Answering God’s Call: Overcoming Our Excuses

On 2024-12-01 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, Excuses, Faith, Faith in Action, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, Obedience, Personal testimony, Testimony, TrustLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Sunday, December 1, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from The Living Bible (TLB) and found in Jeremiah 1:4-8

THE SCRIPTURE READS
⁴The Lord said to me, ⁵“I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.”
⁶“O Lord God,” I said, “I can’t do that! I’m far too young! I’m only a youth!”
⁷“Don’t say that,” he replied, “for you will go wherever I send you and speak whatever I tell you to. ⁸And don’t be afraid of the people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
From a very early age, we learn how to give excuses when we don’t want to do something. But what about when God calls us to His service? I am convinced that whenever we feel the tug of God’s call on our life, we can rest assured that He has the ‘how’, ‘what’, and ‘where’ all worked out. Furthermore, let’s never forget what Jesus said in Mark 9:23 to the dad who asked Jesus to heal his child: ²³Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!” Friends, it seems to me that our faith is truly tested when asked to do Kingdom work, and less you shrug this off as never being asked to do anything, let me remind you that it is important to listen closely as your pastor and church leaders ask for help in various ways when you meet together to worship. Some examples might be:
** Pray for a certain family who is struggling at this time – In James 5:16, the Bible says: ¹⁶Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. Interesting that YOU would be healed as you pray for others!
** Give to this need, or that need – You may feel like you can hardly afford to meet your own budget needs, much less giving to the needs of others. But in Luke 6:38 Jesus said: ³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
** We could use your help in…. – For people who are already stretched to the limit with their time and energy in working hard and taking care of others, these words are normally ignored when church leaders plead their case. But read about how God implores us to labor with the right attitude until He returns. Colossians 3:23-24: ²³Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.
Let’s be careful about second guessing God. Often, God will test us with things that we could easily see others doing better than us, but what sort of blessing would we receive for that referral? Does God not see or understand who He wants to do the task He is asking us to do? At one point in my younger days, I led a choir and the congregational worship at my church. It was a God thing, as I had no musical training or talent. It was God using His instrument to lead His people into times of worship and singing praises to Him. Each of you are at the same level as I am on earth, and we all have the same access to our powerful God. Please open your heart, soul and mind for His work in and through you, so that others may be drawn close to Him while you are also being blessed beyond anything you can think or imagine. We serve an awesome and all-powerful God, dear friends. Submit to Him and be blown away by His miraculous works, even through you!

PRAYER
Jeremiah immediately found an excuse why he shouldn’t be challenged outside of his comfort zone. But God knew what Jeremiah needed, and He also knew that Jeremiah was the man he wanted to accomplish His work through. Lord God, You are still the same awesome and all-powerful God that we serve today, and I’m sure that the needs are probably even more acute and plentiful today than ever before. I am also sure that You are still using Your children who are called by Your name, and have humbled themselves before You, to stand in the middle of today’s storms and challenges and allow You to minister to unbelievers, and also believers needing a touch from their Master. Please Lord, impress upon us, just as You did to Isaiah, and recorded in Isaiah 6:8 – ⁸Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. I would also suggest that you speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com and share your good news! Perhaps one of God’s servants will pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that, while also growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Trusting God’s Plan: Reflections on Life’s Journey

On 2024-11-30 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, Personal testimony, Testimony, TrustLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, November 30, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from The Living Bible (TLB) and found in Jeremiah 1:4-8

