It Depends On What The Lord Says

On 2022-07-142022-07-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Listen, Listen to the Word of God, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Thursday, 2022-07-14
WRITTEN AT: O Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Deuteronomy 8:2-3
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT: ²And you must remember the entire trip that the Lord your God has led you through these 40 years in the desert. He was testing you. He wanted to make you humble. He wanted to know what is in your heart. He wanted to know if you would obey his commands. ³He humbled you and let you be hungry. Then he fed you with manna—something you did not know about before. It was something your ancestors had never seen. Why did the Lord do this? Because he wanted you to know that it is not just bread that keeps people alive. People’s lives depend on what the Lord says.

APPLICATION: Surely you’re no different to me, in that you hated to hear your mom and/or dad say how it pained them to discipline you! For we always thought ‘then why do it?’!! As adults we now know that to discipline shows love, caring and concern for the individual you are disciplining. The easy thing to do, is to ignore the issue and hope that things will get better. But to care enough about the individual to correct them and possibly discipline them, shows that you love them enough to want them to succeed in life, and to be the best individual they could possibly be. When disciplined at home, it becomes easier for our children to respect and understand the need for discipline by an employer. None of us like to be disciplined, but let’s look at why God thought it was necessary for the Israelites. As His chosen people, God couldn’t stand it that they were being mistreated in Egypt, so in cooperation with their leaders, God decided to get them out of there and into a chosen place that He had prepared for them. Because of their ungratefulness and disrespect during their journey, God disciplined His children in a few serious ways – food, water, obstacles in the path they traveled, etc. And time and time again, God showed love and deliverance for His people. In our verses today, the Israelites are being reminded of what they should have gained from those challenging times of discipline. And I believe that God wants to use these words to remind us of the same thing today. Like the Israelites, we are a spoiled and rotten people. We want, we want, and we want, but oh how seldom do we ever stop to recognize all that God has provided, and how He has taught us along this path called ‘life’. Do we have time to visit the sick or help the poor, or are we too busy tending shop? In other words, are we so caught up in the many material things of life, that we have no time, love, or respect for God, to seek out the needs of others? God disciplined the Israelites because He wanted them to know that there were more important things in life than their stomachs, their material things, and their selfish desires. He wanted them to see, and I believe that He wants us to also learn, that it is the very words of God that teaches us about LIFE, and not at all about what we have, what we see, or what we want. So what’s important in this life to you my friend? Would it require a good dose of discipline by the Almighty God to help us refocus on the really important things in this life? The importance of hearing, obeying and doing the things commanded by God is not just mentioned on verse 3 of our Scripture today, but was also reemphasized in Matthew 4:4 when Jesus responded to Satan. Perhaps God still says to us today that it doesn’t matter that much what we want, or how badly we think we need something, learn to listen, trust and obey His words, for in them we will be reminded that they are ‘food’ for our soul and strength for our tomorrows!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: It is not just bread that keeps people alive. People’s lives depend on what the Lord says

PRAYER: Thank You precious Lord for the many gifts that You shower on us each and every day. Thank You for those times that You stop us in our tracks and, through loving discipline, You redirect us to the ways, and things of Christ. May we have that same kind of love for our brethren, for there are so many in need all around us today. We are often so caught up in protecting all that we have gained, that often we lose track of praise, honor and glory that is so deserving of the One who has blessed us. Thank You dear Lord. Please touch our hearts today. Draw us close to You and help us to use all that You have blessed us with, to bless others in return. Being reminded of the importance of Your words, Lord may we learn to listen, obey and apply Your Word to all aspects of our life. 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!

Reassuring Trust In Church Leaders

On 2022-07-112022-07-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Church, Church Leaders, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Monday, 2022-07-11
WRITTEN AT: O Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Corinthians 1:12-13; 17-19;
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹²We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. ¹³Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us.
¹⁷…. Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? ¹⁸As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” ¹⁹For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.”….

