Talking About A Production!

On 2024-04-292024-04-29 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, April 29, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Luke 23:44-46

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: …By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: As I meditated on this Scripture today, I envisioned what Hollywood movie producers must see before they could really build a movie set. Now, I realize that in no way did God build a movie scene for our entertainment through the amazing stories in His Word, especially considering that this story involved the crucifixion of His precious Son. But if by any chance you ever doubted the multitasking possibility of God, or His magnificent plan for man’s salvation, then it might behoove you to spend a little time reading this 23rd chapter of Luke. Think about it, God’s precious Son, Jesus, had gone through terrible abuse by men who had falsely accused Him. They insisted on crucifixion for an innocent man, whom their leaders could find no fault in, versus the death of a criminal imprisoned for murder. I’m sure that God was probably agonizing as He saw Jesus hanging on that cross, even if He was witnessing to the criminals who hung next to Him, and to the very crowd who were jeering at Him. God knew that the time was near for Jesus’ final breath, so He caused something to occur in alignment with something that was prophesied years before in Amos 8:9 – “In that day,” says the Sovereign LORD, “I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth while it is still day. This was nothing like we recently witnessed with the eclipse, and most of you will remember the attention that received. Total darkness fell upon the earth, in the middle of the day, for three hours. One commentator said that ‘It wasn’t possible for the Son of God to be rejected and killed without it causing an ominous reaction from his creation.’ (Tony Evans Bible Commentary). I like that idea, but we must not lose sight that all this was coordinated and commanded by God Almighty – the only one with ultimate power over His creation. But wait, this also was in alignment with prophesies from long ago – for although in Exodus 26:33 we are given the reason for the curtain in the temple – to separate the people from the direct holiness of God, yet we know that God sent His Son so that all might be saved who call on Him as Lord and Savior of their life. With the death of Jesus on the cross, the need for the curtain became obsolete. Mankind could approach the Savior of the World one on one! So friends, I hope that you will see and understand the single most important purpose of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For it is only through believing and accepting the resurrected Lord as Savior of our life, that we become eligible for the holiness of heaven and our meeting with the triune God that lives there, for He will welcome us home where He abides, when life here on earth is finished. With all the prejudice of today’s world, it may be difficult to understand that Jesus did this for us all – all who call on Him as Lord and Savior to rule and reign in our lives until God calls us home! I can hardly wait dear friends, and I pray that each of you will make that call to accept the love and leadership of Jesus as your Lord and Savior also!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Jesus for willingly accepting the challenge presented to You by the Father, for it opened the door for us to seek forgiveness of our sin – the main obstacle that will keep us out of heaven. It seems like, as time goes on, modern churches seem to search for and enact what appears to be easier and more acceptable ways for the current generation to be excused from their blatant sin. But Lord, I believe that You are still God and will still refuse to allow sin to enter Your holy place. Sin is still disobedience to the laws and statutes outlined in Your Word. That doesn’t change to fit the many changes that the evil one brings into our world. There is still just one way for mankind to bridge that gap between earth and heaven. You shed Your blood, Lord Jesus, so that those who seek your forgiveness and accept You as Lord and Savior of their lives, will be washed by that shed blood and, through that cleansing, be accepted into heaven. Please continue to work in the hearts of those who have not sought forgiveness of sin. May all those who read this devotional today be found pure and clean before our holy God, so that we may rejoice together at Your feet for all eternity. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

