Category: Appreciation

Everyone Eligible For Life Eternal

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

DATE POSTED: Thursday, 2023-04-13
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Timothy 1:15-16
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

OBSERVATION: Credit Card companies will advertise using words similar to my title today, for they want everyone to apply for their credit card, and they know that some will feel like they couldn’t possibly qualify. When invited to know Jesus, most individuals will respond that they are so unworthy of acceptance by the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. But God knew this would be the case, so He arranged an example in and through the life of Paul to help us understand that His grace is sufficient and reaches to every child created by Almighty God. Stay tuned to be reminded of how important you are to God!

APPLICATION: Although not referenced in today’s Scripture, Paul’s former name was Saul. When Paul makes reference to him being one of the worst sinners, he was referring to the days of Saul, when he was known as a persecutor of the church and of Christians as a whole. Today we sometimes hear of a church being burned down, or burglarized, or riddled with gunshots, but I don’t know of any crimes that could be compared to the evil done by Saul. However, God met up with Saul, convicted him of his sin, saved him, changed his name to Paul, and sent him on to do the work of the Lord instead. So, when you drum up excuses of why you can’t attend church, or why a Christian shouldn’t waste their time worry about why they couldn’t lead you to Christ because of your evil deeds, please try to remember the story of the former Saul, and the new Paul who went on to reach the unchurched and place churches where there was no presence of godly teaching. If God could deal with such a terror as Saul, could He not also challenge you on your sin? If God could start life anew in Paul, and put aside all the bad he had done, could He not turn your life around. Please try to remember from all Bible accounts that speak of God changing a man. Never does it say that God went after the worst sinners, or the one with just a little sin. A person who sins, disobeys God. There is no such thing as a minor sin or a major sin. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save mankind from their sin – period. ‘Minor’ sins may not even get the attention of the authorities today, for governments have come to accept many things that God might consider ‘sin’. But, please don’t forget that ‘sin’ occurs when one disobeys the laws of God. Authors in the Bible went to a great extent to help us understand what God established as His law for mankind. Satan first tempted Eve about how insignificant he felt the laws of God was, and of course Satan has intensified his pressure on mankind today with this misguidance to make sure that God won’t win us over. Dear friends, I am a firm believer that ‘greater is He (God) that is inside of the child of God, than he (Satan) that is in the world. You have a fairly straightforward decision to make. Are you prepared to accept Jesus, the Creator of the universe; the One sacrificed on Calvary’s hill for the redemption of our sin; the One who sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us; the One waiting to receive us into His eternal kingdom (heaven) for all eternity? Unless you make a decision, you are doomed for eternity in the fires of hell with its leader, Satan. I feel like the decisions is obvious, but Satan may be pounding it into your head like he did with Saul, that his way is the only reasonable and fun way. Friend of God, Trust in the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and lean not on your own understanding. Today is the day of salvation. Seek the Lord while He may be found!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: It is very possible that others will see Jesus evident in us and desire to accept Him as Lord of their life also! It will be worth it all!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please open our eyes to the truth of Your Word. Paul identified reasons why You saved him, and he glorified You for using him in spite of his past. Please develop with us a sense of why You saved us, and the purpose for which You’ve still allowed us to stick around. Each man faces a decision of where they will spend eternity. Thank You Lord for opening my blinded, sinful eyes and allowing me to see the love of Jesus. Please open the eyes of our relatives, friends and all who have yet to make a decision regarding their eternal destiny. As they are reminded of the change You made in the life of Saul, may they also be reminded that You can do the same for them, if only they will allow You to bless them and save them from eternity in Hell. 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!

Does Jesus Fit In Your Box?

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, 2023-04-12
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 13:13-17
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: 13 Jesus placed His hands on her and suddenly she could stand straight again. She started praising God, 14 but the synagogue official was indignant because Jesus had not kept their Sabbath regulations by performing this healing.
Synagogue Official: Look, there are six other days when it’s appropriate to get work done. Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath!
Jesus: 15 You religious leaders are such hypocrites! Every single one of you unties his ox or donkey from its manger every single Sabbath Day, and then you lead it out to get a drink of water, right? 16 Do you care more about your farm animals than you care about this woman, one of Abraham’s daughters, oppressed by Satan for 18 years? Can’t we untie her from her oppression on the Sabbath?
17 As the impact of His words settled in, His critics were humiliated, but everyone else loved what Jesus said and celebrated everything He was doing.

OBSERVATION: What do you suppose your Pharisees (church leaders) would say about a demon possessed woman walking into your church? Now think good, she may disrupt the service with loud or weird sounds; she may smell from not having a bath for several weeks; she may not know how to use the pew Bible or sing from the hymnal; she may not know how to act from all the eyes centered on her with obvious signs of people looking down their noses at her; and she may even go forward when the pastor makes an altar call. Not your typical attendee, but can you compose yourself if something like this happened at your church?

