Tag: Humble

Who is The Greatest?

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, December 28, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Kyle, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Luke 22:24-27

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: And they began to argue among themselves as to who would have the highest rank in the coming Kingdom. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men order their slaves around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it! But among you, the one who serves you best will be your leader. Out in the world the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! For I am your servant.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I have always been taught that we can turn to God’s Word for any and everything we want to know God’s teaching on. This is vital, especially after reading the above Bible text and understanding the stark difference in how the world views this subject vs God. I also found it interesting how Jesus spoke many years ago on the world’s view on greatness, and it is precisely on target for what we still see occurring today. Current-day bosses will engage the rudest, most abrupt, condesending person in their employment to gain what they want from a vendor, or what they want presented to a customer on the extent they are prepared to go in order to keep their business. But does this align with the concept of leadership described by Jesus? Most worldly leaders demand servants who will do what they’re told, without any sense of personal conscience. Jesus had just demonstrated servanthood that matched His teaching – He washed the feet of His disciples, those He was training to carry on His ministry here on earth. I heard of an employer near my home who would hand out his company’s paychecks each week, because he wanted to personally interact with his employees at least once per week. That may not sound a lot like servanthood, but I could only imagine that employees must have appreciated his deliberate effort to personally interact with them. Churches are really not a whole lot different, for some pastors and/or elders feel they are above ‘getting their hands dirty’ with issues of the poor and lowly in their congregation. I believe that our challenge with this Scripture today might be that we look inward and, with God’s help, determine what changes we must make so that our lives would be better aligned with the teaching and example of our Master and King. If Jesus is to be ‘Lord’ of our lives, then we must ensure that we are living and acting in ways that are pleasing and directed by our Lord. Perhaps this is a good thing to keep in mind when we see our attitudes declining or our actions imitating the world. For us to share Christ with the world, we must reflect Him in our words, actions and attitudes. Conflicting attitudes will cause the world to question our intentions and who it is that we truly represent.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Oh dear Lord, who are we to talk about greatness? As our Creator, Sustainer, Healer and Savior, You alone are great. Yet You chose to serve Your disciples by washing their feet. You provided the means for our eternity in Heaven, because of Your love for us and Your desire to see us remain faithful to You right to the very end. Please forgive us Lord in trying to place ourselves over others here on earth, for You alone are worthy of such honor. Please help us to remain humble and serve others, much like You demonstrated to us. May others see Jesus in everything we do or say, and not the pride and self promotion that we try to achieve. You’ve told us that these actions are of the world, and not representative of 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!

A Bonus From God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Acknowledge God, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Ask and Receive, Awesome God, Believe, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Sunday, 2023-02-19
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Chronicles 1:11-12
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— 12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”

