Tag: Bible

Living Your Faith Boldly: A Devotional Reflection

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

DATE POSTED
Friday, February 7, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read it in your Bible or click Acts 4:5-17 to read it in the Good News Translation (GNT).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I find it interesting how differently we speak about a subject in private with the Lord, vs with a very close family member; with a close Christian friend; with our pastor/church family; with our work family; with those opposed to Christianity; or with government authorities. I believe that we have become way too interested in pleasing our audience and protecting their image or knowledge of us, rather than sharing our thoughts honestly with those we communicate with. It was refreshing to be reminded how Peter and John didn’t hold back what the Holy Spirit wanted them to share with the Jewish Leaders, who had demanded their presence for questioning about a healing that took place the day before. Just as God spoke to me through this interview, I believe it is filled with lessons for Christians, and for those who stand by and watch for our mistakes or misgivings about our faith. What, or in whom do you believe, dear reader? No, it doesn’t matter who’s asking, for I would rather hear how you would respond to Jesus on this question. Yes, I know you could be in a restaurant, or public place filled with people of different religions and some who may have no religion at all, when this question is asked of you. Please remember that God knows what you think in your heart about questions regarding your spiritual condition, but I believe He is anxiously waiting for you to enlighten your company with your innermost feelings about Him – your Creator, and the God of this whole universe. Sure, you may be ridiculed or even questioned some more about your faith, but notice in the Scripture today how Peter responded, knowing full well that the Jewish leaders could easily have taken him into custody or possibly even had him killed. Do you suppose that you would ever fear that type of retribution from your audience? Then what is holding you back? I once took part in a challenge from a former pastor where participants were asked to carry a small wooden cross, about 8″ long, with us for a week – everywhere we went. To work, on to business meetings and even to restaurants for lunch. Can you imagine the looks we received?? However, in the Bible Jesus said that we are to pick up our cross and follow Him daily. Can onlookers see your (spiritual) cross in every part of your life-walk? Normally we wouldn’t carry a physical cross, but can others see that we have accepted the One who hung on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin? You say that you belong to Jesus, but how closely do you follow His commands, obey His teachings and imitate Him while you’re out in your mission field? Wouldn’t it be ‘cool’ to have someone ask you to explain who’s affecting your life and character? That would be a whole lot more impactful than any sermon they may hear or any form of evangelism your church might ask you to participate in. People desire truth through action, not just verbal claims of truth from the Bible.

PRAYER
Thank You, Jesus, for submitting to the cross so that the work of the Father might be accomplished even through Your sacrifice. Because of what You did, my readers and I who have acknowledged You as Lord of our lives, can look forward to life eternally in heaven! We understand from Your Word that this is THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN, and praise God, I accepted Your invitation. My deep, sincere prayer is that every reader will be encouraged to listen closely for Your invitation, and they will accept You as Lord of their life. I further pray that we will be so filled with Your goodness, and Your character, based on everything You shared in Your Word, that it will overflow through us in our words, actions and thoughts, regardless of our company or audience. Be glorified in us oh Lord – everything we are and everything we become, so that this may encourage others to seek You out personally. AMEN!

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

Understanding God’s Disappointment: A Devotional Reflection

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

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read it in your Bible, or click Jeremiah 11:14-23, to read today’s focal verses in the Living Bible (TLB).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, was known to be very empathetic towards his people and therefore prayed tirelessly for them. In knowing the heart and thoughts of His children, I believe that God is also very empathetic towards His children. However, He is a just God and will therefore call a spade a spade, rewarding the obedient flock and punishing the disobedient as needed. Pastors and church leaders grow tired and discouraged in praying for parishioners who seem to know of God when there is a need, yet they want no part of God, His commandments, or His church when they have no known needs. I would question the salvation of the latter group but, praise God, He is their judge, for He knows all about their actions, words, thoughts and the intent of their hearts. Some would probably never return to a church if the pastor shared that he heard from God, who told him that he was to stop praying for his disobedient church members. Yet Jeremiah shares with us in verse 14 that this is precisely what God ordered of him. In the following verses we might be surprised of God telling Jeremiah how it totally disappoints Him to see His children attend church (enter His temple) with such sin and disobedience going on in their lives. Although I’m not a theologian, I believe that we might use an analogy of a patient going in to see their highly trained doctor, with no intent of ever listening, or adhering, to the doctor’s instructions nor filling any prescriptions ordered that might improve their health. Attending church, especially after being blessed beyond all expectations over the past week but never raising your voice or hands in worship to our awesome Healer, Encourager, Giver of all good things, must confuse God as to why did you bother to come to His temple. Hearing the Word of God that is designed for correction, blessing, direction, and encouragement, yet walking away from a church service unchanged, must truly create a similar reaction from God as we see Him reacting to the stubborn Israelites. But in verse 17 we are given a verse that should really lead us to a time of introspection. God ordered Jeremiah to tell the people:  Now the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, has decreed disaster against you, the same tree He planted—all because of …. Friends, we can read the rest of verse 17 for the exact words given by God to Jeremiah, but more importantly, and to personally apply this Scripture today, I would encourage you to consider completing the verse in your own words, with your own circumstances as you imagine standing before God at this very moment. If you honestly have words to complete this verse, then you know exactly what you need to plead, pray, petition, and ask God for today. We could never be perfect here on this sinful earth, but God wants us to clear up any sin before Him so that we could always walk away from His presence perfect in His eyes. The pastor, nor any of his church leaders, nor me could do that for you. That’s a conversation you need to have with your Creator and final Judge to avoid the disaster He might bring against you because of your sin.