When God Calls

On 2024-04-23 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 48:12-13

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: “Jacob, listen to me! Israel, I called you to be my people. So listen to me!
I am the Beginning, and I am the End. I made the earth with my own hands. My right hand made the sky. And if I call them, they will come to stand before me.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: For those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I believe the Bible is clear in identifying us as ‘children of God’. As such, I believe that God calls out to us in much the same way as He did to Israel. In fact, so much so that I believe the Holy Spirit implored me to substitute a few words to help receive a personal message from God today, and I implore you to do the same. Here’s my example for verse 12: ‘Ed, listen to me! Village Church, I called you to be my people. So listen to me….’. Friends, I’m afraid that way too often we read God’s Word as a history, or story book, and therefore lose touch with the impact that God intended for us through the challenges He chose to share with us. I am in full agreement that these verses were intended for the Israelites, but when God’s book was given to us for teaching, edification, and drawing unto, or closer to our Maker, then I try to look deeply into the message of each verse as to how it might also apply to me. I believe these are two of those verses, for we seem to have lost sight of who God truly is. Yes, He is the great Healer, but He’s not available to us as our ‘Genie’ to call on when every little illness or serious disease comes upon us. But He is One that we develop a personal relationship with and who gives comfort for every little ‘bump’ in our road. He’s One who anticipates our joy’s and thanksgiving when we recognize who helped us get over those bumps. Remember, even while we were sinners without any hope of heaven, Jesus, God’s only Son, freely died a very cruel death so that we who accept Him as Lord, might seek forgiveness of our sin, through Jesus, and live eternally in Heaven with Him, His Father and the Holy Spirit. So of course I am convinced that God was here before all time began, and He will be here until the end of all time, just as He confirmed through His Son in Revelation 22.13 when the intent of these same words were once again given to remind us of His supernatural power and His mighty omnipresence. So dear friends, I pray that you will be reminded that we not only serve One who is better than any friend; more understanding than any teacher/preacher we ever had; more knowledgeable and more of a Healer than the best doctor we ever paid; and more loving and caring than any other relationship ever before developed, but He is also One who always was, and always will be, King, Lord and Master of our lives and this universe. He alone is worthy of our honor, praise and thanksgiving, dear child of God! Do you know Him and have accepted Him as Lord of your life? At the point of your death, or His unannounced return, opportunities to accept Him will end. Please consider no further delays, listen for His call and accept Him as your Lord and Savior today, won’t you? In my Footnote, I have provided Biblical tips on how you might do this, but also know that a local Bible teaching pastor or myself would be happy to introduce you to our Lord as well.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Precious Lord, thank You for drawing us to Yourself and for all that You have promised to us as children of the most high God! Please soften the heart of those who will happen across this devotional today, and even those who receive it every time I post another episode. May this be the day that they stop attributing Your voice to ‘hearing things’; ‘coincidences’; ‘pie in the sky’; or ‘happen-chance’ and may they know without a doubt that they are being summoned by the Master to ready their soul for eternity, regardless of their age or circumstances. AMEN!

Since We Have Such an Awesome God, Let us…

On 2024-04-20 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, April 20, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Century Version (NCV) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 10:22-25

