Tag: Christianity

Embrace Humility: God’s Promise to the Humble

On By Ed AlgreenIn Blinded by Sin, Contrite, Humble, Obedience, Promise, Rewards, Righteous, SinLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, November 16, 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 New Living Translation (NLT) and found in Isaiah 66:2-3

THE SCRIPTURE READS
2 My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.
3 But those who choose their own ways – delighting in their detestable sins – will not have their offerings accepted…..

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
In our family homes we not only learn what is acceptable behavior to parents, but if they are godly parents, you will also learn what is acceptable to God. Now, over the years I have learned that even the best parents bring along traditions and beliefs from their respective families as well, so I have found that there is no substitute for us to individually build a personal relationship with God so that we could listen to His instructions directly as we meditate on His Word each day. In our Scripture today we can see that God clearly promised the Israelites a reward for their obedience, but a warning to those who chose to ignore His instruction. Let’s look at God’s specific instruction to each of the following positions:
a). Those who have humble and contrite hearts, and tremble at His Word – An individual with a humble heart, will come to the Master empty of any self importance or knowledge, knowing that God is totally supreme, all knowing, and loving. This makes one hungry for what God will instruct them, knowing that it is something they can trust, and that it will be for their own good. One with a contrite heart offers no excuses, and shifts no blame. Remember an old excuse used in our court system by criminals on trial ‘the devil made me do it’! Friends, don’t look around when you approach the throne of God, but rather quickly recognize that you are personally standing before the Creator of all mankind, the earth, and everything in it. This is a time that you want God to see you for who you truly are, not who you wish you could be, or for who you are at work, in your social club, or in this world. Remember, God goes straight for the heart, not for the fluff that everyone else might see or appreciate about you. In my family home, we loved and respected mom, but when dad walked in, we realized that he was the leader of our home and my siblings and I wanted to make sure that he found no fault with our behavior or actions that day. We didn’t literally ‘tremble’ when dad entered, but I believe it is just as God intended in this Scripture: learn to respect, understand, obey and honor the Word of our living God that He made available to us, for knowledge, understanding and guidance all the days of our lives. Many of our national laws were created and implemented, based on the teachings of the Bible, can’t you see the importance of us individually doing the same? THE REWARD: God promised that He would bless Israel if they did the above, and I honestly believe that He will bless us also as we adopt this principles into our lives. Let us strive towards holiness dear friends, and this is fed and achieved through obedience to God and His commands.
b). Those who choose their own ways and delight in their detestable sins – In short, I believe that God is saying that if the Israelites chose to do their own thing and disregard their Creator, then they obviously would see nothing wrong with the sins they had committed, or would commit, and would gloat over their actions before those they governed or came into contact with. There are many we will come into contact with who live out the same lifestyle that God is warning against here. We hear the results of this – ‘if you don’t like my attitude or my ways then move to a different part of town, or to a different job, or even a different church’. They are satisfied with who they have become and they don’t want you, or God, telling them otherwise. BUT, God said that He would not accept their offerings. In the Old Testament this may very well have applied to the many sacrifices/offerings made at the temple for various reasons or sins. Our sacrifices today tend to be the time we sacrifice to attend church occasionally, or the money that we write off against our taxes for giving to a non-profit organization, or even the money that we have our secretary send that big church in town every other month. However, when we do these things with a heart that doesn’t meet the standards mentioned in (a) above, God said that He would not accept them. Ever give someone a gift, and later found that they left it on their desk for anyone to pickup and assume, or they threw it in the trash can? If so, you may have just caught a glimpse of how God feels when we throw material things at Him instead of our heart, mind and soul.
I pray that you will conclude from the above what it is that God is looking for and expecting from you, then ask Him to help you overcome the constraints of the Evil one so that He could pour out His blessings on you. I offer good avenues for help in my below Footnote, should you require help in achieving my suggestion and plea.