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Please allow me to draw your attention to verse 5, for it has become one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. Additionally, this verse is also one of the biggest challenges to those who say they are, and vote, in favor of abortion. For you see, while this verse is often quoted at times that we give credit to Almighty God for calling out one to preach the Gospel, it is also one that reminds us that although we might agree to giving ourselves every right to make decisions for ourselves, we should always be reminded that God’s ways are much higher than our ways, and His purpose is much greater than anything we could see up ahead, project for ourselves, include in our budgets or in our 5, 10, or lifetime plans. Why do you suppose He wanted this verse included in His Word to mankind? I believe He wants us to know that He not only creates life, but He also has purpose in what He does, just as He told Jeremiah. Like you, I have not heard God say audibly the purpose for which He has me here on this earth. However, I can reflect back on times where I said how glad I was to be in the right place at the right time, of how thankful I was for having made certain decisions. For I can reflect back on decisions and relocations as very inconvenient for my family, but I could now see how God had purpose in our moves, as I could now see: how ministry occurred; how my dad’s life was saved due to medical advancements at my new location; how we gained an ‘angel’ through adoption; how my wife and I were available to fill ministry positions that facilitated salvation for some; how we were able to help those who could no longer fully help themselves; etc, etc. And as long as we have breath and make ourselves available to the work of the Lord, I am convinced that He will continue to use us for His glory. But I can only brag or boast on the mighty works and plan of Almighty God, dear friends. But just as I see similarities in my life story to that of Jeremiah, I know that you are also in the same boat. Try to rid yourselves of negativity and instead, look to the God of all creation and give Him praise for how He has placed you in certain places, among certain people, and used your story and witness to help others see, experience, and desire a relationship with the Master. Obedience to Almighty God is way more important than any excuse Satan may help you drum up, and I will seek God’s help in doing a follow-up devotional to expand on this further.

PRAYER
Jeremiah wound up being a prolific write of a book in the Bible, so some may think that something grand will also occur in their life so they could know that You are at work in their story. However, I have experienced, and seen enough evidence in my life to know that You didn’t die after creating and ministering to Jeremiah, for You have been very much alive and active in my life’s story. Lord, I know that there are countless believers who could also attest to this story today in their lives also, so I ask that You specifically place this devotional in the face of those who struggle to see their purpose in life, or to recognize Your greatness in and through their life’s story. Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet, yet he had a story to tell that is filled with Your goodness and power. Please, dear Lord, teach us today to develop such a close relationship with You, that we would see, know and experience Your love, protection and direction for our lives in every walk of life, and may this be a blessing to others in our circle of family and friends as we make our way through this life here on earth, causing them to seek this same God that we believe in and serve. Be glorified because of the impact Your Word has, and will continue to have, on others just like me. AMEN!

Finding Meaning in Life, Beyond Vanity

On 2024-11-27 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God's Will, God’s Word, HonestLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from the Amplified Bible (AMP) and found in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3

THE SCRIPTURE READS
²“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “Vanity of vanities! All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity [futile, meaningless—a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes, merely chasing the wind].”
³What advantage does man have from all his work Which he does under the sun (while earthbound)?

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
As my study took me into the book of Ecclesiastes, I found it extremely interesting how the wisest man ever lived, started off this book in announcing himself as a ‘Preacher’! This is because he had a message to tell, but yet appeared so negative about life itself in his introductory verses. However, the Holy Spirit alerted me to something that has crossed my mind several times in the past, about why we do some of the things we do. I would imagine that King Solomon thought that for a man who has it all – money, riches, wives, king of a whole kingdom, etc., why is it that even he could reflect on things that occur with, or without, him in the picture. My career was in the financial industry, and our firm often reflected on why customers would choose to bank with us, versus the competition down the street that offered the same products and services. In another example, let us take a moment to reflect on why we choose to shop at a certain place for our groceries, or other household goods. Many stores offer the same thing, but for certain reasons, we find ourselves at the same store getting the same products. Why? What makes the difference. When we were hired, our boss had multiple options on who they could, or should, hire. Have you determined why they chose to hire you? I believe that one way we could be satisfied on this is to have someone share with you what they overheard your boss saying about you behind your back. I had that satisfaction, and it gave me a renewed perspective on my boss and on my dedication to his employment. I believe that Solomon was allowing the Holy Spirit to encourage us to not look at the vain things that we may never be remembered for, like how we may have dressed, or how ladies may put on extra makeup to stand out in a crowd, or how we worked effortlessly to rise above the rest, even if it meant degrading others. Friends, God’s Word is filled with principles to guide us in being more like Him, especially in our workplace. It’s not through our preaching at work that we succeed in transforming the unbelievers. For Jesus is the only one who can bring true, godly change in a person’s life. Our job is to reflect the ways of Jesus in our everyday life, not just at church. Honesty in giving a good day’s work whether our boss is watching us, or not. Dedication to our boss in promoting him and his business above anyone one else in the marketplace. Loving our coworkers, like the Bible teaches us to love others like we love ourselves. Showing love like Jesus loved – even when coworkers, friends or family say and do things that we may not like or approve of. Be willing to speak up in love about the things you don’t feel are God-led or God-approved. Remember, it’s not your job to be God, but it is your job to act and respond like the Holy Spirit is teaching you about God. God don’t need our help in accomplishing His perfect will, because there will always be too much of the world in us, no matter how hard we strive to follow and obey God. I once lived in a home for a short while where the father would have a small devotional and prayer before breakfast, with all household members present at the table. He never preached at me, or challenged me on my words or actions, but his actions showed me what a true man of God must be like. He made a difference in my life. Do you suppose that you have made, or are making, a difference in the lives of those who encounter you? Are they seeing Jesus here on earth, or are they experiencing a hypocrite claiming to know Jesus? Let’s strive to let Jesus work out His will and purpose in our lives and never be bothered by a life of vanity where others encountered you but never saw the love and compassion of Jesus.