APPLICATION: The church that is considered ‘perfect’ in the eyes of its membership, is probably most successful when it keeps the struggles that embattle their leadership, behind the scenes. After all, church leadership is made up of human men and/or women. In many cases, church leadership is made up of the same men and women who are challenged with their kids, struggle in their marriages, and possibly written up for various reasons at work. Having been there and done that, I was stricken by the Holy Spirit to carefully read what Paul, a notable saint of God, shared with one of his churches. Let’s take a deep dive into the words of Paul, which we know were inspired by the Holy Spirit, for his words to be included in God’s book of Instruction to us:
~ A God-given holiness and sincerity in all dealings (vs 12) – Because we deal with mere humans in church leadership, we can understand why this may be hard for parishioners to believe. After all, we insist on audits of church financial records, because of the horror stories of theft at some churches. We insist on a buddy system for counseling, because we have heard horror stories of misappropriation between counselors and counselees. BUT I believe that Paul wanted his church to know that he is aiming for perfection as he follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. He therefore shared with the church the principles that he had chosen to live by, with God’s help. I pray that each leader will strive to live as Paul taught, and that each reader will find men and women of God-like character in their church leadership;
~ Depending on God’s grace and not on human wisdom (vs 12) – In each of us, I believe that we are so tainted by the world, that it is always challenging for others to see the grace of God at work in us. We will always try to clarify the process by which we have made decisions regarding the church. However, when we depend on God, it is easy to explain how He guided us through His Word and through His almighty power to the decision He wants made for His church. Which do you see most often by your church leadership;
~ Straightforward letters (vs 13) – There are times when we need an attorney to review certain documents, because we want to make sure that there are no hidden agendas included between the lines. It is interesting, but also conniving how we could place our words just right in a document that leaves the interpretation totally up to the recipient! Paul assured his church that this was not his style of writing. Do you feel the same way about correspondence from your church leadership?
– Let you “Yes” be yes, and your “No” be no (vs 17) – If asked a pointed question, will it depend on the response from the others as to how you might respond? If your church leadership is prayed up and honest in God’s sight, each of them will know how God wants them to individually respond, regardless of what the others might say.
Friends, in all honesty, church leadership is a very challenging thing. Because leaders must learn to put aside personal agendas and wait for the Lord to impress upon them what He wants. Let me encourage every reader and listener to pray diligently for your church leaders. Pray that they will learn to empty themselves of selfish pride and personal agendas, and wait on the Lord for His direction in His church.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Imitate Jesus in our lives and our dealings with others, so that God may bless our efforts and our dealings with others.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You were perfect in the sight of Your Father, yet You were criticized, judged and rejected by mankind. I should expect no less, but please direct my path and keep me on the straight and narrow path so that I may be pleasing to my all-knowing God. Please Lord, give wisdom to our church leaders and guide them in the very critical matters they govern. Trying to gently deal with mankind, while staying true to our perfect God is extremely challenging. Please Lord, always give contentment to our church leaders who strive to always please You, and intervene on their behalf as their church members seek to trust and obey their decisions. You alone are our ultimate Judge, so I pray that we would always strive to please You in all that we do and say. Please remove the desire to please mankind, less our churches become more like the world than their God they were designed to honor and obey. May we always be pleasing in your sight so that You may accomplish Your work through us and our churches. AMEN!

A Heart Willing To Obey

On 2022-07-052022-07-06 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Tuesday, 2022-07-05
WRITTEN AT: O Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Deuteronomy 5:27; 29
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ²⁷ ….. You go and listen to all that God says, then come and tell us, and we will listen and obey.’ …..
²⁹Oh, that they would always have such a heart for me, wanting to obey my commandments. Then all would go well with them in the future, and with their children throughout all generations!

