Category: Salvation

God’s Mercy in Challenging Times

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, SalvationLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, June 18, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. For your meditation and reading pleasure, my Footnote will tell you how to find and read all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Jeremiah 30:18-22 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
As I worked through this chapter in Jeremiah, I couldn’t help but imagine how modern nations—and individual people—would react if they heard a message this confrontational straight from the Lord. Honestly, in many places I suspect crowds would riot or even go to war, even if the messenger made it crystal-clear, as Jeremiah did, that the warning came directly from God.

Yes, the tone is severe. Yet woven through the prophecy is God’s unmistakable mercy: He promises restoration for Israel after their brutal years in Babylon. It reminds me of how quickly people today turn away from God—how many friends or relatives refuse church because “God took their daughter,” or “He didn’t protect their son in combat,” or because they’ve been hurt by hypocritical Christians.

We were created to worship our magnificent God, but that calling is often the last thing on our minds. God’s design was for us to love Him, to walk with Him, to mirror His character. Instead, we bend Scripture to fit our own standards, and the result is everywhere: hatred, prejudice, corrupt lifestyles, and outright rejection of the One who formed us.

Picture a child defiantly dishonoring a devoted father—most of us would’ve faced a severe “trip to the woodshed” for that. Yet our heavenly Father, who sees every harsh, deceitful impulse in us, still chose to sacrifice His Son so we could be forgiven. His love never wavers!

But love doesn’t erase standards. Jesus declared, “Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life” (John 3:16). Genuine belief shows up as obedience—aligning our choices with His Word, following Christ’s example, letting Scripture separate right from wrong. Those who refuse that gift will not enter Heaven; hell is the only alternative.

God told Jeremiah He would punish everyone who harmed His people. I’m convinced He hasn’t changed. He still defends those who belong to Him and will deal with anyone who trips them up on their way to His Kingdom. So, dear reader, trust the Lord Jesus Christ and be rescued from judgment. Love Him, honor Him, obey Him—and urge others to do the same. The reward God has prepared is literally out of this world.

PRAYER
How wonderful it is to be loved by You, precious Lord! How awesome it is to read about Your passion towards Your created ones, yet You still saw fit to give us the choice of where we would spend eternity. Although this seems like an easy choice for everyone, yet we know that some live each day here on earth with a very stubborn and selfish streak that causes them to reject Jesus, our only Savior. Please Lord Jesus, have mercy on us and hear our cries as we petition You for our loved ones. Please help us to never settle for me, myself and I, but to always seek Your help to encourage those we love, to also love the God we love. I believe that it is clear to see the heart that You have for Your people, and how You will go to all extremes to protect, love and cherish us until the day You call us out of this sinful world. Knowing You, and enjoying that peace of our eternal destiny, helps us through each day. Thank You Jesus for loving me! AMEN!

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

Understanding Death and Faith: A Scriptural Approach

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, Death, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, SalvationLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-3 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the EasyEnglish Bible 2024.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
For many of you that will read this devotional today, you probably praise God each morning for His new mercies that allowed you to see another day, and although you may also praise Him during the day, hopefully at the end of each day you celebrate in thanksgiving for the day He has blessed you with. Similarly, in our Scripture today, Solomon also considers this. It seems like he took into account the many principles, lifestyles, and righteousness of all who would offer up similar prayers to what you may do each day. After all, there is only ONE God to whom we pray. But the other thing that Solomon took into consideration is that no matter what each of our lives look like here on earth, there is something in our future that we hold in common at the end of our lives here on earth – death. Something that many of us try to avoid thinking about due to its finality in what we know today as, life here on earth. I’ve heard preachers refer to ‘everyone being on equal footing at the foot of the cross’, and there is so much truth in that. Also, I’ve heard reminders from preachers about how we all, individually, must settle things with our Creator, as no one qualifies for heaven because of the goodness of our ancestors, or the position we may hold in society while we’re alive, or the good things we may have done for others and the church while alive, and I also give a 5-star award to those preachers. BUT, does it not seem like Solomon is short-sighted in not reminding us of what Jesus taught in the New Testament? In (John 11:26), Jesus said, “He who lives and believes in Me shall never die”. You can escape death by living and believing in Jesus Christ. But the human mind, human wisdom won’t bring you to that. If you’re only coming at life from the human level and trying to find God from the human level, you’ll never make it. God must reveal Himself to you by His Spirit. But God has also revealed Himself through His Word, where He revealed, “And this is the record, that God has given to us – eternal life and this life is in the Son, and he who has the Son has life” (I John 5:11-12).” He that lives and believes in Me, Jesus said, “will never die.” So, as we conclude today’s teaching, let us note that although death may be a marker in our lifespan, it is not final. For the believer in Jesus Christ, it marks the end to life on earth and the beginning of life in heaven with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all eternity! For those who have chosen to reject the Lord Jesus Christ, death marks the end of life here on earth, and the beginning of an even worse existence in Hell with your chosen ruler, Satan. The choice is yours dear friends, but it seems like a non-issue to me. Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved (Acts 16:31)

PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in the Son of God, Jesus Christ! Thank You also for the reminder today that although death is a marker in everyone’s existence here on earth, yet for the believer it is a time of celebration of even better things to come – eternity in heaven with our Father, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The more frustrated we become here on earth, the more excited we become of our future prospects! Thank You for incenting Your servant Solomon to remind us that our position in society, or our status among all classes of people – rich or poor, that a day will come when we pass on from this world onto our eternal destination that resulted from our earthly spiritual decisions. My sincere prayer is that every reader of this devotional will ensure that their eternity is secure in knowing Jesus as their personal Savior, to guarantee that they are heaven bound. For those who have rejected You, please Lord, speak persistently to them about the time in which they live and the opportunity they have to change the course of their destiny. With thankful hearts, we rejoice in Jesus our Savior and Lord. AMEN!

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

Finding Hope Through Faith in Jesus

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, Forgiveness, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, Redemption, Sacrifice, SalvationLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, April 24, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read John 3:16-21 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
For just a moment, I want you to consider that your recent move into a large subdivision has shown itself quite challenging. You’ve discovered that many residents are trying to survive after losing their jobs over recent months. In fact, they’re not sure how much longer they can survive without a steady income by their family. You’re a kindhearted person and you want to show your love for your newfound neighbors/friends, what will you do? As you consider your response to that question, let’s look for a moment at what God did. He created a beautiful world, then He created human beings in His own image to worship Him, follow His commands and example, and to also populate the earth. Yes, He gave them free reign to think for themselves and to be themselves. Through Adam, Moses and many other prophets, God authorized them to help guide His children into doing what He expected, and to even encourage them to offer sacrifices in lieu of their sinful acts. However, God soon saw that plan was not working the way He wanted, so through miraculous means, He sent His very own Son into the world, knowing that at some point He would have to sacrifice Him, Jesus, for the sake of His children’s sins. Today’s Scripture tells us that Jesus came as an indication of the Father’s love for us. Animal sacrifices were just not working for redeeming the sin of the people. So God sent His only Son to settle the matter once and for all. He still wanted His earthly children to have a choice, so in knowing that sin could never enter Heaven, He offered us His Son for those who would choose eternity in Heaven with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This was our one-time sacrificial redemption for the sin of those who asked for forgiveness. In verse 16, I find the verbiage interesting, for it says that if you believe in Jesus, you will be saved and live eternally with Him. Imagine, if you believe that He is the Son of God; if you believe He is God – for the Bible says that we have God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit – He is 3 in one; If you believe Jesus is our all in all; our Deliverer from sin; our Healer of our earthly illnesses; our Friend – for He not only saves us, but also loves us beyond anything we could think or imagine; our Counselor – for He speaks with us through His Word and directs our path unto righteousness; AND our Security – in saving us from our sin and keeping us saved until He calls us home to glory. Friends, we have a Savior, His name is Jesus, a gift from God Himself. The choice seems imminent and obvious, but it’s one that you must make for yourself in order to be saved. Without it, knowing that sin is not allowed in Heaven, there is only one other place that will have you – Satan’s domain – Hell.

PRAYER
A very well known verse with an immensely powerful message, yet we are reminded of Your message of love, forgiveness and grace that is available to us because of Your sacrificial and powerful gift given to us through Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Thank You Father for loving us so much to do this for us. Thank You Jesus for freely surrendering to the agony, pain and humility of hanging on that cross at Calvary, when You could have easily called on many angels to free You from such agony and disgrace. We indeed are a blessed people, and we are so appreciative of such a loving Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Please Father, break down the walls of pride and stubbornness in the hearts of those who have yet to surrender to Your Son. May this be the day of salvation for many who might be reminded through this devotional today.