PRAYER
Lord, please forgive us for getting caught up in earthly religion. Some are teaching that You won’t punish or send us to Hell. Some would have us believe that there are many addons necessary for our salvation experience, while many others have their personal ideas about what we must do to be perfect like them, or possibly even You. It seems like many have lost sight of what You want, and the instructions You have left for us in Your Word. But I personally petition Your throne today asking that You always remind my readers and I that although we might successfully fool others at times, we could never fool You. Please help us to always be an open book before You, and knowing that You are all-knowing, all-powerful, and always present, this reminds us that we may as well be honest with ourselves at all times, every day. The unsaved are constantly looking for legitimate, honest and trustworthy imitations of Jesus, so I humbly ask that You make this so in my life today. AMEN!

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

The Blessings of Obedience vs. The Consequences of Disobedience

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, Obedience1 Comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, January 27, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read it in your Bible, or click Jeremiah 11:1-8 to read it in the New English Translation (NET)

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
We are taught from a very early age that they are good things in store for our obedience, and sometimes displeasure, disappointment or even consequences that might result from our disobedience. If this was not the case, we would never learn the value of rewards, nor the importance of rules, promises/covenants, or laws. Just as God listens to our cry for forgiveness and salvation today, He also heard the cry for mercy from His people captured in Egypt. For us, God promised that anyone who believes on Jesus, the Son of God, we will be saved from the wrath of Hell and receive Eternal Life in heaven. But for all who reject His free gift, they would spend eternity in the depths of Hell with Satan and his cohorts. For the Israelites, God promised those who believed His covenant promise and lived in full obedience to His commands, they and their ancestors would transition from the heated fire of distress and mistreatment by the Egyptians to a fruitful, beautiful land that kings and queens could only long to live in or benefit from. However, this place of milk and honey was not intended for those who rejected the Word of God and disobeyed His commands. In fact, God told Jeremiah to warn the people that He would bring curses on the disobedient. Now, unless we casually think for a moment that we are reading a story about the history of our forefathers, I believe that we should consider how God provided His precious Word to trigger a celebration of praise when we are reminded of the many ways in which He blessed those before us, and how He promised to also bless those who accept Him as Lord today. But we must also realize that God would never leave the alternative open for discussion or second guessing. His complete Word is given to us, His obedient children, so that we could understand that since He is still the same today that He has always been, we too can expect the fertile ground that He promised the Israelites who obeyed His covenant with their forefathers. Likewise, I believe that God would also have us know that anytime we take things into our own hands and do life as we see fit, and not according to His commands or covenant with our forefathers, we too can expect His curse. You see, God didn’t want this unpleasant warning to go unnoticed or to never have an impact on His children today. We need the same reminder that God demanded His servant Jeremiah to share with the Israelites. When we obey God, we receive His blessings. When we ignore His promises and His precious gift of His Son Jesus, then we receive His curse and wind up getting our wish of being subjected to Satan’s unpleasant and horrific actions and domain. Based on your decisions to date, my friends, what have you done about Jesus? Is He your Lord and Savior? Or in rejecting His promises, are you satisfied in what Satan has to offer? Those are the only two options, my friends, and only you can make the decision or choice for your eternity.

PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, You have taught us the value of obedience, and You have warned us of the dangers and misfortunes of disobedience. Thank You for putting this into perspective through today’s Scripture and thank You for allowing Your servant Jeremiah the opportunity to warn Your people, instead of bringing down Hell and damnation on them without notice. Through this, I feel like You have also encouraged me and warned my contemporaries who have not heeded Your commands. Oh, that this may be a day of decision for many as this message is brought to light again, and may Your obedient children find reason to glorify You multiple times over. Be glorified through the truth of Your Word and in it being extended to the world through this devotional. 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!

