Tag: Challenges

Finding Joy in Hardship: Embracing Life’s Challenges

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, Assurance, Awesome God, Believers, Biblical Decisions, Blinded by Sin, Chosen by God, Christ-Like, Christianity, Faith, Refocus, Relationship, RighteousnessLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, November 26, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from The Voice (VOICE) and found in James 1:2-4

THE SCRIPTURE READS
2-4 Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. 

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Hardships and tests of any kind are sure to put some of us under, so everyone avoids anything that will stress us out and cause us to be wanting in any way. After all, we tend to think that we are special in God’s sight, and He would protect us from these types of challenges. Yet, many who will read this devotional today will acknowledge that they are either going through a tough time or have gone through some very tough times in their lifetime. Yes, even to dedicated Christians. So, as we meditate on this Scripture, we must remind ourselves that the Word of God, is God-breathed. In other words, the writers were deeply inspired by the Holy Spirit, to the extent that these words are exactly what God intended for His children to look to for knowledge, direction in life, and to abide by in every circumstance of life. Now, is it possible to run from these challenges? Of course, some will turn to drugs and or alcohol to help them through the tough times in life. This is very similar to marriage – a union where at least one partner doesn’t give their all to show and experience love or they are willing to deal with differences, instead of fighting them, or running away from them. So, frequently you will see a couple seek human government’s help to escape that marital obligation. James is telling us today that we must always remember that God is in charge of a believer’s direction in life. As such, we will find joy in all our many blessings, but we must also seek the face of Jesus when things take off in a different direction to anything we expect. Friends, this is not to boast, but there was a time that my dad looked sadly at me and said how disappointed he was that I was moving further away from him as he matured in age. However, it wasn’t long afterwards when my dad looked happily at me as he celebrated God’s amazing grace in providing medical attention for him, made possible because of my move. His words: ‘Now I understand what God was doing when He prepared the way for you to move away’! I believe that James is suggesting that each of us do the same, try to accept what God is doing, especially if we have asked Him to take charge and be Lord of our lives. This growth in our relationship with Jesus Christ help us to understand and endure the proven ways of our Lord, and it is then that we gain wisdom and patience in trusting Him. A deterioration, or break, in relationship with Jesus will only weaken our faith and send us reeling to the temporary, unstable, and erratic things of this world. I’m sure that you are in the same boat as I am, searching for ways to maintain a solid relationship with our Savior, and reaching out for patience to endure the circumstances of life while impacted by them here on earth. James has given us the solution to this dilemma, draw close to God; build an ironclad relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and be determined to stay firm in our faith, with the help of the Master, in every circumstance of life. Just as a son or daughter can come alongside their earthly father and build a solid relationship with him and trust him in the intimate parts of our heart, so it is with our heavenly Father. Know Him today, dear friends, and know that peace which passes all human understanding or expectation.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I believe that you designed and created us to be just like You. However, sin has distracted us from our mission to stay on task with Your mission for our lives. I am reminded of that beautiful hymn ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’, for the lyrics remind us that when we turn our eyes, our focus, and our deliberate thoughts, upon the One who loves us enough to have given His very life for us, THEN the things of this world will grow strangely dim. Without You we are helpless in this earthly mission, but with You as our Guide, our Master and our Lord, ALL things are possible. Thank you for the reminder through Your servant, James, today, that a fully surrendered life is one that will be blessed with a blossoming faith and impacted by the only One who can draw us to Your side, even through the most challenging times here on earth. Humbly at Your feet today, we seek Your face, depend on Your power, and want to be guided by Your wisdom, dear Lord. Please take charge and use us here on earth, for Your kingdom’s sake. 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!

Ultimate Resolve For Your Challenges/Worries

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

DATE POSTED: Saturday, March 30, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 43:1-3