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised. Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds.
You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Although a great portion of the Bible is dedicated to leading the unsaved to Jesus Christ, the writer of Hebrews wanted Christians to recognize that there are some unique and awesome responsibilities for the child of God also. Please bear in mind that God’s kingdom may not be made up of workers in the church, or those trying to earn their salvation, because in our Scripture today I believe it is clear that it is a much more narrow path – one where individuals are saved by grace, and by the sacrificed blood of Jesus Christ. But we are taught that for these believers, there are some awesome things we can do to help others find their way, and see clearly what it means to be an individual saved by grace, and by living in the constant eye of our Heavenly Father. Let us meditate on the teachings of Jesus through His servant who penned the words of our Scripture today:
=> Let us come near to God in confidence (vs 22) – be reminded that children are always at ease with their dad, because the love between them is evident and runs deep. Our Heavenly Father is no different, in fact He reinforces this through a deep love filled with forgiveness and grace. So because of your deep relationship with Him, it is quite normal that you would approach His throne with confidence, admiration, and open communication. When He says in His Word that you have been forgiven, then you can approach His throne free of guilt about your sin. They are washed away by His precious blood that Jesus shed at Calvary. So never look back on that!
=> Let us hold firm to what God has promised (Vs 23) – God is incapable of lying, so we have no need of trying to make Him out to be a liar. He will do what He said, and He will provide what He promised. We can make that a part of our DNA to never doubt what He said. This makes approaching His throne a joy rather than torture. This encourages us to approach God’s throne instead of doubting or being afraid to do so. He’s our God, our Savior and Lord. His ways are far greater than ours, so we have no reason to think He will respond like man would. Let’s hold fast to that confident hope!
=> Let us help each other attain love and good works (vs 24) – some employers offer bonus points to employees who excel in selling their business lines. Extra bonus points are earned when the whole team achieves their goals. In other words, it pays to achieve your own goal, but it pays even more when you help the whole team achieve their collective goals. In Christianity, I don’t believe we could achieve ultimate joy and happiness in the Lord if our co-laborer at church is failing, due to an inconsistent lifestyle or commitment to the Lord. This doesn’t have to happen at church, but wouldn’t it be praiseworthy if, when we meet with the Lord each evening we could reflect back on at least one person whose life we touched in a positive and encouraging way for the Lord? At church, instead of looking around at the new dresses or jeans with holes, what if we target the believers who need a hand up through encouragement, prayer, financial need, etc? Which ministry effort do you suppose they will choose to give God glory for that day?
=> Let us be consistent in attending church meetings (Vs 25) – a physiologist was interviewed recently about a poll that showed where active Christians had fewer mental issues. She acknowledged that this was a proven statistic. Likewise, she said that as church attendance diminish, mental issues are shown to be on the rise. She acknowledged that those who are unconcerned about God and/or the church, seem more prone to feel alone, digected, and that no one cares about them. While the opposite has overwhelmingly proven true. Let’s be more committed to worshipping together with God’s people – not just for our good, but also for the part we might play in encouraging others.
‘Do this even more as you see the day coming’ says the Word of God. ‘The Day’ refers to the return of Jesus Christ to take His bride with Him to be with the Father. We can see the signs, dear friends. Let’s be on full, alert and in perfect form for that awesome day!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, You are so good to us! And although I am ever so thankful that You called me to Yourself, I still have many family and friends that came to mind as the Holy Spirit dealt with me in meditating on this Scripture. People still need a Savior, and how will they know about You if your children don’t speak up about the personal and awesome relationship we have with You. Please Lord, open our hearts to acknowledge You as Lord before those that we come into contact with. Also Lord, please continue to deal in the lives of every reader today about regularly meeting with other believers to worship, pray, study Your Word, and encourage one another just as You have been such an encourager to us. Oh Lord, may we all find You, acknowledge You as Lord, and worship You in a spirit of holiness, in recognition of Your very nature. AMEN!

Don’t you fear God?

On 2024-04-152024-04-15 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, April 15, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Good News Translation (GNT) IS FOUND IN Luke 23:39-42

