighting them, or running away from them. So, frequently you will see a couple seek human government’s help to escape that marital obligation. James is telling us today that we must always remember that God is in charge of a believer’s direction in life. As such, we will find joy in all our many blessings, but we must also seek the face of Jesus when things take off in a different direction to anything we expect. Friends, this is not to boast, but there was a time that my dad looked sadly at me and said how disappointed he was that I was moving further away from him as he matured in age. However, it wasn’t long afterwards when my dad looked happily at me as he celebrated God’s amazing grace in providing medical attention for him, made possible because of my move. His words: ‘Now I understand what God was doing when He prepared the way for you to move away’! I believe that James is suggesting that each of us do the same, try to accept what God is doing, especially if we have asked Him to take charge and be Lord of our lives. This growth in our relationship with Jesus Christ help us to understand and endure the proven ways of our Lord, and it is then that we gain wisdom and patience in trusting Him. A deterioration, or break, in relationship with Jesus will only weaken our faith and send us reeling to the temporary, unstable, and erratic things of this world. I’m sure that you are in the same boat as I am, searching for ways to maintain a solid relationship with our Savior, and reaching out for patience to endure the circumstances of life while impacted by them here on earth. James has given us the solution to this dilemma, draw close to God; build an ironclad relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and be determined to stay firm in our faith, with the help of the Master, in every circumstance of life. Just as a son or daughter can come alongside their earthly father and build a solid relationship with him and trust him in the intimate parts of our heart, so it is with our heavenly Father. Know Him today, dear friends, and know that peace which passes all human understanding or expectation.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I believe that you designed and created us to be just like You. However, sin has distracted us from our mission to stay on task with Your mission for our lives. I am reminded of that beautiful hymn ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’, for the lyrics remind us that when we turn our eyes, our focus, and our deliberate thoughts, upon the One who loves us enough to have given His very life for us, THEN the things of this world will grow strangely dim. Without You we are helpless in this earthly mission, but with You as our Guide, our Master and our Lord, ALL things are possible. Thank you for the reminder through Your servant, James, today, that a fully surrendered life is one that will be blessed with a blossoming faith and impacted by the only One who can draw us to Your side, even through the most challenging times here on earth. Humbly at Your feet today, we seek Your face, depend on Your power, and want to be guided by Your wisdom, dear Lord. Please take charge and use us here on earth, for Your kingdom’s sake. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. I would also suggest that you speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com and share your good news! Perhaps one of God’s servants will 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. 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 being a part of that, while also growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Faith Today: The Promise of Eternal Life Through Jesus

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Allegiance to the Lamb, Ask and Receive, Believe, Believers, Biblical Decisions, Blood of Jesus, Born Again, Christ's Representative, Christian, Christianity, Cleanse me Oh God, Commitment, Convinced of the gospel, Decisions, Know and Believe, Know Jesus, Surrender, The love of God, The Plan, The WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Friday, November 22, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all devotionals that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from the Living Bible (TLB) and found in John 1:1-4; 11-13

THE SCRIPTURE READS
 1-2 Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God. 3 He created everything there is—nothing exists that he didn’t make. 4 Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind. 
11-12 Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them. 13 All those who believe this are reborn! – not a physical rebirth resulting from human passion or plan – but from the will of God.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Just as John saw fit to declare the name, power and authority of the Christ in whom he believed, and who inspired him to write the Gospel of John, I believe it is important for us to understand this when we look at the instruction from this book, the Bible. Interpreters have labored over translating the Bible as accurately as they possibly could, but some words – like ‘Logos’ in the original language, actually translates to God; Christ; or the Word. Therefore, many Bibles show ‘the Word’ in their translation of John chapter one. The version I quoted here is not incorrect, the writers just used a word that we relate to more, to help us understand the intent.
BUT, after establishing the person of Christ and His relationship to God, John impressed even more upon me as I got down to verse 11, and I hope that God will also impress upon you, the importance of these words. John wanted God’s chosen people, the Jews, to know that he was aware of the ones who rejected Jesus as the Christ – the Son of God, but more importantly, John wanted them to know that for those who heard the voice of God and accepted Jesus as Lord, they were awarded the right to become children of God. And we all long for a sense of belonging to someone. For the casual reader, no doubt you are excited that the Jews read John’s words, listened to, and obeyed his invitation, and they could now rest easy knowing their eternity is secure in the fact that they will be with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever. However, to my readers today I must share that God also wanted this chapter included in His Word to us today, so that we could know that His Word is still the same powerful force today; His love is even more expansive that we may have first thought, because this Good News also applies to us today. The promises of God are just as true today for us as it was for the Jews: ‘to all who receive him, he gives the right to become children of God‘. To those who really read into this, you owe it to yourself to ask ‘but what about those who don’t receive Jesus?’ It is a good reminder for us that there are only two places available to us after life here on this earth: Eternity in Heaven for those who have invited and received Jesus into their life and given Him authority to be Lord of their life, OR Eternity in Hell where Satan will torment you way worse than anything you have experienced while here on earth. Friends, God created us in His own image, and He wants us to stay especially close to Him as our Creator and Father, why would we allow Satan to tempt us into thinking anything else? Please allow the Lord to open your heart, mind and soul today and impress upon you any adjustments necessary for your impending eternity.