Living Your Faith: Practical Applications of James’ Teachings

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, Eternal Life, Eternity, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Sunday, January 26, 2025, and I was blessed to be in Kyle, 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 Good News Translation (GNT) and found in James 2:14-26 (Click to open and read)

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I maintain that the Word of God is all sufficient and covers every aspect of life for which we need help, comfort or direction. It is amazing, dear friends! But less we become confused, or should we totally misunderstand what James is teaching us here, perhaps we should look at a few real-life examples. Such as: If a man and woman marries and the man continues his life-long hobbies with his buddies, leaving very little time to spend with his new wife, will that marriage survive? I doubt it! Plus, if family and friends never see the couple together, or either of them showing affection towards each other, or lovingly doing things for each other, will others ever believe that they are married? I doubt it. If your friends heard that you are a fisherman, but they notice that you don’t own a boat, or you never go out fishing, or never sell seafood, will they ever believe you are a fisherman? I doubt it. So it is with Christianity my friends, and I believe that this is what James wanted to draw our attention to. Christian loved ones will probably drive us to attend church with them, and we may get caught up in the charisma and excitement of the preaching or the exceptional worship team, and we may walk the isle to impress our friends and/or the pastor. An elder may pray over us, but what difference does it make in our lives on Monday morning? In God’s Word we are told that we are to leave behind the things of this world and follow Christ. That tells me that we are to make a 180 degree turn from the things we once did, for the things, and teachings, of Jesus Christ is always opposite to that the world, or its leader, Satan, would lead us to do. When this change is not noticed by those who know you, then James is teaching us to go back to square one and make sure that we are saved. When we surrender lordship of our lives to Jesus Christ, we become a band new man, or woman, for our lifestyle changes, our vocabulary changes, we become a helpful person who loves God’s children and want to lead them to the Savior we love. These things are quite the opposite to the old ridiculing, persecuting, selfish, greedy, hateful personal we once were. But unless we totally miss the point, we must pay close attention to verses 23-24 where James uses the example of Abraham. For many will look at the self-controlled man that Abraham was when he followed the instructions of God to take his son with him up to the place of sacrifice, then build a fire, and then place his very son on the wood altar as a sacrifice. Friends, that took guts, so we may tend to believe that anyone who is so strong, they must be a born again Christian. But for those of us who look to the Bible for it’s full instruction, we will remember that in Genesis 15:6 the Word tells us that ‘Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith’. So I believe the Bible is clear in presenting you with a million dollar question today: ‘Have you believed in the Son of God?’. If you haven’t, then I believe James is teaching us to recognize that we are only spinning our wheels with our church attendance, giving generously to the work of the church, being kind to the widow down the street who always respects you, etc. Instead, dear friends, take the Word of God seriously and believe that Jesus died and rose again for all mankind, knowing that those who believe in Him will not perish, but will enjoy eternal life in glory with He and the Father! Believe, commit, enjoy and obey the Word of God dear friends, and your actions and intents will be known to God and those around you. He has prepared a place for you in heaven, but you must prepare for that gift of eternal life today, while here on earth. Be sure that you take the Bible seriously dear friends and be obedient to its teachings.

PRAYER
Thank you precious Lord for Your sacrifice and the gift that You offer to those who believe in You. Every time we listen in to the news we hear nothing but trouble and strife, and these are not from You. James reminded us today that Abraham believe in God and he was saved – gifted with eternal life in heaven. Please help us to be obedient children and believe on the name of Jesus to receive the gift of eternal life, as the Bible teaches in John 3:16. James helps us to reflect on the seriousness of our commitment to You by honestly reviewing our actions for the proof of who has lordship over us. God knows all things – even to our innermost thoughts, so He knows where we stand. Oh that He may invoke to us a strong sense of where we are spiritually, so that we can sing praises to You or strengthen our petitions before You today, God being our Helper and Guide. 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!

Finding Faith: Embracing the Call to Discipleship

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

DATE POSTED
Thursday, January 23, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) and found in John 1:41-43; 45; 47-48;

