Category: Obedience

Need A Blessing?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Blessing, Needs, Obedience, Obedient, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Thursday, 2021-08-26
WRITTEN AT: Hattiesburg, MS

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 11:28
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 28 He replied, “Yes, but even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice.”

APPLICATION: I believe if we were to follow the idea of the woman from the crowd that Jesus was in, we would probably point out some very important people that we consider blessed, and that is sure to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. We would probably be quick to point out the pastors; evangelists; priests; church elders; millionaires who are very generous in helping the poor; most of our church members; etc. But stop and think for a moment why you would choose them. Is it because of the position they hold? Is it because of what they have taught you from the Bible? Or is it because of what they have given to you? But then we read Scripture like our verse today and we ponder if our judgment in the previous sentence is justified, based on what the Bible says about how one is supposed to qualify for acceptance into the Kingdom? In this verse today, Jesus shows us what really qualifies a person for being blessed by Him? Think about the suggestion before Jesus, that His own mother is a great example of who will be blessed of God. He set all agendas aside and told the woman, and the crowd, that blessings are in store for those who:
– -> Not only hears the Word of God – and I believe this not only includes hearing what is taught, what is preached, and what a child of God shares with you from the Word, but also when you pick up the Word each day to see what God has to instruct you on;
– -> Applies the Word to your own life and practice it daily – It is so easy to see the needs of others, but I believe God wants us to base our daily decisions, actions and words to our own lives first, then we could share with others what God has taught us to do. Without this basis, we are merely sharing our personal failures with them. Not good!
Reading the Word, learning the Word, and understanding the Word, are all good, but unless you apply it to your walk and to your talk, your intake of very important life-changing information is just sitting idol in your ‘do-nothing box’! I believe that Jesus is saying in His Word that if we use what we learn from Him and His instructions, we will be blessed beyond anything we could imagine. That’s my goal today! Won’t you join me!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Blessings are in store for the one who not only hears the Word of God, but also applies it to his daily life so that he might look and sound more like Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, we read a lot, and we listen a lot to the preaching and teaching of Your Word, but having been reminded of the importance of applying the principles we learned to our everyday life, I beg of You to open our eyes and our understanding to all that we read and hear. May this cause us to live noble lives patterned after Your perfect life here on earth. Oh that You may be glorified in every aspect of our lives. Lord, we need Your blessing, for everything else seems empty and void of great value. Touch the lives of those we love and care for today, and use us for Your ultimate glory. AMEN!

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

The Makeup of Our Churches

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Commitment, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-08-07
WRITTEN AT: Hattiesburg, MS

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 8:5-8
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT: 5 “A farmer went out to sow seed. While he was scattering the seed, some of it fell beside the road. People walked on the seed, and the birds ate it all. 6 Other seed fell on rock. It began to grow but then died because it had no water. 7 Some other seed fell among thorny weeds. This seed grew, but later the weeds stopped the plants from growing. 8 The rest of the seed fell on good ground. This seed grew and made 100 times more grain.”….