PRAYER
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for creating us in Your own image. Although You created us with a specific purpose in mind, yet we have strayed to our own liking and subjected ourselves to the Evil one and his wicked and perverse ways, and they are contrary to Your ways. When our kids do this, we quickly conclude that they must have a ‘devil’ in them, yet it is almost impossible for us to discern the distance we have allowed ourselves to stray from the design and likeness of You, our Maker. Please forgive us Lord and constantly challenge us with our weaknesses so that we may search out the One in whom we can place our faith and trust for strength and power in overcoming our sin and disregard each and every day. You reminded the Israelites of what You require of them, and I’m sure that many will look at that and conclude how awful it was for those evil people to ignore the plea of God, without ever performing a self-examination and seeing our own many faults. I acknowledge that I have strayed from You in many ways on many occasions, so I ask that You begin a new work in me to help me identify those things that separate us and bring contention between us. My readers are much the same, I believe, so I ask that you complete a great work in the lives of ever nationality group reading this devotional, just as You did with the Israelites. Draw us close dear Lord, so that we may present ourselves daily with a humble and contrite heart as we read, respect, acknowledge and obey Your Word. Also, may we, every day, analyze our relationship and renew a right relationship with us, as necessary, so You may be glorified in every way through us. 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!

Share/Preach What You Have Seen and Heard

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: Friday, September 13, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Destin, 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 International Version (NIV) IS FOUND IN Luke 24:45-48

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Ever notice that when you share someone else’s story it’s not as impactful as telling something that is near and dear to your own heart, because of your first-hand experience? In our Scripture today, Jesus share the Gospel with His disciples, but then He reminded them ‘but you are witnesses to these things’. Think about it: If you are married, like I am, then it is easy to share with someone seeking to unite in marriage; If you have been through a hurricane, like I have, then it is easy, but with a sense of urgency, to warn others that may be threatened with an oncoming hurricane; Likewise, if you have experienced the love of God – the One in whom you have placed your faith and trust, and surrendered your total lordship to Him, then you have a story to tell. I once heard an old preacher describe it as a beggar telling, and showing, another beggar where to find bread. I wonder if Satan doesn’t trip us up into believing that we must be ready to preach, or quote any and all verses in the Bible, before opening our mouths to share with someone else! In Ephesians 4:11 we are taught that some are given the gift of apostle, some teaching, some preaching, and so on. Not everyone in the church will be a preacher, otherwise there would be no skills for music or administration or otherwise. But the Bible specifically tells us that we each have been given a gift from God, and although that gift may not be evangelizing the lost, we each are prone to share our personal experiences, for it’s something that happened to us, or something that we have experienced. I was reminded of two additional things as I meditated on these verses:
1. Notice that Jesus opened the minds of the disciples so they could understand His teaching? When we go to church or Bible Study, try asking God to open your mind to what He has to teach you through His Word that day. We can walk through the doors of the church, sit in one of the comfortable seats, and although very capable of hearing and understanding, if our minds are hundreds of miles away, or wandering around the auditorium, then it may be challenging, if not impossible, to hear, understand and apply the teaching of God’s Word.
2. Jesus told His disciples what to concentrate on teaching and preaching, and I believe this holds true for His disciples, you and I, today. Repentance and forgiveness is to be the main principles of our sharing, and demonstrated through our lifestyle. Repentance is when you turn away from what you were doing, and turn to what you are taught to do through God’s Word. You were in sin, and you were living like the world, following Satan’s evil desire for your life. On surrendering to the rule and reign of Jesus Christ in your life, you accepted His gift of eternal life and you are on a road in life that leads to eternity with He and the Father in heaven. Follow His example and His teachings so that the world will know, and want to change in a similar way. Forgiveness is an acknowledgment that you are very capable of doing wrong, so don’t be so judgmental of everyone else. Be willing to forgive them, just as Christ forgave you.
Friends, we serve an awesome, loving and perfect God. Seek Him while He may be found, and allow Him to work in and through your life so that others may see, know, and also believe in the one true God.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, please continue to open our minds to truly hear, understand and believe what You say to us through Your Word and through circumstances in our lives. We are the clay and You are the Potter. Teach us to be moldable, especially here on this earth where there are so many side currents and acts of Satan that presses upon us every day. This old world needs Jesus, I pray that as they see and experience us, there will be a huge reminder of Your goodness, Your love, Your forgiveness, and Your salvation, that they too will want to know You personally. Please teach us to seek after and obey Your will for our lives each day. 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!