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

Transforming Faith: Lessons from Nicodemus

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, SalvationLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, March 15, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read it in your Bible or click John 3:1-15 to read it in the New Living Translation (NLT).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
In 1987, my wife and I moved from the Bahamas to Florida. There was quite a challenge in the transition. After going through all government paperwork and approvals, we were allowed to live in Florida. But although we had visited many times, yet there was quite the transition to fit in with the natives and become a part of their world. In 2024 we felt led to move to Texas to be near our daughter and son-in-law living there. Just recently we were reflecting on the challenges we faced with the move, for again we wanted to fit in with the natives living there. In our Scripture, one of the rich Pharisaical leaders saw something unique about Jesus and His ministry so he wanted to understand it better and see if it was worth transitioning to the teachings of Jesus. When many come to church for the first time, they are probably like Nicodemus, who heard about the healing power of Jesus Christ. Something catches the attention of a non-Christian who then becomes curious of what these Christians do each week! Let me share with you that this is a lot deeper than most of you might think. For you see, the sinner wants nothing to do with Jesus, for Satan has given them much to enjoy here on earth. They are living their life of sin and Satan’s grip on them, and they are bound and powerless to handle anything Godly. However, the Holy Spirit takes responsibility for nudging the heart of one who needs Jesus. So although one attributes the good music, or the outstanding and charismatic preaching and teaching that their friends brag on at their church down the road, it’s not until the Holy Spirit steps in and pricks the heart of a person that they are able to look beyond their sin and recognize the miracles of God, the love of their Creator and the salvation offered through the sacrificed blood of Jesus Christ. I’m sure that Nicodemus felt like he had it all, knew it all, and was in a good spot with the religious leaders of his day, but suddenly he became enthused about the miracles of Jesus! That’s not normal without the tug of the Holy Spirit. I am convinced that this was not a coincidence, but rather, this was the day of salvation for this man, as God ordained it through the Holy Spirit to Nicodemus. Although there was not a list of tips and ideas for Nicodemus on how to make the transition to be a Jesus follower, Jesus knew exactly where he was, his level of understanding, and his need for a Savior. In the lessons taught to Nicodemus by Jesus, as outlined in today’s Scripture, they may seem strange to us, but when Jesus calls on us, He speaks to us where we are at – educationally, in the circumstances of our life, and our mindset about needing to change. There are some deep theological ideas about what Jesus meant and the reasons why He responded to Nicodemus the way He did, but lets try hard to recognize that it takes a total rebirth in our heart, thoughts and desires to transition from a worldly life of sin, to a life in Jesus, the only sinless One – a life that leads to eternity in heaven. Money didn’t do it for Nicodemus, nor did it help that he was a leader in his religious rights. Nothing, but the blood of Jesus can wash away our sin and make us new again. But verse 16 goes on to reassure us that this change is available to ALL who would believe on Him (Jesus). I pray that this will be your day of decision dear friends. Believe on the name of Jesus, and just like Nicodemus, you will be saved! I have experienced it, and so can you!

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank You for the assurance of our salvation, and the promise of eternity in heaven with You and the Father at a time already allotted by You. Thank You for blessing us with opportunities to share our testimony and experiences as children of our heavenly King. Please teach and empower us with opportunities to help redirect others towards heaven, and always help us to be ready to share the hope that lies within us. Please give us opportunities today, and prepare the hearts of those who need our meager influence, but the needed encouragement to hear Your voice calling them to salvation. May You be lifted up, and may many come to know You today – before it is too late. AMEN!

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

Understanding God’s Faithfulness Through Jeremiah 3

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, SalvationLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, January 02, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) and found in Jeremiah 3:19-20