APPLICATION: Ever notice how much easier you remember the pastor’s illustrations than you do with the simple reading of God’s Word? I remember a pastor who once started up a gas chain saw on the stage at our church and proceeded to cut a perfectly good chair in half. On another occasion the same pastor came through the back door with bags of garbage, and he dropped a bag sporadically along his path to the pulpit. On yet another occasion he hit an anvil that he had placed on the stage, and the sound echoed in my wife’s ear so badly that it made a lasting impression on her, and each of us, to this present day! These examples came to mind as I meditated on the reason Jesus gave for preaching in parables. He knew that His hearers would very easily understand His analogy and could apply the examples to their own lives. On occasion, the disciples would ask Jesus to clarify – to make sure they knew where He was coming from and the point He was trying to make sure that they understood and applied to their lives. I was intrigued by this particular parable, because Jesus explained Himself in good detail further down in the chapter, beginning in verse 14. To apply this to today’s church, I believe we should examine our hearts, and determine what it is that we look to in deciding which church to attend. We place a lot of emphasis on the music, and on the charisma of the pastor, but Jesus is teaching us today that these things matter very little when our own heart are not where it should be, or if we are ready to hear from the Lord. I have experienced repeatedly where someone may share how boring the service was and how little they received from the service that day. Then, in listening to a time of Christian testimonies, I hear how blessed people were in that same service and how tenderly God spoke to their heart from His Word. Jesus said that His Word will not return void. Think about this, pastors and teachers labor over God’s Word every week and they seek His face for what He would have them share with us. Yet many of us leave home without our tools (our Bible), and we head out to church, as if going to a concert, (no prayer in seeking out God’s answers to your life’s dilemmas, or praying for the wisdom for the messenger). So with that in mind, how do you suppose the Word will be received by you that day, perhaps like a seed that fell on rocky ground? Furthermore, some will head out to church with the weight of the world on their shoulders, and their minds will be so distracted with their worries, that their presence at church will in no way reflect how much they will receive from the Word of God. Much like seed falling among thorns, where the Word is simply overshadowed by everything else that is going on. Friends, let’s be reminded that the charisma of a pastor will show us how good they are at getting our attention. The spoken Word of God will show us how good God is, and how well He has taken on the weight of this world so that we might know how much He loves us, cares for us, and provides for us here on earth and in the heights of heaven when we leave this world. Let me suggest that when we check to see if we have everything when we head out the door for church, let’s make sure that we carefully check our heart and see that we are ready to receive instruction and blessing from our Master, God Almighty!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: With our minds fixed on Jesus, we are usually ready to hear from Him. Let us therefore set aside all stresses, doubt and fear and just listen to the Word with minds and hearts that are ready to obey!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please forgive us for the times that we come to Your house and our minds are anywhere but there in Your presence. I believe that when we do that, we reject the very presence of the One who: loves us unconditionally; and is out to provide the very best for us, Your children. Our hearts need refreshment from You and our minds need refocusing on You, instead instead of our situations and problems. But Lord, we need Your strength to overcome. Please give us Your power and Your wisdom to see Your perfect will for us. Lord this old world is filled with evil and needs You more today than ever before. Please help us to be Your light on a hill for the world to see hope, love and refreshment. Let them see Jesus in us, so that they may be drawn to You. Lord, may Your kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven. AMEN!

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

The Path To God’s Response Is Clear

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Honest, Honest Relationship, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2021-08-03
WRITTEN AT: Hattiesburg, MS

SCRIPTURE FROM: Deuteronomy 19:8-9
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 8-9 … the Lord your God has promised that if you obey his laws and teachings I’m giving you, and if you always love him, then he will give you the land he promised your ancestors….. 

APPLICATION: So let us address the end result that the Israelites wanted, and that we often cry out for. Our ancestors had tarried in the wilderness for over 40 years, and they were repeatedly told that they were headed towards a wonderful land that was promised to their ancestors. However, the criteria upon which they could wind up with the promised land, is that they would have to be obedient to God and His laws, and they would be required to love the Lord their God. You know, I believe that God still expects these same demands of us today. Think about it, why would a God like our God seek to provide anything for a people who wants nothing to do with His commands, and there is no love in their hearts for Him. Why that’s a clear indication that they have life all figured out, and their path established in just the way they feel is perfect. They see no reason to honor God’s commands, nor to love and respect Him. Friends, although our God is known for His love and for His provisions, I believe that I can tell you with very good assurance, that He will not impose His goodness on you. In fact, God even gave us the liberty to make our own choice about our eternity. A very interesting thing about ‘if.. then..’ evaluation statements, is that there is always a result for those who do not fit in the ‘if’ statement. In other words, I believe that in the statement shared by Moses, we can conclude that if the Israelites did not obey God’s commands or if they did not love Him, then God will not honor His commitment to their ancestors for those particular rebels. How then might this apply to you and I today? Over and repeatedly in His Word, God said that He will love us and that He is preparing a place for us to spend eternity. I believe we all love that promise, and we often are encouraged by that statement, especially when we apply it at the funeral of a loved one. However, based on other things that God repeats throughout His word, I believe that we could build our ‘if.. then..’ statement as follows: If my people who are called by my name will obey my commands and love me unconditionally, then I will receive them gladly on the day that they cease to exist on earth’. I would suggest that you look at the following words as active verbs: ‘obey’ – keep on obeying; ‘love me’ – keep on loving me until we meet in glory. I believe that God might surprise ‘Christians’: who are called by His name (because they accepted Jesus as their Savior), but go on living as they always did before Christ. When one accepts Jesus, they vow to turn from their evil, or worldly, ways and follow Jesus (obey His commands and love Him unconditionally). It is impossible to honestly do the latter and still act like the former ‘you’. You can fool your friends by using ‘churchy’ words, and you may even fool them into thinking that you are right with God, but God not only knows your heart, He also knows your very thoughts. Friends, the prize belongs to those who honestly obey God (whether in the light of God’s presence, or in the darkest place), and who love God unconditionally. God deliberately made the criteria simple and the end result amazing, so that we could achieve and look forward to His awesome presence and the place He has prepared for us.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: A grand prize awaits those who obey God’s commands and love Him unconditionally! Are you ready?