APPLICATION: When troubles come, and trials seem to hit us hard on every side, don’t you often wish that God would take control and give us comfort and wisdom on how to handle every little detail of life in a way that is blessed by, and pleasing to Him? To an even greater degree, when you are feeling helpless to do anything about the struggles that your child(ren) are going through, wouldn’t it be awesome to know that God is totally in charge, and that all things work together for good to those who love, adore, and worship the Lord their God? Friends, it is obvious from the words shared with Moses, by our Master, that He is more than willing to bless us and our future generations, if only we would acknowledge Him and obey His commands. The people begged of Moses to go and speak with God and, in verse 27, they promised that they would listen and obey. Notice how God had gotten used to the idea of people making vain promises when they are in trouble, or in dire need. For He said in verse 29: If only they would do what they say. Or, what I wouldn’t do to hear them say that, then – commit, and obediently follow through with their promise. Because, THEN I will bless them and all their future generations. That’s our awesome God, folks! Let us rest assured that this is not just a nice story that we could read about our ancestors, but rather, this is a story about our all-powerful Creator; our wonderful God! This reminds us that the same God who ‘did’ for Moses and his people, is the same God who ‘can do‘ today and always for us and our family. Notice how helpless everyone was with the dreaded Covid disease? Doctors and healthcare workers were helpless and many died without hope. But God gives us hope! He’s still alive; He’s still all-powerful; and I am convinced that He is still waiting to bless us and our future generations, if only we will listen and obey. So my challenge to you today is: how badly do you want to be blessed, precious friends? Enough to listen and obey all that the Master has outlined for us in His Word? The results are promised by God: If you trust and obey with all your heart – meaning that you not just say that your believe for the moment, but that you promise to God and follow through in doing what He says, THEN He promises that all will go well for you and your children for all generations! Let me use words from a popular move – ‘that’s an offer you can’t refuse’!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: If you listen and obey God, then He will bless and keep you and your future generations!

PRAYER: When we walk with You Lord, in the light of Your Word; what a glory You shine on our way. When we do Your great will, You abide with us still, and for all who will trust and obey! Thank You precious Lord for placing these words in the mind of that great old song writer. But most of all, thank You for still being available to those of us today who are ready and willing to place our faith and trust in You and obey Your Word. You promised You would bless, and we stand in great anticipation of Your everyday blessings. Many challenges face us each day, but what a reassurance in knowing that You’re in control of it all and will see o it that all things working together for good to those who trust and obey! For all those who will meditate on this blog today, please bless them oh Lord, and speak words of wisdom to them that will draw them to Yourself. Perhaps for a closer walk with You, or perhaps for the very first time. May they find peace in knowing You as their personal Savior and Lord. AMEN!

Obedience Leads To Victory

On 2022-05-282022-05-28 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, Surrender, Victory, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-05-28
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Judges 7:9-11; 13; 15;
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁹That night, the Lord said to Gideon. “Get up! Attack the Midianite camp. I am going to let you defeat them, ¹⁰but if you’re still afraid, you and your servant Purah should sneak down to their camp. ¹¹When you hear what the Midianites are saying, you’ll be brave enough to attack.”….
¹³Gideon overheard one enemy guard telling another, “I had a dream about a flat loaf of barley bread that came tumbling into our camp. It hit the headquarters tent, and the tent flipped over and fell to the ground.”
¹⁵As soon as Gideon heard about the dream and what it meant, he bowed down to praise God. Then he went back to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Let’s go! The Lord is going to let us defeat the Midianite army.”

APPLICATION: As a parent, we are used to the idea of running to help our kids overcome simple obstacles in life. As adults, we tend to continue that parental instinct to help coworkers and friends win a battle they might be struggling with. However, as long as we remain here on earth, we will always face challenging times when either we don’t have the authority to throw in our ‘two cents’ or the ability to do anything constructive in certain circumstances. Gideon must have had a good relationship with God! Because God knew that with enough convincing Gideon would eventually follow-through with His instructions. Gathering a fair sized army may have been the easy part, but Gideon saw God eliminate 10,000 of his good men. In spite of the increasing, and perhaps impossible, task that Gideon was beginning to realize, he saw God further reduce his army to 300, even while Gideon kept his eyes fixed on the very large army that settled in below the mountain where he was located. I’m sure that Gideon must have been shaking in his boots even after God convinced him of His presence and His power, but Gideon reluctantly stayed committed to the battle God led him into. Just as God knows how badly we need convincing at every step when we face our battles here on earth, He was also well aware that Gideon needed one more opportunity to be convinced that God knew what He was doing. Notice that God spoke through the enemy in a dream so that Gideon could be convinced that he was hearing instructions from the Almighty God. Doesn’t that sound so much like us? We are fine to sit in the confines of the four walls of our church surrounded by like-minded Christians, but don’t we tend to question God when we feel like He is challenging us to do things like: helping with prison ministry, street evangelism, teaching a Bible Study; sharing our testimony with an unsaved coworker or friend, or visiting His kids living out their final hours in a Hospice bed? We go on endlessly with the ‘what-if’ scenarios, to try and find the best excuse we could offer to God. Gideon had many excuses he could have used, but God convinced him to the point of bringing him to his knees in praise to the wondrous acts of his loving Father. All doubt was removed and he was confident that if God said it, he could afford to go with the plan, knowing that God was fully in control. I still get very nervous when doing any of the things I mentioned above, but I truly believe that God placed that sense in us so that we will stop and be reminded that it’s by God’s power that the sick are healed; His power that comforts the family and a loved one with only hours remaining on earth; His power that nudges us to the left or to the right as we are redirected on the right path to victory! Let us always remember that God don’t need any help from us, He just wants to see that we are convinced of His power, His love, His wisdom and His protection as He allows us to participate in His victory over life’s situations. Join me as we make every effort to let go, and let God – just as Gideon did!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: In spite of the many battles we face, God in His infinite wisdom and power has all the answers, and He is willing to fight those battles – for His glory. Through our obedience to God’s perfect commands, may we trust Him more and celebrate in the victory!

