Tag: Boldness

Understanding False Messengers, And Learning How To Help Them per Jeremiah 29

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, June 4, 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 Jeremiah 29:24-32 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I was flabbergasted by the boldness of the priest, Shemiah, to ridicule the prophet Jeremiah before the people that God supposedly sent them to minister to. As in the case of earlier chapters of the book of Jeremiah, it seems very obvious that God was working mightily through Jeremiah to inform His people the joys that lie ahead for those who obey God, and the disaster that lies ahead for those who refuse to obey God’s commands. I am of the impression that Jeremiah had earned the trust of the people, just like we would learn to love, trust, and obey the teachings of our beloved pastors today. However, in the middle of these sobering warnings by Jeremiah, and his wonderful messages of hope for the Israelites in captivity, then comes another Priest who had an opposing/contradicting message for the people. This must have been a very confusing time for the people, and this must have caused the people to doubt all messages coming from God’s supposed messengers. You see, when an audience is distant to God and His commands, they are undoubtedly numb to discerning God’s call to recognize the true and genuine messenger sent by God, and the accurate message that God had intended for them. The same remains true today, for judging God’s message and His purpose for our lives. This can only be discerned by those who are faithful and consistent in their walk with the Lord. I believe a good rule of thumb for us to follow is that if we are confused by the message from God, then it is probably an indicator that we are not close enough to God as we should be. If we were, then God would speak to us and direct us in the path He would have us go. Why not take this as an opportunity to renew your commitment to God and ask for His strong power to help you stay consistent and intimate in your relationship with Him? Prayer is our medium for communicating with God. Reading God’s Word and reminding yourself of what He teaches in His Word is the primary tool we use to hear back from God. If you question how this might be, let me assure you that God left His living Word, the Bible, for us to receive instruction and direction in our walk here on earth. If you have surrendered your life to the control of Jesus Christ, then the Holy Spirit is embedded in you, and His purpose is to keep us on track as believers in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – our triune God. Notice that Shemiah didn’t go to Jeremiah directly to clear the matter up but instead went to the people with his false message. This kind of deliberate circumvention could only serve to cause division, unbelief and mistrust in God’s messengers. The Bible tells us that our God is not a God of confusion nor One who leads us to mistrust in our God. So, when we see this occurring, we must become more diligent in prayer with the only One who could open our eyes and minds, while also dealing in the heart of the one Satan is leading to divide God’s people. Something that is very personal to me, and causes me much agitation is when I hear a messenger of God putting down another who claims to be God’s messenger. Yes, the people should be warned of false teachers, but I pray that our messengers of the Gospel will stick to obeying their calling to challenge the lost unto salvation and disciple/teach believers so that they might grow deeper in their faith. Seeing that we (believers) are all commanded to go and preach the Gospel, then this challenge also applies to us. Tell the lost about Jesus, not how awful the church down the road is about obeying the Bible. One finger pointed at them, leaves four pointed back at self!! When we listen and obey the voice of God, He will open the eyes of discernment of each believer to detect false teachers. There is so much for us to teach and preach without having to prop ourselves up by putting others down. ‘Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path‘ (Psalms 119:105). Imagine the disappointment in unbelievers when they hear believers putting one another down, for it shows that we are no example for them to follow. Lord, please take charge of your messengers so that Your Word might be extended to the whole world and bring forth fruit.

PRAYER
Thank You Lord for Your messengers who are obedient to Your call and minister to us each week. You spoke through the prophets of old, and I have no doubt that You continue to enlighten the hearts and minds of our pastors, evangelists, elders, and even us believers, so that we may extend the Gospel to everyone we come into contact with. Without the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we are like clanging cymbals – useless for extending the heart and mercies of our God. Lord Jesus, I am pleading with You today for a special touch that will embolden us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, without seeing the need to put others down in order to build ourselves up. The Gospel speaks for itself, and I am convinced that no amount of special emphasis by us will enhance its effectiveness. I love the ministry of the late Billy Graham, who, in spite of very large stadium gatherings, or the extra special gospel singers who performed, yet he spoke the very simple gospel of Jesus Christ and You brought forward the fruit. Please Lord, we need more of that in ourselves, our churches, our evangelists and our missionaries, for You are always the main event and Your Word is sufficient for saving the lost and opening the eyes of the fallen. Help us to hide behind the cross as we speak of the One who once hung on that cross for our salvation. Speak to the one reading this devotional who needs the Savior and encourage and embolden the saved looking for a closer walk with You. AMEN!