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
The other one, however, rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear God? You received the same sentence he did. Ours, however, is only right, because we are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he has done no wrong.” And he said to Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: What if the only thing you remember from your weekend church service were the words spoken by the thief on the cross ‘Don’t you fear God’? How do you suppose that might impact you this week? Although most of us are not criminals ordered by earthly courts to die, many might be in the same position as the thief on the cross who hurled insults at Jesus. I know, you are quickly responding that I shouldn’t insult you like that, in assuming that you would be so evil as to even think of cursing God or hurling insults at His Son. But I feel like my responsibility today is to remind us that every time we turn a deaf, or obstinate ear to the Holy Spirit when He tugs at our heart’s door and challenges us on things that may offend Jesus, or are in direct conflict to His Word, we may be acting more like the thief in question, than the Savior who responded to him. Since it is highly unlikely that you or I might find ourselves on a cross next to Jesus this week, I believe the following might tend to serve the same purpose in getting your attention:
1. To meet with Jesus at the end of any day and say to him that reading His Word that day was not a priority for you. I know, your excuse was more of not having enough time, rather than a matter of priority. Explain the difference, please? Aren’t you insulting God by giving lesser priority to spending time with Him than you would at the coffee shop or in reading the local news for the day?
2. Meeting with others to worship, adore, and listen to the voice of God through His messenger as he preaches the Word of God. No, your time with God while fishing, hunting or hanging out with the guys/girls does not qualify, for God wants us to meet with others so that we might encourage them, allow them to encourage and uplift us, and to learn from them. He likens that to a time when iron sharpens iron – something that can’t be done virtually or alone. Imagine overhearing someone say to God that they were counting on getting with you at church to ask questions or receive encouragement, but you didn’t show up? And because it wasn’t a priority for you, they won’t return?
3. We deserve to die, much like the two thieves hanging on each side of Jesus at Golgotha. But each day,for the unsaved, you have the choice of establishing, or changing your stance on eternity. Friends, which one of the thieves did you imitate yesterday? By the end of the day, did you determine in your heart to ask Jesus to please remember you in His kingdom, or were you just as determined to hurl insults at Jesus and curse Him for His sacrifice on the cross so that you might be set free from sin and Hell? Each day we will determine in ourselves, if Jesus came today to collect His church, will we be a part of the saints that Jesus takes with Him, or settle for the pit of Hell with Satan and his demons. Our decision on what we did with Christ up to that point in time will determine our eternal destination. Acceptance of Jesus as Savior prior to that moment will give us the right to be taken up with the saints to be with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever. Without that, you have agreed to remain with Satan and his promise of eternal damnation. The choice is yours today, my friend, so don’t delay, Jesus’ return is closer today than it has ever been before.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Should You return this very moment, I am convinced Lord, that You will still find many who replicate the lives of the two thieves mentioned in today’s Scripture. However, I praise You, Lord, for I am convinced that you will also find many who are ‘In Christ’, for they have accepted You, have an intimate, daily, active, and personal relationship with You, and are standing ready and waiting for Your return. They stand in fear and respect of all You have shared in Your Word, and because they have accepted that and asked for forgiveness of their sin, they stand ready to welcome Your return with open arms. Please Lord, once again today, please touch the hearts and lives of all those we know, and draw them to Yourself. Convict them of their sin and soften their hearts to reach out to You for eternal life, for we want to see them in glory worshipping you when we are blessed to arrive on the scene ourselves. You are holy, righteous and loving, and because we are not, we beg You to continue Your work in us until the day You call us home to Heaven. AMEN!

Why Did God Call You?

On 2024-04-142024-04-14 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, Worship1 Comment

DATE POSTED: Sunday, April 14, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 45:4-6

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: “And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me?
It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one.
I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Having been a member of several Pastor Search Committees, I can reflect on reasons why someone may have wondered if we were interviewing a super human being, or a very saintly person, or perhaps even God himself, based on the questions and the expectations we had for a prospect. We established many rules for our committee to ensure that our final decision was pure and perfect in the sight of God. However, as I read this Scripture I was caught aback with the choice of God to fulfill the mission He had in mind, for it bore no resemblance to the way we operated our Pastor Search Committees. In trying to learn the heart and will of God, I believe the Holy Spirit caused me to ponder the following:
1. God’s choice of a man who didn’t personally have a relationship with Him – To help you see why I was distracted by this, imagine your pastor and/or elders coming before your church body and announcing their selection for the open church leadership position. While we’re always thrilled to see vacant church leadership positions filled, I’m not so sure we would accept a candidate with no prior church affiliation or experience, nor one who had not accepted Jesus as Lord yet.
2. For the sake of Jacob and God’s chosen people, Israel – If your head elder was presenting this, he might say that this is a man who an old patriarch of the church once told them to keep an eye out for, because he was influential in a nearby town where they were hoping you would open a satelite church, so treat him royally. But most important in this reference, is that God was making an unusual decision for mankind, but primarily due to the prayers, and life of His servant Jacob, and for the ultimate benefit of God’s chosen people Israel. I wonder, would God make decisions because of either of us, and our godly influence in the local church or community? Don’t most of us simply slip into church at the last minute, sit near the back, and dash out the doors the minute you hear the pastor say ‘Amen’? Or, are you truly praying for the work of Jesus Christ in your own life, and in full and meaningful ways in the life of your pastor and your church, so that God would be glorified in your community? Are you taking time to encourage the downhearted and hurting, while also lifting up and promoting the awesome work of those committed to the Lord and His church? Are you showing appreciation for all that God has blessed you with, by giving back to God and His local ministry as taught in the Bible?
Friends, I believe that this Scripture today reminds us that God’s perfect will can be fulfilled in and through each of us, our churches and those committed to Him. He can use anyone and/or anything to align His will in our lives, if we open our heart to accept Him and seek to serve Him. Ours is not to question how God will do all this, or why He would look at assigning a godly assignment to someone who has no godly background, but we are to simply be willing servants who will obey His commands and accept His powerful, and often unusual, alignment of people and things to miraculously work in and through us for our good and His glory. What a Mighty God We Serve!!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord for the song writer who penned the words to ‘Why Me Lord’, for I’m sure that Cyrus must have said similar words many times as he experienced the call on his life, rather than the holy and righteous, top church officials of that day. But then we are led to also ponder who it is today that God might consider holy and righteous in His sight? We live in a world torn by sin and one that eats away at the very core of our being, whether we consider ourselves righteous or not. Lord, please teach us to stand in a mode of readiness for Your commands, by living out what we learn from our daily relationship and encounters with You. Only You are holy, but I beg You to make us so much like You that others will be drawn to the cross of Calvary and willingly surrender their lives to you. AMEN!