PRAYER
In these days of trying to outdo each other, I’m afraid that it may be easy for us to lose sight of honoring the will, design and teachings You left for us in Your Word, oh Lord. When we do this, I’m afraid that much of what we accomplish might be considered vanity, for it achieves our goal of moving ahead, but seldom aligns with Your teachings. Please forgive us Lord and grant us strength and determination to be submissive and obedient servants of yours. Please keep us faithful to the things You require of us and that You desire to do in the lives of those we cross paths with. Please have Your will and way in our lives, for Your glory. AMEN!

No One Cares For Me Like Jesus

On 2023-08-30 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, God Cares For Us, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, Worship2 Comments

DATE POSTED: Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Ashford, AL 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 18:35-43

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: In the Bible text, I bolded and underlined the text showing the attitude of the crowd and the leaders of the group that led Jesus in His march. The other bolded areas show the caring attitude and warm words of Jesus towards the man that many despised. I believe this is a great example of what still happens today, for Jesus still cares for His own and He will stop the parade at work, at church or at home so that He might attend to our most urgent needs. Throughout our study today, be reminded of the love and caring attitude of the One we call our Lord and Savior!

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I’m afraid that the Word of God has made little impact on Christians today, because there is such little proof of whose we are. In the Bible, there is such drastic measures to show that Jesus was crucified out of pure and honest love for us; so many miracles to show the awesome compassion, love and power of our awesome King, yet way too often Christians today still look, sound and act so much like the leaders of that crowd that paved the way for Jesus to march into Jerusalem. For us, it’s still challenging to accept someone who may not fit the description of what, we have determined in our minds, that a child of God should look like. I have always said that I have so many challenges of my own, and so many things to concentrate on in looking more like Jesus, that I just don’t know how I could possibly look at the problems others have. But I believe that the Holy Spirit is quite capable of directing me to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Friends, here’s what we tend to do:
– The crowd saw a blind man who made a pest of himself begging for food.
——-BUT Jesus saw a man who couldn’t help himself recover from blindness, and mow, the Master Healer who is forever capable of healing him is passing by.
– The crowd saw a man who couldn’t do anything for himself nor earn a living.
——-BUT Jesus saw a man that His glory and His power could shine through and offer restoration and hope to all those who felt they couldn’t do……
– The crowd saw a man who couldn’t join them in the march, nor stand and sing praises to the lone Son of God who was passing by.
——-BUT Jesus saw a man who was born in His likeness and needed physical healing, that could very easily have also led him to spiritual wholeness, with a brand-new life as a child of the King!
In my introduction, I shared how I wondered how much the Gospel and all the examples of God’s wondrous power in times past has truly helped us today to be more understanding of those who need the Lord and/or those who need a touch from God. I wonder, how many ushers lead the poor and battered all the way to the front row seats of your church? How many ushers try to squeeze the nicely dressed individual(s)in expensive clothes, into the back seats of your church? How many pastors rush from the pulpit after his sermon to catch up with the poorly dressed and possibly unbathed guy that kept mumbling during the service? If we’re not careful, we might be quick to take sides with the leaders of the march, and overlook the compassion, love and concern Jesus had for the most unlikely person along the road – a poor, blind man. You know, each of us were on that same level as that poor man at one time. We may have had money, but we were poor in spirit and so deep in sin that we wanted nothing to do with Jesus or the elite crowd that tend to follow Him. But regardless of our state at the time, Jesus saw us in the distance and the need that was written right across our faces, and He called out to us with the same compassion and love as He did to the blind man. As followers of Christ, we must pay attention to what Jesus was drawn to, because that’s what He expects of us dear ones. I love that song that has the same title as the one I chose for today’s devotional – ‘No One Ever Cared for me, like Jesus‘. Listen to it, for its lyrics, together with God’s Word, and my above thoughts, might help to convince you that Jesus cares for you, even when it feels like everyone else is pushing you away or would rather see you sit by the wayside begging for bread.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Jesus heard the blind man’s cry for help and in spite of the leaders who accompanied Him rejecting the poor man’s plea, Jesus healed his blindness and blessed him. I believe He does the same thing today for His children. He knows our needs and He hears our cry. I believe He is anxious to heal us into His likeness.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Instead of just healing the blind man’s sight, You asked him what You could do for him. You care enough for us that You don’t take anything for granted, but You verify with us what it is that would make us happy. Thank You Jesus for being a very intimate and personal God. It is obvious that we matter to You. It is also obvious that Your decisions are not influenced by the feelings, wishes or words of others. Thank You Jesus that we personally matter to You. In our weak attempt to follow Your example, please remind us how important it is that we do not think and make decisions like other humans, but that we look to You for decisions while making every effort to follow Your example in our decision-making. I believe it is especially important that the unsaved see Jesus in us, and not the mean and selfish decisions of our earthly mentors. Lord, may You be glorified in every aspect of my life and those who will read and/or listen to this devotional. 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!