APPLICATION: For some reason, we seem to find it challenging to identify with, and accept, someone if they speak different to us, come from a different country, dress differently to us or perhaps look different to us. Similarly, we are challenged to accept fellow Christians if they worship on a different day to us; baptize differently; more, or less, charismatic than we are; use a different version of the Bible than we do; or dress differently to us, especially while attending church. In other words, we have built a ‘box’ into which all Christians must fit into and adhere to. But wait a minute, what if God had placed sinners into a box and He would only accept you if you fit that mold? Would your parents, relatives or yourself have been accepted by Jesus? I believe that Jesus specializes in the needs of men and women that He created. Yes, God rested on the 7th day, and He commanded that we also do the same throughout our day of worship. Do needs cease on our day of worship? Why then do you suppose that the Jewish leaders have such a problem with God meeting the needs of this woman on the Sabbath? This was outside their ‘box’, or their rules for the Sabbath day. Still today we will find where church leaders become humiliated and upset when things do not follow the ‘box’ they have built for church members and/or worshippers. I firmly believe that when one comes into the presence of Almighty God, and they connect with Him in a very personal way, no other earthly rules or efforts tend to matter. Remember the blind man that laid wait for Jesus along the road He was about to travel? In spite of the commands from the disciples who tried to keep the roadway clear, the man knew that Jesus was within hearing distance of his cries, so he shouted all the more. Of particular notice, is that in spite of this man looking different to all the rest, and the needs that he had were great, yet Jesus commanded that the man be brought closer to Him. Jesus was concerned about the needs of the man. Please join me in asking God to help us see the spiritual needs of someone before we ever decide to ridicule or reject them for their attire, their lack of hygiene, or even their language. We must always remember that one seeking the hand of Jesus, may not be one concerned about our handouts or even our rules. Let’s be sure that we never stand in the way of someone finding Jesus, or asking for His touch.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Just as the crowd rejoiced in what Jesus said (vs 17), perhaps we too should rejoice and praise God for all that He has taught us in His Word, and for His wisdom shared with us daily as we communicate together.

PRAYER: Just as some (the religious leaders) were upset over Jesus’ actions in healing the woman, we can see how others praised God for the awesome power in restoring this ladies issue. The church today still encounters situations that could result in disagreement, arguments and possibly even division, yet some will be blessed in seeing the strong hand of God in their life and the lives of the church. When rules are broken, it becomes challenging to see the good in the work of God even under extenuating circumstances. Oh that we would learn to look for the hand of God at work among us, knowing that this could be through negative or positive responses in the lives of His people. Let us learn to say ‘blessed be the name of the Lord’ when we see answers that we expect, AND if God chooses alternate ways to answer in the power of His will, for His honor, and for the benefit of the affected one. God is in charge of everything, let us honor and worship Him with that truth in mind! 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!

How To Become Wise

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

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, 2023-04-11
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Proverb 1:7-9
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 7-9 How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! Only fools refuse to be taught. Listen to your father and mother. What you learn from them will stand you in good stead; it will gain you many honors.

OBSERVATION: Ever looked back on life and wished you had made better choices about a certain faction of your life? But this would only have been possible if you were wiser, or if you had realized sooner that you could use the help of others in those decisions. The queen of Sheba traveled to try and discern what Solomon was doing to make himself so successful in life, and she discovered that he was in a class of his own in being extremely wise. Now in the book of Proverbs Solomon is sharing with us how we might become wise, so I believe we should ask God to open our eyes of understanding and listen for the tips on becoming wiser.

APPLICATION: I am intrigued by infants who quickly use their natural instincts to do what they want, and make sure that everyone else around them do what they want! I’m not so sure that we ever grow out of that, but it is evident that God has built into us a desire to want our own way while also realizing that we could do way more than we are capable of, by learning to lean on the support of those who love us and want to see us succeed. Let’s examine the sources of help that Solomon teaches us to lean and depend on:

  • Trust and Reverence the Lord – If God made us and designed a world for us to live in, I believe it is critically important that we trust His correction, follow His commands and respect Him as our Lord. If He sent us His Son, so that we might have forgiveness of sin when we invite Him into our life, then I believe it is evident that God’s end goal is for us to return to Him after our time here on earth is over. Good parents remain parents for their whole life! Sure, a spouse will most lightly enter into the lives of most adults, but there is absolutely no substitute for mom and dad! Why then do we feel like we can take over from the authority of God and lead a life that we design and plan to achieve? If He had the beginning in mind in our birth, and He has the end in mind, our eternity in heaven, wouldn’t it make sense that He has special plans in mind for us while we battle with Satan and his army here on earth? Trust in the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul and mind. Remember, He is God, and beside Him, there is no other. Reverence Him, not only as your God, but also as the God of the universe!
  • Only fools choose not to be taught – Ever received a good grade because of the effort you put into resolving a challenging question? You may be rebellious in school, but I hope that you will always use the good sense given to you by God and learn something new each and every day! Be on the lookout for Jesus and be amazed by the wonderful God that He is!
  • Listen to you mom and dad – Even at 68 years of age, I still reflect on the things taught to me by my dad, and I stand amazed at his wisdom that he so freely passed on to me. Remember, our parents have a vested interest in our wellbeing, and they want to see us succeed. Learn from their successes and also from their failures, There is no reason to repeat their mistakes.