PRAYER: What a shocking revelation for the Israelites to know that all of them may not enter the Promised Land. But Lord, You set the criteria in lots of time so that they could change their evil ways and finally recognize You for Your love and goodness towards them. You have also established criteria for us, and Your Word is clear on what will result if we obey Your commands and love You with all our heart, soul and mind, and what will result if we don’t. Lord, I pray that You will speak intently to every reader and/or listener and that You will convince them of their sinful state, and remind them of the result of disobedience. I pray not only for my family and friends, but also for every one who has ever read one of these devotionals where the love of Jesus was made very clear. Thank You Lord for loving us and for preparing a home in glory for us. ‘Oh I want to see Him, look upon His face, there to sing for ever of His saving grace…’ 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!

Obedience Even Under Dire Circumstances

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2021-07-19
WRITTEN AT: Van Horn, TX

SCRIPTURE FROM: Matthew 26:52-54
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 52 But Jesus told him, “Put your sword away. Anyone who lives by fighting will die by fighting. 53 Don’t you know that I could ask my Father, and right away he would send me more than twelve armies of angels? 54 But then, how could the words of the Scriptures come true, which say that this must happen?”

APPLICATION: I wonder… how obedient we might be when we know that the result of our actions, or beliefs, may cause us imprisonment, beatings or even death? One of Jesus’ disciples, Peter, called ‘The Rock’ by Jesus, for his hard and fast stand on what he believed, yet he crumbled under pressure when identified in the kings’ court where Jesus was tried. No doubt Peter knew that he would have been killed or badly beaten if he went along with the identifiers, so instead he lied, and even disowned Jesus, in order to escape punishment for his association. How are you doing in your workplace with this, dear friend? Does your boss and coworkers know that you are a Christian? Or do you act differently at work than you do at church to avoid ridicule? What if your boss said that he would not tolerate Christians in his workplace, will you disassociate yourself with Jesus Christ in order to keep that job? Friends, notice that Jesus was emphatic about doing what God had already prophesied through the prophets. Can you imagine the confusion for saints who believed what the prophets foretold, yet to then hear Jesus pleading with the Father to undo what He had already prophesied? But our God is not a God of confusion. He also knew that this would be extremely tough for Jesus to endure, and any parent will immediately agree that it hurts us more than our children when we see them suffer. However friends, there are often times when we are faced with very big challenges, and like any normal human being, we gather all our friends around us to help us pray that God would find another way to handle our situation. As children of God, shouldn’t we be aiming to be just like Jesus? Should we not submit to God as Jesus did, and instead of calling down angels to defend us, heal us, or protect us, instead we simply say to God that we are prepared to accept whatever He would have for us? Your will be done oh God, on earth as it is in heaven. Just give me the strength to endure and the boldness to claim my God until my very last breath leaves my body. That’s a tall and very challenging order dear friends, but God’s will might be for us to enjoy blessing after blessing, while at times also facing challenges that may compare to that of Jesus. I don’t believe that obedience to God comes with multiple choices on what He is allowed to do in our lives. Just as we said in our marriage vows, we should also say to God – for better or for worse, in sickness or in health….. He has promised never to leave us alone my friend and that He would be with us until the very end. So why worry?