THE SCRIPTURE READS
19 “I thought to myself, ‘I would love to treat you as my own children!’ I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land— the finest possession in the world.
I looked forward to your calling me ‘Father,’ and I wanted you never to turn from me. 20 But you have been unfaithful to me, you people of Israel! You have been like a faithless wife who leaves her husband. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Ever had a situation in your home, while growing up, where your mom and dad had a gift for you, but because of their disappointment over an incident you were a part of, they decided to hold the gift for another time? In our Scripture today, we can see where God had a very special gift for His people, but He questioned Himself on whether to move forward with ongoing blessings, as the people had disappointed Him terribly. To help you really get the impact of this, let me suggest that you substitute the underlined words above with your name, and see if you become a little more sensitive on how God must feel at times. Of course, if you are perfect, just as your Lord is, then you would want to skip this devotional and move on! Personally, I have often reflected on how, or why, would God put up with my disregard for His laws, and more so, how or why does He allow the sin in my city, state or country to go on. When I read the Old Testament, I am reminded of the times that God wiped out entire families, cities, or as in the time of Noah, the entire world population. Then, I often question why has He been so patient with us. I know, many of you who read this devotional may ponder on ways that you might improve your standing with God, and how you might please Him more. Let me assure you dear friends, that nothing has changed in God’s demands of His children. Just remember these things:
– God created us to worship Himself;
– He brought Jesus, God’s only Son, into the world so that we would have a way out of our sinful life and ready ourselves for the Kingdom of God;
– He also left a book of instruction to clarify what we could expect from God and how we should live in order to please Him.
So, let me suggest that you join me in approaching the throne of grace as we start off this New Year, and without looking for excuses, simply present ourselves to God and follow the example of David, where he simply asked God to ‘Search me, oh God, and know the intent of my heart, my thoughts and my actions. Cleanse me and make me pure and righteous in Your sight’. Enough of choosing to look, and compare ourselves, to our family, our pastor, or our friends. It is time that we awaken from the fog of that kind of dream and instead compare ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ. Aim to walk in His footsteps and honor Him with our lifestyle, our words and our actions. People can easily look through our pretense, for they need Jesus, and its only when they see no wicked way in us, will they believe that Jesus is alive in us and leading us through every phase of life.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I pray that my readers will join me in not just reading Psalm 51 again, but actually making it our goal to revisit it on a regular basis and, as we read it, sincerely apply it in our prayer life to You. Yes, You alone are righteous, but unless we aim for righteousness, we become uncommitted and cave in to the sin and evil of this world. Putting aside all that You may have in store for us as a reward for our lifestyle here on earth, we have an even deeper desire to let You guide us every day to become more like You. People need the Lord, not just the trivial attempts by us to look and sound like You. Have Your will and way in us oh Lord, until our time on earth has ended. May others see enough of You in us, that they would be influenced towards salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN!

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

God – Our Father

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

DATE POSTED: Monday, December 4, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Florida Hunting Adventures, Okeechobee, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 2:11-13

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: We who have been made holy by Jesus, now have the same Father he has. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers. For he says in the book of Psalms, “I will talk to my brothers about God my Father, and together we will sing his praises.” At another time he said, “I will put my trust in God along with my brothers.” And at still another time, “See, here am I and the children God gave me.”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: For those with siblings, you may remember a time where you felt like slipping under the dinner table, or behind the family home while someone important visited your home, because you may have been embarrassed by a sibling who acted up! Knowing that God knows everything about us and all about what we say or do, there may be times that you feel embarrassed to enter into God’s presence, for you are well aware of your ‘acting up’- your sin, and you are ashamed to see, or hear, what God might say about it. But friends, I was so comforted by the words shared by the author of Hebrews under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I trust that you will be reminded of why the Bible teaches us that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father petitioning the Father on our behalf – He considers us His brothers and sisters! Is there any wonder He voluntarily surrendered Himself to die on a cross at Calvary – it was with His brothers and sisters foremost on His mind, and to secure a heavenly home for those who would surrender their lives to His sacrifice and calling. When a sinner answers the call to salvation, because of what Jesus did at Calvary, can you imagine the joy and celebration that Jesus and the angels must initiate before the Father? After all, one more has been added to the chorus that will stand before the Father singing praises when we see Him face-to-face! Despite what I already said about the embarrassment of some siblings, more often than not we stand very proud to be associated with our siblings. I feel like Jesus was feeling a certain amount of happiness and pride to rejoice before the Father over His brothers and sisters who would join Him one day soon in a hallelujah chorus before the Father! But please allow me to caution those who might take this lightly and assume that they are destined for heaven, even in their sin. Heaven, and this meeting place before the Father, is a place reserved for those who accepted the greatest gift ever given – the one given by God – His precious Son, whom He sacrificed for those who would surrender their lives to His lordship. These precious saints become the ‘brothers and sisters’ of our Lord Jesus, referred to in our Scripture today. Are you included in that number dear friend? This is a decision and action that requires you to become personally involved in the decision, and in seeking and believing on the name of Jesus. Parents, wives, siblings, nor pastors can do this for you. This requires your direct, personal decision and action. Please read my Footnote below for tips on becoming a Christian. Know that the return of Jesus to collect all His brothers and sisters could be any second after you read these words, so please don’t delay.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Heavenly Father for the gift of salvation, made possible through an enormous sacrifice You made at Calvary through Your precious Son. In 1976 You made me very aware of this sacrifice and helped me set pride aside to surrender my life to Jesus. Having been given the privilege of writing this devotional, I am now asking that You will prick the heart of every reader who happens across this blog. Please draw them to Yourself, and make them fully aware that the brothers and sisters referred to in todays Scripture, represent folk who have totally surrendered their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. No church or religion could save them. Nothing but the blood of Jesus, shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of their sin. Thank You Jesus for accepting us as Your brothers and sisters, because of what You did at Calvary. Oh how we anxiously await that great day when we will stand before the Father in total adoration and hearts filled with praise! AMEN!

