When Others Are Impacted By Our Lives

On 2024-05-062024-05-06 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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Monday, May 6, 2024, 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, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE The Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 27:17

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: After her husband’s death, I recall telling a new widow how her husband impacted my life while living under their roof for a short while, and she acknowledged being warmly touched by that testimony. That husband’s life was not in vain, because his life had impacted at least one person, and I strongly believe many others were also touched by him. I feel like this is similar to what the Scripture teaches through this proverb today. Whether we care to acknowledge it or not, life consists of daily encounters with others who help to shape our lives – our eternal destiny, character, mannerisms, compassion and possibly even our speech. This may not always be in a positive manner, but with the help of God, the Holy Spirit can direct us to the right folk, and away from those who will tear down our testimony. Because of the relationships we develop with others, our lives change, and we become either: more likable to others, despised, or possibly even envied. As a child, we tend to live our lives trying to please our parents. As teenagers, we tend to try and please our peers. As adults we try to please our spouse, while also trying to set an example for our children. In our workplace, in our social activities, and in community activities, we tend to earn the respect of others, if we reflect characteristics that positively impact them, and show them that our upbringing and our relationship with Jesus Christ has affected our life, even through the challenges of this wicked world. Find a good, dedicated pastor or Christian friend, and you will see that others are drawing close to them because they want some of what they see in them. Read the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and direct your path to a life of obedience to the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. However, this Scripture clearly teaches that the character of another person will impact us. Should we hang out with the wrong crowd, we could easily see that their ungodly character is rubbing off on us and our own character is suffering, and deteriorating from ungodly habits and speech. For the child of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us to guide, protect and teach us the ways of our Savior and Lord. Let’s learn to not fight those nudges and redirects that tend to move us along to other friends. I believe the intent of this Proverb, is to teach us to not only protect our godly character against the ills of the evil one, but to consciously pulling alongside those who need encouragement, strength for another day, and drawing closer to their Master so that they could walk and talk like Him. For you see, they too want to go on to sharpen the character of their family and friends looking for Truth among the lies of Satan; Love others among the hatred expressed in so many ways by the world; Hope among the despair many of the unsaved tend to feel with Christ; and expectations of a brighter day coming when we will no longer deal with this world, but rather kneel at the feet of the Holy of Holy’s and offer up endless praise and worship for all eternity. Dear friends, seek the Lord while He may be found and allow Him to direct your path, even in a lost and cruel world. Seek to impact the lives of others for the better. Good friends work to rub off dull edges and make each other better. That’s why we need ministries and churches that are full of men and women talking about more than work, the weather, and sports. Oh that others will see, hear and experience Christ in us through each encounter with them!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Precious Lord, it is because of the work of Your Holy Spirit working through a prayer warrior and giving him boldness, that I walked the isle of my church in Nassau, Bahamas. That gentleman wanted me to be better than I was, he wanted to introduce me to his Master and Lord, so that my character my be developed into one of Christ-likeness, and my destiny become one that would be secure in the glories of Heaven. Thank You Lord Jesus for using that friend and at just the right time. Over the years I have had opportunity to come alongside many who needed You, and until I stand beside You, I may never know how many made decisions to accept Your lordship. Please Lord, continue to place each reader of this devotional into a place of opportunity to enhance the spiritual lives of others so that they may be drawn to You. May we become enhancers of the faith, and one who will shape others into becoming better men and women who would accept and serve You until you call us home. 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!

How To Measure Your Faith

On 2024-05-032024-05-03 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, Worship1 Comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, May 3, 2024, 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, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM The Message (MSG) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 11:6