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

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!

None Found To Compare With You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Sunday, 2023-01-01
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Kings 23:24-25
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: 24 Josiah scrubbed the place clean and trashed spirit-mediums, sorcerers, domestic gods, and carved figures—all the vast accumulation of foul and obscene relics and images on display everywhere you looked in Judah and Jerusalem. Josiah did this in obedience to the words of God’s Revelation written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in The Temple of God. 25 There was no king to compare with Josiah—neither before nor after—a king who turned in total and repentant obedience to God, heart and mind and strength, following the instructions revealed to and written by Moses. The world would never again see a king like Josiah.

APPLICATION: Just in case you might read today’s Scripture and shrug it off as not being applicable to our modern world, I believe we should look at a few things very carefully and ask God to open our eyes to what all is going on around us. You see, king Josiah saw the following things that just didn’t seem like God was in them. I will expand how I see similar parallels today:
=> The king scrubbed the place clean – How many things to you see and/or hear on television that you cringe at, or if minors are in the room, you may even mute the TV? How much more will you tolerate the employee who thinks nothing of cursing or verbal abuse at work? You can clean that up, you know. At 8 years of age Josiah became king. I would have thought that his young mind would be swayed by everything he heard from adults around him. But the Bible says that the king was determined to please God in everything he did. Are you? In a recent sermon, I was reminded that in the things we say or do, we will either please God, or Satan. What a reminder.
=> The king trashed spirit-mediums – oh yes, we have these. They even advertise their business on public television now. What will it take for us to obey God’s Word and rid our communities and our nation from this wicked profession that God spoke against in His Word?
=> The king trashed all the vast accumulation of foul and obscene images – In the name of financial gain and free will, not all towns in our country are the same as ours. Some actually allow billboards and mobile billboards that advertise prostitution. Some stand idly by while prostitutes walk the streets and hand out ‘business’ cards. In the name of equal rights and free speech, public schools are now allowing satanists clubs. How many of these things that I mentioned do you suppose may have gotten trashed by king Josiah?
Friends, this bold move by this young king did not win him a popularity contest. It was different to anything the world experienced before him, and after him. No, not even to our president has shown the boldness to follow in Josiah’s example, how about yours? However, I strongly believe that if we were to individually determine in our heart to call on God for mercy, and strength to endure being different, as we stand up for all that our God taught us and exampled before us while here on earth, then perhaps we will begin to see more Josiahs, and ultimately see God’s handiwork through His committed saints. Remember, greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world! I believe that God placed this story before us today to impress upon us that we serve an awesome God, and if we are serious about being His representatives here on earth, then we must be willing to stand firm in our beliefs and not be idle while Satan makes his move in the world around us.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: It may be challenging for others to follow, if you simply obey the Word of God and be willing to stand up for your beliefs!

PRAYER: Lord, I believe that many leaders are still choosing to ignore Your commands – probably so they could remain popular with the people in giving them what they want. But thank You Father for working miraculously through king Josiah, for through obedience to You, Josiah was able to clean up a lot of the sin that served to set his kingdom backwards. This is still a very real problem today, Lord, for sin is rampant and Satan is having a field day – so much so that it is having awful impacts on Your children also. Please Lord, help us to take note of Josiah and the position he took, even though it was very unpopular in his day. We need to see more of our leaders take this stand today, Lord. Please help us to elect leaders who are willing to submit to Your will, then, beginning with our leader in the USA, touch his heart and draw him unto Yourself. Please spread Your joy to all the world leaders, especially those countries who are represented in my readership. You created us, and You have a place prepared for those of us who have accepted Your Lordship. Until it’s time to take us home, please touch our leaders so that our time here on earth will be more tolerable. Continue to speak to the heart of the lost, so they will once again be drawn to You, as their Savior and Lord. AMEN!