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

God’s Desire – All Saved and Know the Truth

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

DATE POSTED: Saturday, 2023-04-22
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Timothy 2:1-4
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: 1 So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. 2 Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy— 3 all of which is good and acceptable before the eyes of God our Savior 4 who desires for everyone to be saved and know the truth.

OBSERVATION: I wonder if our churches will look differently, and there will be fewer splits or closures, if we placed our focus on Paul’s instruction to Timothy. If our focus was on ‘Desiring that everyone be saved and know the truth’, don’t you see where many things would be changed in our current-day churches? I believe we can all agree that our churches exist for the same reason Paul gave in these instructions to Timothy, but have we succeeded in following the teaching God ordained through Paul in our Scripture today? Let’s examine this in more detail.

APPLICATION: The church of Jesus Christ thinks big today, as they try to reach a much larger area of the world population than just those in our local communities. I realize this is good when trying to be obedient to Matthew 29:19 where Jesus taught us to go and preach the Gospel to all nations. But after being reminded today in our Scripture of the things that God is passionate about, it may be best if we filter all our personal plans, and insist that the goals of our respective churches will also be tested through the lens of what God desires for His church. For example, there may be a proposal from a prominent couple of your church to have a get together at their home once monthly in the name of the church. The church leaders should analyze whether this (and all plans) will lead the unsaved to the Lord, or will the activity be an avenue for believers to learn more about the love of Jesus. That may seem a very trivial example, but dear friends, many times you will find things going on at church, or in the name of the church, that’s nothing more than an avenue to share gossip between groups of similarly minded people who try to hide under the disguise of the church. Unfortunately, for most churches, I believe that their priority has become maximizing the size of their congregation in order to see their debt paid off. Altar calls, visitation, phone calls and just genuine follow-up has become a past event that has outlived its usefulness in current day churches. Yes, filling our churches with people will expose more people to the preaching of the Word, but how do you suppose your church does in challenging attendees to make a 180 degree turn in the way they act and speak to others throughout the rest of the week, or challenge each one to strive for a heart like Jesus and desire, above all else, to see every family member and everyone in your circle of friends saved? Are you committed to daily Bible Study and strive to attend a group Bible Study so that you would be challenged in, and well-versed in the Word of God? Please decide to never invite a friend to Bible Study if you are not committed to being there whenever that person arrives. Unfortunately, the world is out to soften and even defraud the name and teachings of Jesus Christ, so in an effort to help those closest to you to know the truth of the Gospel and its main character – Jesus Christ, it will be necessary for you to show how important this is to you, through your example. Also, I implore you to take note of the very first thing that Paul taught on in the chapter – prayer. With less than 5% of church congregations finding it unimportant to take time out for daily prayer with their Father in heaven, or attend corporate prayer meetings, is there any wonder why Paul found it necessary to encourage those to whom he preached, to give priority to intercessory prayer with their Master? But in spite of Paul, Timothy, and our own pastor’s preaching and teaching, yet this remains a weak point in our churches today. Why? Is prayer important enough to be a priority to you? Without this important practice in your life, can you truly say that either of Jesus’ other two practices – a). A desire to see friends and loved ones saved; and b). A desire to see them learn more of the things God demands of them; are important to you?

