Answering God’s Call: Overcoming Our Excuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What or Who Are You Trusting In

On 2022-07-162022-07-16 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, Trust, Worship1 Comment

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-07-16
WRITTEN AT: O Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 10:17; 24-25;
TRANSLATION: The Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁷As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running to him and knelt down and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get to heaven?”
²⁴This amazed them. So Jesus said it again: “Dear children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God. ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”

APPLICATION: It’s interesting to notice how certain things, and certain lifestyles might be considered acceptable by us and how we may even see open doors for acceptance into heaven. For us, it may not necessarily be riches that we may have placed our faith in, although many consider that as an open door for gaining access to any person. But we may feel like our position in church, or our giving to the church, may gain us access into heaven, as God may seek to reward us for our good works and giving spirit. It could be that our willingness to accept everyone at face value and not judge them for actions that are opposed to our personal beliefs and values in life; or our commitment to avoid cursing; drinking; or doing drugs; that may force us to feel safe and accepted by God. But friends, if it was as easy to enter heaven’s portals as our earthly minds would lead us to think, why do you suppose God saw the need to send His only Son into the world and contend with all the evil and sinful acts that we are well aware of? Why would God have seen the necessity to sorrowfully permit His Son to be beaten, abused, cursed, and hung on a cross, for the redemption of our sin? Are you naïve enough to believe that God went through all of the above to simply offer a suggestion to men who couldn’t find their own way into heaven? The rich young ruler probably had everything he needed to get into every place on earth; mix with everyone, no matter what their position was on earth; associate with the richest of men or the poorest and most unfortunate on earth; but his eyes were opened to the fact that there was nothing in his arsenal of assets that would get him into heaven or live eternally with the King of all kings. Jesus’ instruction to the young man is something that applies to everyone in search of eternity in heaven, or the endless joy and happiness of being in the presence of the Creator for ever and ever: “redirect your trust”. You obviously know that monetary; nor youthfulness; nor earthly leadership; nor even obeying the commandments will get you into heaven. There is only one way, and it is spelled out by Jesus in John 3:16 – ‘Whoever believes in Jesus – will be saved and receive eternal life’. Notice that ‘Whoever’ clears it all up on who qualifies to believe in Jesus: Rich or poor; Young or old; world leader or slave; church leader or new member; living in a palace or a hut; Baptists of Methodists. Friends, I believe you will see from the aforementioned that because God made us all, He also accepts all who will place their trust in Him. No respecter of persons. If you are ready and willing to accept Jesus as Lord today, let me encourage you to view my Footnote and dive in to the Biblical references available when you click ‘To Know Jesus’. Speak with a Bible teaching pastor, or believer today and allow them to lead you, walk with you and encourage you on this new walk of life!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved from their sin, and look forward to eternity in Heaven!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for making salvation available to ALL, and thank You for guiding the rich, young, ruler from our Bible story today into a walk that led to Eternity in heaven. Lord, I pray that this devotional and Bible lesson will catch the attention of many who are yet to be saved. Please soften their hearts and show them Jesus, the One who died and rose again for the salvation of their sin. Convince them of their need for Jesus and give them the strength and boldness to make this important step in their life today. Be glorified because of sinners being saved through Your grace and because of Your sacrifice. AMEN!

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

Reassuring Trust In Church Leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trust God, Especially When ‘Death’ Seems Imminent

On 2022-07-092022-07-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Death, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-07-09
WRITTEN AT: O Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁸ My friends, I want you to know what a hard time we had in Asia. Our sufferings were so horrible and so unbearable that death seemed certain. ⁹In fact, we felt sure we were going to die. But this made us stop trusting in ourselves and start trusting God, who raises the dead to life. ¹⁰God saved us from the threat of death, and we are sure that he will do it again and again.