THE SCRIPTURE READS
41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.”
45 Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
47 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” 48 “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I was once reminded that when an unsaved person asks you about things of the Lord, know that the Holy Spirit is working on that person, for Satan would never incite his follower to do such a thing! So when you wake up one morning and decide to visit a church down the road, don’t assume that you are doing your pesty friend a favor to get them off your back, just be obedient to the Holy Spirit and visit the house of the Lord. Unfortunately, believers in Jesus Christ, and especially unbelievers, find every excuse in the books to avoid the voice of the Holy Spirit and stay away from church attendance or even being around committed believers willing to share their ‘Jesus’ story. However, having shared that, I want you to meditate with me carefully about the cases in our Scripture today, and try to apply this to real life as you experience it today. Notice that Jesus found Andrew, and Andrew immediately had a desire to go and find his brother, Simon. Hopefully in your case, Jesus found you, and you were convicted of your sin after realizing that Jesus was the only source of Eternal Life, and you surrendered your life to His lordship. But, after this miracle of new birth took place, a new life in communion with Jesus Christ, I hope that it was too good to just sit and sour in the church pews, so you immediately thought about others who needed the same joy that you found in knowing Jesus, and you started asking Jesus for open doors to introduce them to your Lord. Like Andrew, I hope that you decided to go in search of that brother, pray for him, and invite him to join in your new-found faith. Now, notice how Jesus shows us about the new life and amazing opportunities He has in store for us. He changed Andrew’s name to better reflect the image of what he was to become in his new-found relationship with Christ, and his new kingdom work. Just imagine, Peter would be known as a ‘rock’ that would represent the solid footing believers would have in Jesus Christ. Ever wondered why so many church names include the name of this great disciple – ‘Peter’? Part of our salvation experience is in turning from our life of sin and the world, to a life dedicated to, and patterned after, our Lord and Savior. Unless this change takes place, it is impossible for others to see the handiwork of Jesus in us, and our lives would not properly represent the Savior in whom we are verbalizing that we have placed our trust in. Next in today’s Scripture, we see where Jesus found Phillip, and He invited Phillip to follow Him. While each of us are super important to God, He may often have much bigger plans for us than we could ever imagine. For I believe that Phillip had an immediate mission, to reach out to Nathaniel, a somewhat outspoken Israelite. Plus, Jesus had a teaching moment for all those already following Him, when He showed Nathaniel how much He already knew about him, even before they ever met in person. Friends, the story of the cross has a very similar message. For Jesus went to the cross for ALL mankind. The ones who attend church and can’t make a decision to accept Jesus, and for those who are deep in sin and see no need for Jesus. Yes, Jesus died for me, even while I was still a sinner. Dear friend, Jesus knows your name, and He knows how many invitations you have already avoided, shunned, and declined, to come and know more about Him. Yet He willingly went to the cross and died a criminal’s death, so that He could fulfill the mission of His Father in rising again so that you, I, and all mankind could have our sins forgiven, and ready us for Heaven. Jesus showed this compassion to Nathaniel, and He is reminding us again today, that He is the only way to see the Father. In John 3:16 we are reminded that for all who believe in Him, we will see God – we will have eternal life! Know Him today precious friends and know that peace that exceeds all human understanding! Prepare now so that we all may kneel together at the feet of our Father in heaven one day – soon!

PRAYER
Dear Lord, I am reminded once again that just as You sought after these first disciples, You are still seeking after the hearts and lives of men and women today that are destined to fulfill Your kingdom work right here where we are at. Thankfully, You got my attention many years ago and You have been faithful through every circumstance of life. So many times I can reflect on the mystery of Your handiwork, the miracles wrought in so many areas of my life and that of my family, friends and church. Some who will meditate on this devotional will identify where they are at in their spiritual walk today. I pray that all will follow in the example of these first disciples, by dropping everything to follow You. From every indication, the day of Your return is sooner than any of us would care to acknowledge. Oh that we would be ready to hear Your ‘WELCOME HOME’ greeting and Your compassionate acknowledgment ‘WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT’. 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!

Finding Compassion: Reflecting on Jeremiah’s Message

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, Compassion, Evangelize, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, Love2 Comments

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from The Message (MSG) and found in Jeremiah 9:1-2