Show That You Care

On 2023-08-29 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, God Cares For Us, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, August 29, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dothan, AL 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 9:18-20

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.”
Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!”

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: A very familiar passage of Scripture where God’s messengers would normally point out the important question You challenged Your disciples with: “But who do you say I am”. While this is a key point for anyone to consider, I couldn’t help but think about the mindset of Jesus when asking this very important question. As we meditate, let me encourage you to ask God to help you see the message intended for you personally. It may not be the usual and obvious question that most tend to emphasize on. He may have a dedicated message to you for this very time and place.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: This past Sunday, our pastor chose to speak from this very familiar Scripture. His emphasis was on the Transfiguration, and how God made known His precious Son to the disciples. Although listening closely to our pastor, I believe that God was speaking even louder to me, for I heard Him telling me to care for others like Jesus did. Let me explain. There are many times that we visit with people and we casually ask the normal and expected questions. How are you? It is inevitable that we respond ‘oh, good!’ And then we prepare to ask our next question, even if the response to our first question was ‘awful’ or ‘I hurt all over’ or ‘I would much prefer being anywhere but here’. Wait a minute, why did we visit? Just to say that we did so, and ask the questions we were trained to ask when visiting the sick and/or hospitalized? Isn’t it time that we seek training on great listening skills, and ways to respond to the words from our sick loved ones? Notice carefully how Jesus was careful to train His disciples on things they might talk about with the people they would minister to. Who do they say that I am? This indicates that Jesus expected that the disciples would have sought out this same question from those following Him. I don’t believe this is the same as Jesus asking, who do you think they are saying that I am? Often when we visit someone, we are told about what the people are saying about the pastor, or about the church. Perhaps a good follow-up question might be for us to ask, but who do you say that the pastor is, or how has the church ministered to you? I believe that the worst nightmare would be for us to leave a hospital room without asking about the individual’s personal experience with Jesus, only to later hear that you were the last person to visit with them while alive. To ask them about Jesus shows that you care about them. However, remember that you cannot save them. So be ready to stand down, even if you leave the question with them to ponder. Not long after Jesus asked these challenging questions of His disciples, He was taken up to heaven in the Transfiguration. It was like, He wanted to make sure that He challenged His disciples with these questions to ponder long after He had left them. Friends, know today that this life, not even this Christian life, is about how often you attend church, or how much you give to the church, or even how often you give the pastor a pat on the back about his sermon. While all of these things are great gestures and encouraging for your pastor to know that you care about him, what will matter on the day you meet with Jesus in glory is: Who was Jesus to you? Did He impact your life so that you could, in turn, impact the lives of those you came into contact with each day while given the opportunity here on earth? You see, I would like to know that I have my life in order before trying to help others straighten out their life. If not, I will give them the same bad advice that I have fed myself over the years. Think about joining me in this endeavor, dear friend.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Jesus showed us that He cared enough about His disciples that He wanted to know their intimate, personal feelings about His impact on them. Oh how I wish that I could be that caring with the folk I come into contact with each day, and that my readers and listeners would do the same.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Precious Lord, I thank You for reminding me one more time about Your love for Your children, and that our priorities are in order in our relationship with You, so that others would, in turn, be impacted by us. Please forgive us when we casually walk about each day without considering the needs of others, and especially their need for You. Thank You for showing us how to love and care about our fellow mankind and knowing that their very thoughts and feelings are geared towards sharing Your love with everyone they encounter here on earth. We are Your instruments Lord, please lead us in ways that You may be glorified in everything we say or do for others, so that they may seek and experience new life through Jesus our Lord. AMEN!