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

Our Mission, Our Passion

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelize, Needs of others, Obedience, SalvationLeave a comment

Thursday, 2020-01-30

Bible Reference: Acts 26:18
Translation: The Voice (Voice)

Bible Text: 18 It will be your mission to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God. This is so that they may receive forgiveness of all their sins and have a place among those who are set apart for a holy purpose through having faith in Me.”

OBSERVATION: Paul is known as one of the prominent writers of the gospel, in what we know today as the New Testament. However, it is good to reflect on all that Paul shared with King Agrippa in the testimony included in this scripture passage from which our verse is taken today. For you see, Paul was not born in a preacher’s home and spoon-fed the gospel all of his life. In fact, quite the opposite, for he was a persecutor of the Christian church and was feared by them, for his cruelty to Christians. However, once God got a hold of Paul, and he redirected his life, it was ‘all in’ for him, and he stayed consistent to His call by God, even if facing personal persecution, or death.

APPLICATION: In today’s society, we are so determined to have things done our way, or to make sure that self is well taken care of, but way too often we cave in when faced with opposition to our witness, or hardships for our stance on the things of Christ. Paul stood before the most powerful leader of his time, knowing that one wrong word could result in death or extreme times of imprisonment or persecution, yet he testified of his life changing event that took place on the road to Damascus. He further told the king of the extreme change made in His life by his Savior, and how everywhere that he went, he chose to preach the saving news of Jesus Christ. I wonder how far into the interrogation by the King would each of us have lasted? Let’s fast-forward to today. Hopefully each of us try to find a ‘safe’ place to gain our confidence each week, by meeting with fellow believers in a church setting. As we leave the doors of our sanctuary, I pray that we may have the tenacity of Paul to share the glorious gospel that saved us on our road of self destruction that was leading us to Hell. I further pray that we may we be so burdened for the hearts of those still headed in the wrong direction, that we may become as bold and determined as Paul to allow the power of God to minister through us, as we minister to others in His name. The world must know that there is a Savior who loves them so much that He bled and died for their sin, so that they might have hope for eternity. Friends, for all who have sought Jesus, and surrendered their lives to His sovereign reign and Lordship, be reminded that He has promised eternal life with He and His Father in heaven one day! Can we commit to sharing this with the same boldness that Paul did? They may accept the invitation that we give to them, however if they don’t, we would have at least been obedient to the call of Christ. Remember, we can’t save anyone. However, as we respond in obedience, God can do His mighty work through us. Are you willing to facilitate the call on a friends life today?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please forgive us for our selfishness in keeping the awesome news of Jesus all to ourselves. Please help us to empty ourselves of pride and fear, and to be bold in our openness and willingness to allow You to have Your way even through humble men and women. Please help us to mirror the boldness of Paul today, and may You use our obedience to accomplish Your awesome work in the lives of those that we rub shoulders with today. For thine is the kingdom, the glory and the honor, for ever and ever, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! 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!

Who Are You?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Truth, Truthful, Unashamed, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-09-26

Bible Reference: John 1:22-25
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 22 “Then who are you? Tell us, so we can give an answer to those who sent us. What do you have to say for yourself?”
23 He replied, “I am a voice from the barren wilderness, shouting as Isaiah prophesied, ‘Get ready for the coming of the Lord!’”
24-25 Then those who were sent by the Pharisees asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?”

OBSERVATION: John the Baptist was in a position where he was recognized by the local authority as one who was different, and one who seemed to be honoring another king – Jesus. Was he a threat to the current leadership? Perhaps, but who exactly is he? Those were the questions needing an answer by the Pharisees. John could have run, out of fear, or he could have chosen to brag on himself. As we meditate, on this Scripture, let’s contemplate how we might have responded! Furthermore, how would we respond to similar questions today!