PRAYER: Lord You are good, and Your mercies endure for all times! Who is man, that you should be mindful of, care about, and consider resolving our battles? You alone are worthy of our praise Lord! You alone are God, and without You mankind is doomed for a treacherous eternity in Hell. Thank You for Your continued protection over our ancestors, even through Gideon, who needed a lot of reassuring. We are convinced of Your power, and also that our battles are in good hands when we surrender them to You. Just as You were patient with Gideon, I have no doubt that extra patience is needed when You deal with us and our possessive attitudes. Oh Lord, have Your perfect way in our lives and teach us to always surrender our whole selves to You so that we may rest in the peace of knowing You, and all that You can accomplish in our lives. May others see Your works and be convinced of their need for the Savior of this world. AMEN!

Passionately Pursue The Lord

On 2022-05-192022-05-19 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Thursday, 2022-05-19
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Psalm 34:9-10
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁹Worship in awe and wonder, all you who’ve been made holy! For all who fear him will feast with plenty.
¹⁰Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry,
but those who passionately pursue the Lord will never lack any good thing.

APPLICATION: I’m sure that many could dissect each little word in these verses and offer their opinion on what David meant to say, or what they feel like he meant, or perhaps theorize how these words should be applied to our lives in this modern world. However, I am innocent enough to believe, and based on my knowledge of my Lord, the sincerity of His love for me, and all those who claim Him as Lord and Savior, that these verses meant nothing less than what His servant David said. You see, we need not be talked out of the blessing that God has in store for His chosen children – those who honestly and humbly seek to honor and obey Him, and follow His commands and His teachings. In other words, like the Scripture says in this translation – this applies to ‘those who passionately pursue Him’. So where do you stand with your relationship with God, my friend? If you know my Lord, then I’m hoping that you passionately seek after Him, and aim to honor, obey and please Your Master and King with every fiber of your being. Do you seek ways to learn more about Him and/or develop the relationship that you have with Him? Yes, even years and years after accepting Him as Lord, I believe it is still vital on your part, to: pursue the Lord and want to know Him even better; want to serve Him even more; want to act like Him even more; find multiple ways each day to showcase Him to the world so that they may see and believe! Are you downright passionate about being His ambassador here on earth, and until you are humbly at His feet in Heaven. So you may wonder why is this so important to you/us. My friend, I hope that you are once again reminded of the love that the King of this universe has for even you! I hope that your goal in life will be to always be more like Jesus every day, and that the words of David only serves to remind you that your relationship with Jesus, serves to remind you each day that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world! He laid down His life for you – how much more should you dedicate every effort, every word and your whole self to pleasing Him through obedience and total dedication to Him. Let us press on towards the mark with our greatest passion and unyielding desire, with Jesus as our helper and guide. Great things are in store for us friends, there’s no reason to ever turn back!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for saving my soul, thank You Lord for making me whole, thank You Lord for giving to me – thy great salvation so rich, and free! What a blessing to know that You have so much in store for us while we are here on this earth, and especially after we join You in glory! Please continue to guide us and bless us as we deal with the challenges of this world each day, and until the day You call us home to glory. Oh that You may be glorified in everything we do and say, precious Lord, so that others may see, hear and believe. AMEN!