APPLICATION: I would imagine that it would probably depend on what we are going through at the time, as to what we might tell God is at the top of our ‘Wish List’, or is our greatest desire. If we are wanting to get married, then we would probably ask God to help us find the best suited mate available. If we are attending college, then perhaps we might ask God to help us achieve the best test scores possible, whether we have, or have not, spent adequate time studying as we should have! If the bills are mounting and there just don’t seem to be enough income to go around, we might ask God to wave His magic wand and make the bills go away for us. BUT, I’m hoping that many of my readers and/or listeners are in close fellowship with God, spends adequate time with Him each day studying His Word and praying for His divine direction in your lives. What would you ask for? My attention was drawn when the young, new king, Solomon, made it his very first move to take his leaders with him up to the temple. He didn’t say what he was going for, and Scripture doesn’t record, that his leaders asked any questions about where they were going or the reason why. This large group arrived at the temple and Solomon led the pack in proceeding to the bronze altar and sacrificing 1,000 burnt offerings to the Lord. Isn’t it amazing how this very powerful young king didn’t recline back and order his servant leaders to handle the burnt offerings? Notice how Solomon didn’t make the offerings with any type of condition to God, or use them as any bargaining tool for what he wanted from God that day? But of particular notice is that God knew the heart of the dad who had prayed for his son to assume kingship over Israel, and how he wanted him to keep God first in everything he did. God also knew that in-spite of everything that Solomon had going for him, he found no greater priority than to gather his leaders and first go to the temple to seek the face of God, before any other task that required their attention. Notice in verse 11 how God’s heart was touched by Solomon not doing like most, who would ask for personal success and riches, but instead asked for help in being the best possible leader for a people he had been given the honor to lead. Although knowing his very heart, yet God wanted us to notice that He will bless abundantly more than we could comprehend, when His people will humble themselves, seek His face, and beg for help in meeting the needs of His people over whom we have influence. God blessed Solomon with the things he requested, but then as a bonus, God also blessed him with those things that he could have asked for! Friends, I don’t believe there is any greater ‘wow’ moment than to see the Great I Am do more for us than we ask or deserve! I wonder, when last have we sacrificed time at work or play or family, to call a few Christian brothers and sisters and invite them to meet you at the altar of your church? Assuming that some will show up, would they be surprised that nothing is personally wrong with you or your immediate family, but that you wanted to pray for a neighbor who needs Jesus, or for your Sunday School class that you will teach the following day, or the congregation that you feel truly needs to see Jesus in services the next day? Do you suppose that people are not being blessed, or saved today because of our laxity and lack of dedication to the God we are meant to represent and lead our people to in our respective ministries? At the very ending of verse 12, God promised to bless Solomon more than any king before or after him ever thought possible. What would happen in your family, or your Sunday School class or your church congregation if God chose to bless in this way because of your faithfulness? Could our city contain itself if it saw churches being blessed in response to their humbleness, their dedication, their teaching and their preaching? Why, it will become evident that the God we worship and adore really does exist, because the might works of God reveals itself through His church! Are you truly doing anything to invoke the blessings of Almighty God on His people and His church? Oh Lord, may we always facilitate Your blessing, and never stand as a stumbling block to all You want for Your people.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God was merciful to Solomon and blessed Him with what he asked for, plus, as a bonus, also blessed him with the things that he could have asked for! What an awesome, giving, and ever-blessing God we serve!

PRAYER: Glory to God in the highest for who You are and for all that You do for Your children – especially for the blessings that we may not even asked for! Oh that Your people will recognize Your greatness today and have a deep desire to worship You and seek Your ongoing goodness for all those we love and cross paths with each day. Your blessings are way greater than anything we could imagine or ask for, and I pray that we would realize once again that You just want our availability to serve, and Your blessings will overflow through us to bless others. May each one that walks through the doors of Your church today come with a new desire to worship You for who You are, and not just for what You could give them. Please Lord, help us to seek Your throne on behalf of others today, and not just for what You can do for us. May Your kingdom come, on earth, as it is in heaven. For thine is the glory, the honor and praise. 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 Path To Greatness – Step Three

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

DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-07-08
WRITTEN AT: O Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 9:42
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: 42 “On the other hand, if you give one of these simple, childlike believers a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck.