APPLICATION: I believe we should examine ourselves and decide how we would answer, in a variety of settings, the question posed to John the Baptist. Who are you? for we need to tell those who have sent us. OK, in a church setting where an elder or a deacon approaches you with that type of question, I believe you will first respond with your name, and perhaps your family relations, if you are from the local area. If they continue to gaze at you for more information, perhaps you will continue by giving them your past church affiliation, if any, otherwise you might share where your parents attended church. Next, you might share about your employment. Unless further provoked, I believe that’s about as much as you might voluntarily share. If specifically asked about your relationship with Christ, some might freely share, while some might squirm a bit, as they are uncomfortable talking about their religious beliefs – mostly afraid of follow-up questions, I believe. So that might be your response in a safe, Christian-type environment. What if questioned at your job, or in a public place where others are being asked the same questions? Will you respond as you did at church? Think carefully, because while in a ‘safe’ environment, it is easy to give honest answers to almost any question. One thing I would like to remind us about today is that in every scenario on earth, God is there, and listening to every response. While we hope that He will always be proud of us as we respond boldly like John the Baptist, I feel like we must always pray that we would not respond like Peter ‘I never knew the man’. Peer pressure will lead you to respond like you believe they want to hear from you. But remember, God said ‘look, I will send my Son to the cross to provide you forgiveness of your sin, and I will send Him now, even while you are still very much a sinner’. I believe God might be expecting us to be as bold as He was – willing to claim Him privately, and in public, regardless of any implications that might follow. Friends, be aware that there are times where people in the audience might chuckle about you claiming Christ as your Savior, for they may never have attended church, or been challenged with the gospel. May I encourage you to still be honest about the best relationship you will ever encounter? For there might also be one in the audience who heard of Jesus, but never experienced Him, nor anyone who has experienced Him. For you to wiggle your way out of an honest response tells that individual that there is no value in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ, and that He may not even exist. Who are you, dear one? I pray that your relationship with Jesus is at the very top of explaining who you are!

PRAYER: Dearest Lord Jesus, I humbly ask that You fill Your children with an extra dose of boldness today. I am thankful that in my country I can freely attend church, freely accept You as Lord, and declare you in public – free from the law of the land. Unfortunately, my friends and I are often challenged internally to talk about You in public places because of ridicule and our personal pride. So if asked publicly who we are, I’m not sure what automatic responses might come forth. In heaven, I believe that only one response will truly matter, so please help us to live in the light of eternity and therefore respond to earthly questions in much the same way that we will do when we stand before You. Speaking the truth, in love, may very well speak volumes to the one asking, and we want them to know Jesus more than anything else. We need Your strength Lord, because we want our boldness and honesty to speak Truth at all times. Please help us oh God! AMEN!

The Glistening Purity of Jesus Christ

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Commitment, How to Live, Pure, PurityLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-03-11

Bible Reference: 1 John 3:1–3
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.

OBSERVATION: When last have you recognized a child of God? Do you suppose that the world sees a difference in you, versus the rest of the world? Do you feel like the love and character of Christ glows through you in every word or action that comes from you? I find it reassuring that in these verses we are told that when we see Christ, we will become like Him – the glistening purity of the Holy One! I believe that also reaffirms that the things of this world, and the evil one, will no longer have a hold on us! What a day that will be!!