Sacrifice – Christ, Time or Finances?

On 2024-04-052024-04-05 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, April 5, 2024, and I was blessed to be at a Vrbo property near Lake City, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE The Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 10:8-10

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Now when it says that God doesn’t want and takes no real pleasure in sacrifices, burnt offerings, and sin offerings (even though the law calls for them), and follows this with “See, I have come to do Your will,” He effectively takes away the first—animal sacrifice—in order to establish the second, more perfect sacrifice. By God’s will, we are made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus the Anointed once and for all time.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: As I meditated on this Scripture today, I thought about how we don’t offer animal sacrifices today, so how does this relate to us? But then, I feel like the Holy Spirit stopped me thinking about animal sacrifices, and instead think about the ways that we feel like we sacrifice to gain favor with God. I’m sure you’ve heard friends and loved ones before: ‘Well, I will sacrifice going to the beach tomorrow, so that I could attend church’; OR ‘That church expects me to sacrifice my last dime to give to them’; OR ‘I’m sure that God will bless me if I get up early (sacrificing my warm bed and extra rest – my only day to rest) so that I could be at church this morning’. But take a moment to compare those sacrifices with animal sacrifices that the Jews took to the temple to be slaughtered, or offer up by the priests. The people were taught by their ancestors that this was necessary to receive certain concessions with God. But the Bible is clear, that there is no way to offer a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sin. However, God had a better way in mind: He caused the miraculous birth of His only Son, Jesus, who lived on earth as God Himself – healing, loving the unlovable, raising the dead back to life – you know, those things that only God could do. And, although miraculous in every way, yet God ordered that Jesus be sacrificed, or put to death, so that all mankind might have a way for the forgiveness of sin, and therefore a way to eternal life. So this precious gift was offered to mankind – a Savior – Jesus Christ – the Son of God himself. As with any other gift that we know of, it is useless unless we accept it with a thankful heart. Therefore friends, please be reminded that your simple ‘sacrifices’ are nothing but conjectures on your part. It is only through the sacrifice of the holy Son of God, that we can have forgiveness of our sin – that thing that separates us from God, and that makes us worthy of stepping into the presence of the Holy One. Sin cannot enter where God is, so to reject His Son, is like saying ‘no thank you’ to God for His invitation to be where He is. God also sent the Holy Spirit to help us with this process, for we become so engrossed in making money, having fun, pleasing others, envy towards our neighbors and friends, etc, that our minds stay focused on earthly things. You will know that the Holy Spirit is knocking at your heart’s door when your mind and desires suddenly turn towards the things of God. Listen for it, and be ready to surrender your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, thank You for the sacrifice You made on Calvary so that those who surrender lordship of their lives to You, could receive forgiveness of their sin in readiness for the grandest event yet, when we enter the portals of heaven for all eternity. Having just celebrated Easter, we were reminded once again of true sacrifice. Please help us to get over ourselves and the self-proclaimed self-righteousness we feel when we feel like we have ‘sacrificed’ something for Your glory and appreciation. You have prepared the way, now please invoke Your blessing on us as You work on our self-will, selfish desires, and self-designed sacrifices. Teach us again to look full in Your wonderful face, accept Your perfect will for our lives, live in obedience to Your teachings and example, and accept the sacrifice You designed for our heavenly benefit. May our lives become uncluttered enough to see the goodness, love and mercy of our God every moment of every day! AMEN!

