Tag: Accepted

An Accurate Look into our Motives and Actions

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

DATE POSTED: Wednesday, December 19, 2023, and I was blessed to be at The Landing at Seven Coves, Willis, TX 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 Proverbs 21:2-3; 13;

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: When trying to weigh in on our neighbors disputes they are sharing with us, we must always remember that there’s at least 3 conditions we must examine: His story; Her Story; and the Right story! Why is that? Because we all make our own decisions sound as good as we possibly can. However, we will make our spouse’s story sound as bad as possible, to help warrant why we are complaining and whining! But isn’t that the way it is when we stand before God in prayer also? Often we know the right thing we should say or do, and we probably know what the Bible wants us to say or do, so we really do know what pleases God. But why do we still choose to do what displeases our spouse, family and God? Friends, I would dare say that we are such people pleasers that we feel like we must say and do everything that will look right to those looking on, or sounds right when we tell our story. But for today, we are reminded what God said through His servant Solomon: ‘The Lord examines our heart, and our motives’. So shouldn’t we, as children of God, aim to please our Master and Lord at all times, seeing that it is He that we surrendered our lives to when we vowed to turn from this world and follow Him? Isn’t it Him that we aim to please, regardless of what the world thinks of us? In fact, we are further told in verse 3, that God is more concerned with our righteousness, honesty, and god-like attributes, than He is in the amount of time we spend at church, or the amount we give to the church and/or towards His earthly work. Notice the Scripture didn’t say that we stop giving and just act right! For the child of God, in right standing with Him, will also give, at a minimum, the percentage given as a guide in His Word. For we give from a heart of love and obedience to our God. But when we give from hearts that are not right with God, how can we possibly please Him and give according to the intent of His Word where He wants us to give freely and happily from hearts filled with God’s love and appreciation for all that He has given to us. When we do this, we will give without strings attached for what the church, or pastor, or leaders could do for us, we will give because of our love and appreciation for our God. Notice that we are also taught to help others, especially the poor. Of particular interest is that God doesn’t say that we help them only after we’ve checked out their intent to gain illegitimately from us. For God is our judge, and theirs. Friends, I was touched by the verse that reminded me that I will be treated much like how I treat others. No matter how much money we have, or don’t have, we will be treated much in the same way that we treat others. When we find excuses and apply man made logic to give, or not give to others, the same may apply to us at some stage down the road. Notice that God didn’t apply this to just those above a certain pay grade or with a minimum of ‘X’ number of dollars in the bank. If someone is begging for bread, give them half of yours. In that way, you won’t starve and nor would they! Friends, we may often wonder why our prayers are not answered. I believe that we have some great examples included in today’s Scripture that might cause us to wonder why God would help, especially if we act like He indicated in these verses today.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I am reminded that here on earth, we can fool some of the people some of the time, but never all of the people all of the time! It’s unfortunate we fall back into our old ways more times than we care to remember, but thank You for reminding us that we absolutely can’t fool You, for You not only know our words and our deeds, but You know our very thoughts, and our motives behind why we do and say what we do. Your Word is clear on what You demand of us, and in the lessons taught to us today, we’ve been reminded that we can hide nothing from You. Lord, we want to be transparent in our actions and our intent. We know that we can hide nothing from You, now please teach us to never feel the need to hide our intentions from anyone else, and may there never be a reason why You can’t be glorified through us nor in our actions and speech. 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!

Some Will Enter, While Others Won’t

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

DATE POSTED: Monday, December 18, 2023, and I was blessed to be at The Landing at Seven Coves, Willis, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 4:1-3