Solomon didn’t just offer up wisdom and tell us to obey his tidbits because He said so, but rather, he shared the value and benefits of obedience to God, and to those who nurture us. He assured us that the values we assume from others willing to teach us, lead us in, and support us through, will stick with us our whole lives. Friends, think about all those who have impacted your lives. They may have walked alongside you in your struggles, they may have taught you in school or at home, or they may have shared amazing successes with you while teaching you to reach for the stars, like they did.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: While there may be some out to destroy us, there are many willing to share the love of Jesus with us as they interact with, and care for, us each day. To enhance our wisdom, let’s depend on God; listen, love and appreciate those He sends our way.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I am amazed at how You care for us. Just when we think we know it all, You send someone our way to open the doors of heaven and show us how we need You, and also our fellow man. Your Holy Book is filled with information to guide us in the way we should go and to keep Your way holy and set apart with a rich and meaningful life here on earth. Even more importantly, You show us daily that others also need us, and never should we be selfish enough to stick to ourselves and let them do their own thing. I believe that You’ve placed us here to worship and honor You, and to share Your love, care and protection towards all people. Please continue to bless us as we go our way and may we always share Your love with others, especially those in need of a Savior. 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!

Be Filled With Love

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, The love of God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, 2023-04-08
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Timothy 1:5-6
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.

OBSERVATION: I believe that given a goal for ministry will lead one into passionately preaching God’s Word with an emphasis on the values that will help listeners see and attain values that show success, or failure of your mission. For example, most pastors are given a goal to help a church save the lost in the community, and disciple (teach) the saved already in the church. But seeing an underlying problem that prevents such a goal, may have caused Paul to lead his student towards a ministry that truly speaks the spiritual downfall of many believers. Perhaps God will speak to believers today as we meditate on this!

APPLICATION: I believe you will agree with me that if believers lose sight of the One who saved them, and the life He called them to, while preparing for their new life in Heaven, they might be tempted toqu fall back into the ways of the world and the temptations and destruction of the evil one. Although this may have nothing to do with newcomers who chose to become a part of them, it becomes very visible that the church and the newcomers that the church has lost her first love (Rev. 2:4). It seems like as a mentor, Paul wanted to open the eyes of this young evangelist and help guide him to the subjects that really needed attention. When we encounter these types of challenges, addressing every little quirk/sin, will lead to pettiness and micromanaging that will often serve to tick people off rather than helping them. It is always best to get to the bottom of a problem and try to treat the root causes. I believe it is safe to say that churches split and believers fall back into the ways o the world when these root causes go undetected or not addressed effectively. A somewhat strange phenomenon is to see unbelievers uninterested in joining a church where this type of thing is happening, or where God is not actively and regularly changing lives. But to help us know and understand what true ‘LOVE’ is, Paul taught Timothy to look for three simple clues:

  • Be sure to see a ‘Pure Heart’ – It may, or may not, be easy to detect a fraudulent person with a fake heart. In the business world we were taught to try and detect a criminal when the entered our business. It was challenging, because they dressed just like our very best customer, and they smiled just like they knew us all their life. As a child of God, we have one things going for us – the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us, points us to the things of God. So listen closely to what you are being prompted to think, do and say.
  • Look for a ‘Clear Conscience’ – This is something that God has placed inside of us. When there is honesty and peace of mind, it is obvious to experience the calm assurance of a person. Otherwise a person is challenged to look you in the eye or tell you the truth. When things are right with God, we can enjoy a clear conscience before Him, and with our fellow man. Oh that we would always be guided by teh Holy Spirit to recognize the unrest in a person when they are struggling to enjoy a clear conscience!
  • Evidence of a ‘Genuine Faith’ – The peace of God and the precious love of God will lead us in life to depend on Him wholeheartedly, while seeking daily to know Him better each and every day. A genuine faith is one that will give us a calm assurance, even in the height of battle and/or the biggest struggles.

So unless we lose sight of what Paul’s instructions were to Timothy that gave cause for the above teaching, please review verses 3 and 4. You will see that the new, young pastor was instructed to not only identify those who were not teaching the truth of God’s Word, but to stop them – for the good of the gospel. Ever went to a Sunday School class or a church service where you never opened your Bible? There was so much chatter about personal achievements or anything else happening in the world, that the teacher or the preacher lost sight of their very first obligation – make sure the people learn about Jesus. And if they already know about Jesus, allow the Holy Spirit to direct you into sharing from the Word of God, what they need reminding of or to become stronger in. Please, let’s not waste an opportunity to share our story of salvation, and the precious Word of God with anyone that God places in our path. Just a sPaul wanted Timothy to get off on the right track, I pray that God will keep us on the right track each and every day promoting the Savior of the world.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and a genuine faith!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for using Your servant Paul to remind Timothy, and us, what we are to look at in those who claim You as Lord and Savior. Lord, I believe that this is not only good for encouraging one another, but also to show the lost that Jesus is alive and well, because they see evidence here on earth in the lives of His children. Please speak boldly to Your children and help us to be the image of love, just You are. 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!