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God has a purpose for each of us, so may we all say: ‘Not my will, but Thine be done, precious Lord’.

PRAYER: In the good times when all is going well, it is easy and very desirable for us to thank You Lord for Your goodness, mercy and love towards us. Today we are reminded that if we have given You full control of our lives, then we may often glory in the cross of Jesus Christ, while at other times we may bear that cross that suspended You at Calvary. Please give us endurance to be committed fully to You right to the very end – in the good times and in the very challenging times. Knowing that You are by our side and guiding our every step will be glory for us. May we never turn back or disown You for as long as You give us breath here on earth. AMEN!

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

Tell Them What The Lord Says

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-06-26
WRITTEN AT: Shamrock, TX

SCRIPTURE FROM: Numbers 22:8; 12-13
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 8 “Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and tomorrow I will tell you the Lord’s answer.” So the officials stayed at his house….
12 But God replied, “Don’t go with Balak’s messengers. I have blessed those people who have come from Egypt, so don’t curse them.”
13 The next morning, Balaam said to Balak’s officials, “Go on back home. The Lord says I cannot go with you.”

APPLICATION: I believe that one of the most challenging things to do, is to pray from a totally neutral position and ask God without any prejudices of our own involved in our request. Often folk will say that God never answered their prayer, but how often do we pray without telling God what we want to see as His answer? When God answers in His wisdom, and it differs to what we asked for, we immediately think that He either ignored us, or just messed up. I know you would never think or say the latter, but we are all human and we differ very little in our reaction to things. But notice how Balaam never offered his first impression to the messengers, but his first response was that he would tell them what God says next morning. I’ve often heard godly men say ‘I feel like God led me to say….’ But never exactly like Balaam told the messengers. What would coworkers and friends say, if you told them you would give them God’s response the next morning? What would they think, or say, if you told them ‘no, God says I can’t do that’? But friends, think with me for a moment what they must be saying already when we make no reference to seeking the will of our Father in heaven before responding to them? Does that help in their evaluation of the relationship you have with the Father and/or His Son? In the included verses, you will note that God told Balaam that these were HIS people whom HE had blessed, so Balaam must not even think about cursing that which is blessed by God! I believe that is a true description of how God feels about His children today! I believe that He is very protective of us and will ward off danger and hurt from that which He has blessed – you and I. For this to be meaningful to you dear brother and sister, you must have surrendered your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s the method God uses for us to be considered ‘His beloved child that He awaits to receive in heaven someday’. Do you fit the description? Please consider reading my Footnote, and especially click on the link ‘To Know Jesus’. There are Scriptures that will help you evaluate your position with the Creator, and/or provide you meaningful Scripture to help introduce you to the Master. Please drop me a note and allow me to pray with you, or seek out your local Bible Teaching pastor to help you through this important introduction to my Savior!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Let the world know how your decisions are made! It speaks volumes about your relationship with God. Also, know that as a child of the King, you are protected by the One who loves you unconditionally!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, take my hand, lead on to the end…. Beautiful words from an old hymn that speaks to our need for an everyday relationship with Jesus, and a total dependence on Him to lead us in every aspect of life. No matter how smart we get Lord, we are reminded that we still know nothing about the next five minutes or tomorrow. We are totally dependent on You, and because we praise You for who You are, we are placing our faith and trust in You for every decision that we are faced with. Please help us to respond in the manner is which we are receiving our guidance so that the world will not only know about Jesus, but also come to respect Your kids for total obedience. Lord, be glorified in Your children today, beginning with me. 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!