Rejoice! Our KING is Coming!

On 2024-04-032024-04-02 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, April 3, 2024, and I was blessed to be at an Vrbo property near Lake City, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM The Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 35:4-6

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Tell those who worry, the anxious and fearful, “Take strength; have courage! There’s nothing to fear.… The balance is shifting; God will right all wrongs. None other than God will give you success. He is coming to make you safe.” Then, such healing, such repair: the eyes of the blind will be opened; the ears of the deaf will be clear. The lame will leap like deer excited; they will run and jump tirelessly and gracefully. The stutterer, the stammerer, and the tongue of the mute will sing out loud and clear in joyful song. Waters will pour through the deserts; streams will flow in godforsaken lands.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: How many times have you questioned God about the handicap of some, and the misfortunes of others? How many times have you questioned God about why you must go through certain struggles that seem to pull you down unreasonably? The Israelites were forced into captivity in Egypt where they were reduced to slavery and extreme hardship. God sent them a deliverer who set them free and led them back to Jerusalem. But, because of their sin and rebellion they continued an uphill battle. Don’t we tend to see similar misfortune in our lives still today, friend of God? Have we discovered how enslaving this ongoing sin is, and the negative impact it is having on our lives? For those who have not recognized and accepted Jesus as King, or Lord of their lives, they may blame daily mishaps or trials and temptations as being ‘down on their luck’, or ‘just another bad day’. However when God spoke through His prophet, Isaiah, it is obvious that He desired that the people recognize God, their Creator, their Protector, and their forever King who will not only guide them to all righteousness here on earth, but will also rule and reign in heaven where His saints will gather to worship and adore Him forever! But the best news of all for myself, my readers, and fellow Christians today, is that this is also a picture of what we can expect as children of the King today! Yes, our forever home – Heaven, has been prepared for us! I know, friends, you are just like me, and you tire of all the sickness, death, crime, war, lies and mistrust and unrest here on earth. You therefore wonder if all this will ever come to an end. I believe that this is where our Scripture especially comes to life! For just as Isaiah encouraged the Israelites with this good news, we too can still find hope, strength and encouragement in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We just celebrated Easter – a time commemorating the life, death, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The Bible tells us that the greater purpose of all this, was that Jesus followed the orders of His Father, who allowed this as a promise to all mankind, that whosoever believes in this Son of God – Jesus, will one day raise from the dead and live eternally with He and His Father – God, in heaven for all eternity. With this hope, also comes the assurance that God will love on us, protect us, care for us, guide us, and teach us to be His example here on earth, until He calls us home. There is hope, my friend, for those who trust in Jesus! Do you know Him today? If not, I encourage you to read the tips in my Footnote on how to find, accept and know Jesus as your Savior and Lord. I am convinced that there is no greater decision you can make today, than to know for sure that you belong to Jesus, and that He is your soon coming King!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord Jesus for the assurance given to us today that You are still available to us and that You will come and reign in our lives, should we agree to let go of earthly, but empty, promises and misfortunes. The Bible says that You have gone to prepare a place for us – our place for all eternity with You, Your Father and the Holy Spirit. There is nothing on earth that compares to that, so I pray that You will tender every heart that reads this devotional today and are reminded of Your love. Please convince them of the need for the Savior, and the bright hope of tomorrow, as His child. May those who have accepted You, be on a daily mission to give You full control, so that You may minister through us to reach the lost and unconvinced of their need for You. AMEN!