Unless You Turn To God – WARNING

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

DATE POSTED: Thursday, 2023-04-06
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 13:1-5
TRANSLATION: GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

BIBLE TEXT: 1 At that time some people reported to Jesus about some Galileans whom Pilate had executed while they were sacrificing animals. 2 Jesus replied to them, “Do you think that this happened to them because they were more sinful than other people from Galilee? 3 No! I can guarantee that they weren’t. But if you don’t turn to God and change the way you think and act, then you, too, will all die. 4 What about those 18 people who died when the tower at Siloam fell on them? Do you think that they were more sinful than other people living in Jerusalem? 5 No! I can guarantee that they weren’t. But if you don’t turn to God and change the way you think and act, then you, too, will all die.”

OBSERVATION: The ministry of our churches is in vain if you attend and don’t hear the gospel of Jesus Christ taught and preached. This means, telling the whole story of the Bible, not just the parts that speak encouragement into our hearts. We can be the best people in the world when it comes to helping the poor, or the disaster stricken, but unless we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus is teaching that we could be in an equally disastrous situation when life here on earth is over. Open your heart’s door to hear the Word of God today!

APPLICATION: I believe that statistics will show that good news books are read much more than doom and gloom books. Easter is a time of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It thrills our heart to know that we serve a living and powerful God who raised His Son, Jesus, from the grave. But this couldn’t happen without His death and burial. There are inspirational speakers and pastors who will preach the Good News of Jesus Christ while avoiding that there were some very tough and challenging times that led up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ; the raising of Lazarus from the dead; the healing of blind Bartimaeus; and the transition of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. Without the challenges, there would be no success story, or happy ending. In today’s Scripture, notice how the crowd was anxious to see what Jesus would do or say in response to the news that Pilate had killed some who went to the temple to sacrifice. Perhaps they were expecting Jesus to miraculously strike down Pilate and his men. On a personal example, it seemed like when my wife and I raised our daughter, she would pop challenging news or questions on us just to see how we would react! I’m not sure whether her eyes were opened to the way we handled ourselves in responding, but I’m pretty sure that the people sitting under Jesus’ teaching did not expect the answer that Jesus gave. But, I am convinced that Jesus gave them the right answer, and the one that they needed to be challenged with at this particular time in their life. Jesus could have stayed very positive and upbeat by going on to emphasize how wrong Pilate was, and how awful his guards were to kill worshippers. Jesus could also have told the people how the awful ending of those worshippers would compensate for the sinful things they did while alive. And the people would have rejoiced and frequently repeated the awesome things that Jesus told them, but would the people have benefited regarding their eternity? As for us, we must find a place we could go to worship our Savior and Lord. A place where we could freely lift up holy hands as we sing praises to our risen King! But unless we come away from our worship services with a renewed sense of oneness with our Lord, and unless we were challenged on the wicked things we’ve said; the awful thoughts that filled our minds; the grudging attitude of forgiveness we rendered to those who despitefully used us; and the new or renewed knowledge of God’s Word regarding life in general, then we may have just missed the value in attending church. Pastors, I know you don’t want to ‘beat up’ on your church attenders every week, but because Jesus found it important to tell His audience about the importance of making their heart right with God, then your attenders may wind up leaving your services without being reminded of their eternal doom without Jesus. Please consider reminding us every week that our lives are doomed for Hell unless we surrender our all to the Lord Jesus Christ – the Savior of the world. If your challenge saved some from Hell and helped them ensure a sure way to Heaven, then that represents the best news you could possibly share with them! please do cheat your parishioners of the opportunity to ensure Heaven is their home, Jesus is their Lord, and God is their everlasting hope.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Praise God that I turned to Him and gave Him control of my life in 1976!

PRAYER: In spite of the warnings given in Your Word dear Lord, I am eternally thankful that You made a way and encouraged me to surrender my life to You and accept Your call on my life. Many are taking Your warnings way to casually because they are not seeing the consequences of their decision this side of heaven. Please teach us to trust in You and to take You at Your word. We know there is a heaven and a hell, and we know from Your Word that those who have not accepted You as Lord are destined for hell. Lord, I am thankful that my destiny is in heaven with You. Please teach me to live in light of my destiny and in line with Your instructions for life here on earth. I would also be eternally thankful if You would soften the hearts of the unsaved readers and/or listeners to this blog, and all my family and friends, so that they may also find You and live with heaven on their mind and You as their Solid Rock and Redeemer. 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!