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: It might be interesting for you to try and write down what you believe about ‘faith’. Do you have faith? Is it a strong faith? In whom do you have faith – doctors, pastors, bankers, investment strategists, your spouse, God…?? Which of these do you turn to when you feel like you have reached the end of your efforts on a desperate issue, or perhaps before you make a major, life-impacting decision? Although I found the whole chapter of Hebrews 11 extremely interesting, the Holy Spirit seemed to have really caught my attention in the words of our focal verse today. You see, some may struggle to complete the exercise I asked you to place in writing, for they feel like they have no faith at all. Yet, when they seem to be over their heads in debt and challenged by the circumstances of life, many who will not entertain the idea of God, or church, or even Christians, yet they will run to Social Media and request prayers, or they will call a trusted friend to pray for their need. Why is that? Could they have a touch of faith? Could it be that they really do believe in the power of God, especially when desperate about circumstances such as what they are currently facing? This Bible verse today seems to clarify that very question: If they believe that God exists, and surely they must, since they are asking for prayer from the Creator of the world. AND because they think that God cares enough about them to understand their concern and answer their prayer, then obviously they are exercising their faith in God by asking friends and loved ones to pray for them. So why are they not bowing before our holy God to make personal petitions before Him? Well, remember the curtain in the temples of old, where the priests were on one side and allowed direct access to speak with God, while the people occupied the other side of the veil and had to ask the priests to petition God on their behalf? Yes, you and I know that the temple veil/curtain was eliminated at the time Jesus was crucified, giving direct access to the Master by those seeking an audience with Him. However, I feel like our friends and loved ones mentioned above may be challenged to stand before God and pray for anything other than their sin that separates them from the holiness of God. At times, this refusal to approach God directly may be because individuals are so caught up in their earthly obligations to a loved one lying on a hospital bed of affliction, or perhaps too close to a very bad situation, that they just can’t pull themselves together to pray, so they ask us who are prayer warriors and thinking straight, to pray for their situation. I’m not God, but I am convinced that God knows us better than we know ourselves, so He knows if something is separating us from His unconditional love and His powerful and all-sufficient power. Suffice it to say, dear friends, no one will come boldly before a God that they have no relationship with, just like you wouldn’t walk up to a stranger and assume a loving and caring concern for you and your needs. So let me encourage you today, know God and know that peace that passes all human understanding. Know God and know the power that He posses and the love that He has for all mankind – yes even you in your state of sin and unforgiveness. He desires relationship with you – His precious creation. Just as walking up to your daddy and asking for provisions to help you through a day, it is just as easy to ‘clear the air’ (ask forgiveness of your sin) between you and God – your heavenly Father. It is only then that you will be comfortable in kneeling before Him and asking for the many other needs that will come your way each day. Let no one, or no thing, separate you from the love of God!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, we believe. Please help us see and understand the areas of our life where our faith is not strong enough, or our conscience clear enough to approach Your throne and have open communication with You. We are a needy people Lord, and we need You ever hour. Please speak to us continually so that we may see those obstacles that often separate us. Help us Lord to always be at ease in approaching Your throne for every concern, every day that You allow us to remain here on earth. For Yours is the kingdom and the glory, for ever and for ever. AMEN!

Talking About A Production!

On 2024-04-292024-04-29 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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Monday, April 29, 2024, 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, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Luke 23:44-46