THE SCRIPTURE READS
1-2 I wish my head were a well of water and my eyes fountains of tears So I could weep day and night for casualties among my dear, dear people.
At times I wish I had a wilderness hut, a backwoods cabin, Where I could get away from my people and never see them again. They’re a faithless, feckless bunch, a congregation of degenerates.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Unless you are aware that Jeremiah is known as ‘The Weeping Prophet’, it may be challenging for you to understand where he is coming from in these first two verses of chapter 9 in the book he wrote, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Although I must be the first to say that I have not been led to tears over the sins of my fellow believers, I have often pondered if pastors ever get to this stage after seeing their parishioners continue to live in sin, in spite of the heartfelt, Holy Spirt-led teaching and preaching they do each week. I believe that we all can identify to some extent when we think about our children who continue in rebellion regardless of the lessons we have taught them and the life-examples we have lived out before them. As for these devotionals, I was once asked where do I find these on the internet so that I could share these through Nuggets From God’s Word. For those who read these carefully, you already know that these are from my heart as inspired by the Holy Spirit who lives inside of me. However, in my study on these verses, I was so touched by one of the commentators that I refer to often, that I feel compelled to share his teaching with you on these verses. John Courson explains: ‘Jeremiah didn’t deliver his prophecies condemningly, with fingers pointing. He delivered them from a broken heart and with tear-filled eyes. That’s why God chose him. Some people come into our lives and say, “Woe is you,” as they condemn and point their fingers. Not Jeremiah. He shared the message of God accurately, but not without weeping compassionately. I believe we have no right to judge any other person or situation if we’re not brokenhearted about it. If I don’t feel compassion and tenderness, brokenness and love, I need to keep my mouth shut. I don’t have any right to point out the dirt on another’s feet unless I’m willing to do what Jesus did—to get down and start washing. If I’m not willing to get involved in restoring, loving, weeping, and caring, I’m missing the mark entirely.‘ Friends, there are some principles in this, that if our church followed them, we might be as close as we could get on earth to having a righteous, God-loving, holy and caring church. One that the unsaved would feel more compelled to join, and learn together with us about the God that we serve. If they got the slightest inkling that God is impacting our lives in such a way, they would be so excited about also accepting His Son, Jesus, as their Savior and allowing Him to be Lord of their life. So why don’t we mourn over the sin and its effects on our family, neighbors and fellow church members? Could it be that we don’t care about them? Or that we’re afraid of how they might respond to us? Or, could it be that we are so on and off in our own relationship with God because we don’t have a living, daily, intimate relationship with the Savior who died for us so that we might have the chance of eternity in Heaven? Is the sin in your own life causing you to cry out before a holy and righteous God? Is your relationship with Jesus fueled only by the Pastor’s sermons whenever you attend church, or do you enjoy a daily, regular, intimate time with the Lord each and every day? Have you been accused by a friend of being Christ-like, or is that reserved only for your time inside the church walls? I believe we were designed to cry, or shed tears, for things that truly hurt us deeply. When we do all we can to lead someone to the Lord, it will hurt us to even look at them and see them continue in sin. This might very well trigger a flood of tears from the hurt we feel inside. Perhaps we should petition the Father to cause us to hurt for the things that bring Him reason to hurt. This might incent us to seek God’s help to fulfill His purpose in reaching the lost for Christ.

PRAYER
Precious Lord Jesus, thank You for creating us to hurt for the things You hurt for. I can only imagine how it must hurt You deeply when we allow Satan to intervene and take away our God-likeness, and harden our hearts to either gossip about our struggling neighbors or to put them down, instead of following Your example to love us, sacrifice for us and lift us up from our life of sin. Praise God for showing, and promising us the glories of Heaven, that’s fit for a child of the King. Please Lord, teach us to desire a living, daily, personal relationship with You, so that we may desire and aim for the same for those in our inner circle of family and friends. Jeremiah was known as the ‘weeping prophet’ because of his deep desire to see people know His God and live like His children. Please touch our hearts to desire the same thing You want for Your children who need a Savior and a close relationship with You. 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!

Finding Peace: Understanding God’s Timing in Life

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

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from the Good News Translation (GNT) and found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2; 11-14;

THE SCRIPTURE READS
1 Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. 2 He sets the time for birth and the time for death,….
11 He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. 12 So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. 13 All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God’s gift. 14 I know that everything God does will last forever. You can’t add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I’ve heard this Scripture read over and over at funerals, but today I feel like God really spoke to me in a very personal way about this. From the moment that one is born, there is one thing we know for certain – they will eventually die, if God doesn’t send Jesus back for us before that time. However, we all gamble every day with the decisions we make and the opportunities we miss, knowing full well that we may never live to see that day concluded here on earth. I love the way that the GNT states these verses, for the same God who blessed our parents with the miracle of our birth, also has a planned time for our departure. This is not meant to be a morbid message, for it is a fact that we all know, and a part of life that will happen to us all. Casinos thrive from people who place a dollar in one of their machines, hoping to see many dollars returned to them at the end of their gamble. Would it be safe to say that Satan thrives from mankind facing a day knowing that it could be their last opportunity to invite Jesus into their heart, but he (Satan) wins when death becomes a reality to the undecided in the course of their life that day? I am a fairly big note-taker, especially in my Bible studies and during the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. I found the following notes that I had taken on this subject, and because I realize that some might complain that they don’t know what it means to be ready for death, I thought to share it with you, my readership: Here’s how to be ready for that day:

  1. Set your mind on things above – Col 3:1 – we tend to think a lot on things that do not matter. Job – they will find someone else! Money – it’s of no use for eternity.
  2. Meditate on those who have gone on ahead of us. – Hebrews 4:8 – imitate their faith.
  3. Pray for yourself – 2 Peter 4:10 – salvation. You must be born again. You will then live like you’ve been born again. Pray without ceasing.
  4. Be Diligent In: Bible Study; Church attendance; sharing the Gospel;
  5. Let your light shine before men. Live like you’re a child of the King and like you’ve been with Jesus today.
  6. Know that final day is coming for all of us. Be ready, for it will come without notice. Suddenly.