Disobedient Believers

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, 2023-04-03
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
TRANSLATION: Good News Translation (GNT)

BIBLE TEXT: 14 It may be that some there will not obey the message we send you in this letter. If so, take note of them and have nothing to do with them, so that they will be ashamed. 15 But do not treat them as enemies; instead, warn them as believers.

OBSERVATION: You might hear believers say something like, I’m not perfect, I’m just saved by the Perfect One. I believe that’s a perfectly good statement, but then the question arises: How then should I treat disobedient believers? Join me as we tune in to what Paul taught at the conclusion of his second letter to the church at Thessalonica.

APPLICATION: Paul emphasized repeatedly that his letter was addressed to the saints of God. Just in case you missed it, notice in verse 14 that the letter/message was sent to the church (you). The ‘church’ is made up of born-again believers in Jesus Christ. In vs 15, Paul commanded that the church treat the disobedient ones as ‘believers’, or saints of God. The Bible is clear that if we know the truth of God’s Word and choose to live in opposition to that truth, then we are rebels in the face of God for our deliberate sin. So it was important that Paul would teach the church at Thessalonica and God’s church/believers today, how to treat those who know the truth but refuse to follow that truth. If we do nothing, then the ‘church’ will be a bunch of obedient believers who are diluted by some who stand their ground and refuse to obey the truth of God’s Word. This gives the outlook to the world that the church is filled with wishy washy saints, because if they can’t correct their own, there is no way that they will reach the souls of those who reject Jesus. This was a problem in the church of Paul’s time, and the problem still exists today. But I believe the really important thing for us to look at in today’s Scripture is the lesson taught by Paul on how the church is to deal with this problem, so let’s tune into that very closely. Paul taught:

  • Have nothing to do with the disobedient ones – I like a different translation that reads ‘don’t socialize with the disobedient’. I know, this will appear like you are judging another saint about their disobedience, and you are convicting them by disassociating with them. But which is worse, to know about the problem and go on treating them like nothing happened, or do as Paul taught? I am always reminded that God approves of everything in His Word, so if Paul was incorrect in this lesson, it wouldn’t have made the cut. We must be confident that God knows what He’s doing, and that His lesson through His servant, Paul, is the right one for us to follow.
  • Treat the disobedient like believers, which they are – Don’t treat these folk like the enemy. Think of how you treat your disobedient child at home and treat these folk in the same way. You may not want to hang out with them and treat them like everything is perfect, but you still love them deeply; you are still praying for their eyes to be opened to the truth of God’s Word; and you are anxious to follow God’s commands in your on life so that they might see the truth in yet a different way. They’re your Bother/Sister, and they need to know that their sibling still loves them and is rooting for them as they struggle through the discomfort of being out of line with God.

Normally we remember the last thing said to us by a person. These verses contain the words Paul shared as he concluded his 2nd letter to the church at Thessalonica. Take note of this dear friends. We may not be perfect, but God finds a way to always correct us to make us perfect as He is.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Thank You Lord, for Your blessings on me.

PRAYER: Lord, it is obvious that wherever there are rules and standards, people will choose to obey, or disobey. I believe that You have such blessings in store for those who choose to obey Your Word, but I also believe that we will not all be perfect until we transition to heaven where the temptations of this world and its evil leader will no longer pose a threat to us. Teach us to follow the path that You have set for Your children, so that we may live in harmony with You and Your gospel and become a force to be reckoned with by the evil one. Please strengthen us so the church will be the church in every good way, and may we look so much like You that the world will desire to accept Your lordship and be a part of Your army here on earth. 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!

The Things That Divide Us

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

DATE POSTED: Sunday, 2023-04-02
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 12:51-52
TRANSLATION: Amplified Bible (AMP)

BIBLE TEXT: 51 Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division [between believers and unbelievers]; 52 for from now on five in one household will be divided [over Me], three against two and two against three. 

OBSERVATION: Some social clubs have basic rules that they will not permit politics or religion to be discussed at meetings – because these are two things that tend to divide a group more than anything else. But what about in our homes, or in our churches or in our workplaces, is this not also true in these places? Nothing comes as a surprise to God, for He knows what was, what is, and what is yet to come. So, of course, God knows that with our independent thinking, some families will tend to argue over what they each believe, or not believe about Him. Perhaps today, God will show us how to best deal with this strange occurrence that tends to divide us.