PRAYER
Dearest Lord Jesus, You are indeed my Creator; my King; my Savior; My Lord and my eternal Father. I thank You Lord for that assurance and I am renewed in my resolve after reading the words You impressed upon John the apostle. I earnestly pray that You will impress upon the hearts of my readers the importance of not only hearing about You, but in accepting You as Lord of their lives. This life, as we know it today, will conclude here on earth, but it is clear that our souls will go on to a place made possible by the choices we make here on earth. I long to be with You in Heaven one day soon, and I would love to convince my audience to prepare for that day also. Please impress upon them the importance of making that decision, and doing something about it TODAY. In just my small circle of family and friends, several have been called out unexpectedly recently, and possibly without knowing You personally. To all those reading this devotional, please be reminded that you can make the decision today to right your final destination, for tomorrow may be too late. Have Your will and way in our lives today, Lord, and may You be glorified by the decisions we make and the stances we take to be honest and true representatives of Yours everywhere we find ourselves today. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. I would also suggest that you speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com and share your good news! Perhaps one of God’s servants will 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. 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 being a part of that, while also growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

What Have You Done With God’s Messengers

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOWLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-08-05
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 12:4-6
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 4 “The owner then sent another of his men, who received the same treatment, only worse, for his head was seriously injured. 5 The next man he sent was killed; and later, others were either beaten or killed, until 6 there was only one left—his only son. He finally sent him, thinking they would surely give him their full respect.

APPLICATION: Jesus found it important to connect with the people in simple, meaningful ways that they could identify with, even though I sometimes look at a parable and ponder its meaning, or what message Jesus could possibly have intended for His audience to receive! It is important that we realize that there is nothing we need to do to help Jesus clarify His teachings, for He was, and is, perfect in every way. So, the onus is on us to understand the message, and its meaning when the Scriptures are unclear to us. Just like us, the Pharisees thought they were always right, but that kind of thinking always causes us to close our minds to the actual truth when someone attempts to clarify something for us. The Pharisees were no different. However, today we must look at the Word of God and seek to understand its meaning and application for us and those alongside us, as we seek a word from the Master. Based on my study and research, I believe that Jesus might be challenging us to think about the earth and all its abundance that God has blessed us with. He also pointed us to a church body for spiritual enrichment and to know Him better, while also being a blessing to others. Just as in the story of the ‘Farmer’ sending ‘messengers’ to the lessors, Jesus has sent messenger after messenger to us – in the pulpit; through a men’s study group; through a Sunday School teacher; just to name a few. Some ‘messengers’ have been beaten up on, cursed at, written nasty letters to, discouraged through negative comments by us, reduced their salaries when they wouldn’t say what we told them to say from the pulpit, etc, etc. Friends, in John 3:16 we are told that God also sent His very own Son (as His messenger) into the world to save us from our sin. Many have also rejected Him, much like they’ve done with His other messengers (pastors, teachers, disciples, elders, deacons, evangelists, etc) He sent to share the Good News with us. How much more of this do you think that God will tolerate? He already has a place prepared and ready for those who accept Him and His messengers. The alternative is damnation in a place called Hell, where Satan is awaiting your arrival so he could kill, steal and destroy your soul. The choice seems obvious to me, but unless you individually and deliberately accept the Lord and surrender your life to Him, then your destination is set in stone. My reason for writing these blogs is to help you avoid eternal disaster, my friend. Please read my Footnote – especially the content behind the link ‘To Know Jesus’. I have provided Scripture that will confirm what I wrote above, and it will direct you to my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He alone has the key to eternal life in heaven with He and the Father. Please don’t mistreat and/or kill the messengers, accept the chief Farmer – my Lord and Savior.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God sent us His only Son as the answer to all of life’s dilemmas. He alone is the ONLY way to eternal life with the God who created us and have a home prepared for our eternity.