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: …the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: It seems that many individuals will take different routes to relieve tensions around unresolved challenges they face or the worries that tend to bother them incessantly. Isaiah had a message for the Israelites to help them in their worry about getting out from under the cruel slavery of Egypt. When they discovered that their leader (Moses) would be a mere man like they were, they became even more concerned about how he could possibly get so many of them safely across the desert alive. When in the middle of some of the most complex challenges like crossing the Red Sea or finding food and/or water for so many, they were terrified. When told to act, and takeover the lands gifted to them by God, they were convinced that they must have been crazy to allow themselves to get to this stage. But Isaiah had a word for them from the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. And before we meditate on this reassuring message from the Lord, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves how similar we still are to the Israelites. My dad was worried sick over his oldest son moving hundreds of miles from him in his old age – a time when parents normally need their children nearby. Yet within a year, he sat in my home after going through a heart procedure that saved his life, and he praised God for letting him see why it was His will for me to make that move, for he was misdiagnosed, and was therefore being mistreated, by his doctors near him. Through the tragic death of a relative, my dad’s heart was softened and his eyes opened to the salvation offered by Christ alone. A pastor once told that in the midst of fierce battle, and in the trenches of warfare, he promised God that he would serve Him the rest of his life, if He would protect and save him from the enemy. This pastor, while serving in a small church in Central Florida, was instrumental in helping me, and many others, draw close to God and serve Him faithfully. No doubt, there are many challenges that come your way almost on a daily basis. Dear friends, I am convinced that God wants us all to know that He brought His Son into this world miraculously, so that when we search for a better life, a less stressful life, a more peaceful life where we could spend eternity with our creator, then we will know without a doubt that Jesus is the answer to our dilemma. In searching, we admit that we don’t have the answer, just as the Israelites had no idea how they could be freed from slavery. I love verse 7 of this 43rd chapter of Isaiah, for God said ‘Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’ When life seems overwhelming to you and circumstances seem more than you could handle, don’t worry, reach out and discover the peace of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, for God created you for His glory. Listen to the voice of God as He calls you by name, trust in Him as He leads you through the deep waters of earthly struggles and leads you through the rivers and obstacles of life. For He cares for you and no one can snatch you from His hands, nor His promises for you. There is hope dear friend, and it lies in the love and promises of the only One you can truly trust to open the doors of heaven and allow you access to the Father. This is our Promised Land, I look forward to seeing you there my friend!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord for opening our eyes to the resolve available through Jesus, Your precious Son. Yes, we are often overwhelmed with life’s challenges and we worry when things are not going just as we planned. But please Lord, open our eyes to see that You are the One with Your ultimate plan for us – in life here on earth, and in the life to come when we transition to the glories of heaven with You. Please make Your Word clear to those who are searching, that this promise is designed for those who invite You into their lives and allow You to be Lord of everything, every day. Way too often we tend to depend on man made conditions, like being good enough, or giving more than the next person in our circle of friends. Help us Lord to know You and have a personal relationship with You, so that You might point out the way to eternal life and the path necessary to avoid the bumps and bruises of Satan that could easily trip us up. Praise God we were created for Your glory oh Lord. Please, may this be evident in our daily lives so that others may see, be encouraged and determined to also follow You. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

The Battle’s Not Yours, But God’s

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, Worry, Worship1 Comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, 2023-03-17
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Chronicles 20:15-17
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 15 “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, and you, O king Jehoshaphat!” he exclaimed. “The Lord says, ‘Don’t be afraid! Don’t be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God’s! 16 Tomorrow, go down and attack them! You will find them coming up the slopes of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem! Don’t be afraid or discouraged! Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!’”

OBSERVATION: It may seem like a daily thing for you to stop and question how on earth will you handle the intensity of your situation. For some, it may be your finances, or a sick relative, or a son or daughter facing imprisonment, or your job coming to an end. But the ongoing effect of these issues may force you to doubt your future. How will you possibly go on from here? King Jehoshaphat was a firm believer in the God who created this universe, but he was right in the middle of his people begging for God’s help when the battle seemed larger than himself. Join me for my full devotional as we look into this.