Things That Are Totally Despicable To God

On 2022-05-062022-05-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-05-06
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Proverbs 6:16-19
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁶There are six evils God truly hates
and a seventh that is an abomination to him:
¹⁷Putting others down while considering yourself superior,
spreading lies and rumors,
spilling the blood of the innocent,
¹⁸plotting evil in your heart toward another,
gloating over doing what’s plainly wrong,
¹⁹spouting lies in false testimony,
and stirring up strife between friends.
These are entirely despicable to God!

APPLICATION: Whether things are going extremely well for us, or beyond challenging for us, I can’t imagine that anyone would possibly think about doing some of the ugly things mentioned in Solomon’s warning. However, my God knows the good, the bad and the ugly about His children that He created in His image. But friends, we have heard about more extreme and weird crimes than we ever imagined. So yes, I believe that God knew about our need for reminders about the things that He hates. When sin entered this world (that thing that causes us to perform certain acts, and say things that are contrary to God’s design, and in contrast to His teachings) Satan had the goal of redirecting our hearts and our minds away from God’s original design. He chose to redirect, steal, and misguide God’s children away from Him. Satan’s lies and deception causes us to think that there is a better way – one where we might be more powerful and better off at the end of the day. Unfortunately, when we become subservient to Satan, we often do the things that God abhors, and that He teaches against and tries to steer us away from. Our God will not be lifted up, magnified, glorified or praised by folk under the influence of the evil one. God inspired Solomon to forewarn us about the things that God really despises, because he didn’t want us to find ourselves headed in a direction away from God, that may be extremely challenging for us to reverse. I realize that each one could read the Scripture verses for themselves, but I want to add a few comments to each of the seven things, based on my studies. Here are the things we are warned about by Solomon, that God hates:
1) Haughty, or proud eyes, belonging to one who lifts up self, at the expense of others. Jesus practiced humility to an extreme, and He wants us to do the same;
2) Being untruthful, for we will never gain the trust of our fellow man. Plus we tend to falsely accuse others through our lies;
3) Killing innocent people. I know, you’re not a murderer, right? But are you a participant or promoter of abortion. Or are you one to do everything in your power to promote ‘life’ as God has given it to us?
4) Plotting evil towards another – the Word explains that this is devising wicked schemes in our heart. Perhaps it is best to quickly seek help, as it could lead to disastrous actions;
5) Gloating over the evil you’ve done – instead of placing your head between your knees in sorrow, shame and regret over what you’ve done;
6) False Testimony – being an untrusted witness – in court, or if questioned by authorities; and
7) Stirring up strife between others – This might be friends, family or coworkers, where you have chosen to help divide, instead of bringing peace between the affected parties.
Friends, no doubt you could see yourself in one or more of these seven things. Let me suggest that you speak with the God of this universe, and ask for His help, strength and guidance in overcoming the temptations of the evil one. Please join me in a desire to be more like Jesus and to follow His teachings and His will for our lives. Jesus went about doing good in every walk of life, and so should we, God being our helper!

PRAYER: Precious Lord Jesus, we your children, have allowed the world to sway our minds and lead us into actions that You despise. As Your child, I am embarrassed and sorrowful that You are having to look on the mess we have made of the perfect people that You placed here on earth. On behalf of my readers and listeners, I humbly ask that You forgive us and give us extra strength to overcome the evil one, while doing our utmost to please You and obey You while here on earth. Please guide us into all truth, and remind us often of the One to whom we belong, and help us to live boldly in the light of Your teachings and Your example, so that others may see and believe in the God we serve. Please speak firmly to the unsaved today, so that they may surrender their lives to You and become one with You. AMEN!

STAY THE COURSE

On 2022-04-232022-04-23 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-04-23
WRITTEN AT: Citra, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Joshua 1:7-8
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁷Always be strong and courageous, and always live by all of the law I gave to my servant Moses, never turning from it—even ever so slightly—so that you may succeed wherever you go. ⁸Let the words from the book of the law be always on your lips. Meditate on them day and night so that you may be careful to live by all that is written in it. If you do, as you make your way through this world, you will prosper and always find success.