PRAYER: Thank You Heavenly Father for Your amazing grace, and Your consideration in providing a means for us to avoid Hell, and instead join with the angels in sweet accord around the feet of You and the Father in Heaven. Unfortunately, I’m afraid that my fellow family and friends are very similar to the folk You ministered to in today’s Scripture, for many today tend to feel like there is more to the joys of this earth than anything that could be offered in Heaven. Please forgive us Lord when we allow Satan to convince us of his lies. Touch the hearts of those reading or listening to this devotional. Please open their eyes to the truth of the everlasting hope that could be theirs, if only they would accept You as Lord. Make our ministry today an avenue for sharing Your Good News with one who is still doubting the glories of Heaven and/or the One who could get us there. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Things That Make One Unacceptable To God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Worship2 Comments

DATE POSTED Tuesday, 2022-05-03
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 7:20-23 
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT: 20 And Jesus said, “The things that make people wrong are the things that come from the inside. 21 All these bad things begin inside a person, in the mind: bad thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, 22 adultery, greed, doing bad things to people, lying, doing things that are morally wrong, jealousy, insulting people, proud talking, and foolish living.23 These evil things come from inside a person. And these are the things that make people unacceptable to God.”

APPLICATION: Going to the gym has become a high priority for many. Going to weight management classes reaches high on the priority list for many. Attending inspirational conferences and spending time with positive people is a must. Yes, we have become a people who have really dedicated ourselves to make a good impression on the rest of the world, and that’s a very positive thing for our image in the face of our boss, and those who tend to look at our stance in community. BUT, we should all be interested in what makes a difference in the eyes of God, as He determines our eternal destiny. I believe that every day, there are words, thoughts and deeds by us that determines who we truly are. It is important to remember that unlike our ability to hide certain aspects of our life from family and/or friends, our lives are an open book to our Maker. Let us never forget that there are two options for where one might spend eternity, and those options are evaluated based on our decisions in life, and our obedience to God’s commands. If you are intentional about making heaven your eternal home, then you will intentionally seek after Christ, and therefore closely desire to obey His Word. If you do nothing, or couldn’t care less, then obviously you have decided that you are content with Hell and the damnation that comes from its leader – Satan. So having laid the groundwork, I would like for us to think about the focal verses today. Jesus outlined some things that emanate from us that are detriment to the cause of Christ. These are attitudes and actions that result from what has been fed into our lives – by television; movies; the friends we hang out with; the absence of the teachings of Jesus Christ; etc. It is obvious that no matter how good the things are that make us healthy and put our bodies in shape, the really important things in life – the things that please God, truly comes from the inner man – from the things that touched our heart, soul and mind. Friends, let me be the first to tell you that the source of the things that please God, actually come from Him and His teachings in the first place. Verses 21 and 22 in our focal passage lists the things that negatively impact us, and on a close examination of these things, you will clearly see that these attributes are promoted by Satan himself, for the Bible has repeatedly taught against these things. So my challenge for you and I today is that we carefully go to the Source of life, and the Source of eternal life, for inspiration and spiritual growth in ways that please our Master. That’s what really counts in this life! Remember, only what’s done for Jesus will last, and as we learned from these verses today, only lives that are impacted by Jesus will go on to eternity with Him in glory. Where are you headed dear friend? Where will you spend eternity? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus, and find yourself learning from Him daily, so that you may reflect Him in every aspect of your life? That’s my desire, and I pray that each reader will do likewise. For the Christian reading, or listening to this devotional, let me suggest that you make a list of the things mentioned in Vs 21-22 and keep that list in a prominent place in your home. Review that list anytime the Holy Spirit convicts you of separation from God, so that you might determine if any habit are infiltrating your life, that are unacceptable to God. If ‘yes’, then determine in your heart to seek God’s help to get yourself back on track and fully acceptable to Him.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: For the child of God who lives according to His plan and His commands, we are reminded that Jesus died and was crucified so that we might have peace and acceptance with God the Father. The Holy Spirit is our helper to especially be on guard against the things mentioned in our focal verses.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You have made it clear in Your Word what You demand of each of Your children. You’ve shown us how our lives will reflect the One to whom we are running to. Please touch each one that will read, or listen to, this devotional today. May we all know without a doubt where we are headed and where we will spend eternity. May our lives reflect that in everything we do and say, through Your strength and by Your power oh Lord. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Jesus Is Coming Soon!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Decisions, Don't Procrastinate, Reunion Day, Saved, signsLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2021-06-06
WRITTEN AT: Sebring, FL