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: …By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: As I meditated on this Scripture today, I envisioned what Hollywood movie producers must see before they could really build a movie set. Now, I realize that in no way did God build a movie scene for our entertainment through the amazing stories in His Word, especially considering that this story involved the crucifixion of His precious Son. But if by any chance you ever doubted the multitasking possibility of God, or His magnificent plan for man’s salvation, then it might behoove you to spend a little time reading this 23rd chapter of Luke. Think about it, God’s precious Son, Jesus, had gone through terrible abuse by men who had falsely accused Him. They insisted on crucifixion for an innocent man, whom their leaders could find no fault in, versus the death of a criminal imprisoned for murder. I’m sure that God was probably agonizing as He saw Jesus hanging on that cross, even if He was witnessing to the criminals who hung next to Him, and to the very crowd who were jeering at Him. God knew that the time was near for Jesus’ final breath, so He caused something to occur in alignment with something that was prophesied years before in Amos 8:9 – “In that day,” says the Sovereign LORD, “I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth while it is still day. This was nothing like we recently witnessed with the eclipse, and most of you will remember the attention that received. Total darkness fell upon the earth, in the middle of the day, for three hours. One commentator said that ‘It wasn’t possible for the Son of God to be rejected and killed without it causing an ominous reaction from his creation.’ (Tony Evans Bible Commentary). I like that idea, but we must not lose sight that all this was coordinated and commanded by God Almighty – the only one with ultimate power over His creation. But wait, this also was in alignment with prophesies from long ago – for although in Exodus 26:33 we are given the reason for the curtain in the temple – to separate the people from the direct holiness of God, yet we know that God sent His Son so that all might be saved who call on Him as Lord and Savior of their life. With the death of Jesus on the cross, the need for the curtain became obsolete. Mankind could approach the Savior of the World one on one! So friends, I hope that you will see and understand the single most important purpose of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For it is only through believing and accepting the resurrected Lord as Savior of our life, that we become eligible for the holiness of heaven and our meeting with the triune God that lives there, for He will welcome us home where He abides, when life here on earth is finished. With all the prejudice of today’s world, it may be difficult to understand that Jesus did this for us all – all who call on Him as Lord and Savior to rule and reign in our lives until God calls us home! I can hardly wait dear friends, and I pray that each of you will make that call to accept the love and leadership of Jesus as your Lord and Savior also!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Jesus for willingly accepting the challenge presented to You by the Father, for it opened the door for us to seek forgiveness of our sin – the main obstacle that will keep us out of heaven. It seems like, as time goes on, modern churches seem to search for and enact what appears to be easier and more acceptable ways for the current generation to be excused from their blatant sin. But Lord, I believe that You are still God and will still refuse to allow sin to enter Your holy place. Sin is still disobedience to the laws and statutes outlined in Your Word. That doesn’t change to fit the many changes that the evil one brings into our world. There is still just one way for mankind to bridge that gap between earth and heaven. You shed Your blood, Lord Jesus, so that those who seek your forgiveness and accept You as Lord and Savior of their lives, will be washed by that shed blood and, through that cleansing, be accepted into heaven. Please continue to work in the hearts of those who have not sought forgiveness of sin. May all those who read this devotional today be found pure and clean before our holy God, so that we may rejoice together at Your feet for all eternity. AMEN!

When God Calls

On 2024-04-23 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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 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, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 48:12-13

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: “Jacob, listen to me! Israel, I called you to be my people. So listen to me!
I am the Beginning, and I am the End. I made the earth with my own hands. My right hand made the sky. And if I call them, they will come to stand before me.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: For those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I believe the Bible is clear in identifying us as ‘children of God’. As such, I believe that God calls out to us in much the same way as He did to Israel. In fact, so much so that I believe the Holy Spirit implored me to substitute a few words to help receive a personal message from God today, and I implore you to do the same. Here’s my example for verse 12: ‘Ed, listen to me! Village Church, I called you to be my people. So listen to me….’. Friends, I’m afraid that way too often we read God’s Word as a history, or story book, and therefore lose touch with the impact that God intended for us through the challenges He chose to share with us. I am in full agreement that these verses were intended for the Israelites, but when God’s book was given to us for teaching, edification, and drawing unto, or closer to our Maker, then I try to look deeply into the message of each verse as to how it might also apply to me. I believe these are two of those verses, for we seem to have lost sight of who God truly is. Yes, He is the great Healer, but He’s not available to us as our ‘Genie’ to call on when every little illness or serious disease comes upon us. But He is One that we develop a personal relationship with and who gives comfort for every little ‘bump’ in our road. He’s One who anticipates our joy’s and thanksgiving when we recognize who helped us get over those bumps. Remember, even while we were sinners without any hope of heaven, Jesus, God’s only Son, freely died a very cruel death so that we who accept Him as Lord, might seek forgiveness of our sin, through Jesus, and live eternally in Heaven with Him, His Father and the Holy Spirit. So of course I am convinced that God was here before all time began, and He will be here until the end of all time, just as He confirmed through His Son in Revelation 22.13 when the intent of these same words were once again given to remind us of His supernatural power and His mighty omnipresence. So dear friends, I pray that you will be reminded that we not only serve One who is better than any friend; more understanding than any teacher/preacher we ever had; more knowledgeable and more of a Healer than the best doctor we ever paid; and more loving and caring than any other relationship ever before developed, but He is also One who always was, and always will be, King, Lord and Master of our lives and this universe. He alone is worthy of our honor, praise and thanksgiving, dear child of God! Do you know Him and have accepted Him as Lord of your life? At the point of your death, or His unannounced return, opportunities to accept Him will end. Please consider no further delays, listen for His call and accept Him as your Lord and Savior today, won’t you? In my Footnote, I have provided Biblical tips on how you might do this, but also know that a local Bible teaching pastor or myself would be happy to introduce you to our Lord as well.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Precious Lord, thank You for drawing us to Yourself and for all that You have promised to us as children of the most high God! Please soften the heart of those who will happen across this devotional today, and even those who receive it every time I post another episode. May this be the day that they stop attributing Your voice to ‘hearing things’; ‘coincidences’; ‘pie in the sky’; or ‘happen-chance’ and may they know without a doubt that they are being summoned by the Master to ready their soul for eternity, regardless of their age or circumstances. AMEN!