APPLICATION: GPS apps and programs have become quite popular for those wishing to find the quickest and shortest route to their destination. Often without a GPS, folk tend to easily get lost, and waste fuel trying to get back on course. Joshua had many options available to him as he assumed leadership of the Israelites. I’m sure that each of the tribal leaders had their own ideas, should Joshua had chosen to listen to their advice. But Moses gave Joshua instructions from God. At that point, Joshua had to decide whether he would accept and follow God’s instructions, or choose to do his own thing. That’s a crossroad we all face each day, for we may open the Word of God and clearly see what He has ordered for us to do, but then we arrive at work and may be given a different agenda by our boss. Decisions, decisions!! But here’s an example of what happens when we choose to do our own thing: I had a relative that would often question why her cake, or other prepared meal would not turn out as good as the one she tasted when she asked for the recipe. My wife or I would ask her if she followed the recipe exactly. By the time she had finished telling us of the exceptions, we helped her realize that her exceptions resulted in a totally different taste or texture!! Isn’t that somewhat like us when we decide that God didn’t really mean that we should follow His exact commands? As God’s representative, Joshua was told not to steer off-course, but to follow the exact commands ordered by God. After all, God had certain end results in mind, and He knew how His people could achieve those results. Friends, so many of us have added our own little twists to what God may have intended for us to do, that the unsaved are confused. I had a friend recently ask me ‘so why did Jesus rise from the dead?’ I was really caught off guard, because I felt like everyone knew the importance of a resurrected Lord. But think about what the lost are seeing in us. Some religions still show publicly that Jesus is still on the cross, so why believe us when we teach and preach about the risen Lord? And that just one of the contradictions that the lost are seeing as they analyze the call on their life by Jesus Christ. Not only have we determined our own way, but we are misleading those whom Jesus is determined to save. God told Joshua to meditate on His words day and night so he would be sure that he knows what it says; remember what it says; and obediently follow what it says. Throughout the rest of the Bible, God clearly promises great success and ultimate happiness to His who does exactly what He ordered Joshua to do. BUT, God goes one step further by telling those who don’t follow His instructions, that they would end up with totally different results. Eternity in heaven with God and His Son, versus eternal damnation in Hell with Satan and his demons. The invitation to Heaven is open to all who will believe in the Lord Jesus. That includes you, dear friend. Accept this as a call from Jesus and invite Him to be Lord of your life today. Ask Him for the course you are to take that will lead you to His throne in Heaven.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Proper instructions have been given for our final destination in Heaven. Let’s stay the course!

PRAYER: You’ve given us what we need to decide between life and death, between heaven and hell, between the love of God and the damnation of Satan. Please continue to impress upon us the need to learn, stay connected, and be determined to obey Your Book of Instruction – the Bible – our compass with concise directions to heaven! Thank You for giving Moses and Joshua such perfect instructions to lead such a vast crowd through the wilderness without food, water or clothing. We are blessed with so much more, but I pray that You will still reach deep into our hearts and promote a sense of determination to obey You in every walk of life. Oh that the lost will understand from Your Word, and the practice of Your children, the right course You have in store for them to stay the course to heaven. AMEN!

The Value of God’s Law

On 2022-03-282022-03-28 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, God’s Word, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Monday, 2022-03-28
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Romans 3:2-4
TRANSLATION: The Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ²….. First of all, God trusted them with his laws so that they could know and do his will. ³True, some of them were unfaithful, but just because they broke their promises to God, does that mean God will break his promises? ⁴Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is not. Do you remember what the book of Psalms says about this? That God’s words will always prove true and right, no matter who questions them.

APPLICATION: Most churches will show you from their bylaws that they were formed because of various Scripture passages that spoke to the hearts of their founding fathers. Hopefully many of us surrendered our hearts to the lordship of Jesus Christ, because of various Scripture verses that spoke to us and resulted in Jesus calling us to repentance. So when we hear grumblings about our respective churches – sometimes because a church member or leader was weakened by sin, do you suppose that does anything towards weakening the church, that God built with His hands and promised to bless it? How does it impact your walk with the Lord, dear Christian? Yet we often hear that a good friend will not attend a certain church if Mr. X still goes there, or we might hear that someone’s children is not allowed to associate with Mr. X’s kids because of what he did 15 years ago. Friends, I’m afraid that these types of silly things like I mentioned, happens all too often. Is it not obvious that we take our eyes off the one thing that is constant and forever true, and instead allow the weaknesses of one another to interfere with our walk with the Lord? May I remind you that in another part of the Bible, we are told to pull up alongside that Brother or Sister who has sinned, and try to help them overcome their challenges, for one day we might be in the same weakened position and need a helping hand. The basic truth that I pray God will give us for a takeaway today, is that His Word never fails, even if we do, or our neighbor next door does. So may I encourage you to stand on the promises of God, not the weaknesses of mankind. Be reminded that although a fellow church member may have shifted their friendship to someone else, you can still stand firm in the fact that Jesus said that He will never leave us alone, and that His love endures right up until the end of time. Those are the facts that you can trust, dear friends! Everything else that happens between humans are merely incidental, or can be viewed as opportunities for you to minister to them, with the help and leadership of the One who promised to love them in spite of their mistakes.