APPLICATION: I admire those who are very knowledgeable in the Bible, for they can freely cross-reference other Scriptures that speak to a subject may be looking at, and they can explain the context surrounding the subject in very clear and concise detail. If we are not careful, and perhaps mature, we might let this kind of knowledge intimidate us, and shut us down from explaining anything in our simple understanding. I believe that Jesus tried to forewarn us about this possible stumbling block, for He knew that some might even choose to stay home instead of facing the threat of intimidation once again. Most new believers are so excited and incented to learn as much as they could about this Jesus, who is so new to them. They tend to welcome the knowledge of others. That is, until they feel intimidated, or minimized, or ignorant, or like ‘what’s the use of me even opening my mouth?’. No matter how smart we are, or how dumb others appear to be, they will quickly discern when we are showing them up. I believe that the truly great person strives extra hard to be extremely sensitive around those who may not be as strong as they are, or knowledgeable as they are, or even as educated as they are. Explaining something at a level over my head will not help me understand, but rather intimidate me and cause me to shut down. In 1 Corinthians 8:13 Paul said something similar when he said: “Don’t eat meat offered to idols if it will cause those weaker in their faith to stumble”. I have observed that truly great people are always aware of those weaker than they are in the faith, and therefore won’t flaunt their abilities, if it will trip up someone else in his walk with Jesus. Therefore, I believe that Jesus is teaching His disciples, and us, that we must always reflect on the words of Paul where he said: ‘I try to be like all people, in order to win some to the Lord’. It may irritate some who sees an adult speaking to a baby or young child in a way that sounds childish, but if that’s all the child could comprehend at that time, why speak to them like you would to your pastor? In my younger days when I helped in ministry to young children, it was amazing to hear a young child from our community explain that they didn’t know the chorus ‘Jesus loves me’. But they were new to church and needed ‘baby food’ first. New believers may come from a similar community where they never heard about the truths of the Bible. In very simple terms, we must teach and show them the love of Jesus! We are all equal at the foot of the cross, so why elevate yourself above anyone here on earth? Meet them, and talk with them, right where they are. With the help of our Lord Jesus, He can direct our path, our conversation, and our heart to meet someone right where they’re at!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Instead of our usual approach with our hands out for what we could get, or our ‘give me’, ‘give me’ attitude, Jesus wants us to follow in His footsteps. He came down to earth – equal with God, yet He loved His creation (you and me) enough to serve and teach us, before being crucified for our sake. No other love quite like that, but Jesus wants us to strive for that kind of love each and every day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You were the greatest of all men, yet You taught us to look at the very humble aspects of Your life and imitate Your humility and servanthood. Thank You Jesus for setting the example before us, and also for teaching us what You are looking for in Your children. We are but a spec of dust, compared to Your awesome greatness, so we really have nothing to brag about, nor a reason to pretend greatness compared to our fellow Brothers and Sisters. Please be patient with us as You work on us to make us more like Yourself every day. May our unbelieving friends see the likeness of Jesus in us in everything we do, for we want them to see and desire Your love and experience Your forgiveness of their sin. Forgive us Lord when we allow self to get in the way of Your work in our lives. Have thine own way Lord, Have thine own way, You are the Potter, I am the clay….. 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!

Yet Another Opportunity To See The Power Of Jesus!

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

Monday, 2021-11-08

Bible Reference: John 11:14-16
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 14 Then Jesus made it plain to them, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sake, I’m glad I wasn’t there, because now you have another opportunity to see who I am so that you will learn to trust in me. Come, let’s go and see him.”
16 So Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, remarked to the other disciples, “Let’s go so that we can die with him.”

APPLICATION: No doubt, we all have a favorite miracle of Jesus, and perhaps each one speaks miraculously to you in their own way. For some, it may be the very first miracle recorded where Jesus turned the water into wine, but for others it may be when He walked on the Sea of Galilee towards the boat filled with His disciples, and with a very calm voice, He calmed the rough waters. But in our Scripture today we see for the first time that Jesus ignored the request of His very good friends, Mary and Martha, in order to achieve an ultimate goal He had in store for His disciples. He wanted them to catch one more, or a fresh, glimpse of His power as their risen Savior! Adding to the mystery of Jesus’ actions in not responding immediately to the request of Mary and Martha, is the fact that Jesus told His disciples that He was glad that He was not there when Lazarus died. That really seemed callous, doesn’t it? But ponder with me for a few minutes how many may have been saved, or in this case recognized the power of God, versus if Jesus would have instantly healed Lazarus when He got word 4 days earlier, that he was sick to the point of death? I have a situation in my family where it was the result of the death of a nephew, that my dad came to know Jesus as Lord. Was it a good thing that the nephew died? Absolutely not. But the Bible teaches us that the angels in heaven rejoice when they welcome one soul surrendered to the call of God on their lives. Furthermore, God had many years to work in and through my dad to touch other souls that he rubbed up against. As mere earthly mortals, we are devastated when we lose a loved one, whether it’s due to old age, or what we often feel is premature. But would it make us feel any better if, when we get to heaven, Jesus reveals to us how many entered into a personal relationship with Jesus because of our unfortunate loss? Or how He got our attention and caused us to get serious about our relationship with Him? Notice that Peter struggled with the whole scene, because He thought that following Jesus into the city where He was already sought after, would lead to certain capture and ultimate death for Jesus and His followers. We have no record of Peter or his fellow disciples rejoicing over this move by Jesus to go and visit the grave of Lazarus. But, like the disciples, we must learn to trust and follow Jesus where He leads us. I believe that still today He is seeking after His children to trust Him more; worship Him more; have more faith in Him; know that He’s with us when we have a witnessing opportunity; know that His Word will not return void, especially when we stand in front of a class or on the podium of a sanctuary to share the Word of God simply and plainly with folk that came hoping to see Jesus. God never mentioned about us being capable, or any other attribute that folk tend to look for in a first-class preacher or teacher. I believe that if He was able to use uneducated fishermen, tax collectors, doctors and more, to start the whole Christian movement, so wouldn’t He, all the more, use you and I who can often stand and talk on any subject that comes our way. Let’s learn to trust Him Brothers and Sisters. Perhaps if we empty ourselves of ‘self’ and ask God to fill us afresh with His love, His power and His boldness, then perhaps others will see Jesus instead of the wicked men and women that we are. Just like Peter and His companions, let us learn to trust God more – in every circumstance of life. Instead of doubting when we see life for our family and friends going terribly wrong, at least in our opinion, let’s instead look intently on how God might get our attention and minister to us through those unfortunate circumstances.