APPLICATION: I see such a sweet assurance in the beginning verse of how much my heavenly Father loves me, and how He calls us His children. My eyes were also opened to the reminder that the world may very well dislike us, because they do not have an appreciation for the things, or character of God. But then I realize that if we do not conform to the ways of the world, then they would hate us anyway, per Romans 12:2. In fact that verse tells us that God will change us from the inside out, so of course we will be different to anything we, or they have ever witnessed before. But friends, the captioned verses today reminds us that our God will come one day to take us home to be with Him. Now that’s a day that we all look forward to, amen? But what about the here and now, what are we to be doing – how then shall we be living? Thankfully John covers this in verse 3, for he advised that we should aim to live like Jesus. I found it interesting that the Message chose to use such an awesome description of the life we are to live: ‘Glistening purity of Jesus’. That makes me think that we are to live squeaky clean lives, just as Christ was perfectly clean/pure. Friends, I believe that the bottom line is that we live the changed life that we have committed ourselves to. If we don’t, imagine how confusing it must be for nonbelievers to hear us preaching the goodness of the Lord from our mouths, yet living like the Devil in our actions and all of our practices. Jesus was pure in every way, and that’s what we are called to do, and be, as children of God. Are you willing to commit to living the pure life exampled by Jesus Christ? We can do that with the sole help of the only pure and holy One – Jesus, the Christ! Let us therefore place our faith and trust in Him to live our lives pleasing to Him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You lived a perfect life amidst lots of evil. We also are called to live the kind of pure life that You lived, even when our world seems more corrupt and sinful today than anytime in history. For those of us willing to live the example You have set before us, may You endow us with power, wisdom, determination and total surrender, so that the enemy might see Jesus in all that we do and say. We need You precious Savior. Please work miraculously through us so that Your work might be done, for Your glory only. AMEN!

The Responsibility of Obedience

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelize, Needs of others, Obedience, SalvationLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Monday, 2017-01-30
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Acts 26:18 (Voice)

Text:

 18 It will be your mission to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God. This is so that they may receive forgiveness of all their sins and have a place among those who are set apart for a holy purpose through having faith in Me.”
OBSERVATION:
Paul is known as one of the prominent writers of the gospel in what we know today as the New Testament. However, it is good to reflect on all that Paul shared with King Agrippa in the testimony included in this scripture passage from which our verse is taken today. For you see, Paul was not born in a preacher’s home and spoon-fed the gospel all of his life. In fact, quite the opposite, for he was a persecutor of the Christian church and was feared by them for his cruelty to Christians. However, once God god a hold of Paul, and he was converted, it was ‘all in’ for him, and he stayed consistent to His call by God, even if facing personal persecution, or even death.
APPLICATION:
In today’s society, we are so determined to have things done our way, or to make sure that self is well taken care of, that way too often we cave in when faced with opposition to our witness, or hardships for our stance on the things of Christ. Paul stood before the most powerful leader of his time, knowing that one wrong word could result in death or extreme times of imprisonment or persecution, yet he testified to his life changing event that took place on the road to Damascus. He further told the king of the extreme change made on His life by his Savior, and how everywhere that he went, he chose to preach the saving news of Jesus Christ. I wonder how far into the interrogation by the King would each of us have lasted? Let’s fast-forward to today. Hopefully each of us find a ‘safe’ place to gain our confidence each week, by meeting with fellow believers in a church setting. As we leave the doors of our sanctuary, I pray that we may have the tenacity of Paul to share the glorious gospel that saved us on our road of self destruction that was leading us to Hell. I further pray that we may we be so burdened by the hearts of those still headed in the worong direction, that we may become as bold and determined as Paul to allow the power of God to minister through us to minister in His name so that the world may know that there is a Savior who loves them so much that He bled and died for their sin, so that they might have hope. Friends, for all who have sought Jesus, and surrendered their lives to His sovereign reign and Lordship, to those He has promised eternal life with He and His Father in heaven one day. Can we commit to sharing this with the same boldness that Paul did? They may accept the invitation that we give to them, however if they don’t, we would have at least been obedient to the call of Christ. Remember, we can’t save anyone. However, as we respond in obedience, God can do His mighty work through us. Are you willing to facilitate the call on a friends life today?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, please forgive us for our littleness and selfishness in keeping the awesome news of Jesus all to ourselves. Please help us to empty ourselves of pride and fear, and to be bold in our openness and willingness to allow You to have Your way even through humble men and women. Please help us to mirror the boldness of Paul today, and may You use our obedience to accomplish awesome work in the lives of those that we rub shoulders with today. For thine is the kingdom, the glory and the honor, for ever and ever, AMEN!
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’.  If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to 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, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! 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!