Think about it friends. If you awoke today knowing that there’s a good chance a storm will hit your area today, most of you will be motivated to do most of the things mentioned above to help protect, and ready yourself for the impending danger. Throughout the Bible, and especially here in our Scripture verses today, we are told that death is coming to us all and today could very well be your turn. Are you ready to meet Jesus, knowing that your eternity is secured in having accepted Him as Lord of your life, and also knowing that any negative response to this will result in eternity in Hell with Satan and his demons? It’s totally your decision my friend.

PRAYER
Thank You Jesus for provoking us to make vital decisions each day – do we stay in bed, or do we get up; do we get dressed and become active today, or just lounge around lazily; is there anything we need to do to face any and all things that might come our way today? On the latter, we easily prepare for the earthly things that may or may not occur. But today – at this very moment, we know without a shadow of doubt that today could very well be the day that we face eternity. Thank You for allowing us to make our informed choices. I appreciate You giving us Your Word to help us know and understand what today will bring whether we live, or whether we die. My choice is to spend eternity with the One in whom I have entrusted my life and given my service to, and I thank You for that assurance precious Lord. Please provoke the thoughts and minds of my readers to make informed decisions today, for their eternal destiny. Teach me Lord to show Your love and mercy through every aspect of my life and help me to share Your Word so that others may know and believe in You. 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!

Embracing All: God’s Love for the Rich and Poor

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

DATE POSTED
Monday, January 13, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from the Living Bible (TLB) and found in James 2:1; 4; 13;

THE SCRIPTURE READS
1 Dear brothers, how can you claim that you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, if you show favoritism to rich people and look down on poor people?
4 judging a man by his wealth shows that you are guided by wrong motives.
13 for there will be no mercy to those who have shown no mercy. But if you have been merciful, then God’s mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I believe that I have included enough Scripture from James 2 that you may be provoked into reading the whole chapter! But dear friends, it become evident that God wanted to remind me to not overlook any of His children because of certain prejudices I may have developed over my lifetime. It was just yesterday that I included in my notes from our pastor’s sermon ‘Who am I that God would use me’, for Pastor had shared how his young adult church family could never imagine him being called into God’s ministry, because of his past history. Many of us can identify with this story, because we know that our past gave no indication of how God could use even us to spread His Word to a lost and dying world after being redeemed by His blood. Remember, God also used Saul in the most amazing way in his new identity as a child of God and with his new name – Paul. Yet, we tend to look down our noses in sinful pride when we hear of God speaking to an unlikely candidate for salvation. We often say, ‘I can’t imagine what caused that bum to leave the street corner long enough to come in and disrupt our church service by walking in here like that’, don’t we? The sad thing is that we may not say that often enough, because we’ve not been on the street corners spreading the love of Jesus with those individuals. Furthermore, and even worse, we have created such an elite group in our churches that, should a poor and destitute person walk through our doors, we may approach them quickly to ask if they lost their way. But, what about the one who struts in, very proudly, often over dressed, who came in from their expensive car out in the parking lot? Don’t we make every effort to show them the best seat in the house and make every effort to help them feel welcomed? What might be our ‘wrong motives’ that James speaks of in verse 4? Although this may not have been planned, or intentional, I believe that our sixth sense kicks in as we recall the financial woes of our church, and the intimidation we’ve always felt about being the poorest church in town, filled with just humble people who manage to make it through life financially. Wouldn’t it be God-like to instead feel overjoyed that God has caused the rich and the poor alike to hear of His love for them and want to attend our church to learn more about Him and His amazing sacrifice for their sin? Friends, let us never forget that God has ordained it that we go into all the world and share His Gospel truth with everyone. This means with the poor, so that they might be encouraged to know that God, and His people loves them and want to see them in heaven alongside His many other children, rich and poor. The rich should also know this, for this gives them a reminder that God opened doors for them to gain financial means so that they might help those who are less fortunate and help those who strive to reach the lost for Jesus Christ. Be reminded today that God saves people who seek Him and accepts His precious love for mankind, and He does this without looking into their pocketbook first. As children of this loving Father, we too must learn to love, care about, and lead ALL mankind to the saving grace of our loving God through His Son, Jesus. All will be equal in the sight of God when we kneel at His feet in glory, so should we be here on earth.