Bible Reference: Luke 21:25–28
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text:  25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

OBSERVATION: How blessed we are to have been given tips, or warning signs, about the end of time, as we know it today. It is incumbent upon us to act on these warning signs and ready ourselves for the eminent return of Jesus Christ to take His bride (the church) home to glory with Him. To be a part of ‘The Church’, we must have accepted Jesus as our personal Savior. Failing to act on this will leave you in a state where Satan will continue to be your master, even through eternity in Hell. Please read on for help in avoiding such a pitfall in your life.

APPLICATION:  I am not a meteorologist, but it seems like there are computers that are constantly analyzing the weather events of the past, so that based on certain wind flows and other conditions today, our favorite weather announcer could be prized with being the first to warn us about a predictable upcoming event, for our safety and security. Jesus shared with us in these verses today about various (obvious) WARNING signs that the Holy Spirit will cause us to stand to our feet and look up in full awe and anticipation to welcome our King – our Savior and our Messiah, as He comes to take us home with Him! Friends, when events such as this occur, there are often some folk who are waiting for the moment and are ready to go with the Master. However, there will unfortunately be those who have procrastinated, or refused to surrender their life to our Savior. Please consider me your biblical ‘meteorologist’ today, as based on God’s Holy Word, it is written that the first group mentioned above will be taken with Jesus to reside with His Father – our Almighty God, to live and reign with Him, to worship and adore Him throughout all eternity. This same Good Book also tells me to warn you that the second group will then cry aloud for the Savior, but because the decision was not made prior to His coming, He will have no choice but to disclaim them at that time and leave them behind with their earthly master, Satan. Friends, until the actual return of the Savior, you still have time to surrender your life to Him. However, because His return could be any minute now, you could very easily be totally out of time. May I encourage you to not tarry; please do not procrastinate; but instead make this a priority over anything else you have planned for today. Not sure how to handle this? Please read my ‘footnote’ for further instructions, or respond to me and I will personally give you guidance. This is way too important to procrastinate friend, please heed the WARNING!

PRAYER: Father, I am grateful that Your Holy Spirit visited with me and prompted me of the warning signs regarding my eternal destiny. Thank You for convicting me of my sin, and convincing me of my need for a Savior. I hurt today because of the multitude of friends and family that are playing with their commitment because they are not convinced of the warning signs. Lord, Your Word has been so clear and proven so true in so many ways. Please tender the hearts of my readers and those that are near and dear to each one of us today. May this devotional lead to a time of decision making by many as they listen to Your still small voice regarding your return and the certainty of eternity. We can only depend on You oh Lord, our Master and King, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Signs Of His Coming!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Decisions, Don't Procrastinate, Reunion Day, Saved, signsLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-06-04

Bible Reference: Luke 21:25–28
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text:  25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

OBSERVATION: How blessed we are to have been given tips, or warning signs, about the end of time, as we know it today. It is incumbent upon us to act on these warning signs and ready ourselves for the eminent return of Jesus Christ to take His bride (the church) home to glory with Him. To be a part of ‘The Church’, we must have accepted Jesus as our personal Savior. Failing to act on this will leave you in a state where Satan will continue to be your master, even through eternity in Hell. Please read on for help in avoiding such a pitfall in your life.