Since We Have Such an Awesome God, Let us…

On 2024-04-20 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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, April 20, 2024, 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, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Century Version (NCV) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 10:22-25

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised. Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds.
You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Although a great portion of the Bible is dedicated to leading the unsaved to Jesus Christ, the writer of Hebrews wanted Christians to recognize that there are some unique and awesome responsibilities for the child of God also. Please bear in mind that God’s kingdom may not be made up of workers in the church, or those trying to earn their salvation, because in our Scripture today I believe it is clear that it is a much more narrow path – one where individuals are saved by grace, and by the sacrificed blood of Jesus Christ. But we are taught that for these believers, there are some awesome things we can do to help others find their way, and see clearly what it means to be an individual saved by grace, and by living in the constant eye of our Heavenly Father. Let us meditate on the teachings of Jesus through His servant who penned the words of our Scripture today:
=> Let us come near to God in confidence (vs 22) – be reminded that children are always at ease with their dad, because the love between them is evident and runs deep. Our Heavenly Father is no different, in fact He reinforces this through a deep love filled with forgiveness and grace. So because of your deep relationship with Him, it is quite normal that you would approach His throne with confidence, admiration, and open communication. When He says in His Word that you have been forgiven, then you can approach His throne free of guilt about your sin. They are washed away by His precious blood that Jesus shed at Calvary. So never look back on that!
=> Let us hold firm to what God has promised (Vs 23) – God is incapable of lying, so we have no need of trying to make Him out to be a liar. He will do what He said, and He will provide what He promised. We can make that a part of our DNA to never doubt what He said. This makes approaching His throne a joy rather than torture. This encourages us to approach God’s throne instead of doubting or being afraid to do so. He’s our God, our Savior and Lord. His ways are far greater than ours, so we have no reason to think He will respond like man would. Let’s hold fast to that confident hope!
=> Let us help each other attain love and good works (vs 24) – some employers offer bonus points to employees who excel in selling their business lines. Extra bonus points are earned when the whole team achieves their goals. In other words, it pays to achieve your own goal, but it pays even more when you help the whole team achieve their collective goals. In Christianity, I don’t believe we could achieve ultimate joy and happiness in the Lord if our co-laborer at church is failing, due to an inconsistent lifestyle or commitment to the Lord. This doesn’t have to happen at church, but wouldn’t it be praiseworthy if, when we meet with the Lord each evening we could reflect back on at least one person whose life we touched in a positive and encouraging way for the Lord? At church, instead of looking around at the new dresses or jeans with holes, what if we target the believers who need a hand up through encouragement, prayer, financial need, etc? Which ministry effort do you suppose they will choose to give God glory for that day?
=> Let us be consistent in attending church meetings (Vs 25) – a physiologist was interviewed recently about a poll that showed where active Christians had fewer mental issues. She acknowledged that this was a proven statistic. Likewise, she said that as church attendance diminish, mental issues are shown to be on the rise. She acknowledged that those who are unconcerned about God and/or the church, seem more prone to feel alone, digected, and that no one cares about them. While the opposite has overwhelmingly proven true. Let’s be more committed to worshipping together with God’s people – not just for our good, but also for the part we might play in encouraging others.
‘Do this even more as you see the day coming’ says the Word of God. ‘The Day’ refers to the return of Jesus Christ to take His bride with Him to be with the Father. We can see the signs, dear friends. Let’s be on full, alert and in perfect form for that awesome day!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, You are so good to us! And although I am ever so thankful that You called me to Yourself, I still have many family and friends that came to mind as the Holy Spirit dealt with me in meditating on this Scripture. People still need a Savior, and how will they know about You if your children don’t speak up about the personal and awesome relationship we have with You. Please Lord, open our hearts to acknowledge You as Lord before those that we come into contact with. Also Lord, please continue to deal in the lives of every reader today about regularly meeting with other believers to worship, pray, study Your Word, and encourage one another just as You have been such an encourager to us. Oh Lord, may we all find You, acknowledge You as Lord, and worship You in a spirit of holiness, in recognition of Your very nature. AMEN!