BLESSING(S) NOTED: I love when we are not just given instruction in God’s Word, but how we also learn why His teaching is important. Notice in today’s Scripture where we are told: ‘so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy‘! Imagine how our families and our cities will improve if God’s people led in these characteristics!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I pray that we will learn to live in full obedience to Your Word, Your teachings, Your example and Your desire for us. May the world be a better place because of You, and Your precious love for Your children who will follow Your teachings and Your example. May each reader and/or listener commit to a deeper personal relationship with you, so that the world will see Jesus in us and not our mistakes and failures that make us no better than they are. Please give reason for others to see enough of Jesus in us, that they will desire a real and personal relationship with 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!

Be Ready and Be Rewarded

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready or Not, Jesus is Coming

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

DATE POSTED: Saturday, 2023-03-04
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

OBSERVATION: I remember the words from a scary amusement park ride, that told riders to ensure their safety and intent, as there is no turning back now! ‘No escape’ – the same words used in today’s Scripture about the return of Christ to collect His church (believers in Jesus Christ). Many of us tend to be very organized and make special provisions to ensure we are ready (prepared) and on time for an event. Ready or not, Paul reminds us that there will be no turning back, reassessing, redoing, or making quick changes, when the trumpet of God sounds. There will be no escape. Your eternal destiny is sealed at that point. What will your outcome be?

APPLICATION: For those who read my ‘Observation’ you may be saying that this is just another religious scare tactic. But is that what you say to the neighbor who comes over and, in a sense of urgency and/or panic, tells you that there’s a fire at the back of your house? Do you curse at the weatherman when he warns you of a storm that is likely to cause havoc in your day tomorrow? So let me encourage you to take this word from Paul as a warning from the God who created you. Remember, He’s the One who hung on a cruel cross at Calvary out of His perfect love for you, and He prepared a way to enable you to become righteous in the sight of God – washed white as snow, when you seek His forgiveness and accept Him as Lord of your life. Be reminded that there is absolutely no amount of good you can do, or money you can give away, that will earn you the right into heaven. It is only through accepting the free gift of eternal life through knowing Jesus as your Savior and Lord. So, with that background information before you, let’s address the warning given to the church at Thessalonica by Paul. He gave two excellent illustrations to the church. Just as you wouldn’t dare wait until a specific night to secure your back door, or lock your vehicles because you know that a robber is coming that night, so it is with making your election secure, so that your destiny is grounded and secure, for you also don’t know the day or the hour that Jesus will return to take His bride – the church – you and I. Be sure to also look closely at the analogy about labor pains and how the birth of a baby will happen when least expected. Many mothers will prepare for that unexpected moment right at the very moment they learn they are pregnant. Doctors will tell couples an approximate date the baby should come. Husbands will leave home for work, thinking it will be an ordinary day at work – until they receive a panic call from their wife that ‘it’s time to get to the hospital!’ Friends, just as the dad knew that they would have a baby, so we also know that Jesus will return. Just as the dad declined a trip to a long-distance destination so he could be close enough when the call came to him, so we are to be ready for Christ’s return. Believers accepted this fact as one of the most important parts of their decision to accept Jesus as Lord. Unbelievers are reckless with this decision, just like the father who travels away from home convinced that his child will not come for a few days. He has deep regrets when he realizes that he was mistaken, but he can’t turn back the hands of time so he could do things differently. So it is with the unbeliever who delays the decision to accept Jesus as Lord. No matter the good intentions, and no matter how you had a place and time already planned to accept Jesus, He will return based on a decision by God alone, and not anyone’s good intentions or their timetable. Please, dear reader or listener, don’t be sorry for not making your decision to accept Jesus when you are first called by Him. Called? Yes, when you first realized that Jesus was real and that He loves you like no one else does. How do I know? Because children of the world who are led by Satan will not have thoughts of heaven, or Jesus, or eternal life. It is only when Jesus tugs at your heart that your mind will be turned from the things of this world and towards your heavenly Father. The Bible says that God will only call for so long, then He will give you up to your own choices. Death will come to all, no escape. Your eternal destination will depend on what you did with Jesus. Make it count dear friend, make that vital decision today to accept Jesus as Lord.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: You can avoid ever being told ‘go away from me, for I never knew you’. Listen to Jesus today and be ready for His return which could be at any moment.