APPLICATION:  I am not a meteorologist, but it seems like there are computers that are constantly analyzing the weather events of the past, so that based on certain wind flows and other conditions today, our favorite weather announcer could be prized with being the first to warn us about a predictable upcoming event, for our safety and security. Jesus shared with us in these verses today about various (obvious) WARNING signs that the Holy Spirit will cause us to stand to our feet and look up in full awe and anticipation to welcome our King – our Savior and our Messiah, as He comes to take us home with Him! Friends, when events such as this occur, there are often some folk who are waiting for the moment and are ready to go with the Master. However, there will unfortunately be those who have procrastinated, or refused to surrender their life to our Savior. Please consider me your biblical ‘meteorologist’ today, as based on God’s Holy Word, it is written that the first group mentioned above will be taken with Jesus to reside with His Father – our Almighty God, to live and reign with Him, to worship and adore Him throughout all eternity. This same Good Book also tells me to warn you that the second group will then cry aloud for the Savior, but because the decision was not made prior to His coming, He will have no choice but to disclaim them at that time and leave them behind with their earthly master, Satan. Friends, until the actual return of the Savior, you still have time to surrender your life to Him. However, because His return could be any minute now, you could very easily be totally out of time. May I encourage you to not tarry; please do not procrastinate; but instead make this a priority over anything else you have planned for today. Not sure how to handle this? Please read my ‘footnote’ for further instructions, or respond to me and I will personally give you guidance. This is way too important to procrastinate friend, please heed the WARNING!

PRAYER: Father, I am grateful that Your Holy Spirit visited with me and prompted me of the warning signs regarding my eternal destiny. Thank You for convicting me of my sin, and convincing me of my need for a Savior. I hurt today because of the multitude of friends and family that are playing with their commitment because they are not convinced of the warning signs. Lord, Your Word has been so clear and proven so true in so many ways. Please tender the hearts of my readers and those that are near and dear to each one of us today. May this devotional lead to a time of decision making by many as they listen to Your still small voice regarding your return and the certainty of eternity. We can only depend on You oh Lord, our Master and King, AMEN!

Less of Me and More of Others

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Adoration, Jesus' BirthLeave a comment

Monday, 2018-12-01

Bible Reference: John 1:10-12
Translation: The VOICE (VOICE)

Bible Text: 10 He entered our world, a world He made; yet the world did not recognize Him. 11 Even though He came to His own people, they refused to listen and receive Him. 12 But for all who did receive and trust in Him, He gave them the right to be reborn as children of God;

OBSERVATION: With Christmas quickly approaching, it is quite sobering to reflect on the reason that this special day came about. John reminds us in our Scripture today that although God created this world, and each of us, yet we don’t recognize His Son, and many even refuse to listen and subsequently receive Him. However, because he came, some has and will receive Him and are therefore saved from their sin and eternal damnation. This coming to earth as a baby with such awesome eternal benefits – that’s what we celebrate at Christmastime!

APPLICATION: If we listen to the radio; television; or any type of public speaking opportunity, we would quickly assume that Christmas is about gifts, or parties, or family get-togethers, or a holiday from work, but in many forums it is forbidden for speakers to make reference to the real truth of Christmas. So some will attend church services as one of their seasonal things to do. But notice what John says in verse 11, he said that many refuse to listen to the truth about Jesus’s Christ. Sadly I believe this occurs in churches at roughly the same rate as on the street, for there will be some attendees (members included) that know deep in their heart that they should fellowship with fellow believers, but often that’s as far as they go – fellowship. For these, I believe that God’s people should earnestly pray that their hearts might be revived to seek and find again, the Savior that they first heard about. In being reminded of the reason Jesus came, perhaps their eyes might be reopened that they are the reason that He came in the first place! For the curious, or the ones who may feel obligated to a parent or a loved one, that may attend church this Christmas, I pray that although they may come for various reasons, that God would have a divine appointment with them to hear the Gospel one more time, and that the love of Jesus would melt their hearts into making a decision to not only recognize His love, and His reason for coming to earth as a baby, but that they might accept Him as Lord of their lives, as Savior of the world, and as our soon coming King who will take us to glory for an eternity with He and His Father. Oh may the love of the Christ Child be evident to all who may want to know more about C H R I S T M A S this year!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us enough to care about our ultimate destination – even after we leave this old sinful world. It is clear from Your Word that You provided a superior option for us to escape the pit of Hell when rescued from this old sinful world. This started with the birth of Your Son, a time that we now celebrate as Christmas. Thank You for showing us in Your Word that this was carefully designed and planned by You, for we read how You gifted Your prophets hundreds of years earlier to tell the world of Your Son who would come to rescue the world challenged with sin. Lord, may this Christmas be a time that we recognize the true purpose of our celebration, and in learning this, may it impact us to truly worship You from the manger to the cross. Father we adore You! Savior we worship You! AMEN!