APPLICATION: Random shootings occur because of the sting of one finding themselves out of a job, and the hopelessness of how their family will survive the new financial woes. Homes are destroyed because of broken marriages, and often partners will resort to criminal acts against each other in the name of revenge. The onset of Covid, cancer, or any other deadly disease may stretch the imagination of individuals and cause them to try very extreme actions as they fight for earthly ways to save their opportunity for continued life as they once knew it. So what does the Christian do in this regard that’s any different to what the unbeliever might do? Let’s believe that God will reveal great truths though His Word that helps direct us in our times of desperation. We will see that in Paul’s scenario, they quickly ran out of personal options and ran to God – the same God who opened the eyes of Saul who once persecuted Christians and the work of Jesus Christ. As a changed man, Paul, as he was later known, had witnessed miracle upon miracle. He had seen the awesome handiwork of God who rescued His people from imminent death and from obvious dire situations. Paul quickly realized that this new danger they faced was much more than he and his men could do anything about. As a man of God, I can only say that for the point at which Paul found himself, he knew that God was showing him that there was only one way out of this, and it was not for Paul to think of more earthly weaponry to use against his enemy. I have often heard the old adage that desperate people will often avoid looking up and calling on God, until they are flat on their back and have no other choice but to ‘look up’! Paul had seen the powerful works of the God he served, and although he couldn’t see any humanly way to fight the enemy in his current situation, he knew a God who could. I looked at many Bible translations and one thing that read the same across the board was ‘this made us stop trusting ourselves and start trusting in Almighty God’! Friends, so many of us have heard of too many family and friends who have lost their fight to Covid, cancer or heart attack over recent months and years. Are you at the point yet where Paul found himself in our text today? Have your surrendered your all to Almighty God and called on Him in desperation to protect you and your family, and to recuse you from the evil forces that surround you in all of this earthly violence in our world, for there is so little respect for life itself? Perhaps death seems imminent for you in one of the other scenarios mentioned above. Please don’t wait to see if this will affect you, just know that it will. Trust in God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Do not lean on the enemies ‘wait and see’ option, for your circumstances might very well be way beyond your ability to overcome. Never think that you will have time later to start seeking God, for no man knows the day or the hour when our Lord will return to take His saints home to glory! Trust God today, even while things appear ‘peachy’! Notice that in times of war people will turn to the world’s super-powers for help. In the case of Covid, this philosophy didn’t work, because the whole world was in a dilemma for a resolution. Hopefully God got our attention and made us realize that He alone holds the keys to life and death. He was the only One for our family and friends to turn to in their desperation. Forget about self, and start trusting God today, dear one.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Praise God, I know this Jesus that Paul decided to trust in when he realized the hopelessness of trusting himself for answers to his dilemma! We must still learn to call on God today, for He alone can fight off the vices of Satan and his army of evildoers.

PRAYER: ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word. Oh for grace to trust Him more’! Lord Jesus, You know Your children better than anyone knows. No doubt You see us in our daily struggles and it makes You want to stretch out Your hand and guide us through life’s temptation, struggles, trials and dangers. Please help us to acknowledge our weaknesses and inabilities, and to often be reminded of Your awesome power, strength and power. Please Lord, be our God today in all of life’s situations and in every walk of life that seem so impossible to us. You are our Rock and our eternal salvation! In You alone I place my faith and trust oh Lord. Please help each reader and listener to catch a new glimpse of this, and to sooner do what Paul did – forget about self abilities, and trust God in everything instead! AMEN!

A Heart Willing To Obey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trust In God, His Promises Are True

On 2022-07-042022-07-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Promise, Recognize God, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Monday, 2022-07-04
WRITTEN AT: O Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Isaiah 40:31; 41:10,13
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: 40:³⁰     But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run—never winded, never weary. They will walk—never tired, never faint.
41:¹⁰    So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up.
41:¹³    After all, it is I, the Eternal One your God, who has hold of your right hand, Who whispers in your ear, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.”