Who Does He Think He Is?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2021-06-13
WRITTEN AT: Florence, IN

SCRIPTURE FROM: Numbers 12:1-4
TRANSLATION:Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 1-3 Although Moses was the most humble person in all the world, Miriam and Aaron started complaining, “Moses had no right to marry that woman from Ethiopia! Who does he think he is? The Lord has spoken to us, not just to him.”
The Lord heard their complaint 4 and told Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to come to the entrance of the sacred tent.

APPLICATION: There is nothing more desirable than to be known by family, friends and coworkers as ‘the most humble person’ they ever knew. I believe that would be a life patterned after Jesus himself. But Moses was also considered ‘the most humble person in the world’, so it may be safe in following his example also. However, anytime someone looks at us as having ‘more of anything’ compared to them, then they will probably be out to destroy our credibility. But friends, we all are scrutinized and watched closely by others, especially those whom we least suspect. This was the case with Aaron and his wife, for they became very jealous of Moses and his stance on the things of God. You see, following the ways of God will never point us to prideful acts or words, for God’s Word teaches just the opposite. However, Aaron and Miriam listened one time too many to the adversary (Satan), so they started to follow his evil tactics against their very own brother. At this stage it would be good for us to remember that God is fully aware of our words, actions and thoughts, even when we think we are privately obscure to the world. God became angry at the idea of this couple’s jealousy and hatred, so He brought all three people together for His disciplinary actions. Do you suppose that there would be fewer church splits today if God was to continue this practice when He noticed our actions at times against our pastor or church leader? Friends, I agree that some church leaders, and perhaps even some pastors, are out for personal recognition and/or gain, and some churches deal with them very pointedly on this. However, the majority of God’s workers are striving to represent Him completely. Many workers are even depending on God to help them live according to His will and in obedience to His commands. Yes, we all wish that we could follow the example of the ‘perfect’ leaders, and receive the blessings that they enjoy through serving, but may I suggest that we try serving them by: praying for them; encouraging them; and giving to their cause? This would ease their stress and help them concentrate even more on the ministry God has called them to. As you join them in the ministry of our Master, know that you will also be blessed of God!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Moses was protected by the God that he served! I believe that God will also bless us as we seek ways to serve Him and follow in obedience to His commands!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, You are merciful and filled with compassion for Your obedient and humble servants. You showed this in Your dealings with Aaron and Miriam as they complained about Moses, and I believe that You will also protect us as we seek to serve You today. Please bless those who are serving You today in our churches and on the mission field. Sure, they’re not perfect, but as they make every effort to be more like You every day, I pray that You will protect them, encourage them, and bless them immensely. Please speak to the heart of every reader today as they read Your Word, become excited about Your teachings and Your commands, and seek to follow in obedience. Oh Lord God, may You be glorified by Your subjects today! 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!

Obedient To God’s Commands

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Obedient, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2021-06-09
WRITTEN AT: Orlando, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Numbers 9:15-18
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: 15 When the congregation tent was finally erected and assembled, the cloud of the presence of God covered it and the place where the terms of the covenant were kept. In the dark of night, the presence of God looked like a fire and marked the spot until morning. 16 And so it continued—cloud cover by day, and something like fiery storm clouds at night. 17 Whenever the cloud lifted up, the Israelites would pack up and move, and wherever the cloud stopped, they would settle. 18 This is how the Eternal One indicated when the Israelites should travel and where they should set up camp. As long as the cloud stayed still over the congregation tent, the Israelites also stayed at their tents.