Lesson From Jesus Under Intense Pressure

On 2024-04-02 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, and I was blessed to be at a Vrbo property in Lake City, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 23:33-37

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” … Now the people stood by, watching; but even the rulers ridiculed and sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others [from death]; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him and [cruelly] offering Him sour wine, and sarcastically saying, “If you are [really] the King of the Jews, save Yourself [from death]!”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: My prayer is that many of my readers may have heard this Scripture read at least once over this past weekend. But although I did, the Holy Spirit still keenly spoke to me today as I meditated on this Scripture. How much improvement is needed in our character to come close to what Jesus taught in His experience? It seems like our family and friends are going to extremes to get back at each other, because something was said against them, or perhaps not quite in the right tone. People are being murdered because they accidentally cut someone off in traffic. People are quitting churches because the pastor can no longer afford quality time with them, or the elders are encouraging new members instead of recognizing all that the older members give financially. Be reminded dear friends that Jesus had been arrested by the Jewish authorities, even though He never committed a crime. He was taken before Herod and also Pilate and neither could find any fault in Him, yet because of the hatred of the Jewish leaders, Jesus was ordered to crucifixion so that a murderer, Barabas, could be set free. Jesus was repeatedly beaten and abused as if He was a murderer, He was forced to carry His own cross to Calvary in spite of His worn out body. In the midst of His mother and other followers, His beatings continued, while being mocked and ridiculed and pierced with huge nails to a wooden cross. And then, even in spite of all that had transpired, Jesus looked to his Father and asked for forgiveness of the hateful and cruel men assigned to His crucifixion. Remember, this is the same Jesus who performed miracle after miracle, as recorded in the New Testament, so we know that a simple command could have reversed every evil action that day. What would you have wished on your accusers and abusers? Be reminded how upset and vindictive you get over much less, by those who cross your path. How might they be affected if you followed in the example of Jesus and asked God to forgive them? When we say that we’re a child of the King, seeking to do His will and follow in His example – do we truly know what that entails? Oh that we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and submit our will to His, so that He might mold us and make us His disciples who will be His witness here on earth.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, we are humbled and reminded of how much You willingly endured for our sake at Calvary, and we are forever grateful. Based on our actions, I believe that so many of us need a very special touch from You to enable a humble spirit, and one that looks first at what the God of this universe wants of us, before we acts based on selfish desires and personal benefits. Please help us to stay so in tune with You so that we will learn to act based on Your will, Your desire for us, and the benefit it all will have on the KIngdom. May we be willing at say, and accept, the words of Jesus – not my will oh Lord, but may Your perfect will be fulfilled in us. Please brush aside our selfishness, pride and greed so that we can concentrate fully on Your will and desire for us, and those that we come into contact with. AMEN!

Ultimate Resolve For Your Challenges/Worries

On 2024-03-30 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, March 30, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 43:1-3

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: …the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: It seems that many individuals will take different routes to relieve tensions around unresolved challenges they face or the worries that tend to bother them incessantly. Isaiah had a message for the Israelites to help them in their worry about getting out from under the cruel slavery of Egypt. When they discovered that their leader (Moses) would be a mere man like they were, they became even more concerned about how he could possibly get so many of them safely across the desert alive. When in the middle of some of the most complex challenges like crossing the Red Sea or finding food and/or water for so many, they were terrified. When told to act, and takeover the lands gifted to them by God, they were convinced that they must have been crazy to allow themselves to get to this stage. But Isaiah had a word for them from the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. And before we meditate on this reassuring message from the Lord, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves how similar we still are to the Israelites. My dad was worried sick over his oldest son moving hundreds of miles from him in his old age – a time when parents normally need their children nearby. Yet within a year, he sat in my home after going through a heart procedure that saved his life, and he praised God for letting him see why it was His will for me to make that move, for he was misdiagnosed, and was therefore being mistreated, by his doctors near him. Through the tragic death of a relative, my dad’s heart was softened and his eyes opened to the salvation offered by Christ alone. A pastor once told that in the midst of fierce battle, and in the trenches of warfare, he promised God that he would serve Him the rest of his life, if He would protect and save him from the enemy. This pastor, while serving in a small church in Central Florida, was instrumental in helping me, and many others, draw close to God and serve Him faithfully. No doubt, there are many challenges that come your way almost on a daily basis. Dear friends, I am convinced that God wants us all to know that He brought His Son into this world miraculously, so that when we search for a better life, a less stressful life, a more peaceful life where we could spend eternity with our creator, then we will know without a doubt that Jesus is the answer to our dilemma. In searching, we admit that we don’t have the answer, just as the Israelites had no idea how they could be freed from slavery. I love verse 7 of this 43rd chapter of Isaiah, for God said ‘Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’ When life seems overwhelming to you and circumstances seem more than you could handle, don’t worry, reach out and discover the peace of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, for God created you for His glory. Listen to the voice of God as He calls you by name, trust in Him as He leads you through the deep waters of earthly struggles and leads you through the rivers and obstacles of life. For He cares for you and no one can snatch you from His hands, nor His promises for you. There is hope dear friend, and it lies in the love and promises of the only One you can truly trust to open the doors of heaven and allow you access to the Father. This is our Promised Land, I look forward to seeing you there my friend!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord for opening our eyes to the resolve available through Jesus, Your precious Son. Yes, we are often overwhelmed with life’s challenges and we worry when things are not going just as we planned. But please Lord, open our eyes to see that You are the One with Your ultimate plan for us – in life here on earth, and in the life to come when we transition to the glories of heaven with You. Please make Your Word clear to those who are searching, that this promise is designed for those who invite You into their lives and allow You to be Lord of everything, every day. Way too often we tend to depend on man made conditions, like being good enough, or giving more than the next person in our circle of friends. Help us Lord to know You and have a personal relationship with You, so that You might point out the way to eternal life and the path necessary to avoid the bumps and bruises of Satan that could easily trip us up. Praise God we were created for Your glory oh Lord. Please, may this be evident in our daily lives so that others may see, be encouraged and determined to also follow You. AMEN!