Eternal Life Promise: Isaiah 64:8-9 Prayer and Reflection

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: Thursday, September 12, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Destin, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE The Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 64:8-9

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Still, Eternal One, You are our Father. We are just clay, and You are the potter.
We are the product of Your creative action, shaped and formed into something of worth. Don’t be so angry anymore, O Eternal; don’t always remember our wrongs. Please, look around and see that we are all Your people.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I’m not so sure that children today still fear the discipline of their parents, but there was a time when children may have feared returning home after a school teacher discipline, for they knew that there was additional discipline they could expect from their parents. As declared in verse 5, the Israelites acknowledged that they had continued in their sin for a very long time, but they came to their senses and realized that their sacrificial, forgiving and loving God was their only hope. Friends, as I read this I believe the Holy Spirit caused me to reflect on myself, my family, my church, my community and my country, for it’s difficult to turn on the evening news without hearing about the atrocious sins committed that day. It’s sad to attend church and look around at the empty seats, while later reading on Social Media about the other priorities and ways in which our friends chose to spend their Sunday. It pains us to see where their priorities were on a day that Christians choose to lift up the name of Jesus and encourage those who need a Savior. It is frightening and difficult to hear the family of a deceased loved one trying to console themselves by assuming that ‘absent from the body is to be present with the Lord’, especially when that loved one, while alive, wanted nothing to do with the Lord, or with anyone claiming Him as Lord. Friends, according to the Word of God, the day of salvation is at hand – now, today, without delay. God says in His Word that there will be a day of reckoning, and some will hear the sad words of the Master say ‘away from me, for I never knew you’. This means that the individual chose to follow their own way, as they wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Imagine how insulting that would be to the individual to hear Jesus claim them when you told Him ‘no’ all of your life. Notice in our verses today, the Israelites came to their senses – they are still alive and able to consciously make decisions to effect their present and future life situation. They pleaded with God to remember who they were and to give them what He promised. I believe that most importantly, they once again recognized who God was. When you approach those in authority over you, there is a sense of trying to honor them, please them, and place yourself into proper perspective. This often leads to you pleading your change of heart before them, for you now need them. It is so easy for us to look at the attributes of God like love, forgiveness, understanding and welcoming us home to glory. But let’s never forget that He is most importantly God – the one who knows our every action, word and thought, and because He will always honor His word, it is up to us to first recognize Him as God, and to honor Him by submitting lordship of our lives to Him, for He has awesome plans for each of us. Where do you stand dear one? When you claim Him as your God, He will claim you as His child for all eternity. If you choose otherwise, Satan is walking about like a roaring lion waiting for those without Christ. The later option leads to eternal damnation and tormenting. Don’t you get enough of that here on earth each day? Why not surrender to Jesus for eternal life with He and the Father in heaven?

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord Jesus for the promise of eternal life! Please teach us to not only plan our tomorrows here on earth, but to also secure our future in heaven with You and the Father. There is only one way, through the relationship we have with Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives. Please help us to never assume relationship if we have never sought You out and accepted You as Lord of our lives. You set the path for eternal life from the very beginning of time, and You cemented that plan into the pages of Your precious Word. Just as we are reminded daily, there is no set time for our departure, so we must latch on to You today, before it is eternally too late. Please speak intently to the hearts of every reader and remind them of the decision they need to make, for salvation is not something that grows on them, or filtered into them because of their earthly behavior. Your Word is a light unto our path, may we make it a part of our daily habit so that we might be reminded of You and Your promises. 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!