PRAYER: You loved us enough to provide the mean of salvation for us; to call us to Yourself and away from the wickedness of this world; and to correct us as necessary even while still here on earth. We really have no excuse to ever be threatened with the words ‘there’s no turning back now’, for as Your child, our aim is to eventually be together with You and the Father, in the glories of heaven. Many doubt the weatherman, but destructive storms come. Many gamble on the day of arrival for their child, but the baby comes when the time is right. Similarly, many have chosen to gamble on Your return date to take Your church home to glory, but they have placed themselves into a wedge where there is no escape. Please Lord, touch the heart of each one who takes the time to read this devotional today. May they clearly see the truth of Your Word and accept the free gift of Salvation only available through accepting You as Lord of their 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!

Our Comfort, Our Hope, Our Encouragement!

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

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, 2023-02-28
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: 13 Brothers and sisters, we want you to be fully informed about those who have fallen asleep in death so that you will not be overwhelmed with grief like those who live outside of the true hope. 14 Here’s what we believe: since Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, God will bring with Jesus all who have died through Him. 15 For we can say all this to you confidently because it is the word of the Lord: we who are still alive and left behind when the Lord comes will not precede those who have fallen asleep in death. 16 On that day, with a command that thunders into the world, with a voice of a chief heavenly messenger, and with a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord Himself will descend from heaven; and all those who died in the Anointed One, our Liberating King, will rise from the dead first. 17 Then we who are alive and left behind will be snatched up together with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is how we, the resurrected and the living, will be with Him forever. 18 So comfort one another with this hope, and encourage one another with these words.

OBSERVATION: When others are hurting, we may tend to stay clear of them, because we are afraid that we won’t have the words to encourage them. However, God’s Word is not just for correction and direction, but we will find in today’s Scripture that it also offers us words to be encouraged by, or to help those who have lost loved ones who knew Jesus as Lord.

APPLICATION: My wife had completed a medical procedure that caused her to use a wheelchair while shopping. We found it interesting how some friends who saw her in the wheelchair chose to walk down a different isle or try in some way to avoid having to encounter my wife or ask her about her temporary disability! We believe they were at a loss for words. Visitations and/or funerals are no different, for we become dumbfounded for the right words to encourage the grieving relatives left behind. Unfortunately, this is very challenging if the loved one died without ever accepting the sacrifice Jesus made at Calvary for the forgiveness of their sin. For the Bible is clear on their eternal destiny, where they chose to remain unsaved and, instead lived, and died, in a way that only Satan would approve of. Friends, I believe if we face family or friends who are suffering through such a loss, we might become even more determined than ever to urgently share the love of Jesus with those we know and love. As believers in Jesus Christ, it is imperative that we follow the practice and teaching of our Master. One of those principles is that we do not lie. So, while we must be sympathetic toward the family the loved one, we should never confuse them into thinking that their lost loved one is now in heaven. Of course, that’s what they want to hear, but we know, based on the Word of God, that if God honored their request to have nothing to do with them on earth, He will be sure to keep that commitment in death also. Instead, we might therefore take the opportunity of sharing the encouraging news that Paul highlights in today’s Scripture, with hopes of helping the living relatives make a better choice for their eternal destiny. It is always sad to lose one that we care about – yes, even one whose destiny is secure, and their eternal destiny is one of peace and comfort. safe in the arms of Jesus. Praise God, Paul shared a message of hope for the surviving family of one who has passed on from this world. For those of us who know Jesus as Lord and Savior, let’s be comforted in the hope, and encourage those who care about us, that greater is one day in His courts than a million elsewhere! Let’s plead with them to also leave us with the same assurance about themselves.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Let us comfort one another with the hope that our eternity is secured, and our destiny is set to be in heaven with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit when our time on earth is finished! What a peace is afforded to us, and our loved ones in knowing this fact.

PRAYER: What an awesome God we serve! You not only sent Your Son to satisfy the sin of those who seek You as Lord of their life, but You also showed us through Your servant Paul, that our friends and relatives can now rejoice in knowing our eternal destination, instead of sorrowing in our loss here on earth. Lord Jesus, this not only brings peace to us, and our relatives, but also drives us to wanting our family to also seek Jesus as Lord and experience that same peace. Please Lord, soften the hearts of those who continue to be stubborn and disobedient to Your call on their life. Only You can draw them to Yourself. Please be patient with them and once again today, show them the way to eternal life. We are forever grateful for what You did for us, now please give us peace about those who are still here on earth and have the opportunity to open their hearts to You, and we thank You in advance for what You could do! 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!