PRAYER
What a wonderful reminder today, dear Lord. When things are going amazingly well we find it challenging to understand the struggles others are having. When things are challenging for us, we tend to feel depressed about the success of others and their ability to keep their heads up as they rejoice in the joys of life. Often this is impacted by finances where it appears like the poor is looked down on while the rich is abundantly blessed. I believe that You, Lord, forego the pocketbook and look directly at the heart, and I want so badly that Your followers will follow in Your example. Your servant, James, really challenged my heart today, and I pray that the thoughts You have impressed upon me to share will only serve to reinforce what James shared. Please teach us to always follow in Your ways, and to always look at the heart of a person without allowing distractions from any other source. May we be known to love as You love – unconditionally and from a heart of grace and mercy, just as You loved us while we were yet sinners. 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!

How John and Andrew Show Us to Invite Others to Christ

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

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

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from the Living Bible (TLB) and found in John 1:35-37; 41-42

THE SCRIPTURE READS
35 The following day as John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 Jesus walked by. John looked at him intently and then declared, “See! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 Then John’s two disciples turned and followed Jesus.
41 Andrew then went to find his brother Peter and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” 42 And he brought Peter to meet Jesus…..

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Think for a moment what you say while inviting someone to attend church with you. Often, we use words, or hear things, like: ‘We have a wonderful church’; ‘We have an outstanding pastor’; ‘We have the friendliest people’; ‘We have an outstanding worship team’; etc. How often do we say, or hear others say, ‘Come and meet our Savior, Jesus my Lord, for He’s always present in our worship services’? Surely, we’re not trying to use trickery to get our family and/or friends to attend worship with us, right? Or are we truly using the very things that causes us to be in church? Friends, let me draw your attention to two things:
-> 1. John made no attempt to convince his disciples to stay with him but instead pointed them to Jesus. I once heard a pastor say that his congregation should rejoice as a member leaves them and moves on to ministry in another place, for they (the church) have done their job of disciple’ing that person and they should thank God that the person is now using those blessings attained at their church to go on and bless others. BUT, is that the way it really works in reality?
-> 2. Andrew, one of the two disciples who left John to follow Jesus, was so excited after meeting Jesus in person that he hurried home to share the good news with his brother, Simon, to – now get this, come and meet Jesus. No mention of the place where Jesus was staying, or the nature and/or charisma of Jesus, or the friendly owner of the guest house where they were staying. It was Jesus that Andrew wanted his brother to meet!
I wonder whether we would still invite people to attend church with us if we knew they would only come once, meet Jesus, and then you never see them again. Why, aren’t we trying to fill every seat in our church so the chores and responsibilities could be split with more attendees, or so that we could see the offerings increase to help us meet the expense of our new building; or give the raise to our pastor and staff that we feel they need? Do you suppose that we sometime lose sight of why we worship, and the one that we meet to worship? Do we lose sight of the commands of Jesus to ‘go ye into all the world and preach the gospel? – invite them to know your Jesus’. Wouldn’t it be awesome to see our churches fill up with people excited about their new-found faith in Jesus Christ, rather than attending because of the charisma of the pastor, or the perfection in the voices of the praise team, or the deep pockets of the church to help us out of our financial woes? Friends, as I challenge you with these words, please know that I must first seek and acknowledge the deep love of Jesus and be willing to invite my friends to come and meet Jesus, with or without the blessings of an awesome pastor, a warm and friendly church family, or the awesome place in which we meet. Let’s work towards being like John the Baptist and Andrew where nothing else matters when we invite others to join us at the feet of Jesus, for it’s all about Him, and nothing else!

PRAYER
Blessed Lord and Savior, thank You for drawing our attention to the ways in which we have allowed the world to invade our minds and convince us of how the things of this world overshadow the love of our Savior who died and rose again, so that we might be saved from our sin and reach for the glories of Heaven. Nothing else matters when we fix our eyes on You and You alone, so please impress upon us the need to promote You as the aim of our worship, our church, our hope, and our eternal destiny. Please help us to emphasize that to as many as would listen, so that they may search You out, whether they ever attend our respective churches or not, for it’s You that saved us and readied us for Heaven and eternity with You and the Father. Be glorified in us dear Jesus, so that others will see You and desire relationship with You. Please help us to always point others to You! 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!