How, Then Shall We Live

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Commitment, How to LiveLeave a comment

May I encourage you to get your spiritual ‘Nuggets’ to start your day off right? Pretty amazing that our awesome God would consider feeding even us with His Word! May I encourage you to read the whole devotional, and look for a blessing, friend!………

Today’s Bible Reference: 1 John 3:1–3
Today’s Bible Text: What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.
The Bible Translation: The Message (MSG)

My Take Away: I see such a sweet assurance in the beginning verse of how much my heavenly Father loves me, and how He calls us His children. My eyes were also opened to the reminder that the world may very well dislike us, because they do not have an appreciation for the things, or character of God. But then I realize that if we do not conform to their ways, they would hate us anyway, per Romans 12:2. In fact that verse tells us that God will change us from the inside out, so of course we will be different to anything we have ever witnessed before. But friends, the captioned verses today reminds us that our God will come one day to take us home to be with Him. Now that’s a day that we all look forward to, amen? But what about the here and now, what are we to be doing – how then shall we be living? Thankfully John covers this in verse 3, for he advised that we should aim to live like Jesus. I found it interesting that the Message chose to use such an awesome description of the life we are to live: ‘Glistening purity of Jesus’. That makes me think that we are to live squeaky clean, just as Christ was perfectly clean. Friends, I believe that the bottom line is that we live the changed life that we have committed ourselves to. How confusing it must be for nonbelievers to hear us preaching the goodness of the Lord from our mouths, yet living like the Devil in our actions and all of our practices. Jesus was pure in every way, and that’s what we are called to do as children of God. Will you be willing to commit to living the pure life exampled by Jesus Christ?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You lived a perfect life amidst lots of evil. We also are called to live the kind of pure life that You lived, and our world seems even more corrupt and sinful today than anytime in history. For those of us willing to live the example You have set before us, may You endow us with power, wisdom, determination and total surrender, so that the enemy might see Jesus in all that we do and say. We need You precious Savior. Please work miraculously through us so that Your work might be done, by even us. 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. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could 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 www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to 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, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! 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!

2016

Who do You Say Jesus Is?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Honest, SincereLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (The Contemporary English Version – Matthew 16:13-15): 13
When Jesus and his disciples were near the town of Caesarea Philippi, he asked them, “What do people say about the Son of Man?” 14 The disciples answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptist or maybe Elijah or Jeremiah or some other prophet.” 15 Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

THOUGHTS: To my mother, I might be known as her firstborn and perhaps the one who gave her and my dad the most, or the least, trouble during their childrearing days. To my childhood friends I might be known as someone slightly different than I would be known as by my adult friends. To my child, I might be known as a good dad, or perhaps just the opposite if she couldn’t get her own way with me! In the case of my wife, I am probably most transparent to her, but still if asked who I really am, she might have a very biased or personal opinion. Jesus had been performing miracle after miracle around the towns He visited and especially around His disciples, so I’m sure that He would have expected an overwhelming response to His two basic questions: (1) Who do they (the people) say that I am? And (2) Who do you say that I am? As I meditated on this I couldn’t help but think about what response I would have for an unbeliever who might ask me. Then I wondered what I might respond if asked by a child, or my pastor, or my Bible School Teacher. I wondered what my wife or child might respond if Jesus asked them “what does Ed say about the Son of Man (Jesus)”? Friends, how would you respond to that question if it was posed to you by your boss? Your best friend – who may not be a Christian? By a classroom full of folk trying to decide if Jesus is for them, or not? How about if asked by Jesus in a variety of circumstances? Or how would folk say you feel about Jesus, based on your behavior, speech or witness around them? May I leave this challenge with us to contemplate today? I’m hoping that this might help us to become more transparent in God’s presence, and that includes at church, at work, at play or wherever else we might find ourselves. Friends, if Jesus is not Lord of all circumstances and in all areas of our lives, then He may not be Lord at all to us. May this be the day that you truly decide who He really is in your life. If you are reading this devotional today and have never invited Jesus into your heart and life, please read the tips in my ‘Footnote’ and feel free to contact me should there be any unanswered questions. I want you to know this Jesus I call Lord, Savior and King of my life!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as Savior and King. I thank You for providing the means for me to look forward to life eternally with You in glory. May my Christian friends and I boldly acknowledge You as Lord today. Father, I believe that when we deny You in our conversation and before our earthly unbelieving friends, we totally disappoint You and grieve Your precious Holy Spirit. Please forgive us for the times we have done exactly that. But please give us a new boldness today to stand firm in our faith and to acknowledge You before mankind. Unbelievers are looking for sincere, true and honest believers to help convince them that Jesus is alive because they see Him alive and reigning in our lives. Oh that they may truly see and believe today, is my humble prayer for all that claim You as Lord today. For I ask this in the strong, awesome, name of Jesus, 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 read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, 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 www.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!