PRAYER: Dear God, as others look on us today may they see Jesus. Please help us to stop acting like spoiled children, for as we are called to service, so may our lives be fully spent on Jesus. As Jesus went to see Lazarus, He never doubted, or showed any hesitancy, in fact it appeared like You orchestrated the whole event perfectly and with purpose. Others saw the awesome works of the Almighty God. May that be the case with all those that we come into contact with today. There is probably nothing about ourselves individually for others to like, or care about. If there is, then perhaps they will see that thing, instead of the awesome God that we seek to serve, and to have seen through us. Lord, may any personal, likable, thing become invisible to the eyes of the one watching us but need to see You. Please have Your will and way in and through us today, for there may be one that we encounter who may need to be awaken from the death of sin and self destruction. They may see no true value in life. Oh may the joy of the Lord be evident in us, and through us today. This is my humble and desperate plea as my readers and listeners join with me in desiring more of You through Your mighty works almighty King. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org 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 or listening to this devotional, please go to 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. 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!

With A Humble Heart

On By Ed AlgreenIn Blessings, Holy Spirit, Hope, HumilityLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2021-06-23
WRITTEN AT: Big Cabin, OK

SCRIPTURE FROM: Matthew 5:3
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT:  “Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need. God’s kingdom belongs to them.

APPLICATION: Poor in spirit – On face value, I tend to believe this means that one might be feeling sorry for themselves, or thinking poorly of themselves and the circumstances around them. Doesn’t this come to the surface at times in each of us? But Jesus said that God blesses these kind of folk when, in spite of how they’re feeling, yet they see the need for Him. Friends, I know that we need to stay positive and pretend like we are on cloud nine at all times, but reality sets in very frequently for us. At the beginning of every day: we need God to hold our hand; Give us wisdom; Encourage us to go on, in spite of all that we know might happen that day; Hold our hand as encouragement and strength for our day; and then remind us frequently throughout the day that He’s right there beside us. You see, for the disciples, Jesus told them that they are to go out and live like this. I believe that we must realize that we are nothing without Christ, but everything as His possession. We have power to do nothing without the power of God within us. We must love others like Jesus loved us, for God gave Him up so that we might have life eternally in heaven one day with He and the Father. We must live in total dependence on Him, for without Him life is totally void. And remember, just as we listened to the call of Jesus on our life, others we will come into contact with will also desire this Savior of ours. Jesus may have said: Brothers, you may be poor in spirit, but may this be the day that you realize that your only hope is in a life that is totally saturated by Jesus. I believe Jesus looked at them and assured them that the world may fail them, but God never will! Praise to the Lord – our Savior; our Redeemer; our Deliverer and our everlasting Hope.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God’s Kingdom belongs to those who are humble and weak in spirit, but sincerely loves Jesus and have surrendered their life to Him!