A Roadblock To Answered Prayer

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

DATE POSTED: Monday, July 22, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village 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 Contemporary English Version IS FOUND IN Isaiah 59:1-2

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: The Lord hasn’t lost his powerful strength; He can still hear and answer prayers.
Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That’s why He doesn’t answer your prayers or let you see his face.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: In a day when the people of Judah felt forsaken by God because of the challenging invasion of the Babylonians, I believe that we too can learn a lesson from what God explained to them through the prophet Isaiah. Many of us have heard such things as ‘it felt like my prayers were going no higher than the ceiling’, or ‘it feels like my prayers are hitting a brick wall’, or ‘is God really there for me?’ Throughout the Bible we are taught: that God will not tolerate sin; God will not be present where sin resides; There is no room in God’s presence for unconfessed sin; etc. But do we ever stop to consider these things when we are intimately and sincerely begging for God’s miraculous touch, and our prayers appear blocked? There are times that a child can merely look into the face of a parent and feel relieved by their love, or feel denounced by their correction or displeasure. Yet, God told His people, and us, that He hides His face from us when sin is blocking an open, sincere, honest and righteous presence with our Holy God. Although I am one of the millions who claim a personal relationship with our Lord, I still stop and often reflect on why a holy God would stop to listen to our cry for bodily healing, or safety for our children, or Godly direction in major decisions, or blessings to overcome life’s desperate challenges, when we are living in open sin – disregard for the teachings of our Lord and His written Word. Perhaps it would be good for us to have these focal verses on the inside of the door to our homes, so that it is the last thing we see before leaving to face the world each day. For, although it is easy to live like God in our ‘safe’ places, like home, or church, or Christian based events, but it becomes a whole lot more challenging to live like that in our workplaces or other worldly events without God’s miraculous intervention in our lives. Yes, we need more prayer and help from God in the latter circumstances, but we must learn to live, walk, talk and act like God in every aspect of life, if we are truly determined to follow in His ways every day. So friend, where do you turn to when your prayers seem unanswered or not reaching the throne of God? I am reminded that I am to look inward first and determine what sin is preventing God’s involvement. May I encourage you to do the same? If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, my Savior, please know that it is a first step in your need for prayer. Asking dad for help with something, is altogether different to asking a stranger on the street for that same help. Yes, Jesus loves you, but He wants to know that you love Him, have accepted Him as Lord, and that you are serious about following His commands every day – both when things are going perfectly for you, and when you’re in need of His help.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I thank You for a Savior to who I can turn to when I’m thankful for answered prayer, and also when life is overwhelming and I need a powerhouse to help me overcome. As a child of Yours, and knowing You personally and intimately, You are my Rock to whom I can turn. I wouldn’t dare say that I never get impatient and frustrated when my prayers are either not answered, or as instructed, but Lord I thank You for teaching me through Your Word today, how critical it is that my spiritual condition be in order. Please dear Lord, teach me to always look inward and clear up any sin that may prevent me from seeing Your face or hearing Your response to my prayers. I don’t believe that I am any different to many who will read this devotional today, so I ask that You please open their spiritual eyes today and help them to understand the truth of Your Word. Yes, this Scripture was directed to Judah, but I am convinced that You are the same, righteous and holy God today, and when we are not, we should never be surprised that You are separated because of our sin. Forgive us Lord when we try to bring our worldly lessons and practices into the mix of our times with You. We are to be holy, just as You are holy! AMEN!

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

How God Shows His Love For Us

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: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Blue Tree Resort, Orlando, 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 Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 12:5-8