Greater Is He That Cares For Us….

On 2022-11-242022-11-24 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, God Cares For Us, Needs, Our Great BIG God, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Thursday, 2022-11-24
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Kings 6:15-17
TRANSLATION: New Century Version (NCV)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁵Elisha’s servant got up early, and when he went out, he saw an army with horses and chariots all around the city. The servant said to Elisha, “Oh, my master, what can we do?”
¹⁶Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.” ¹⁷Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, open my servant’s eyes, and let him see.”
The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

APPLICATION: Children will run home to their parents when they face situations that seem larger than anything they could handle. But what do parents do? Church members tend to run, and they may wind up joining another church, when situations arise that they would rather not look for solutions. But what about church leaders. What will they do when they take their jobs of responsibility serious, and accept the task assigned to them by church membership? Often these very real situations arise, and way too often we tend to look at them with no real hope of resolution. We may say the words “Only God can resolve these issues” yet we continue running from the situation. It is obvious from our Scripture reading that Elisha’s servant saw something that seemed impossible to him, and for the man that he served. That happens often during our lifetimes, it may be Covid; or it may be a serious market crash; lack of oil; the unexpected loss of a close family member/friend, or a war where the odds seem really impossible for our country. Many of us have seen what we do when we’re in a panic: we hoard food items; we stockpile household supplies; we fill every possible container with fuel; we may even escape to the hills in our RV’s and just wait as we anticipate the worse possible outcome. But our wisdom from God comes in the way that Elisha and his servant responded, and of course, the way that God protected His own. The servant immediately panicked, much like most of us would do. However, the servant ran to ‘The Man of God’ (I love that title, especially when considering the title attributed to Jesus ‘The Son of Man’!), for he had seen Elisha pray down miracle after miracle, and perhaps the servant had faith enough to believe that Elisha would do just that again. Friends, this is why Christian fellowship, and praying or worshipping together has such an awesome impact on us, for we are encouraged that God IS still at work in each other’s lives. We may be going through a dry season spiritually, and we may be like the servant where we don’t feel strong enough in our faith to approach God for the situation at hand. But I pray today that we will be much like the servant in deciding not to hide the problem, but rather seek out those who are closely in tuned with God, knowing that they will pray on our behalf for God’s protection, provision, and encouragement. There are times when we are close enough to God and been encouraged by His powerful acts in our lives, that we would pray for every possible obstacle that stands in our way of spreading the love of God with others. It is at those times that others may turn to us as an ‘Elisha’ who would pray to God for blessings on His people, or miracles in their lives. But true to human form, there are times that we need someone else to intervene on our behalf. In His precious Word, God encourages us to pray one for another. There are times that this could mean the difference between encouragement vs defeat or depression; health vs worsening diseases; or even life vs death. Let’s be nosy enough to know what our neighbor, or fellow church member needs from God, it is then that we could pray directly and specifically for their needs rather than generalities. God is in control dear friends, so let us pray for His miraculous response to the things that seem impossible to us and our neighbor. Remember, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: The provisions of God was overwhelming to Elisha’s servant whose eyes were opened. Perhaps our eyes will be opened to God’s provisions in meeting the many challenges that seem so out of reach and bearing stress in our lives. God still cares for His children, so let’s call on Him today!