APPLICATION: One of the best ways to create unity among groups of people is to agree wholeheartedly with each other on every fact of life. But is that truly possible, considering that God blessed us with independent minds to analyze a situation and believe, or disbelieve, on a subject, and also in the reasons for our differences? We don’t like division in our groups; therefore, some have chosen to demand that certain subjects not be discussed in their group times. But what happens when Christian groups feel so strongly about certain facts? You may not like this response, or fact, but Jesus was 100% correct in telling us that disagreement in groups will lead to division. Try researching why there are so many denominations today! Try asking around why there are so many churches even in a small town! I believe you will find that in an effort to resolve differences of opinion, groups decided that it was best if they divided and go their own way. But how is this handled in families? Over the years, I have heard of one spouse attending one church, and the other attending their church of choice, or not attending at all. In the case of the former, fortunately marriages stay intact, and they just agree to disagree, which results in two different directions on a church day. Unfortunately, this type of division often leads to innuendos thrown at each other when certain subjects come up. Meaning that ‘my words may say that I’m ok with you attending the church of your choice just down the road, but in my gut, I just wish you would follow me to my church’! Not really a sense of peace, total agreement and togetherness, right? But even more challenging is the house divided, where one spouse is devoted to God and intent on attending church every week, but the other spouse is unattached to God and has chosen to stay at home while the one spouse attends church. This scenario is all too familiar, as I was part of a church where a wife was caught in this situation. Friends, because we are capable of independent thinking, we tend to make our own decisions on whether we marry, who we marry, what we will demand of our children and what we will permit them to decide for themselves. But let us remember as we meditate on the Word of God, that although God has given us a mind to think independently, His Word is our Guide – in good and bad times, and also in our decision making that would ensure we follow the path He has set out for us. When we neglect God’s Word, our minds become tainted with the world around us and we start making decisions like they do. If, in the above Scripture, Jesus was speaking to saints who have already transitioned to heaven, don’t you know that He would have a totally different message for them? There won’t be any division in heaven, for God has prepared a place for His church, saved believers, where there will be no division, no need for denominationalism, but simply everyone glorifying the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as one body! Oh, what a day that will be! So I believe the bottom line in what we can take away in today’s lesson, is that if we follow Christ in making our decisions – under His direct guidance, without any worldly thing diluting His Word, then there will be no division. Seek the Lord, my friend, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Satan is out to kill, steal and destroy anything that God has created, manages, unites or decides to worship our Lord and Savior. In Christ, there is unity and a plan for eternity with the Master in the glories of heaven. Decide today which road you will follow, my friends.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for providing one central theme for us to believe in and follow while here on earth. Your reminder of how folk will be divided, if they allow the world to interfere, is well taken and opens our eyes to the reason for division in our families, homes, churches and everywhere we go. Please Lord, direct us back to the truth of Your Word and help us to stay strong in the faith. Unbelievers will know our stance in this world by how united we can remain, even among differences of opinion. We all love You, precious Lord, now help us to show that through the way that we live and the decisions we make. May this it be obvious to the world that we are saints who live in harmony and love towards our Master and 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!

God Knows The Sincerity of Our Heart

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, Sincere, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, 2023-04-01
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Chronicles 33:12-13
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: 12 From this position of complete powerlessness, Manasseh finally humbled himself and begged the forgiveness of the Eternal God of his fathers. 13 He heard Manasseh’s prayer and found it sincere; He returned Manasseh to the throne in Jerusalem. From that day forward, Manasseh never doubted that the Eternal was the True God.

OBSERVATION: It is virtually impossible to believe that even when we’ve been at our worse and placed every possible excuse and obstacle in the way of our communicating with God, that He is BIG enough; forgiving enough; and loving enough; to overlook our weaknesses and hear our cry for help and forgiveness. Only a God like my God can do what seems impossible to mankind. I will expand on this in the rest of my devotional, because I want you to know my God personally and intimately.

APPLICATION: If you would take the time to read the first 11 verses of this chapter we are looking at today, you might draw the same conclusion as I indicated in my ‘Observation’. I’ve made it easy for you, because clicking on the Scripture reference above will give you direct, and quick access to the whole chapter. Manasseh started his rule at 11 years old, and he was determined right from the beginning to not let his father, King Hezekiah, influence his decisions and actions during his reign. Kind of like us, right? Not only are we stubborn and rebellious towards our parents when we’re in their home, but we are determined to show our friends, peers and counterparts that we could think for ourselves, and we try to prove that by often doing just the opposite of what our parents did. As you read this Scripture, you might wonder how anyone could believe, much less love such a person who is so rebellious. Could they even be so bold as to approach the throne of a loving, holy and righteous God? But what seems super important for us to understand is, that God sent His Son as a total sacrifice for us, at a time when no one was deserving of such a sacrifice. However, God knew what His children would need – even today! In man’s eyes, Manasseh deserved a very cruel death, for he did his ‘own thing’ without regard for what the God of this universe wanted and deserved. It is so rewarding to see that in spite of Manasseh’s evil ways, God put a plan in place to soften the king’s heart and make him submissive to the Great I Am. I was totally blessed to be under the teaching of a pastor recently who spoke of the road that Jesus was forced to travel from King Herod’s court to Golgotha. Remember, He was beaten and mocked while parading through the streets with a heavy cross on His back. But it was a road He had to travel so that He could express the love of His Father for a cruel and undeserving world. Anyone else would have sought ways to punish the people. Friends, we too are travelling a road that may be just as displeasing to God as king Manasseh. But remember what John told us in chapter 3 of his book, that God so loved the world (not a perfect and sinless world), that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for whoever believes on Him and calls on Him. God reached down and saved this rebellious king, and I have no doubt that He will also do the same for any reader or listener who decides, like Manasseh, to call on the name of Jesus for eternal life with Him in the glories of heaven. Don’t assume that because God is letting you get away with your sin, that He approves of it. Sin (disobedience to God and His teachings) will not enter into heaven. For the sake of your own salvation, please consider seeking God’s forgiveness just as Manasseh did. Only God will know the sincerity of your prayer, so be totally sincere and honest with Jesus as you approach His throne.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: In spite of the rebellious life that Manasseh followed, He knew where to turn for forgiveness and redemption. He was brought to his knees before he decided to make that decision, and in being reminded of that forgiveness granted to this king, you are also made aware that the love of this same Jesus who died on Calvary, is also available to you today. Your sin may be as bad as all we know about Manasseh, or it may be worse, but Jesus said ‘whosoever will come seeking Him for redemption, to him or her will redemptions be given! What a mighty God we serve!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please forgive us for waiting until desperate times to approach Your throne and seek Your forgiveness of our sin. Every time we read Your Word, it becomes evident that we sin every day, therefore it becomes evident that we need a daily and steadfast relationship with You. Please forgive us Lord when we take this for granted and grant us the knowledge and incentive, we need to draw close to You and allow You to draw close to us. The unsaved is looking for evidence of salvation in those of us who claim You as Savior. May Your love, wisdom and care shine through every word that we speak and, in every deed, as we respond to life-circumstances. Manasseh found salvation after drastic measures by Almighty God, please tug on the heartstrings of our family and friends so that they might recognize You and surrender to You before it is a day too late. 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!