Don’t you fear God?

On 2024-04-152024-04-15 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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Monday, April 15, 2024, 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, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Good News Translation (GNT) IS FOUND IN Luke 23:39-42

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
The other one, however, rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear God? You received the same sentence he did. Ours, however, is only right, because we are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he has done no wrong.” And he said to Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: What if the only thing you remember from your weekend church service were the words spoken by the thief on the cross ‘Don’t you fear God’? How do you suppose that might impact you this week? Although most of us are not criminals ordered by earthly courts to die, many might be in the same position as the thief on the cross who hurled insults at Jesus. I know, you are quickly responding that I shouldn’t insult you like that, in assuming that you would be so evil as to even think of cursing God or hurling insults at His Son. But I feel like my responsibility today is to remind us that every time we turn a deaf, or obstinate ear to the Holy Spirit when He tugs at our heart’s door and challenges us on things that may offend Jesus, or are in direct conflict to His Word, we may be acting more like the thief in question, than the Savior who responded to him. Since it is highly unlikely that you or I might find ourselves on a cross next to Jesus this week, I believe the following might tend to serve the same purpose in getting your attention:
1. To meet with Jesus at the end of any day and say to him that reading His Word that day was not a priority for you. I know, your excuse was more of not having enough time, rather than a matter of priority. Explain the difference, please? Aren’t you insulting God by giving lesser priority to spending time with Him than you would at the coffee shop or in reading the local news for the day?
2. Meeting with others to worship, adore, and listen to the voice of God through His messenger as he preaches the Word of God. No, your time with God while fishing, hunting or hanging out with the guys/girls does not qualify, for God wants us to meet with others so that we might encourage them, allow them to encourage and uplift us, and to learn from them. He likens that to a time when iron sharpens iron – something that can’t be done virtually or alone. Imagine overhearing someone say to God that they were counting on getting with you at church to ask questions or receive encouragement, but you didn’t show up? And because it wasn’t a priority for you, they won’t return?
3. We deserve to die, much like the two thieves hanging on each side of Jesus at Golgotha. But each day,for the unsaved, you have the choice of establishing, or changing your stance on eternity. Friends, which one of the thieves did you imitate yesterday? By the end of the day, did you determine in your heart to ask Jesus to please remember you in His kingdom, or were you just as determined to hurl insults at Jesus and curse Him for His sacrifice on the cross so that you might be set free from sin and Hell? Each day we will determine in ourselves, if Jesus came today to collect His church, will we be a part of the saints that Jesus takes with Him, or settle for the pit of Hell with Satan and his demons. Our decision on what we did with Christ up to that point in time will determine our eternal destination. Acceptance of Jesus as Savior prior to that moment will give us the right to be taken up with the saints to be with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever. Without that, you have agreed to remain with Satan and his promise of eternal damnation. The choice is yours today, my friend, so don’t delay, Jesus’ return is closer today than it has ever been before.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Should You return this very moment, I am convinced Lord, that You will still find many who replicate the lives of the two thieves mentioned in today’s Scripture. However, I praise You, Lord, for I am convinced that you will also find many who are ‘In Christ’, for they have accepted You, have an intimate, daily, active, and personal relationship with You, and are standing ready and waiting for Your return. They stand in fear and respect of all You have shared in Your Word, and because they have accepted that and asked for forgiveness of their sin, they stand ready to welcome Your return with open arms. Please Lord, once again today, please touch the hearts and lives of all those we know, and draw them to Yourself. Convict them of their sin and soften their hearts to reach out to You for eternal life, for we want to see them in glory worshipping you when we are blessed to arrive on the scene ourselves. You are holy, righteous and loving, and because we are not, we beg You to continue Your work in us until the day You call us home to Heaven. AMEN!

Why Did God Call You?