APPLICATION: Often troubled times will face us and, we will automatically respond in certain ways, based on past experiences and on our support team at the time. However, all too often there will be a certain twist to our current dilemma that we are facing for the very first time. It seems to me that we respond, or react, based on information that we have fed to our brain over the years. I wish for you, my friend, what I would desire for myself, that there would be so much of God fed into my life each day from the Scriptures, such as the verses we are meditating on today, that I would respond to life’s circumstances in a way that is pleasing to God, and that I would submit to the authority of His all-powerful hand. It is so easy for us to assume the position of knowing it all, and that we only need God for those decisions that we are stumped on, but I pray that over the years you may have developed: faith in God; a trust in His all-powerful capabilities; a yearning for our all-knowing, all-loving God. As we meditate on these verses today, we are reminded that God has promised to care for us, protect us and direct us along the right path each and every day. The way we tap into that is by trusting in Him with all our heart, soul and mind, so that we might be encouraged to consult with our God, and be willing to obey what He leads us to. Trust God, my friend. He created us and this world in which we live, so He knows every little intricate detail about what is going on personally in our lives, and in man’s inability to deal with the many self-destructing moves that we make politically in our respective countries. If it’s from Scripture we already know, then I believe He will quickly bring it back to active memory. If it’s a new revelation, then I believe God will make it known to us and He will direct us. Let me encourage you to read over the above verses again, and allow God to saturate your minds with the assurance of His love, His wisdom and His direction for your life. He’s got this! All we need to do is to tap into His goodness and allow Him to be our Master and our God.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God cares for us and He will take good care of His own, if we trust Him to do it!

PRAYER: Praise the Lord we serve a God that can do the things that are impossible in man’s eyes! Not only am I convinced of the truth of Your Word in the above verses Lord, but I was also reminded of this in my New Testament reading today where You healed the sick, cast out demons and quieted their mouths. Praise God, You truly are a God who can do miraculous things, even those things that we think might seem impossible to us. Lord, with that confidence, please allow me to ask for You to touch the hearts of the unsaved in my community. Please open their hearts and minds to the message of Your Word, convince them of their sin, and create a desire within them to know You personally. Please convict the hearts of the saved. May we never be ashamed of the Gospel, and may we always be such examples of our Savior that the unsaved will see You and want to accept and serve You. Oh that You may be glorified through Your children today, and may the power of our awesome God be evident in all that we do and say. AMEN!

You Alone Are Our Hope

On 2022-04-222022-04-22 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Hope, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-04-22
WRITTEN AT: Citra, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Psalm 71:5-9
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁵O Lord, you alone are my hope; I’ve trusted you from childhood. ⁶Yes, you have been with me from birth and have helped me constantly—no wonder I am always praising you! ⁷My success—at which so many stand amazed—is because you are my mighty protector. ⁸All day long I’ll praise and honor you, O God, for all that you have done for me.
⁹And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t forsake me now when my strength is failing.

APPLICATION: Although it seems like one of the great pitfalls of aging today is Alzheimers, another is probably just as prevalent, if we’re not careful – complaining! But if we’re getting older, rather than complaining about our aches and pains or the sorry state of society, what if we chose to talk about the Lord continually? Wouldn’t that be an awesome way to grow old gracefully and faithfully? But i’m sure many will ask how this can be done? Many people try to discipline their tongues, but Jesus said that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Therefore, the key to changing your speech is to change your heart. How? By allowing the Word of God to fill it day by day. If you do this, your heart, and therefore your words, will be filled with praise. Don’t you know that relatives and friends would much prefer visiting and being around you when you frequently praise the Lord and give Him thanks in all things that He has blessed you with? After reflecting on his blessings, David tells us in our Scripture today that it’s no wonder praise is continually in his heart and on his lips! As for you, sure you may encounter pain in your arms, but how do you feel when you look at a man who has no arms? I was tired and hurting in my back and legs, until I saw a man coming my way with both feet pointing inward, heavy braces on his legs and feet, yet walking along with a smile on his face. Oh Lord, please forgive me when I whine. But precious friends, when I meditate on God’s Word and am reminded of all that He did for our ancestors, and the love that He showed in extreme circumstances, my heart is filled with praises to my King for all that He has done, because He continues to do the same for me and my loved ones every day! Please try and join me each day in seeking out the blessings of God. We could read all that He did for David, and for Moses and the Israelites, but let’s look around and fill our hearts with joy as we observe all that He continues to do for us. Our God is so good, and we could never stop praising Him for His goodness! There is such encouragement and hope in admiring the handiwork of our God!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Let us learn to praise God every day! Enough with the griping and complaining, we serve an awesome all-powerful, ever-loving Savior who gave everything for our eternal salvation!