The Cost of Empty Worship: A Devotional Insight

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, Fruit of the Spirit, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, January 9, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from The Voice (VOICE) and found in Jeremiah 6:19-20

THE SCRIPTURE READS
19 Listen, O Earth, for I am bringing this disaster upon Judah. This is the fruit of their own scheming. For My people would not listen to My instructions; They have rejected My guidance—My law—to go their own way. Many people in Judah keep going through the motions of worship; they offer sacrifices and incense to the one True God. They speak superficial words when they think it counts, and they give Him extravagant gifts. But the prophet knows the mind of God, and God is not impressed with any of it. Empty worship is meaningless. In fact, empty worship may do more harm than good. These gifts and actions, it seems, have no meaning unless the hearts of the people are attuned to God, unless they are willing to hear and do what God asks. Obedience, you see, is better than sacrifice.
20 What use do I have of your expensive incense from Sheba or the fragrant reeds you offer Me from a faraway land? I will not accept your burnt offerings; the aroma of these empty sacrifices does not please Me.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
From our current day churches, much is taught about the fruits of the Spirit, and it is exciting for parishioners to gloat in the joy of what God has promised to those who follow in His footsteps and His teachings. But I feel like the Holy Spirit really got my attention today as I read this scripture from the book of Jeremiah. For God, in working through His servant Jeremiah, chose to use a similar reference in ‘the fruit of their scheming‘. Now, Christian teachers and leaders might skip right over this, for we tend to try and find the positive things of the Bible to attract the attention of our hearers. But it is refreshing to be reminded today that God looks at our heart, so He knows our intent, and our reasoning for offering up our sacrifices to Him. From a loving Father, it is important that He teaches us the rewards of our obedience, but also teach us the costs of our wrongdoing, or disobedience. Yes, today we still offer up sacrifices in hopes of the Father giving is a pat-on-the-back. Here are a few ways that we may feel like we are sacrificing: our church attendance; our worship; carrying our Bible with us, especially in public places; the offerings that we give towards the work of the church; the cross that we wear on our lapel or necklace; the jobs that we accept at church; etc. etc. However, let’s keep these things in mind as we look at the things that God is impressed with, and that the prophet emphasized in today’s Scripture:
–> That our hearts be attuned to God – From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. That’s the first thing that comes to my mind! Is it evident from what we say that our words are influenced by our Lord? When our hearts are attuned to God, we want more of Him and we lean towards seeking His will and way in everything we do. Would God find us ‘guilty’ of having a heart that is attuned to Him?
–> We are willing to hear (the Word of God – His teachings) – A heart that is attuned to God will desire to hear what He has to say each day. This will lead to frequent self-examinations as the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to the things that we are aligned with God’s Word on, plus the things we are lacking, or on which we have chosen to let the world have its way with us.
–> We are willing to, (and make every effort to) obey what God asks – We are reminded of the things we tend to do our own way. For the child of God who is attuned to God and willing to hear the voice of God, we must also be obedient to the Word, for obedience is better than sacrifice.
–> We acknowledge and live out true obedience to Almighty God, rather than the material things we might offer up to Him – On one occasion, I had a good friend who tried to convince me that he was sure God would accept his dad into heaven, for he was a good and honorable man who loved to help others. We might know a close relative who fits that same bill. Please be sure that your assessment of one’s life is always based on their obedience to God, and not just on their outward actions. Although I must remind you that it is way more important to look inward before looking outward at anyone else. It truly frightens me when I hear friends speak of their deceased loved one now being in heaven, especially if I am aware of the life they lived here on earth. But this Scripture is specifically wanting us to know the facts of what God is looking for in us. That’s really the only person that we can do anything about. Am I so caught up in the world, that I choose to live my life like the world promotes, or am I willing to change the trajectory of my life to ensure the eternal destiny of my life in heaven one day? This is primarily achieved thru accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and surrendering lordship of your life over to Him. Join me dear friends in reading our Bibles daily, and commune with God in prayer and meditation regularly so that we can know, fully understand and obey the teachings and example of Jesus, our King!

PRAYER
Thank You Lord Jesus for the Word of God and for the truth that it contains to direct us in our earthly path as we strive for eternity in Heaven. It never fails to amaze me how You, our Father and God, cover every aspect of life in Your Word. Especially in today’s Scripture where You challenge us to think of the fruit of our uncommitted allegiance to You and Your teaching. In most cases our decision making is driven by not wanting to follow the law, especially Your laws, so we try to find ways to do certain things that will look like we are obeying, but yet we do it in our own way and, if closely examined, You might really count it as disobedience. You know us better than we know ourselves, Lord, so please continue to lead us in the way that we should go and remind us always of the teachings and laws You have commanded of us in Your Word. People still need the Lord, and I pray that they will see so much of You in us, that they will call on Your name for mercy and forgiveness of their sin. 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!