APPLICATION: In today’s environment we see where the strongest nation militarily, and/or financially, receives the attention of other nations not quite as fortunate in these areas. In our churches, I believe that we see where some churches really have a lot going for them in man’s eyes, and the crowds seem to be looking for a church that has a lot going on for children and adults – the whole family structure. But I am convinced that God is still after touching each heart individually and personally, and He is still looking at how well we obey Him and His commands. Finding a good church home is a vital part of seeking to obey God’s commands, because in any good church you will hear God’s Word taught and explained; You will meet fellow believers who will encourage you in your walk with the Lord, and their testimony will convince you that God’s not dead, because you could see where He is alive and well in His people; You will also be given the opportunity to obey God by giving to His ongoing work here on earth through your tithes and offering. Now compare this to what happened with the Israelites: God considered them His chosen people, so when He saw how badly they were being treated in Egypt in slavery, He went to bat for them and not only freed them from the hand of Pharaoh, but made them aware of a Promised Land He had prepared especially for them. Moses was chosen as God’s leader for the Israelites, but because he was mere man, God guided him and gave him great power. In today’s Scripture we are told that the Israelites moved when God told them to – through moving the Cloud from over the congregation tent. But as long as the Cloud remained there, the people obediently stayed there. Can you even imagine how mankind today would react to that? We have numerous denominations today, because every leader had his own ideas and understanding of what God wanted. Do you think for a minute that everyone would stay united waiting for a Cloud to move? I specifically chose this translation for our Scripture today because they had ‘Cloud’ capitalized – to show that it represented God’s presence! Friends, what do you suppose it would take for us to unite as children of the Most High God? As such, we may be apt to join hearts and hands and obey the commands of our God, no matter how insane it may sound to us, and no matter how much we feel our neighbor may disagree with God’s commands. God stayed true to the Israelites because they learned to be obedient to Him and follow His commands. I believe He has a place prepared for us also, and He is anxiously awaiting our arrival. But now while here on earth, we must learn to be obedient to the will of the Father and follow His commands. Can He count on you?

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Just as God led the Israelites all the way from slavery in Egypt to a Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. He has also promised us a land where the streets are made of pure gold. Our job is to obey His commands and place our faith and trust in Him alone! What a mighty God we serve!

PRAYER: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Oh that we would follow in strict obedience to Your commands dear Lord, and learn to trust in You for all things. The Israelites were forced to depend solely on You while in the desert. Thank You for blessing us with jobs, family, friends and everyone else that provides for us daily. But most of all we stand in awe at Your goodness. Thank You for sending Your Son to offer such a sacrifice so that we may one day worship at Your feet and enjoy our heavenly Home that You have prepared for us. Come Lord Jesus come and take us home to be with You and the Father! 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!

If You Obey, I Will… Otherwise I will ….

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Obedient, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2021-05-28
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Leviticus 26:3-16
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 3 Faithfully obey my laws, 4 and I will send rain to make your crops grow and your trees produce fruit.
6 I will bless your country with peace, and you will rest without fear.
7 You will chase and destroy your enemies, 8 even if there are only five of you and a hundred of them, or only a hundred of you and ten thousand of them.
14-15 If you disobey me and my laws, and if you break our agreement, 16 I will punish you terribly, and you will be ruined. You will be struck with incurable diseases and with fever that leads to blindness and depression……