PRAYER: Oh Lord, teach us to set our minds on the great and awesome gifts that You bestow on us daily! Please help us to shun the desire to whine and complain about everything and everyone, but instead to look towards the heavens, read from the holy pages of Your Word, and reflect on the awesome power of our Lord, so that our hearts may be filled with appreciation that overflows through our lips as we sing Your praises and encourage others to know our Savior and Lord. Oh Lord, great is thy faithfulness and greatly You are to be praised and honored in every aspect of our lives. Minister to the lost today Lord, and open their eyes to Your goodness and mercy. AMEN!

Why You Should Trust God

On 2022-04-022022-04-02 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-04-02
WRITTEN AT: Astatula, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Numbers 23:19
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁹God is not a man;
    he will not lie.
God is not a human being;
    his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something,
    then he will do it.
If he makes a promise,
    then he will do what he promised.

APPLICATION: Balaam was invited to spend some time with a very powerful king – Balak, even though Balaam would not commit to do what Balak was inviting him to do – curse the Israelites. As a committed child of the most high God, Balaam would only commit to the king that he would obey instructions from his Master, the God of all gods. Knowing his experience with other subjects in his kingdom, Balak felt like he could take his chances with Balaam, because he would probably change his mind when he experienced being under the king’s care, just like others did in the past. Now let us pause for just a moment and consider where our weaknesses are, and what we may have done if invited by the King/President/Queen/Prime Minister of our country. I wonder! First, there will probably be pride to deal with, because we hardly ever hear of someone being invited to participate with, or give advice to, the king. Second, we will need to overcome the thought of trying to impress the king. Often we will cross over most borders in order to impress a person in authority. Thirdly, might be the desire to exaggerate, or perhaps lie, to gain favor with the king, for we feel like he must know that we are the best available to him! I would suggest that you read the full chapter 23 so that you could see the context which our focal verse derives from. You will quickly see that Balaam did none of the above. He was up front with the king, and he followed his initial words during his full encounter with the king. But I want us all to fully see and understand the reason Balaam gave for trusting God. Remember, his aim was probably to help the king understand more about the King of the Universe, the One he called Master; God; eternal Father, etc. No doubt Balaam felt the king may have seen how people lied to get their own way, so Balaam started by telling the king that God is not a man and He never lies. In man’s eyes, one could easily assume, based on previous experience, that man will say what he wants to get what he wants. Balaam assured the king that God is not like that, and he would never change what He has already committed to. Normally mankind will try to affirm his message by promising something attractive. This is not needed by God, for His promises are true and He gives us no reason to doubt his promises. Friends, our God hasn’t changed. He’s still very much like Balaam described. He is faithful and true to all that He has promised us, including the plans He has for our eternal home. As we aim to mirror the life of our Father and His Son, we must strive for the same perfection Balaam saw in God. How are you doing with that? Let us place our faith and trust in Jesus our Lord, and seek to obey His commands and follow His example so that the world might see, and believe.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God is still uniquely God. We can trust in Him to be who He said He is, and we can depend on Him to help us be His example here on earth!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for setting the perfect example for us. Please give us strength and boldness to strive everyday to follow in Your footsteps. Others are searching for the God who can make a difference in their lives. May it be so evident in our life that family and friends will see and believe to a point of accepting You as Lord. Balaam was true to You, and we want to do the same. Please embolden us each and every day to stand tall and be committed to being just like our Father. AMEN!