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: ….“My son, don’t be angry when the Lord punishes you. Don’t be discouraged when he has to show you where you are wrong. For when he punishes you, it proves that he loves you. When he whips you, it proves you are really his child.” Let God train you, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. Whoever heard of a son who was never corrected? If God doesn’t punish you when you need it, as other fathers punish their sons, then it means that you aren’t really God’s son at all—that you don’t really belong in his family.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Isn’t it interesting how we have become accustomed to receiving a gift, or something good, as a form of recognition for something pleasing that we may have done? We even practice this with our pets! But what if you never disciplined your child, or your pet? Wouldn’t they feel that they lived in a carefree world where it didn’t matter what they did? But, know that at some point when our kids come to their senses, they may look back and question if we just didn’t care, or love them enough to help them be their best, or do what is right in the sight of everyone they encounter in life. In our Scripture today, the writer is reminding his readers/hearers of something that God said to all of us regarding His discipline, and how that proves His undying love for us. He cares for us, and He wants us to imitate Him and obey His teachings completely. In order to do that we must be corrected when we are otherwise misdirected by the Evil One and his contemporaries. I believe that too often we think of discipline as a whipping we may have received from an angry parent. But isn’t it a whole lot more? When we are being misdirected, God finds ways to discipline, or redirect us to a path that leads to Him. The world may tend to looks at this as discipline, or punishment, or a tap on our knuckles. I believe God says at this point, ‘because I love you so much I will remind you of the right thing to do and show you a path for getting there’. Friends, we must always remember that our ways are not God’s ways, and our thoughts are not like God’s thoughts, so His way of prodding us along in the right direction will differ to our way of doing things. Let’s be thankful that it is this way. God knows what He’s doing, so let’s be a thankful people, the recipients of His wondrous and amazing love.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, we’ve seen how others have tried to correct us and/or our children, and we’ve not been pleased. But praise to our loving God who, through Your servants and Biblical writers, have told us the loving manner in which You discipline and correct us! Living in this old hard and unloving world causes us to appreciate, admire and long for the loving discipline of our awesome God. Thank You Father, Son and Holy Spirit for directing Your love towards us, so undeserving, yet we are such needy children who long to be with You in glory one day soon. As Your children, we know of Your love and appreciate Your heart-felt discipline. Please help us to encourage our family and friends to seek You while You may be found and accept You as Lord of their lives, before it’s a day too late. 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!

A Better Way!

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: Friday, July 5, 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 Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 55:6-9

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call upon him now while he is near. Let men cast off their wicked deeds; let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy upon them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon! This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: For those who may question why would the Lord not be found when you need Him, or when you’re possibly ready to accept His lordship, let me refer you to Genesis 6:3 which supports what the prophet is saying to us in this passage. It reads: The Lord said, “My Spirit will not remain in human beings forever, because they are flesh….” Friends, you might also recall in Luke 18 where the blind man, Bartimaeus, shouted out to Jesus for mercy when he heard that Jesus was passing near to him. He didn’t wait until he was better dressed, or finally getting along with his neighbor, or in better form. He had the opportunity, and he took advantage of it, for he didn’t know if tomorrow would come for him. Should you take time to study the above Scripture reference today, you may notice that in the previous chapter the Lord was addressing His people, the Israelites, and reminding them of why He rescued them from slavery at the hands of the Egyptians. For all that they complained about and all the sin they were guilty of during the long trip from Egypt, they may have felt much like we do when we feel guilty about the sin in our lives. We may all feel like there is no way that a holy and righteous God would accept us. But notice that God went on to tell the Israelites that He would abundantly pardon those who turn from their wicked and sinful lives and turn to Him. God was not unreal in His promise to these wicked and sinful people, but He told them that even though they may find this gift of salvation impossible in their own eyes, thoughts and minds, yet they must know that they could never appreciate and understand the thoughts and ways of our almighty, all-righteous, and all-powerful God. Remember, they were responsible for surrendering themselves to their Creator, the God of this universe. He took full responsibility for doing what only He could do, accept them as they were, forgive them abundantly (way more than they could ever imagine), and present them as forgiven, holy, and righteous before the Father. Dear friends, our God has not changed. He is still on the throne and He will always remember His own. He is still in the loving and saving business, and He will do the same for you and I. Are you tired of the emptiness and frustration of this sinful world, and ready to see God accept and clean you up? You alone are responsible for looking to God and inviting His Son, Jesus, to forgive you of your sin and accept you into His kingdom. Just as He did for the Israelites, God will also do the same for you. Please don’t tarry, for today may be your last opportunity.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I believe that You have convinced me that mankind will only think on You and seek after salvation when the Holy Spirit is busy at work in their hearts. In their sinful state, they have no time or interest in our holy God. Yet so many of us feel an allegiance to friends or loved ones visiting our church that we hesitate to move towards You when we hear Your voice speaking intently to us. I can only seek Your forgiveness for myself, Lord, but I humbly ask that You would soften the hearts of my family and friends who still need a close and intimate relationship with You. Please Lord, encourage them to surrender to Your voice and Your call on their lives to encounter the risen Christ and sure up their eternal future. Oh, how I long to celebrate their decision to seek You while You maybe found. May Your will be accomplished for Your holy purposes. 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 Ultimate Sacrifice Paid Just for You