On 2024-04-142024-04-14 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, Worship1 Comment

DATE POSTED: Sunday, April 14, 2024, 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, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 45:4-6

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: “And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me?
It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one.
I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Having been a member of several Pastor Search Committees, I can reflect on reasons why someone may have wondered if we were interviewing a super human being, or a very saintly person, or perhaps even God himself, based on the questions and the expectations we had for a prospect. We established many rules for our committee to ensure that our final decision was pure and perfect in the sight of God. However, as I read this Scripture I was caught aback with the choice of God to fulfill the mission He had in mind, for it bore no resemblance to the way we operated our Pastor Search Committees. In trying to learn the heart and will of God, I believe the Holy Spirit caused me to ponder the following:
1. God’s choice of a man who didn’t personally have a relationship with Him – To help you see why I was distracted by this, imagine your pastor and/or elders coming before your church body and announcing their selection for the open church leadership position. While we’re always thrilled to see vacant church leadership positions filled, I’m not so sure we would accept a candidate with no prior church affiliation or experience, nor one who had not accepted Jesus as Lord yet.
2. For the sake of Jacob and God’s chosen people, Israel – If your head elder was presenting this, he might say that this is a man who an old patriarch of the church once told them to keep an eye out for, because he was influential in a nearby town where they were hoping you would open a satelite church, so treat him royally. But most important in this reference, is that God was making an unusual decision for mankind, but primarily due to the prayers, and life of His servant Jacob, and for the ultimate benefit of God’s chosen people Israel. I wonder, would God make decisions because of either of us, and our godly influence in the local church or community? Don’t most of us simply slip into church at the last minute, sit near the back, and dash out the doors the minute you hear the pastor say ‘Amen’? Or, are you truly praying for the work of Jesus Christ in your own life, and in full and meaningful ways in the life of your pastor and your church, so that God would be glorified in your community? Are you taking time to encourage the downhearted and hurting, while also lifting up and promoting the awesome work of those committed to the Lord and His church? Are you showing appreciation for all that God has blessed you with, by giving back to God and His local ministry as taught in the Bible?
Friends, I believe that this Scripture today reminds us that God’s perfect will can be fulfilled in and through each of us, our churches and those committed to Him. He can use anyone and/or anything to align His will in our lives, if we open our heart to accept Him and seek to serve Him. Ours is not to question how God will do all this, or why He would look at assigning a godly assignment to someone who has no godly background, but we are to simply be willing servants who will obey His commands and accept His powerful, and often unusual, alignment of people and things to miraculously work in and through us for our good and His glory. What a Mighty God We Serve!!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord for the song writer who penned the words to ‘Why Me Lord’, for I’m sure that Cyrus must have said similar words many times as he experienced the call on his life, rather than the holy and righteous, top church officials of that day. But then we are led to also ponder who it is today that God might consider holy and righteous in His sight? We live in a world torn by sin and one that eats away at the very core of our being, whether we consider ourselves righteous or not. Lord, please teach us to stand in a mode of readiness for Your commands, by living out what we learn from our daily relationship and encounters with You. Only You are holy, but I beg You to make us so much like You that others will be drawn to the cross of Calvary and willingly surrender their lives to you. AMEN!

Sacrifice – Christ, Time or Finances?

On 2024-04-052024-04-05 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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, April 5, 2024, and I was blessed to be at a Vrbo property near Lake City, 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 The Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 10:8-10