APPLICATION: I believe there comes a time when each of us will face overwhelming challenges, circumstances, or battles, that appear much bigger than anything we have handled in the past or could possibly handle now. What do we normally do, and to whom do we normally turn to, when these things occur. As a child, we turned to mom, dad or an older sibling. As we grew older, it may still be one of these, or it might be a good friend or a pastor or a counselor. Along the way we may be introduced to Jesus. Some accept Him as Lord, and they choose to seek His help in times of overwhelming challenges. However, some find respite in friends, alcohol, drugs, or prescription drugs given for various illnesses, particularly mental illness. In the latter case, some try to drown, or cover up the challenges, since they have no confidence in their ability to properly handle the irregular, yet challenging aspects of life. King Jehoshaphat was told of an unusually large army headed his way and he immediately got nervous about the ability to overcome the humongous challenge ahead of him. The king called together all of his fighting men, but not to strategize their counterattack, but to pray at the temple. Normally, when we are frightened or very upset over something we nervously go before God and get straight to the point. The king did otherwise, for he reflected on the awesome works of God and His immense goodness. Interestingly, God gave His response to a Levite in the midst of those praying. God reminded the king who was really in charge. Why worry about a counterattack that’s not really yours to worry about? God wanted the king and his people to know that He would handle the situation, since this battle was to challenge His authority. Friends, how often do we immediately cry ‘poor me’, or ‘why is everyone picking on me’? How often do we do like Jehoshaphat and make it a priority to consult with God first and humble ourselves before Him for His kindness in spite of our sin and wickedness? Another point of challenge for us in this story is – how often will we trust God at His word and just believe what He said? Do you suppose that your faith is strong enough in the Almighty that you would leave all your ammunition behind and just head out towards the oncoming army with full confidence that God would do what He said He would do? Will you stop your helpers from bringing their weapons or their medications or any other defenses, because You know for sure that it’s God’s battle you’re heading into and you will simply do what He tells you to do? That requires extreme faith, and confidence in our God, my friend. However, King Jehoshaphat and his army did it, and God was true to His word, just as He always is. There’s no need for us to assume God’s battles, He’s got this. We can relax and just ready ourselves for the victory chant – celebrate His Goodness.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: The battle – you know, the thing that worries you most, is not yours, but God might be saying to You to truly trust Him to own it and take it on for the victory that only He could render.

PRAYER: Lord, so often we bring our concerns before You, then we sense Your response to reassure us of how You will assume our battles, but we keep hanging in there, worrying beyond anything we could handle, instead of surrendering the wheel of control to You. It boils down to lack of faith. Please forgive us Lord, for we are so human that we find it almost impossible to believe that You have the wheel and will do more than we could imagine or hope for. You are so much more powerful than us, but with just a small amount of faith, we could stand victorious knowing that You’ve got this. Please forgive us where we fail in this and help us to stand firm in all that You have promised to do for us. The unsaved are watching, so may our faith in the one true God show them why we feel it important to also know Him personally. 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!

The Challenges of Being A Role Model

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

DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-12-30
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Philippians 4:8-9
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 8 …… Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

APPLICATION: Perhaps the greatest challenge for us as we consider the example set for us by Paul, is that we never know when someone is following in our footsteps, for many of the things we do are instinctively said or done form the content of our heart. I have 2 examples to share with you that might help you better tune in to this challenge from Paul: 1). Several couples and I were spending a weekend together. The challenge was given for everyone to get up early enough on Sunday morning to attend church together. The end result was that only the women joined me in attending church. Because of this, no children accompanied us. Later that day as we were gathered all together in one room, and I challenged the fathers to be spiritual leaders in their homes and take their families to church each week. The children sat quietly as I made my challenge, and several were even on electronic devices. However, at a later date one set of parents were discussing in the car whether they would go to church the following day. The child in the back seat pops up and shares the words that I had challenged the dad with some weeks earlier! Were the followers listening and then ready to accept the challenge? You bet ‘cha! 2). I had a relative coming to spend the weekend with my wife and me. My wife told him to not forget his church clothes. To which he responded, I went and bought a shirt with a color, so that I could dress like my uncle for church! Not only were we enthused over the effort put forth, but I had never realized that my dress code was anything special. Obviously, someone was watching! Friends, Paul shows us in this challenge today that his followers stood at a point in their life where they would go on without him in it, and they had to make a choice on whether they would apply what they learned from him, or resort back to their original way of life. We too have this same challenge in knowing that 2023 will occur within hours. Will it be just ‘more of the same’ for us, or are we using this as a steppingstone to enter into a New Year, changed by the words, actions and experiences of 2022? I am convinced that if we act on the simple message taught by Paul, God will smile at the changes He sees next year! Think about it:
=> Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right.
=> Fix your thoughts on things that are pure and lovely.
=> Dwell on the fine, good things in others.
=> Dwell on everything you can praise God for.
=> Choose to be glad about life, and the things mentioned before this.
=> Put into practice all you learned from followers of Christ and saw them doing.
Oh, that we would live in such a way that we can say to others what Paul said to his followers in that very last sentence. We must be determined to live differently to the world, and live the example set forth for us by our Lord Jesus Christ, and His faithful saints. Without that determination, we are left at the mercy of every wind of change, every move of Satan and all the evil that serves to turn us away from God.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul reminds us that if we follow the design of God, learn from His Word and obey His commands, then the peace of God will be with us. I have no greater desire than to know the peace of God is with me today and every day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, teach us to live as honored examples of You, and in a way that others will see Jesus in and through us. Lord, I want Your perfect will in my life, and I want to do Your will in every aspect of my life. Take control Lord, teach me Your ways, give me boldness to obey, and a desire to live every day following Your will, even if it is totally contrary to that of the world in which I live. As I reflect on 2022, may I see the areas of my life that require attention and more dedication to align with Your will. As the New Year comes, may it not only bring new opportunities to let Your light shine through me, but may I also feel closer to You than ever before, and may that reflect in every word, deed and attitude. Lord, there are many in my circle of family and friends who show no evidence of knowing You or reflecting an attitude of what might be Your will for their lives. May this New Year bring renewed desires to find You, experience You, and reflect Your will for our lives, so that unbelievers would see and experience the love of Jesus, even while still here on earth. 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!