PRAYER: To look the other way, or to imagine life without interaction with You oh Lord, would easily lead to a life of excess stress and very little hope. May we, like Elisha, be known as ‘Men or Women of God’, not for any recognition on earth, but to demonstrate our commitment and desire to be people after Your own heart. It is obvious that this will make the difference between hope and despair vs joyous recognition with our Creator, and hope, as we call on You especially for the things that seem impossible to us. Teach us Lord to lean on other believers, while encouraging them to always call on us to support and encourage them in our prayers. As we are encouraged and touched by You Oh Lord, please impress upon us to also pass this blessing on to others who need a touch from You. Please melt the hearts of those opposed to You and draw them to the foot of the cross where they will see the love of God as shown on that cross at Calvary, for the remission of their sin. 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 Cares For You

On 2022-02-112022-02-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, God Cares For Us, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-02-11
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Matthew 10:28-31
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: “Don’t be in fear of those who can kill only the body but not your soul. Fear only God, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows? So don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life.”

APPLICATION: Over recent days my wife and I received the shocking news that a good friend of ours left his dear wife behind to finish life on her own. Of course our first reflection is to wonder why God would subject this wonderful man, who blessed so many, to the pain and agony of Covid, and why would God take him away from his faithful service to his church, and from his loving family. We may even tend to wonder if this one slid by God and went unnoticed, but we honestly know differently. Just as God brought His Son into the world for a specific purpose, He also has a specific purpose in mind when He created us. And our Scripture, quoting the words of Jesus Himself, reminds us that nothing escapes the attention of the Great I Am, not even a sparrow that falls from the sky to its death. How much more does He care about the special ones like you and I , who He created in His own image and directs our earthly path until the day He calls us home. No doubt along the way we had many bumps and bruises, but He was there all the time. No doubt there were times that we encountered diseases that brought us to the point of death, but our God still had people for us to meet and witness to, and there were relatives and friends in our circle of influence that still needed a Savior, so He brought us back to good health for His ongoing mission. But one might quickly respond negatively: ‘but what about that wonderful spouse they left, or what will that invalid who depended so heavily on them now do after their passing?’ I believe that God would remind us that He cares for us individually, and not just because of who our spouse is, or which church we attend, or how many relationships were held together because of our loved one. God loves and cares for us with that person in the picture or whether they are now in the arms of Jesus. Let me encourage you dear friend who might be feeling all alone, or might wonder why you are left alone here on this earth: you have a God who loved you so much that He would have sent His precious Son to Calvary if only for you. For He cares for you! He knows the plans that He has for you! He wants to see you go on to bless others because of Him, and He wants them to see Jesus every time they come into contact with you. Your love and your memories of the loved one who left you behind will last a lifetime, but know that the arms of Jesus are all enveloping and totally complete as He seeks to bless others through you! There is purpose in your life and for your future. Rest your hands in the BIG hands of Jesus as He guides you along and makes the road straight for you to maneuver. For those who have not lost a loved one, and you are wandering why God would say all this today – hang tight for no one knows what tomorrow holds for any of us, except the One Mighty God that we know and hold tight to.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God knows what happens to each little sparrow, no matter how insignificant they seem to us. All the more, God also cares for each of us and watches our every move, because we are significant to Him. Because He created us in His own image, I believe that He has a lot of pride, love and built in care for each of us! Oh how He cares for us!

PRAYER: So often we tend to question why. Way too often we tend to feel like life is spinning out of control. But only a God like You will care for those whom You love, in spite of our stubbornness, lack of obedience and judgmental attitudes. We tend to look way too hard for the ‘perfect’ life, without acknowledging how much we have messed up. Yet You care for us! Thank You for Your love – even for us! So undeserving, yet You love us anyway, and You have prepared an eternal home for us to join You one day soon. Please continue to bless us as we try to represent You in every walk of life. People still need the Lord. May they see You today, and may they experience You in every aspect of my life today because of the total work that You will perform to solicit the love and aspirations of every unbeliever who really needs a Savior. AMEN!

Do You Listen To and Care About Others?

On 2021-10-132021-10-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Caring, God Cares For Us, Listen, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Wednesday, 2021-10-13
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 22:21-24
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: ²¹The one who will betray me is here at the table with me! ²²The Son of Man will die in the way that has been decided for him, but it will be terrible for the one who betrays him!” ²³Then the apostles started arguing about who would ever do such a thing.
²⁴The apostles got into an argument about which one of them was the greatest.