APPLICATION: God provided freedom to His people, the Israelites, who were enslaved in Egypt. To make the transition, I’m sure God had to lead them in every walk of freedom, including those things that trigger His gifts and generosity. Often as we tune in to the evening news and hear of everything that is creating havoc for our respective families and country, we may be forced to ponder what on earth have we done to deserve all the bad things that occur every day. For the sake of brevity, I only included highlights from Leviticus 26. Let me encourage each reader to click on the Scripture reference above and read the whole chapter. There are things promised by God that I’m sure we would wish to enjoy and flourish in today. However, there are also warnings that God gave about His reaction to our disobedience, and we could only stand back in shock about how real these are even in our current day situation. Notice that God warned about incurable diseases that He will allow to affect us – perhaps cancer, COVID, or other such diseases. Weather conditions that will impact growth of our natural food items. And these forms of punishment will be multiplied as we continue our stubborn and disobedient streak. Friends, I found this extremely interesting as I read this today. Yes, this related how God spoke to the Israelites. But I believe it was placed in His Book of Instruction, so that we might know how He operates. Simply put, I believe God is saying to us that if we recognize Him as our Creator/God and we obey His commands, He will bless us beyond our ability to comprehend. However, beginning in verse 14, God is telling us that if we choose to go our own way, ignore the Almighty God who created us, and live according to the world’s standards and beliefs, then He will release His fury on us. No doubt we will ponder why on earth will anyone choose to be punished. Ever since the very beginning of time, Satan has misled mankind into thinking that they know better than the God who created them. Unfortunately, Satan is still whispering words of deceit to many today, for until some are challenged with unusual or burdensome things that serve to destroy them or their families, they usually opt to continue their rejection of the Great I Am. I believe that it is extremely obvious as to God’s intentions, and His positive reaction to our obedience. But He is strongly against our disobedience, so if it’s up to you, then why would you choose death over life; or evil over goodness; or damnation over the goodness of a loving and caring God? Friends, God has made His decision on the outcome, it’s up to you now to choose your ultimate destination and whether it will be blessings in store for you, or curses. I know you are smart and that you will make the right decision, God being your helper and provider.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: In spite of accepting us in a very sinful state, God saved us from the pit of Hell and, as promised to the Israelites in today’s Scripture, He has many, many blessings in store for His children. We serve such an awesome God!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for saving my soul…. Thank You also for Your promises of ongoing blessings just like You promised the wicked Israelites who stubbornly worshiped idols, even while You provided their food and passage to a new and wonderful, free land. Please Lord, touch Your people once again today so that our eyes might be opened and our hearts refreshed to Your many blessings. Please give us boldness to stay in Your Word and apply it to our lives every day. May the source of our strength and our divine guide be obvious to all those around us, so that they may also seek after You. 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!

Following God’s Instructions

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2021-03-26
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Exodus 16:4-5
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual.”

OBSERVATION: It is said that men are so stubborn that they will only follow instructions as a last resort! God had fought for the Israelites, He had performed miracles to get them away from their slavery, and He had provided for them each day in every way. Yet God felt like the people were still not obedient and loyal to Him, so He tested their obedience to His instructions. As we meditate on the Scripture today, let us examine ourselves and decide if we feel God is pleased with our obedience. Does He test us still to prove to whom we belong? Will we pass the testing?

APPLICATION: Ever wonder how God has tested you, or perhaps is testing you? There seem to have been lots of tests over my lifetime, although I never considered them ‘tests’ from God at the time. A boating accident; Unsuccessful in conceiving a child of our own; Helping my dad and sister-in-law who seemed destined for immediate death without proper professional medical help; Leaving my job of 15 years to seek employment internationally; Leaving parents, family and friends to move to a foreign country; etc, etc. Not only were these challenges, or ‘tests’ overwhelming at the time, but they each seemed much bigger than anything I could handle on my own. But before you start feeling sorry for me, I want you to know that each of these challenges brought opportunity to praise God in one way or another for His miraculous intervention, wisdom and healing. Know also that if I were to list my blessings received from God, they would exceed my ‘Tests’ multiple times over. I have been so blessed in studying God’s Word – especially the book of Exodus so far in my journey to read through the Bible again. I have seen/been reminded of the many ways in which God ‘went to bat’ for His people (the Israelites). Miracle after miracle, so that they would know for sure that the great God of the Universe is for them; that He would fight for them, if needed; and that they were so safe in being under His care and protection, that trouble could come to their Egyptian friends and masters, but they, being under the protection of God Almighty, were not impacted; That in being rescued from slavery, they were not just going to a land of freedom, but a land filled with milk and honey! That’s just to name a few of the blessings and proofs offered to the Israelites. Yet we see in our Scripture today that the God who knows our thoughts, words and actions, knew full well that there were still many who wanted to have life their way and not have one imposed on them by God. Are we really that stubborn also? I believe that God is encouraging us to look at our blessings today, just like He gave to the Israelites their blessings of food, and I believe He is saying to us: ‘Now will you just follow me in obedience, knowing that I am your God who provides for you each and every day, and I have already prepared a new home for you in glory, where You will live eternally with my Father and I?’ Will you consider responding affirmatively today my friend? Please accept the offer from our King today and not leave Him with any doubt. Just as mom told me when she had to dish out discipline to me as a child, I believe it hurts God to think about having to discipline us again and again. He loves us way too much for that.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for loving me, caring for me, providing for me and giving to me thy great salvation so rich and free! I have no doubt that You love me, in spite of who I am and what I might do or say that may disappoint you at times. But Lord, I want to live my life here on earth as a perfect example of the Christ who died for me, rose again, and lives victoriously at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Please Lord, may each day give me opportunity to better prepare myself for the kingdom, with Your help. You know what I need and You know what’s needed to help me achieve a life dedicated fully and whole heartedly to You. Please touch the lives of each reader so that they may glory in the Father, and sing praises to You without reservation. May others be drawn to You as a result of being encouraged by at least one believer in Jesus Christ today. 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!