Your Crown Awaits

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Awesome God, Believers, FaithLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2018-11-28

Bible Reference: Revelation 3:10-11
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 10 “Because you have patiently obeyed me despite the persecution, therefore I will protect you from the time of Great Tribulation and temptation,[d] which will come upon the world to test everyone alive. 11 Look, I am coming soon![e]Hold tightly to the little strength you have—so that no one will take away your crown.

OBSERVATION: As part of the letters to the seven churches, God told the church in Philadelphia that they were strong, and because of that and their efforts to be faithful, in spite of the persecution aimed at them, then He would protect them and hold them close to Himself. They could therefore hold tightly to that promise knowing that they have assurance that their crown of acceptance, joy and peace with God will not be taken away! Wow, what a promise!  

APPLICATION: No doubt we have all been the recipient of promises from our parents, or perhaps our siblings, or even our workplace, but have you ever been promised a crown just for being obedient and faithful? Oh and the promise that no one will take that crown away from you, because the Master of this universe has His hand of protection on you and on your crown? Friends, I believe that God still says to the church in our own communities, that love God and have remained faithful to His Word, that we should hang tight, for in due time, in spite of our ups and downs, our God will follow through with His promise for us. I have no idea if there will be a literal crown for all of God’s princes and princesses that He will welcome home, but it is enough for me to know that to enter the gates of heaven where my Savior, my God, my Redeemer and my everlasting King resides, and to find a final place of peace and everlasting worship to our God – oh that, yes that will be all the glory that would overwhelm me! Recognizing that God, the King of all kings, is my heavenly Father, and that as His son I would naturally be a prince, then what difference would it make if I have a crown or not? Oh I want to see Him, look upon His face, listen to the rest of the song and rejoice as you reflect on your eternal home – praise the name of our Almighty King, Jesus Christ our Lord!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for saving my soul, thank You Lord for making me whole, thank You Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation, so rich and free.  Precious Lord, entering heaven is a glorious day that all of Your children anxiously awaits. We really need Your help in seeing us through this life, where we could impact so many for Your kingdom, and then walk through those pearly gates locked arms as siblings of the King. Thank You for the opportunity to serve, and for the promise of our heavenly home! AMEN!

It’s Time To Go!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Believers, Christ's Return, EternityLeave a comment

Friday, 2018-11-23

Bible Reference: Revelation 1:7
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: 7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes (nations) of the earth will mourn over Him [realizing their sin and guilt, and anticipating the coming wrath]. [kSo it is to be. Amen.

OBSERVATION: In the first 6 verses, time is spent introducing the legitimacy of how John became authorized to share these revelations with us. It is obvious that these words came from God, through Jesus, to John. It is also obvious that our soon coming God will be for ALL people that ever existed and who exist at the time of His coming. No need for an earthly judge to say who His coming applies to, or don’t apply to. Seeing that this will apply to all reading this devotional, it is really important that we meditate on this for just a while today.

APPLICATION: At an airport, a plane will leave only with those ticketed for that flight, regardless of how many travelers are in the airport. Unlike the airport scenario, the God who created us, also provided an alternative to the flight ticket, by sending His only Son as our means of getting from earth to heaven. For those who have accepted the  gift of God’s Son, we will have a much better outlook than most, on the day that the whole world looks up and sees Jesus bursting through the clouds. Notice a few things about this truth from the very beginning of the book of Revelation: (1) Airline flights are contingent on so many things, like weather; availability of fuel; an operational airport in which to pick up its passengers, etc. However, in our verses today, we are told that Jesus IS COMING – period. In other words, there is nothing that will stop Him (praise the name of Jesus!); (2) ‘Everyone’ will see Jesus when He comes for us. Stop to think that also includes the person that you tried to witness to, and they thought you were from another planet! Also the person that follows a cult, and absolutely scorns the name of our Jesus; (3) Notice that John was told that the glorious return of Jesus will not be a time of rejoicing by all who see Him coming back to earth. My mind went on to think of what it would be like for any of us to hear of our national leader coming to our town. Some will protest, and some will rejoice and party. The Bible says that it will be much the same when Jesus returns. Some of us will rejoice endlessly that our Savior has finally come to take us home – that’s the group I will be in, because I have accepted the Gift of God’s Son – the only One, the only thing that opens the doors of heaven for an earthly sinner to claim righteousness and redemption of sin. However friends, the Bible says that some will be extremely sad, because they will finally realize that their rejection of Jesus Christ, and their disbelief in the one true God, was a BIG mistake. But the huge warning for all that may happen across this devotional today, is that, when that day occurs – and it could be today, tomorrow or even next week, but on that day, it will be a point of no turning back, or changing of minds, for it will be the day of judgment. A day set aside to judge the entire population of the world. Only you will know the verdict that will be passed down to you by God, friend. No attorney will help convince the Judge, for He already knows every little detail about every one of His creation, including the condition of our heart and to whom we belong. I’m ready to go friend, are you?