APPLICATION: There are times when we share from the heart, and instead of our friends showing how much they care, instead they immediately start up a new conversation, perhaps even with other people in our circle. Kind of like, totally changing the subject. It’s enough for us to throw our hands up as a sign of not even bothering to repeat our words or ask for help from our friends. So how should this impact us? I believe that we could expect to be treated, as we treat others. But if God directs us to share freely with those in our circle, we must strive to overlook them ignoring us. I get the impression that the disciples were acting like our friends mentioned in the above scenario. Think about it. Jesus was intimately sharing with them what He knew would be happening to Him over the coming days, and instead of compassion for their Lord, it seemed like they got in to arguing over different matters that they felt were important. First, over who of their bunch might be the one who would betray Jesus, and this could be somewhat related to what Jesus said, but secondly – who might be the greatest among them, which had absolutely nothing to do with Jesus’ betrayal, death and resurrection. Friends, it is so important that we listen to what others are saying, and also to what they may not be saying but trying to inform us about. I know the later part of what I just shared might sound confusing, but often friends who are considering suicide will speak in riddles to give us tips about what they are planning, but unless we are listening closely and looking straight at them to see the pain in their eyes, we may not receive their message and be able to help them overcome danger or hurt to themselves. A tender, compassionate heart that shows someone that you truly care, could possibly help a friend completely turn from destruction, to feeling cared for and loved. Hearing later that someone gave in to their temptation because they thought that no one cared, is an awful feeling to live with. I pray that you not only love people with your whole heart, but that they know you care, love and respect them. Don’t be distracted while a friend is talking, lean in and let them know that you care enough to listen and care about them. Be the eyes, hands and feet of Jesus while also having His heart – a heart for others who need Jesus. Our Lord said that He preferred that none would perish, but instead have eternal life. You could be a part of this great mission of our King!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Jesus loved and cared enough about His disciples that He didn’t want them to be caught unaware. Be sure that others know how much you care for them!

PRAYER: Lord, You not only showed us on the cross how much You love us, but You also show us every day that You care about us and especially about our soul’s condition. Please tender hearts today that they will find rest in knowing the love of our Savior who not only hears our cry for help, but also knows the pain we feel and the heart that cries out for love and attention. In our attempts to be just like Jesus, we must also show that caring attitude towards others, for often they are reaching out for help and comfort. Please forgive us Lord when our hearts are hardened and callous towards the needs of others. Because we are ‘tough’ and seasoned in life’s ups and downs, we often lose compassion for others who battle with the downside of these things and worry incessantly. Forgive us Lord when we drive others away, for we are often showing that that You don’t care. As a child of the King, may we always represent You well, and show the world how much You first loved us and that You continue to care about our eternal future. The truth is that ’but for the grace of God, we too could be hurting and in need of friends who truly love and care about us. It’s all about You Lord, and if we miss that while in the presence of our friends, we have just missed an opportunity to show them Jesus. AMEN!

Only God Can

On 2021-09-282021-09-27 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, God Can Do It Again, God Cares For Us, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Worship2 Comments

DATE POSTED Tuesday, 2021-09-28
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Judges 16:19-20
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁹Delilah lulled Samson to sleep with his head in her lap, and then she called in a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. In this way she began to bring him down, and his strength left him.
²⁰Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!
When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him.

APPLICATION: It seems more and more prevalent for doctors to let us make our own choices on certain treatments available to us. They present the facts, and leave the decision up to us. God has always shown us that same freedom. He has a glorious eternity in mind for us, and He presents through His Word all the reasons why it would be beneficial for us to accept His Son, Jesus, but He leaves the actual decision up to us. God also had a very special life in store for Samson, as a judge over Israel. He gave him physical strength that any earthly man would be envious of, but God also gave Samson the freedom to make his own choices. There was a certain ‘weakness’ that Samson displayed towards the opposit sex, for he loved women, and they were attracted to him because of his physique. Unfortunately, we are a lot like Samson, in that we are generally warned about certain dangers, and we agree with those dangers, but we tend to think that everything will be alright, because we know how to protect ourselves against the evil plans of others. But as the Scripture tells us, Samson was not as independently strong as he felt he was, and he was therefore lulled into a game that threatened his very life. My friends, I believe God is still warning us today of the power and strength of the Evil One. I realize that many of you are very similar to me, and would quickly say ‘we’ve got this’, but let me remind you that just as we are no match for the Almighty God, neither are we any match for God’s greatest oponent, Satan. Remember, God loves us so much that He showed us at Calvary how deep that love ran, but if we insist on doing life ‘our way’, He is gentleman enough to let us. You will be warned over and over about the dangers and extreme risks, but if we keep shoving God away and grabbing the reigns for ourself, God will do for us what He did for Samson, He will let us face the battle all alone, and that will lead to complete failure. Fortunately for us, the opposite is still very true today. If we call on God, He is faithful and just, and He will forgive us of our sin, and He will stand by us to the very end of time here on earth. Receive your free gift today precious friend. Allow God to be God of your life and in all circumstances of life. God never fails!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Submission to God results in His love, protection and deliverance through all of earths pain, trials and temptations. Seek Him today, while He may be found, and let Him lead you in every circumstance of life.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You made us with great big egos, and way too often we feel like we could handle every challenge and difficulty presented to us here on earth. But Lord, You alone is the answer to all of life’s challenges, and we are reminded daily that we can’t do life without You. Please help us to learn from Samson and not become caught up in feeling like we could handle the Evil One, for only You can keep Satan at bay. Forgive us Lord when we try to assume Your position in our lives, we need You every moment of every day. Please reign us back in immediately when You see us wandering off to try and handle things on our own. We need You precious Father. Please work out Your will and way in our lives and impact others as You see the need evident in them. AMEN!