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: Thursday, June 6, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 53:5-6; 11

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: But he was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! We—every one of us—have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet God laid on him the guilt and sins of every one of us!
…. and because of what he has experienced, my righteous Servant shall make many to be counted righteous before God, for he shall bear all their sins.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: You might recall that Noah was mocked, and many poked fun at him when he started building a huge ark (boat) in the middle of a land that had never seen rain. As we read through and meditate on the words of Isaiah, we should stop and ponder how he was empowered to speak with such authority about things that would happen many, many years in the future. However, we are once again reminded that our God knows all things, including those things that are yet to come! And while He works in the hearts and lives of individuals in unique ways that will ultimately result in glorification to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we find in our Scripture today that He chose to speak through His servant, Isaiah, about how the future of all mankind will change when God would choose to send His very own Son into the world to save the lost and wavering souls who are torn by Satan’s tyranny here on earth. As a child of the King, I find myself looking at a world filled with people that God must shake His head and wonder how on earth can they call themselves ‘Christian’, if they are truly looking to His Word for the meaning and lifestyle of a Kingdom child. Some that we know are cheating, lying, living an adulterous life, associated with the same sex in ways that the Bible calls an abomination, and yet they are members, and in some cases, even leaders in our local churches, the ‘bride of Christ’ as referred to in Scripture. Unfortunately, those who acknowledge that they are ‘without Christ’ look at these examples of current day ‘Christians’ and they decide to follow in their example, rather than the example of Jesus Christ as intentionally shown throughout Scripture. Now, some will say that if you read the Bible you will find where people today are no different to the people who lived in Bible days. While that is true, you will also find that your neighbor, or your fellow Sunday School attendee, and others that we rub shoulders with every day, still live today in ways that are contrary to Bible teaching. The key point for us today is the same as in days past. When God impresses upon us to seek Him while He is available to us, He convinces us that there is something wrong about the way we are living. There is no where in Scripture that God points someone to live like their neighbor, or parent, or coworker, etc. God directs us to be obedient children of the Word – His Book of Instruction. Think about it, a banker would not use the practices of a school teacher to do his/her job at the bank, but rather the rules of the bank and/or its regulators. Similarly, God would have us read, meditate, and try to understand His written Word, and to live by what He directs. In the last verse of today’s Scripture, it says that God’s aim is to have us live righteous lives that are pleasing to God. You and I gain nothing by trying to please those around us. God knows our heart, our thoughts and He is very aware of our actions and words. It is God that we must live to please, because only what’s done for Him will matter in eternity. Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we could live in the light of eternity. Are you truly living a life that is pleasing, honoring, and faithful to such an awesome God? If not, please consider waiting no longer to invite Jesus into your heart, mind and soul and honor Him every day of your life through complete obedience to His Word.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank you Lord for anointing Isaiah, as Your messenger, to share the good news about a Savior that would come to prepare the way for us to enter into heaven some day. Unworthy, sinful, with the same mind as those who crucified You on that cruel cross, yet You sacrificed Your very own Son for us. Thank You Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Meditation on this Scripture invoked some very challenging thoughts for myself, plus the thoughts I shared in this devotional. Please Lord, teach us humbleness of heart and give us totally committed hearts that will learn to live out Your teachings and Your example so that the lost will catch a glimpse of Jesus without seeing the frailty of our attempts at obedience and with compromise and hypocrisy. Let there be nothing in us that will hinder the lost from seeing a holy and righteous Savior and Lord. 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!