Where To Turn When In Doubt

On 2024-03-27 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, March 27, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 40:28-31

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: ….The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: In the verses preceding our focal Scripture, Jacob and Israel had showed some doubt about whether God is still watching over them. And that’s not a strange phenomenon, for whenever life is not going like we expect or want, we also tend to feel like God has abandoned us. But Isaiah used this as an opportunity to remind them, and us, that we serve a mighty God, One that has no equal, and He stands in a category all by Himself. Friends, I am convinced that we can only understand and truly appreciate the power of this God who created the universe and each of us, if we truly ‘trust in the Lord’ as stated in the above Scripture. However, I believe it is important for us to remember that this is not a trust that we gain from the relationship that our Christian parents spoke of when they were alive and faithfully trusted in God. It is not a trust that we gain from attending church a few times per year, nor from what we heard our pastor speak of the last time we attended church. Just as faith comes from hearing and believing the Word of God, trust comes from a personal relationship with the Master. A relationship where we read His Word and meditate on it daily; from conversation (prayer) on a regular basis; from trusting in God for even the little things of life; believing in His mighty power and His answer to our prayers; a consistent reminder of His love and His power as He answers our prayers that gives us reason to build a repertoire that we could use as a basis for our trust. We find in this world that ‘trust’ is earned. I believe that based on the Word of God and the many ways that our God has proven Himself worthy, and in the experience of many that we come into contact with, we have a basis for finding our God faithful and trustworthy. So let’s seriously consider accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, if this has not already been done. Then let’s develop a committed relationship with Jesus, and start trusting Him to do what He said He would do. The Bible said that we will find new strength. We will soar high on wings like eagles. We will run and not grow weary. We will walk and not faint! Praise God that He is worthy, He is faithful, He is trustworthy, and He will accept us as His very own! There’s no god like my God, dear friend!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Glorious Jesus and Almighty God, what an awesome and mighty God I serve! Thank You Lord for loving on me, watching over me, healing me, protecting me and guiding me through all the complexities of this life. Your Word became light to me today as You reminded me of these strong qualities that assures me of Your trustworthy character. Lord, through this devotional I am presenting my thoughts to the public, so I pray that You will do Your work in having the right person read these words today and use them to brighten and transform their lives. This world and its leader (Satan) is tough on Your children, and many are stressing out more than ever before. You know how badly they need one more reminder of Your grace Lord, so I ask that You use this simple explanation of Your word through Your prophet Isaiah to encourage them and draw them to Yourself. Have Your own way in my life and the lives of those reading this devotional, for Your glory. AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Category: Beyond Description