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Now when it says that God doesn’t want and takes no real pleasure in sacrifices, burnt offerings, and sin offerings (even though the law calls for them), and follows this with “See, I have come to do Your will,” He effectively takes away the first—animal sacrifice—in order to establish the second, more perfect sacrifice. By God’s will, we are made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus the Anointed once and for all time.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: As I meditated on this Scripture today, I thought about how we don’t offer animal sacrifices today, so how does this relate to us? But then, I feel like the Holy Spirit stopped me thinking about animal sacrifices, and instead think about the ways that we feel like we sacrifice to gain favor with God. I’m sure you’ve heard friends and loved ones before: ‘Well, I will sacrifice going to the beach tomorrow, so that I could attend church’; OR ‘That church expects me to sacrifice my last dime to give to them’; OR ‘I’m sure that God will bless me if I get up early (sacrificing my warm bed and extra rest – my only day to rest) so that I could be at church this morning’. But take a moment to compare those sacrifices with animal sacrifices that the Jews took to the temple to be slaughtered, or offer up by the priests. The people were taught by their ancestors that this was necessary to receive certain concessions with God. But the Bible is clear, that there is no way to offer a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sin. However, God had a better way in mind: He caused the miraculous birth of His only Son, Jesus, who lived on earth as God Himself – healing, loving the unlovable, raising the dead back to life – you know, those things that only God could do. And, although miraculous in every way, yet God ordered that Jesus be sacrificed, or put to death, so that all mankind might have a way for the forgiveness of sin, and therefore a way to eternal life. So this precious gift was offered to mankind – a Savior – Jesus Christ – the Son of God himself. As with any other gift that we know of, it is useless unless we accept it with a thankful heart. Therefore friends, please be reminded that your simple ‘sacrifices’ are nothing but conjectures on your part. It is only through the sacrifice of the holy Son of God, that we can have forgiveness of our sin – that thing that separates us from God, and that makes us worthy of stepping into the presence of the Holy One. Sin cannot enter where God is, so to reject His Son, is like saying ‘no thank you’ to God for His invitation to be where He is. God also sent the Holy Spirit to help us with this process, for we become so engrossed in making money, having fun, pleasing others, envy towards our neighbors and friends, etc, that our minds stay focused on earthly things. You will know that the Holy Spirit is knocking at your heart’s door when your mind and desires suddenly turn towards the things of God. Listen for it, and be ready to surrender your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, thank You for the sacrifice You made on Calvary so that those who surrender lordship of their lives to You, could receive forgiveness of their sin in readiness for the grandest event yet, when we enter the portals of heaven for all eternity. Having just celebrated Easter, we were reminded once again of true sacrifice. Please help us to get over ourselves and the self-proclaimed self-righteousness we feel when we feel like we have ‘sacrificed’ something for Your glory and appreciation. You have prepared the way, now please invoke Your blessing on us as You work on our self-will, selfish desires, and self-designed sacrifices. Teach us again to look full in Your wonderful face, accept Your perfect will for our lives, live in obedience to Your teachings and example, and accept the sacrifice You designed for our heavenly benefit. May our lives become uncluttered enough to see the goodness, love and mercy of our God every moment of every day! AMEN!

Rejoice! Our KING is Coming!

On 2024-04-032024-04-02 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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, and I was blessed to be at an Vrbo property near Lake City, 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 Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 35:4-6

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Tell those who worry, the anxious and fearful, “Take strength; have courage! There’s nothing to fear.… The balance is shifting; God will right all wrongs. None other than God will give you success. He is coming to make you safe.” Then, such healing, such repair: the eyes of the blind will be opened; the ears of the deaf will be clear. The lame will leap like deer excited; they will run and jump tirelessly and gracefully. The stutterer, the stammerer, and the tongue of the mute will sing out loud and clear in joyful song. Waters will pour through the deserts; streams will flow in godforsaken lands.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: How many times have you questioned God about the handicap of some, and the misfortunes of others? How many times have you questioned God about why you must go through certain struggles that seem to pull you down unreasonably? The Israelites were forced into captivity in Egypt where they were reduced to slavery and extreme hardship. God sent them a deliverer who set them free and led them back to Jerusalem. But, because of their sin and rebellion they continued an uphill battle. Don’t we tend to see similar misfortune in our lives still today, friend of God? Have we discovered how enslaving this ongoing sin is, and the negative impact it is having on our lives? For those who have not recognized and accepted Jesus as King, or Lord of their lives, they may blame daily mishaps or trials and temptations as being ‘down on their luck’, or ‘just another bad day’. However when God spoke through His prophet, Isaiah, it is obvious that He desired that the people recognize God, their Creator, their Protector, and their forever King who will not only guide them to all righteousness here on earth, but will also rule and reign in heaven where His saints will gather to worship and adore Him forever! But the best news of all for myself, my readers, and fellow Christians today, is that this is also a picture of what we can expect as children of the King today! Yes, our forever home – Heaven, has been prepared for us! I know, friends, you are just like me, and you tire of all the sickness, death, crime, war, lies and mistrust and unrest here on earth. You therefore wonder if all this will ever come to an end. I believe that this is where our Scripture especially comes to life! For just as Isaiah encouraged the Israelites with this good news, we too can still find hope, strength and encouragement in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We just celebrated Easter – a time commemorating the life, death, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The Bible tells us that the greater purpose of all this, was that Jesus followed the orders of His Father, who allowed this as a promise to all mankind, that whosoever believes in this Son of God – Jesus, will one day raise from the dead and live eternally with He and His Father – God, in heaven for all eternity. With this hope, also comes the assurance that God will love on us, protect us, care for us, guide us, and teach us to be His example here on earth, until He calls us home. There is hope, my friend, for those who trust in Jesus! Do you know Him today? If not, I encourage you to read the tips in my Footnote on how to find, accept and know Jesus as your Savior and Lord. I am convinced that there is no greater decision you can make today, than to know for sure that you belong to Jesus, and that He is your soon coming King!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord Jesus for the assurance given to us today that You are still available to us and that You will come and reign in our lives, should we agree to let go of earthly, but empty, promises and misfortunes. The Bible says that You have gone to prepare a place for us – our place for all eternity with You, Your Father and the Holy Spirit. There is nothing on earth that compares to that, so I pray that You will tender every heart that reads this devotional today and are reminded of Your love. Please convince them of the need for the Savior, and the bright hope of tomorrow, as His child. May those who have accepted You, be on a daily mission to give You full control, so that You may minister through us to reach the lost and unconvinced of their need for You. AMEN!