PRAYER: In deepest appreciation and love, I am overjoyed and honored to pray to the Creator of this universe. In fact to the One who created every human being, and promised to love us until the very end – no conditions. Lord may each one reading this devotional today recommit themselves to a direct relationship with You – the only One that has promised to stick closer than a brother, and love us unconditionally until the very end. As we do that, please help us to ignore the ‘white noise’ of Satan and his cohorts who try every day to distract our relationship with You. Teach us to be the image of Jesus to this cruel world, while keeping our eyes fixed on You and Your unrelenting love for us. I love You Lord, and I lift my voice, heart and song to You in praise this day, AMEN!

Then and Now

On 2022-03-082022-03-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Tuesday, 2022-03-08
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Leviticus 8:4-5
TRANSLATION: Good News Translation (GNT)

BIBLE TEXT: 4 Moses did as the LORD had commanded, and when the community had assembled, 5 he said to them, “What I am now about to do is what the LORD has commanded.”

APPLICATION: I remember at one stage in my life as a church leader, I chose to challenge someone complaining about the differences in today’s worship music selections compared to the ‘old days’. But in reading today’s Scripture, I was forced to reflect on the differences in today’s acts of obedience to that which God has demanded, especially when compared to the Biblical account of Moses. Having been blessed to serve in leadership positions in the local church, I can tell you first hand that if our story is ever relayed to future generations, it will look quite different to that of Moses. Having said that, I can assure you that I have no doubt that the God we serve today is no different than the God Moses feared and served. However, it seems like today we have so many influences that tend to distract our thought process and our communion with God, that I’m not so sure that our decisions are as pure as that of Moses. For example, distractions might include prominent church members who stop their giving when the leaders don’t lead the church in the direction they dictate. I’ve participated in church study groups where the leaders seem to try diligently to find a different meaning from what it appears like God intended for us in the Bible. It seems like current-day church leaders decide that it’s time for larger and more updated (fancy) facilities, so they start their search and then beg for God’s buy-in. But Moses showed us that God said it, and he immediately found a way to implement what God demanded, no questions asked. I believe that our first excuse today might be that we don’t hear God speak verbally to us, as it appears like He spoke to Moses. Dear friends, we are children of the Almighty God and we heard Him loud and clear when He called us to His saving grace. We heard Him and we obeyed His call. Many of us have found companions that we are convinced that God directed us to. Do you for a moment believe that His communication to us is limited to just those things? Do you suppose that He is dead and therefore never communicates with us anymore? I am convinced that my God will direct my paths for as long as He leaves me here on earth. I am His child, and He actually died voluntarily on the cross of Calvary so that I might find new life in Him, which will lead me to life eternally in heaven one day. If you have connected with God, then you have that same assurance. If so, then you are fully aware that He still talks to us today and guides us through every decision of life, especially the work of His bride – the church. I believe that where the difference comes, is the many distractions we allow to interfere and draw our attention from the purity of God’s voice. I believe that, we try so hard to be politically correct in what we say, and in every effort to please everyone, until we tend to hear only those things that we know will please those on our favorites’ list. Can we honestly be like Moses in our witness, our decisions, our preaching and our teaching and still have the same friends that we bend over backwards to please? I believe there will be many conflicts in our spirit to do that. It is evident that Moses obeyed God wholeheartedly, and ‘the chips fell where they may’ for everyone else that witnessed Moses in action. I pray that we might become more like Moses today. Tell it like God intended, not how we might ensure that our popularity continues among our people. God being our Helper and our Guide!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Moses didn’t ask God for His buy-in on something he felt necessary, instead He listened to God’s instructions and followed them!