PRAYER: Come Lord Jesus come! Thank You Lord for saving my soul, thank You Lord for making me whole, thank You Lord for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free! For Your love, forgiveness, and eternal provisions, I give You sincere thanks dear Lord. Please be an instrument of love in the hearts and lives of all who will read this devotional today. May they be inclined to get into Your Word and learn more about their Creator and their heavenly King. Lord, may no one who is reminded of Your awesome grace be in the sad, weeping crowd on the day who will look towards heaven and see You coming in the clouds. Oh Lord of heaven, may the hearts of the unsaved be softened today and drawn to You, so that they may joyously await Your return. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Let Nothing Take God’s Place In Your Heart

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Accept Jesus NOW, Accountability, All have sinned, God ReignsLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2018-11-21

Bible Reference: 1 John 5:20-21
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God.[e] And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

OBSERVATION: In the verses leading up to our focal verses, John had gone into depth explaining the presence and importance of knowing Jesus, God’s only Son, and the only Perfect One. However, John also warned his people that they must be aware that Satan is also very real, and that he would try every trick in the book to try and distract those who claim Christ as King of their lives, to mess up and turn the other way. God gave John a cure to share with his folk about this, and I believe it is so applicable to us today. Let’s meditate on this for just a while.

APPLICATION: We are so careful about keeping our babies away from a stove, or a fireplace, or broken glass, because we don’t want to see them get hurt. Yet we work so diligently with our family and friends to see the bright light of Jesus Christ, and as soon as they make a decision, we turn our backs on them and move on to the next person we were praying for. The logical steps are great, for we should concentrate on helping someone else along, but we must constantly remind ourselves that the new Christian is just like the creeping baby that I shared in my example above. Often they will need our loving guidance, and our warnings about the troubled things that they might be distracted by and drawn into. However, while here on this earth, all of us are subject to the same temptations, because we are all prone to interference by the evil one. I would have two things that might encourage our walk towards righteousness: 1). Flood our lives with the Word of God. For that is where we receive our Godly direction and wisdom from, and that is where we learn about how Jesus overcame temptation, and in spite of it, yet He walked a righteous and sinless life, and 2). Let us strive to live out verse 21 above. Being careful to let nothing take the place of God in our hearts. We do this by making sure that our hearts are constantly filled with God, therefore there is no room for anything else. To the unsaved, or uncommitted friend that may be reading this devotional today, let me encourage you to seriously consider reaching beyond the troubles and trials of this world, seek Jesus – the King of all kings, and Lord of all lords, and allow Him to rule and reign in your life. He created you, and He is desperately waiting for you to join Him some day in glory to spend eternity with He and His Father! That’s awesome news, but be warned my friend, the Word of God is clear that heaven is reserved for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Won’t you do that today my precious friend? Please read through, and follow my Footnote, and if you don’t know a Bible teaching pastor, please drop me a note so that I can pray with you as you begin this relationship. I would be honored to welcome you into the family and pray for you!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for accepting me as Your Son. Thank You for forgiveness of sin – even mine. Lord, You are so, so good to me! I also thank You for the reminder from John today, and I ask for Your ongoing guidance to help me stay totally focused on You and Your Word. May my life be so filled with Your goodness, mercy and grace, that Satan will find no room there. Lord, as readers meditate on these thoughts today, please speak gently to them and give them direction to help them live strong, noble and righteously for You every day. Please also touch the heart of the one that might come across this devotional that may not know You as Lord. Convict them, and lead them to a decision to accept You as Lord today, please? AMEN!