Reminded of Where Our Strength Comes From

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: Friday, May 24, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Good News Translation (GNT) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 50:4-8

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: ….Every morning He makes Me eager to hear what He is going to teach Me. The Lord has given Me understanding, and I have not rebelled or turned away from Him. I bared My back to those who beat Me. I did not stop them when they insulted Me, when they pulled out the hairs of My beard and spit in My face. But their insults cannot hurt Me because the Sovereign Lord gives Me help. I brace Myself to endure them. I know that I will not be disgraced, for God is near, and He will prove Me innocent….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: For the child, or adult, who devotes their time to watching television, they will learn the words and habits of those acting in the shows they watch. What is absorbed by the heart, will be revealed in their words and actions as they face the world. Why? Because that’s the prominent thing in their heart, and therefore the only thing that will trigger their response to life events. However, God created us and placed us here on earth so that we might honor Him and be like Him in every way. Isn’t it obvious that one will become irritable and miserable if they were made for one thing, but because of their intake of other other worldly ideas and practices, they act and respond in a totally opposite manner to what what God intended? Is there any wonder why some turn to crime and acting out worldly hatred towards others? In today’s Scripture, Isaiah is teaching us way before the birth of Jesus Christ what God has in store for the world centuries later when He will produce a Son, equal to Himself, to reinforce what He wants us to learn and how He wants us to be His witness. Notice that Jesus credited His Father for alerting Him each morning to what He wants Him to learn that day, and how to be best prepared for any eventuality that day. How are we doing with this dear friends? The news channel will not teach us the truth of our God. The children’s animated channel will not teach our children God’s way in preparation for their day. Many will respond that they have no time in the morning for opening the Word of God to hear what He might teach them. Please try to use the words ‘It was not a priority for me to open God’s Word this morning’. It is the sole reason why you left no time to open the Good Book, so go ahead and tell God what He already knows. But now let us examine what challenges we face in following the next steps mentioned by Jesus – Obedience: I believe that way too often we care more about what we might look like in the eyes of our coworkers, or peers, than in what we might say to God why we didn’t follow His teachings. On the cross, Jesus obeyed His Father, rather than following in His own strength and endless power to recuse Himself from the whippings, hair plucking, verbal abuse, shame and disgrace of that awful day on that cross at Calvary. Why? Because He had one goal in life – to honor the will of His Father. Are we there yet, or do we have way too much of the world in us that our souls are conflicted and determined to please our friends over our Savior and Lord? I love the very first part of verse 8: ‘I know that I will not be disgraced, for God is near, and He will prove Me innocent!’ Praise the Lord for His love, teachings, and His promises to be with us through all the ages, until He calls us home to glory.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, there is no comparison to anything we know here on earth, versus what we find in You, so we thank You Lord for who You are and especially for all that You are to us, Your children. Our concept of all things are totally flipped when we read about Your characteristics and Your unconditional love for us. Please forgive us for saying that we believe, yet we struggle to accept, obey and live like You want us to do. This is yet another reminder of where we must turn to for our daily strength. Please continue to work on us and give us boldness and determination to stay true to our commitment as a born-again child of the King. Others need to see and experience You. Oh Lord, please let us be that example for them and may their hearts be warmed to know that You are alive, indeed alive in and working through us. AMEN!

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

How Will They Know?

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, May 18, 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 49:25-26