He’s Still God!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Commitment, Compassion, SurrenderLeave a comment

The Holy Bible (The Good News Translation – Isaiah 30:19-21): The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you. 20The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more. 21If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.”

Thoughts: Friends, I am a firm believer that our God never changes, and that He is the same today as He was yesterday and He will be same until He calls us home to be with Him in glory. I also believe that God inspired His written Word, the Bible, so that we might be drawn to Him, grow in Him, encouraged in Him and be counseled and/or corrected by Him to enable a consistent walk with Him. I therefore believe that just as these highlighted verses were prophesied by Isaiah to challenge the people of Israel who had strayed from Him, that God is also encouraging us today to keep our heads up, to return to Him, and to be encouraged in knowing that no matter what struggles and discouragements and challenges we face, that He’s still God, that His love for us is everlasting, and that we can come to Him, or return to Him, in confidence knowing that He is compassionate and that He will answer our cry for help. Please be reminded that God is not a yo-yo, or a puppet, but instead He loves you enough that He will answer your prayers in ways according to His will for You, and that would best satisfy your needs. In other words, if you ask Him for a new Cadillac and He knows that you will remain humble, and could afford a Toyota Corolla better, then you may receive transportation (answer to prayer), just not the car you asked for, because it would increase your struggles and not help your situation. Some reading this devotional today may also feel like they, or a loved one, is ‘at the end of their rope’, because life seems so impossible. May I encourage you to look to God, place your faith and trust in Him, and surrender your life totally to Him? As you do this friend, You will:

  • Have peace in knowing the ‘hand-off’ has taken place!
  • Find peace in your circumstances, knowing that the God of this universe is working on your behalf! Remember, He is a great big God, who has this world in His hands, so He can easily handle your circumstances;
  • Be encouraged in knowing that God loved you, even as a sinner, enough to sacrifice His only Son so that you may have life, and have it more abundantly in and through Him. And it is that type of deep love that is your today as you trust in Him!

Because He’s still God, I must remind you that He loves you today friend! I believe that His love is even more intense, but He will not force Himself on you. He wants you to take the first step, by surrendering your will to Him and allowing Him to do all that I have shared above. If you have never made a personal commitment to Jesus and invited Him to rule and reign in your life, then I would encourage you to make this most important decision today. Perhaps there is one meditating on this devotional who has previously invited Jesus into your life, but has strayed far away from Him. Friend, you will see from these verses that Israel had strayed far away, yet God was ready to welcome them back and love them with the intense love possible only by God. He’ll do the same for you, if you recommit to Him! I have included helps for you in the ‘Footnote’ below. Please make this the first day of ‘real’, ‘committed’, life in Christ today!

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for the reminder in these verses today of Your awesome love for us, and how You are so ready and willing to accept us, Your children, when we call upon Your name in humility and forgiveness. Many of my friends are hurting and filled with one disappointment after another because of worldly circumstances or possibly bad choices by them. Please use Your Word, and possibly this devotional to encourage them, to soften their hearts to the point of surrender, and a new life in You. This my humble prayer that I ask in faith, and in the name of Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

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