PRAYER: Lord, please teach us to not run ahead of You. We want to be obedient servants, not ones who ask you to bless what we decide is best for us. You hold the key for our life today, and for whatever time You will allow us to remain here on earth. You created us in Your image, and You promised never to leave us alone, so I am convinced that You have a perfect plan for us while we’re here. Please teach us to wait on the Lord, and to be willing and ready to obey Your every command, without allowing any distractions that may cause us to soften Your message or obey Your every command. May we clearly hear the commands of our Father, and may our churches hear and act on the same. AMEN!

Don’t Be Paralyzed by Fear, Let Go and Let God Have His Way

On 2022-03-072022-03-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, Surrender, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2022-03-07
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: 2 Chronicles 20:15
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ¹⁵“Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, and you, O king Jehoshaphat!” he exclaimed. “The Lord says, ‘Don’t be afraid! Don’t be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God’s!

OBSERVATION: Jehoshaphat feared the large, complex army that was facing he and his nation for which he had responsibility. Today we may be facing similar battles. Perhaps a debilitating decease; perhaps losing a loved one; or perhaps facing the battle of divorce or separation. National leaders may still be facing the challenges of Covid, while also keeping a close eye on the war and intention of Russia. If we’re not careful, we might throw our hands up as we ponder ‘What shall we do?’ Hopefully we could be reminded from our Scripture today that our peace, our hope and our rescue from all of life’s challenges lies in the powerful hands of our King, the King of all kings!

APPLICATION: Several lessons are in store for us today as we meditate on this story of king Jehoshaphat. We have more than enough challenges for each day that we open our eyes. What if we could learn to release the battles that our not ours to worry about? I believe that you, my readers, are no different to me, so I encourage you to read the whole chapter of 2 Chronicles 20 by clicking on the Bible reference link above. Here are some things that God drew to my attention:
~ The king acknowledged that he had a problem that was way over his head and beyond his capability;
~ The king was not ashamed of his inabilities. He not only went before God personally, but he called his people together and ordered a fast, so that together they might seek God’s face over this problem. The problem was bigger than the king, and he was prepared to seek someone greater who could help;
~ The king’s meeting with his people was not a time to plan their attack, but to humble themselves before Almighty God, seek His face, and ask for His direction and His powerful hand of protection;
~ In spite of the king being the main character in this story, God chose to respond through ‘just a man standing in the crowd’ as described by some commentaries. The king didn’t just pick up his toys and run on home with a disgruntled attitude about God not reporting back to him for his guided fast and his desperate prayer. A good reminder that we don’t control God, and that He uses the simple to confound the proud and the intelligent. It is always obvious that a response came from God, and not from the knowledge, abilities or self-worth of the king and/or his people;
~ There was no response back to the orders from God, other than full obedience! There was no need for the king to feel like he needed to have the last word. This was a ‘God’ thing, and nothing at all for which the king needed recognition from his people.
King Jehoshaphat was faced with a battle of proportions greater than anything he could handle. What kind of battles are you facing in your life dear friend? Do you know the God of king Jehoshaphat intimately? Are you at a place in your life where you could simply bow at His feet and lay your battles, or burdens there, being confident that He is still Lord of all and Master over all things that might impact us? Are you strong enough to ask of God, knowing that His response may not be your first choice? By asking, we know that there could be positive answers in store for us, or perhaps challenging answers that we were not expecting. Be willing to add to your prayer requests today: ‘Not my will, but Yours oh Lord – so long as You are glorified in everything today’.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, You are well aware of the battles we take on, especially those that we should totally surrender to You. We make ourselves sick mentally, and otherwise, because we assume lordship over these type issues. Please forgive us Lord, and strengthen us daily so that we may surrender our all to You and allow You to continue as God – the One in charge of all creation and the events surrounding every aspect of Your creation. Thank You for creating us to care about those that we connect with, but we need daily power to place them at Your feet and allow You to be God – in them, through them and over them. I praise You God for who You are, I surrender my all to You, knowing that Your love will sustain me as You work out every material indifference I may see all around me. Have Your will oh Lord, my King, my Redeemer and my Savior. Humble the hearts of all my readers and listeners. Draw them to the foot of the cross where they may look up – into Your wonderful face, and acknowledge Your awesome power. 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: Obedience