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: But the Lord says …. For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children. I will feed your enemies with their own flesh. They will be drunk with rivers of their own blood. All the world will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Have you ever stood by in amazement while someone you just met for the first time tries to figure out if the lady walking around with you is actually your wife? Or perhaps the boy that you are explaining everything to, is your son? What if everyone tried to size you up on whether you’re a Christian, or not? Would they have a hard time figuring that out? In this intriguing chapter of Isaiah, God had started introducing His Son that would come to save the world. His audience were only used to their one-on-one battles where one of the armies would be decimated, or turned away in defeat, while the other stood victorious. But in verse 25 we are seeing where God said He would fight their battles for them. Think about it, God ordered that His people, the Israelites, should be rescued from slavery in Egypt and return to their homeland. Although immense in numbers, these people were hardworking and used to manual labor, but they were slaves of Herod, the king of Egypt. They were no match for the power and might of the Egyptians, so of course they questioned how they could possibly get away from the Egyptians, survive in a harsh desert for many years, and then find a place to call home again, even though it was a land that they left many years ago. But unlike what they saw as possible in their human minds, God had a plan that only He could complete. Miracle after miracle in providing food, water, protection and direction, should have been more than enough to prove His omniscience and His power, but this was a stubborn and hard bunch to reach. We still have people like this today that we come into contact with. Perhaps neighbors, or church attenders, or coworkers, or students. But do they see enough of Jesus in ‘Christians’ today to conclude in their minds about His existence, His power, His willingness to help us through our struggles, and His plan for us after this challenging world has completed it’s pick on us? Dear friends, I have no doubt that God says the same thing to us today as He did in assuring the Israelites of His character and power: I will fight those who fight you; I will protect your children; I will attend to your enemies by repaying them harshly for what they have done to you; THEN you, and all those who know you, will know that I indeed am the God of this universe; your Savior; your Lord; your Redeemer; your everlasting Father, who has prepared an eternal home for you where you will live forever with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But child of God, do those around you know and see all this based on your relationship with Jesus Christ? Do they see it lived out in your home? Is it obvious in your character; your work ethics; your relationship with others and in your church? Many will meet Jesus because of what they see in, and experience with you. Oh that they will see Jesus, high and lifted up!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Nothing on earth compares with You Lord, so I thank You for setting such high standards for us. We could never be You, but I pray that You will give us boldness and a deep desire to learn as much as we could about Your character, that we will reflect You, and reflect You in every aspect of our lives. We have nothing to brag about in our self-worth, but when we invite You to live inside of us, You are everything that the world needs. Please bless us oh Lord, so that we may be a blessing to others and Your name glorified in every aspect of our lives. 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!

You Know Him Already

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: Friday, March 22, 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 Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 8:10-11

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: ….I will write my laws in their minds so that they will know what I want them to do without my even telling them, and these laws will be in their hearts so that they will want to obey them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people. And no one then will need to speak to his friend or neighbor or brother, saying, ‘You, too, should know the Lord,’ because everyone, great and small, will know me already. 

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: The Old Testament is known for instructions given to man on what he should do, while the New Testament is known for telling us what God will do. Throughout our lifetime, we will encounter friends, coworkers and perhaps even relatives where we will wonder how could they possibly be so blind to the love and work of God. They may try to tell us how much they hate the church, and how impossible it is to believe that God is real. But then we see circumstances come before them, that may cause them to ask us to have our pastor pray for them, or visit their dying relative, or encourage their son in prison. This sudden change in attitude causes us to wonder what must have changed in their hearts. But then God places Scripture before us, like this one we are meditating on today. The writer of Hebrews felt the need to revive the words God spoke to Jeremiah and recorded in Jeremiah 31:31-34. It became evident to me as I meditated on this reminder today, that I needed to hear these words again, as is probably the case with you. When mankind simply attends church to fulfill a traditional habit/obligation, he will often leave the church without ever having a personal encounter with the God who created everything and who sacrificed His very own Son so that we might seek the glories of heaven and fellowship with the Creator Himself. However, I have found it extremely rewarding to see how God will suddenly stir up deep inside of us a need for a touch from Himself. Often it seems worthless how our words and actions seem to affect the unbeliever, yet God will choose something that appears very insignificant to us, but life changing to the unbeliever, to stir up the gift of salvation and/or revival in the heart of that stubborn one who chose to do life his own way. A pastor once told of a parishioner who acknowledged he hadn’t been to church lately, and questioned why he hadn’t come after him. The pastor responded that was not his job, for the New Covenant says you already know what you should have been doing because the Lord wrote His will on your heart!
Please Lord, make us keenly aware of the knowledge and peace You have placed within us. Help us to ignore the many, many weird beliefs that Satan tends to place in the way of Your people and help us instead to keep our eyes fixed on You as our current Lord and everlasting Father.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Each day, and every hour, we make choices on who we will follow, the divine and holy will of God, or the evil, hateful, envious and wicked ways of Satan. You created us Lord, and You proved your unconditional love for us by providing the only sacrifice worthy of forgiveness of our sin, and acceptable to the Father for entry into heaven. You did this while we were still sinners without respect for the work of God, our Creator. The Scripture is clear that You have burned Your will into our hearts, so our evil actions are in strict defiance to the good You have shown to us, and placed prominently in our hearts. Please Lord, impress upon us each day Your love and Your holy and righteous will You have placed within us to guide us to eternal peace with You and the Father. 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!