Good Deeds That Trigger Praise To God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Encourager, Light, Salt, WitnessLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (New Living Translation – Matthew 5:13-16): 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

THOUGHTS: Jesus always taught using object lessons that His hearers could identify with. Fortunately, we can still identify with many of the things Jesus chose to use in His lessons. Although salt is still important in most kitchens today, I believe that it has developed more of a negative spin from our health conscious contemporaries because of the abuse by many chefs. However, let’s look at why Jesus may have chosen such a key element to demonstrate His point. It was used by the people being taught to preserve food. Without refrigeration, meat was salted to preserve it and stop decay. Then, and now, salt was/is used to flavor food – make it more palatable for the consumer of the finished product to enjoy the meal because of its greatly enhanced taste. So let’s compare this to the Christian’s life: we are a chosen people, and just like salt is not intended to stay on the ground and go unnoticed, but be used to preserve food, we too are designed to preserve the lives of those who would otherwise die and go to hell without a Savior. Our lives are to bring such ‘flavor’ (a sweet aroma, a desired transformation, a comfort, a satisfaction and a calm assurance) to an unbeliever’s life that they would gain a desire for the same attributes, and a desire for the Savior that we would constantly and consistently attribute the origination of our gift(s) to. Friends, I believe that we should have such an impact on those that we come into contact with, that their lives might be enhanced, just life salt enhances food to be more palatable. The other attribute taught by Jesus is ‘light’. Friends, please try this simple little illustration. Make a room totally dark tonight and then try moving around in the room. Then turn on just a very small flashlight, and notice the difference it makes in the large dark room. It makes a huge difference. We too live in a very dark world – darkened by sin. Jesus wants us to be relief to those who struggle in darkness – perhaps no hope, perhaps no light at the end of their dark and dreary tunnel. In the Bible Jesus is known as ‘light’. When the unsaved discovers a ray of hope in us, it reminds them of Jesus, the Light of the world, and it draws them closer to Him. To a mariner, a small light at the top of a lighthouse gives direction and hope. An unbeliever struggling in a dark world will receive a ray of hope and new direction from a Christian who lets the light of Jesus shine out from them in their actions and words. So friends, may I encourage you to allow your life to impact the lives of others like salt impacts the taste of food, and to allow the light of Jesus to shine bright enough through you that the unsaved receives hope when you walk into a room with them? May Jesus be praised today because of the difference you will make in someone’s life!

PRAYER: Dear God, as Your humble servants, may we seek Your face and allow You to impact our lives in such a way that we, in turn, may impact the lives of those that we come into contact with. May we be ‘salt’ to their dull and meaningless lives, and may we be as a ‘light’ in their dark world where there seems to be no hope. We are capable of nothing like this without Your supernatural power in and through us, so Lord I pray that You might be given full reign over us today. Touch the lives of those that You know need refreshment, restoration or a new outlook on life – life eternal. Please use us in Your own special way today is my humble and sincere prayer that I ask in the name of Jesus, 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 read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, 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 www.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!