Obey God. Don’t Try To Take His Place

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Obedient, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-03-13
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Exodus 6:28-30
TRANSLATION: Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

BIBLE TEXT: 28 On the day when the Lord spoke to Moses in Egypt, 29 The Lord said to Moses, I am the Lord; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say to you.
30 But Moses said to the Lord, Behold, I am of deficient and impeded speech; how then shall Pharaoh listen to me?

OBSERVATION: I was always tickled in the workplace when told that the CEO ordered that we do something, for that phrase was frequently used, and abused, to place creditability in doing what that individual wanted done! Siblings sometimes use that tactic in demanding that something be done, because mom or dad said so! In our Scripture today Moses was trying just the opposite tactic, as he was trying to wiggle out of God’s command to speak to the wicked king. As we meditate on the Word today, perhaps we should reassess our intentions when we try to share Jesus’ commands to the world.

APPLICATION: At times we try so hard for personal satisfaction and recognition, that we tend to overwhelm the audience we are trying to reach, or we may even under-whelm, or convince them. God – the Creator of the world, and the One who had already proven Himself to Moses and the Israelites, is now ordering Moses to go and speak with the Egyptian king. Notice the emphasis on who is ordering the king – I underlined it in the Scripture. So the orders are already written for Moses, from the highest authority. It was almost like Moses was off the hook, for he would just be the messenger. But instead of just doing what he was told to do, Moses quickly came up with excuses. Not that God didn’t know what He was telling him to do, but how useless he (Moses) was, and how ineffective he would be in speaking to the king. In applying this today, how many do you think would attend church if it was only an avenue for a preacher to share his personal success, or his achievements, or his desire for the people? We attend church for the sake of knowing that we will meet with God and hear what He has to say through His messenger who shares the Word of God for His people. Friends, no one can take the place of God, for He is all powerful, holy and righteous. It should always be the desire of a preacher, or every Christian, to seek the heart of God and share what He has to say through His powerful Word to each of us. It is always best that we seek God, put self aside, and share the unadulterated Word of God with others. God is powerful enough to stand firm on His own; to speak Truth and correction through His written Word; and to soften the hardened hearts of the sinner to hear His voice calling each one unto Himself. If God chooses to use a messenger (pastor, preacher, fellow Christian, etc) to do that, then we must know in advance that the effort is all about God, with no credit or praise expected for self. God called me to salvation many years ago, and only He can call you. I pray that God will use His followers to encourage sinners today to listen closely to His call and obey the call on their life. This is especially true for each of you that will read, or listen to this devotional today. Listen closely to the voice of God and be quick to obey Him.

PRAYER: It is so unfortunate that we put so much pressure on ourselves to say the right thing, instead of just sharing the Word of God as He designed it. There was nothing that Moses could have said to the powerful king of Egypt to cause him to change his mind. But thank You Father for convincing Moses to simply carry Your message to the King, and You did the rest. You knew how many attempts the king would make to try and discourage Moses, and You knew what would finally cause the king to stop and listen. You created the king and You knew all about him, just as it is with each of us. Please speak intently to us today so that we may listen, obey and follow Your commands just as You intended. Thank You for being patient with us, just as You were with Moses. We need You each and every day, dear Lord, and I believe that You will work with us. Thank You Heavenly Father! 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!