Our God Will …

On 2021-08-282021-08-28 By Ed AlgreenIn God Can Do It Again, God Cares For Us, God's WillLeave a comment

Saturday, 2021-08-28

Bible Reference: Proverbs 3:5-10
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Scripture

Bible Text: Trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. ⁶In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.
^7-8Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality.
^9-10Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines.

APPLICATION: Like me, I would imagine that, throughout your day there are times when you are overwhelmed as to how you will ever accomplish everything on your agenda, and that you wish you knew what might be happening in the coming days, weeks and years, so that you could make good choices today. Friends, I believe that God has placed the answer to this dilemma right at our fingertips – in these verses today. For I believe that you will see clearly that although we may not have all of the answers, there is a God who does – praise His name for ever and ever! As you read the first two verses of our Scripture today, let me remind you of Moses, God’s messenger and leader who had millions of people following him. Because He trusted completely in God, when he brought all these folk to the edge of the Jordan River, his ulcers didn’t explode from the stress of what to do next, for he was convinced that if God brought him to this crossroad, then obviously God would see him through, or across the river. These verses declare that when we place our faith and trust in Jesus, He will direct us into right paths and make our journey, or actions successful. Notice that this is not something we need to understand how or when success or answers will come, we are to just trust God and He will… Notice in verses 7-10, there are certain expectation from us, such as:
* Trust and reverence God;
* Turn our backs on evil – of course the positive equivalent to this is to obey God’s commands;
* Honor God by giving Him the first of our income;
Just remember that God is all powerful and He could bless our health and give us vitality without us feeling like we had anything to do with the formula, but by demanding that we participate in the above simple actions, we learn that God’s goodness is for those who have an interest – those who want it. Similarly with our finances – God could very easily bestow great riches on everyone, but don’t you know that we always abuse anything that is given to us without us have some ‘skin’ in the game? When we give the first of our income, we are not only showing obedience to God, but we are acknowledging that there is nothing more important in our life. It also helps us to recognize that because we are blessed by God to be able to work and provide for our family, the least we could do is give back to Him unconditionally from our financial earnings. In true form to the goodness of our God, He foreknew the temptation of money, so He still threw in a blessing for those that obey this commandment to give. I believe that God’s Word is clear that we will be blessed financially in proportion to what we give. Are you ‘blessed’ financially? Check your giving, perhaps it needs adjusting!

PRAYER: Lord God, You have proven Yourself to us in so many ways, yet we often feel like we could handle this thing called ‘life’ all by ourselves. Please forgive us for our littleness Lord. You are Creator; Master; Lord and the Savior of this world. Thank You for giving us clear instruction of what is expected of us to receive optimal results from You. Please touch our stubborn hearts today and convince us of the need for obedience and faithfulness to You. Lord, we want to benefit from all the great things You have promised to us, but more than that, we are anxious to one day be with You in glory, where we could worship You endlessly. Bless us this day with Your grace and your mercy. Please lead us into total obedience to Your Word, for I ask these things in the gracious and loving name of Jesus, AMEN!

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

Nuggets From God's Word

Category: God Cares For Us