Lesson From Jesus Under Intense Pressure

On 2024-04-02 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, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, and I was blessed to be at a Vrbo property in Lake City, 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 Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 23:33-37

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” … Now the people stood by, watching; but even the rulers ridiculed and sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others [from death]; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him and [cruelly] offering Him sour wine, and sarcastically saying, “If you are [really] the King of the Jews, save Yourself [from death]!”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: My prayer is that many of my readers may have heard this Scripture read at least once over this past weekend. But although I did, the Holy Spirit still keenly spoke to me today as I meditated on this Scripture. How much improvement is needed in our character to come close to what Jesus taught in His experience? It seems like our family and friends are going to extremes to get back at each other, because something was said against them, or perhaps not quite in the right tone. People are being murdered because they accidentally cut someone off in traffic. People are quitting churches because the pastor can no longer afford quality time with them, or the elders are encouraging new members instead of recognizing all that the older members give financially. Be reminded dear friends that Jesus had been arrested by the Jewish authorities, even though He never committed a crime. He was taken before Herod and also Pilate and neither could find any fault in Him, yet because of the hatred of the Jewish leaders, Jesus was ordered to crucifixion so that a murderer, Barabas, could be set free. Jesus was repeatedly beaten and abused as if He was a murderer, He was forced to carry His own cross to Calvary in spite of His worn out body. In the midst of His mother and other followers, His beatings continued, while being mocked and ridiculed and pierced with huge nails to a wooden cross. And then, even in spite of all that had transpired, Jesus looked to his Father and asked for forgiveness of the hateful and cruel men assigned to His crucifixion. Remember, this is the same Jesus who performed miracle after miracle, as recorded in the New Testament, so we know that a simple command could have reversed every evil action that day. What would you have wished on your accusers and abusers? Be reminded how upset and vindictive you get over much less, by those who cross your path. How might they be affected if you followed in the example of Jesus and asked God to forgive them? When we say that we’re a child of the King, seeking to do His will and follow in His example – do we truly know what that entails? Oh that we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and submit our will to His, so that He might mold us and make us His disciples who will be His witness here on earth.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, we are humbled and reminded of how much You willingly endured for our sake at Calvary, and we are forever grateful. Based on our actions, I believe that so many of us need a very special touch from You to enable a humble spirit, and one that looks first at what the God of this universe wants of us, before we acts based on selfish desires and personal benefits. Please help us to stay so in tune with You so that we will learn to act based on Your will, Your desire for us, and the benefit it all will have on the KIngdom. May we be willing at say, and accept, the words of Jesus – not my will oh Lord, but may Your perfect will be fulfilled in us. Please brush aside our selfishness, pride and greed so that we can concentrate fully on Your will and desire for us, and those that we come into contact with. AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Category: Worship