Busybodies

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, 2023-03-29
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13
TRANSLATION: Amplified Bible (AMP)

BIBLE TEXT: 10 …. if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 Indeed, we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined and inappropriate life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies [meddling in other people’s business]. 12 Now such people we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work quietly and earn their own food and other necessities [supporting themselves instead of depending on the hospitality of others]. 13 And as for [the rest of] you, believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good [but continue doing what is right without weakening].

OBSERVATION: One of the wonderful things about studying the whole Bible is that you will find godly wisdom in all phases of life. One of the challenging things of studying the whole Bible is that you will find godly wisdom that speaks to every walk of life – even those tough and sensitive matters that we may otherwise leave well alone. However, because Paul was bold in his approach to the Word of God, I believe as followers of Christ, we too should also pass the message along. Listen to what God has to say dear friends and excuse any conclusions you feel I might personally misrepresent.

APPLICATION: In the United States, currently there is one thing in common between most businesses, a sign soliciting additional employees. I would say that we have finally arrived at a stage where the threat of the common flu is probably more threatening than Covid 19, so I can’t see businesses continuing to blame the shortage of employees on this awful disease that had a drastic effect on America, and the world. So why are employers unable to keep up with their demand of employees? Could it be that employees have just become content with staying at home and depending on income from the government? Let’s remember that Paul’s writings were endorsed, or approved by God, because God had His co-equal, The Holy Spirit impress upon Paul the words he penned to help make up the Holy Word of God. Still, Paul boldly encouraged the church at Thessalonica to allow men to stand independently on the subject of providing food for their family. This meant that if they didn’t work, their family may not eat. When did this change? Most churches today seem to act like parishioners may die if they don’t provide food for them, or even financial support in other areas of their life. As an example of how and why people wait for help today, allow me to share a personal experience: I was once an active member of the local Lions Club. Our concentration was to help children and/or adults, from needy homes, to have access to proper eye care. This became known to the public, so at times we would have some contact us for help. It became necessary for us to place a coordinator in charge of approving projects, for we soon learned that certain folk would assume it was the job of the Lions Club to provide vision care for their children. We had some tell us that it was not their responsibility to take care of the vision care for their kids, for that was the job of the Lions Club! Our coordinator would visit the homes of applicants to help confirm the need of applicants. At times they would find fancy cars in the driveway, which led us to believe that the applicants just didn’t have their priorities in order. Now back to feeding the needy, how do you suppose Paul would evaluate a person’s need for help? He didn’t want the church to become hardened to the actual needs of their membership, so he reminded them that they must never grow weary in well doing. I believe that Paul taught the Thessalonian church, and recorded his lesson for churches today, that we must show our love for the folk that God presents to us in need of ministry, but don’t let that get carried away because of our empathetic and generous hearts. Folk may be looking for love in our generosity, but we may need to love them enough to share the greatest story of love every foretold. Although a poor looking fellow may appear to need food or clothing, without Jesus they could still die and go to Hell. The other lesson Paul warned us about in this Scripture is that the church will help generate strife and disorder if we allow folk to be a part of us but not be involved in what we are doing. Those who are idle will get involved in something to keep their minds active. Let’s strive hard to introduce them to Jesus and to see how involved He was in His community. My home church needs about 150 workers for all aspects of the ministry at each service. Is it truly worth it to allows busybodies to simply discourage those 150 by picking apart everything they do? Perhaps we should teach Christians to be involved in God’s ministry even if not called on by church leaders, by praying for every aspect of the services; picking up garbage left behind by worshippers; encouraging the pastor and his team; calling a friend to join you in church next week; call a shut-in, encourage them and pray for them.; etc. None of these things need the pastor’s approval, but you may find out that God was watching when He tells you ‘Good and faithful servant’. Doing these things will help distract you from the voices of Satan as he keeps pushing to destroy the work of Jesus Christ through you and/or your church.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Be busy about the work of the Gospel, and not fall into the trap of Satan as he strives to destroy the work and ministry of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, it is so unfortunate that Satan has promoted so many to the position of ‘busybody’ – in our homes, our workplaces, our churches and just about everywhere we turn. This is just one more way that Satan chooses to destroy Your work, yet we cave in to this and become way too active in destroying instead of building up and evangelizing the lost. Lord, please open our eyes to see that we are tearing down the work of Your church whenever we get to gossiping about the church, its pastor, leaders or other members. Please help us all to look for honest ways to satisfy the needs of our family and to meet the needs of the church. I believe that our church, and its members, exist for the purpose of evangelizing the lost in our community and to teach and encourage the saved. Help each member to be an active part of accomplishing Your will for us, so that You may see Kingdom growth in every aspect of our ministry and work. 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!