You’ve Sinned, But Jesus can Save!

On 2022-03-222022-03-22 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Forgiven, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, Saved, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2022-03-22
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 3:20-24
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ²⁰…. No one can ever be made right in God’s sight by doing what the law commands. For the more we know of God’s laws, the clearer it becomes that we aren’t obeying them; his laws serve only to make us see that we are sinners.
^21-22But now God has shown us a different way to heaven – not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. ²³Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; ²⁴yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.

OBSERVATION: Because of rules, kids seem to look at parents as being ‘impossible’! So as kids grow into teenagers, they can’t wait to get out from their parents and live on their own! But then, as they start to drive, they find that there are rules, for the roads are policed according to the law of the land. And it seems that the law is set all around them in everything they approach. Often adults look at following God as being another set of rules and laws. But today I would like for you to meditate with me on this Scripture that details how God provides a much better alternative to the many laws that were established when the world began. There’s light at the end of the dark tunnel you feel stuck in! There’s hope in Jesus Christ!

APPLICATION: When God populated the earth there were many laws established to help keep a semblance of order and peace among the peoples of the earth. It quickly became evident that these laws were simply indicators to man whether he was doing something right, or whether he had messed up. Are laws really necessary? Absolutely, because we would live in a state of chaos if laws did not exist. However, God designed us to enjoy life here on this beautiful earth that He created, but He also knew that our time here on earth would be limited. He created us to worship Him and to live at peace with our fellow beings. But I don’t believe it was ever God’s intent to create disposable humans, meaning that once they die, their bodies would return to dust as a final disposition of that whole person. For God created heaven as well, a home where souls of His beloved would gather with the Father and the Son for ever and for ever. But because He created us with a free will, He wanted us to decide what our eternity would look like, without the influence or crutch of a set of laws. If we do nothing and continue to live in sin and in harmony with the world, we will spend eternity with the ruler of the world, Satan, in the pit of Hell with he and his many demons. However, in the above verses, God declares the purpose of sending His Son, Jesus. For He said that if we place our faith and trust in Jesus, He would forgive us of our sins and declare us not guilty. In other words, we would look to be as one who never sinned! Other Scripture refers to this as being ‘white as snow’; or forgiven. The saved child of God is referred to as ‘holy’, ‘righteous’, or a ‘saint’. Notice that there were no other filters placed on who could call on the name of the Lord – nothing to do with a particular race, color, country of origin, gender, etc, etc. If you are walking this earth, then you are eligible to call on the name of the Lord and place your faith and trust in Jesus, my Lord! Now let me quickly give you more exciting information that is extremely miraculous – God will make a brand new person out of you. For your desires will change to live as Jesus did when He was here on earth; you will desire to turn from your wicked/sinful ways and follow His commands; you will desire to be around people of God who made a decision like you did; you will learn to love your siblings – other children of your Father/God; your lifestyle will begin to look so much like God, that others will take note and want in on what you found! I hope you could tell that I am overjoyed to be a child of the King, and that there is nothing I desire more than for you to know that the invitation is open to you to know my Savior and Lord. Please read on through my Footnote and especially visit the link ‘To Know Jesus’. I would also suggest that you call on a partner to pray with you as you commit to this new life in Christ – a Bible teaching pastor near you, or myself, would be overjoyed to help you make the right decision. Call on us, won’t you?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I thank You for this reminder today. Based on Your Word, I am more convinced than ever that You will return soon to take Your chosen people, Your children who chose You as their King, home to be with You. I am so thankful that You prompted me to choose You as my King, my Leader, my Deliverer many years ago. Oh God, PLEASE speak firmly to the hearts of those reading or listening to this devotional who have been lax in making this important decision. Oh that they may decide today to trust in Jesus and be assured of their eternal destination in heaven with You. I would be forever grateful, blessed and thankful. AMEN!

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

Nuggets From God's Word

Category: Trust