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Although God’s promise still stands—his promise that all may enter his place of rest—we ought to tremble with fear because some of you may be on the verge of failing to get there after all. For this wonderful news—the message that God wants to save us—has been given to us just as it was to those who lived in the time of Moses. But it didn’t do them any good because they didn’t believe it. They didn’t mix it with faith. For only we who believe God can enter into his place of rest. He has said, “I have sworn in my anger that those who don’t believe me will never get in,” even though he has been ready and waiting for them since the world began.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: In the New Living Translation, and several others, my attention was drawn to the way that the writer wanted us to focus on being at rest. I believe the best way for us to understand that is to think about a time in our lives when we were at ‘unrest’. I recall my mom sharing a time when she and my dad were caught in their home battling a large (tidal like) wave that came ashore in a monster hurricane. Their home was being battered, while also being filled with water. Both my mom and dad fought for their lives while seeing everything they owned being destroyed, and also while fighting for their own personal survival. At their first safe opportunity, they escaped and ran to the shelter of relatives who lived on higher, and safer, ground. Although still extremely concerned about their home and belongings, their minds were ‘at rest’ in being in a safe place, loved and cared for by relatives. In the Bible, and in these verses in particular, reference is made to the rescue of the Israelites from Egypt, where they were slaves in a foreign land. These were God’s chosen people, so when the time was right, He coordinated a safe and miraculous passage for their escape, into a land He promised to them. This ‘land’ was no ordinary place, for it was referred to as: a place of land and honey; a place that was lucious green and where its current residents seemed like giants. Although I would imagine that no one reading this devotional ever served as a slave, I believe that like me, you too can imagine the sigh of relief by the Israelites when they finally saw hope for their rescue from slavery drawing near. But, regardless of the miracles, upon miracles, that took place while millions of people made their way through the desert with minimal provisions, yet we know from the account that: some continued to wish they were back in Egypt; some cursed Moses for leading them into very rough times; many denounced the power of God, even after witnessing His miraculous actions to save them, feed them, and guide them on to a new country. In fact, some were so strongly opposed to God and His actions, that God lost His patience with them and refused to let them enter the land He had prepared for them. Interesting story, isn’t it? But is it any different to what we do today? God also prepared a place for you and I to dwell, after our time here on earth. With our permission, He wantsto take us out of our slavery to sin and this wicked world. He is performing miracles all around us, so that we could be reminded of His existence and His power. He left for us His Book of Instruction (the Bible) so that we could know more about Him, be guided in how He wants us to live, and most importantly – to introduce us to His very special gift – His only Son, Jesus. If we believe on Him and accept Him, then God promised us a land also – a forever home called Heaven. However, the same warning that He gave to the Israelites, He also gives to us. This new home, Heaven, is only available if we believe on Jesus and accept Him as Lord of our life. If we choose not to believe, then we will receive the same judgment as the Israelites – we will not enter into the land promised by God, for Heaven is a place for the saints of God to join with their Master/King/Lord where we will live eternally with him. Where does that put you, my friend. The conditions for acceptance is clear. No excuses will pardon your disobedience of the Master. God said it, we must believe it, for Him to accept us into Heaven. Leave no doubt in this my friend. This is a decision you must make while you’re alive, for your course in eternity to be just as God promised. If you choose to opt out in your decision making, your eternity will be more intense misery, pain and abuse by the evil one in hell. Please read my Footnote carefully, and follow through with the greatest decision you could make this side of Heaven. Your eternity depends on it.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I believe that You have built into us an overwhelming desire to make decisions that could mean endless happiness! Likewise, I am equally convinced that You have built into us a desire to question, and kick against the norm. A decision that, unfortunately, may lead to total destruction and/or misery, and/or eternal hopelessness. In making such important choices, it seems like our decisions would be easy. However, Satan is allowed to woo us towards his corner so we often choose to dishonor You, oh Lord. Although, I am reminded over and over again in Your Word that we are made in Your likeness, and if we would only seek You as our earthly Guide in these important decisions that affect our eternity, You will draw us to Yourself. Because of Your proven love and concern for us, Your precious children, I believe You are deeply saddened to see us set You aside, and instead accept the evil and hatred that the evil one is known for. Please forgive us Lord, and make us more determined to see and accept You and Your amazing attributes that will lead us to the joys of eternity in Heaven with You. 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!

Patience Without Limit

On By Ed AlgreenIn Patience, Salvation, SurrenderLeave a comment

The Holy Bible (New Century Version – 1 Timothy 1:15-16): 15 What I say is true, and you should fully accept it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. 16 But I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. His patience with me made me an example for those who would believe in him and have life forever.

Thoughts: I believe that these verses speak very loudly to both the believer in Jesus Christ, and to the non-believer (if they would read and accept the written Word of God).

To the believer: I believe that Paul is helping his associate, Timothy, know that he needn’t go into ministering and causing folk to believe that he is superior in faith to them. To us (believers), I believe that God wanted Paul to get across to us that sin is sin, and where God brought us from is no better than where we see those that we are witnessing, or ministering to. However, we are reminded that because of the grace of our Lord Jesus, He looked down in mercy, and because of our separation from God, our unholy lives bore no resemblance to His, however in mercy He heard our prayer, forgave us of our sin and crowned us as children of the King of all kings. As we constantly remind ourselves of where we came from, friends we will better identify with the needs of the unsaved, and we can more readily share with them the kind of loving, merciful, forgiving God that we are recommending to them. Just as Paul shared, we are plain evidence of God’s love and mercy, and we were no more special than the person we are witnessing to, other than we humbled ourselves and surrendered to His call. We gave up that old life and now stand as princes and princesses of the greatest King, only God and Creator, Jesus the only Son of God! Praise be the name of the Lord forever!

To the unbeliever: I believe it is evident that God wanted Paul to make it clear that the same power is available to the unbeliever today that saved Paul, a sinner who was feared by the church because of his undying desire to persecute the church and destroy anything or anyone who claimed the name of the Lord. Yes, in the eyes of many you may be considered a very bad person, but God sees you as His creation, one for whom He allowed His only Son to die on a cruel cross, and one for whom God loves way too much to see you die and go to Hell. Friend, I can safely and accurately tell you this from my personal experience, because I realized some 40 years ago that I needed Christ, and He looked down in love and accepted my plea for forgiveness and oneness with Him. He did it for me, for Paul, and I have every confidence that He will do it for you also friend. Jesus is patiently waiting for your word, what will it be today? Remember, no word at all means ‘No’, and I believe that anyone led to read this devotional today will not make that kind of decision! May God deal gently, but boldly in your heart today, is my sincere and humble prayer for you friend …. because I know that God loves you, and so do I!

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for going to such an extreme to show Your unswerving love for me and all of mankind. Please help me to never forget where You brought me from, in hopes that I can better identify with those that might be far away from You today. I am concerned for my family, friends, coworkers and church attendees who still have not accepted You as Lord, because I firmly believe that Your return is not only eminent, but will happen at any time. I want to meet around Your throne with all my family and friends present. I plead with You today to please melt their hardened hearts and create a desire in them to fully surrender their lives to You, like Paul did and like I and many others have already done. May this be the day of salvation for them today, please, dear Lord. May the unsaved see Your mercy and grace in action today through the many miracles You perform each day in and around us. I bring my praises, these petitions and awesome thanksgiving in the name of the only Savior, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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 blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!