Be Ready and Be Rewarded

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Readiness, Ready, Ready to Go, Recognize God, Rewards, Salvation, State of Readiness, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Monday, 2023-03-27
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 12:37-40
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 37 The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! 38 He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. 39 “Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

OBSERVATION: I know of some dads who will leave without you, if you are not ready when he comes to pick you up! Many employers will give you only limited chances if you report to work late. Yet, throughout the Word of God, we are not only told about the return of Christ, but we are warned that He will reject those who have not prepared themselves for heaven. A glorious reward, but will you be blessed with this awesome gift from God?

APPLICATION: Having sold a few personal items via Social Media, I can appreciate the point of being ready and being on the lookout for a buyer when they come to pick up their purchased item! My father-in-law was one who would have his bags packed, and out near the driveway well in advance of the time his ride promised to pick him up! My wife and I felt this was funny, but in meditating on the Scripture at hand this morning, I was reminded that Jesus doesn’t want us to wait until His return to hang up our earthly desires and our careless regard for the promised return of Jesus to collect His saints. Do you suppose that this may be due to stories we have heard about evangelists naming a date or timeframe for the return of Christ, only for us to arrive at that date and not see Him? Remember, the Bible tells us that not even Jesus knows the date of His return, only the Father. When it is reported that a hurricane is headed our way, some will immediately purchase material to protect the windows in their homes, but some will procrastinate by assuming their own inclination that the hurricane will hit places all around them, but they will personally dodge the bullet. In these two scenarios, whose home will be best protected from hurricane force winds? In the Bible, Old Testament prophets foretold it, and in the New Testament we can read about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this Scripture we are reviewing today, and in many other references we are told that Jesus, our Master and Lord, will return to earth to take His bride – the church, home to glory to be with the Lord forever. That’s the saved on earth – the believers in Jesus Christ, we are the church. When will Christ return? According to the Bible, no man knows the day or the hour. Jesus said that only His Father knows the day He will send His Son to collect His bride. The Bible is just as assuring about what will happen with those who have not invited Jesus to be Lord and Master of their life. Unfortunately, they will also receive their just sentence – a one-way trip to Hell where Satan and his demons will punish them with fire and damnation for all eternity. In today’s Scripture, Jesus likens this time of decision to a master and slave scenario. If the slave is ready when their master returns to get them, they will be rewarded. The greatest reward is in knowing your state of readiness. This is not something that anyone else can arrange for you or maintain for you. This is a personal decision you make with Jesus and only you know how honest you were with that commitment or how serious you take the commitment you made to Jesus. To be ready for the return of Jesus, You must have invited Him to be Lord of your life at the time that he returns. If He came today, are you sure of your eternal fate? If not, please call on Jesus today. Because this is a personal decision, you don’t need to wait for the next church service, as Jesus might return before that. Do it now, my friends.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Just as we love to use our credit card with ‘rewards’, so we should be excited to know that we are ready for the return of Jesus Christ and the rewards He has in store for us. Ready, or not, Jesus will return only once to take those who know Him personally into the glories of heaven. For those who miss that, the rewards are nowhere as pleasant, for their master, Satan, is waiting for them in Hell. I’m ready if Jesus should come today, are you?

PRAYER: Oh dear Lord, have mercy on those who try to defy all odds and wait for the last minute to decide on a course of action, whether it be an approaching storm, or Your unannounced return to take Your children home to heaven. Please soften their hearts and once again convince them of their sin, Lord. May all of my readers, listeners and all of our family and friends be ready to meet You if You choose to come today. We all know what needs to be done, but now I pray that You will give them the strength and boldness to believe in and trust You as their personal Savior. 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!