PRAYER: Wonderful Savior and Friend, thank You for placing us just where we are so that we may allow Your Holy Spirit to work through us and bless those that become a part of our circle of influence. May we always realize that life is all about You and the manner in which we give you control and leadership in our living. Oh that we may live with the full influence of the Master extending Himself mightily through us for His ultimate glory and praise. It is so hard to live in a world that promotes self everywhere we turn, and yet approach life with humility of spirit and fully dependent on You. Teach us daily dear Lord, that only You can save a sinner and heal the sick. We are worthless without You. Please teach us to depend on You for our every need, so that we may be Your instruments of blessing here on earth. Oh that many will reach far beyond the skies today as they reach out for a relationship with the One who created the stars and the heavens. 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!

Use Virtues of God to Set Your 2021 Goals

On By Ed AlgreenIn Committed, goal, Humble, VirtuousLeave a comment

Monday, 2020-12-28

Bible Reference: Colossians 3:12-14
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 12 You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. 13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. 14 For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark[k] of true maturity.[l]

OBSERVATION: Around this time of the year we begin to reflect on the accomplishments, failures, heartaches and missed goals of the year about to end, and many of us will begin to set goals for the incoming year. It’s always good to have something to reach towards, for without that, we might tend to merely exist and settle for anything that comes our way. What if we chose some spiritual goals for 2021? Let’s meditate on the ones listed in today’s Scripture and see what God might be directing us towards.

APPLICATION: I believe that we unconsciously set New Years’ goals for ourselves, depending on our audience at the time. For we tend to concentrate on spiritual goals when we are with God or His people; and we tend to drift more into financial and other personal goals when we are with our friends and family. This may not be a bad philosophy, but we might question ourselves as to why is there a need to compartmentalize depending on the audience. I believe that when God listens to the cry of His precious child’s heart, He listens for everything that might be troubling that child, or being celebrated by them. After all, if we are going through financial woes, don’t you know that subject will be foremost on our minds as cry out to God about our disappointments in 2020 and when we speak with God and seek His perfect will for our lives in 2021? On another note, don’t you know that our attitudes will be drastically impacted when we are struggling in our relationship with God? But isn’t it awesome to know that God is more than willing to speak with His children about all aspects of our life, as we seek His direction and try to establish goals for the New Year? After all, He’s the only One who truly knows what will transpire next year, so His guidance is vital. However friends, I believe that God has given us some virtues to concentrate on in the days ahead. Think about these things: be holy as our Father is holy; be merciful as we seek to understand others; be compassionate and show kindness to others, as you take the focus off self and all that you want; be gentle; be humble; be so patient with others that you would never offend them; learn to tolerate the weaknesses of believers, for you are also flesh and blood, and you could also easily fall short in multiple ways; God has forgiven you, so learn to also forgive others, especially for their faults; and love – remember, your love for others will be a sign of your maturity in Christ. Friends, can you imagine how much better our world will be, if we choose to seek God’s help in achieving these virtues in 2021? Can you imagine the reduction in stress levels for us individually when we strive for these goals? I believe that as we work towards these goals, we will see God also bless us with the other things He knows that we need, such as financial freedom; good decisions about people and events that we are a part of, etc. As our priority shifts towards our God and His righteousness, I believe that we will see more clearly how truly serious we are about Him, and be reminded of how gracious and kind He is to us.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for saving my soul, thank You Lord for making me whole, thank You Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free! Your Word is a light unto our path oh Lord, may we read it, take it to heart and be obedient to it, with Your amazing help! As we depend on You for all that 2021 brings our way, may we never cease to stop asking You for help in living life here on earth as You intended for us. May others see Your virtues in us before we ever open our mouths to evangelize with words! AMEN!

Christmas Gift Ideas

On By Ed AlgreenIn Christian love, Christmas, Forgiveness, gifts, Humble, Kindness, Love, PatienceLeave a comment

Friday, 2020-12-08

Bible Reference: Colossians 3:12-14
Translation: Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: 12 God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. 14 Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 

OBSERVATION: At Christmas time we seem to easily find room in our hearts to be kind to others. In our verses today Paul reminds us of what all God did for us, and how that should lead us to do the same for others. So as we meditate on this today, may it stir up within us many ideas on how we might bless others at Christmas!

APPLICATION: Most children are probably looking forward to Christmas because of the gifts they have asked for, and expect to receive. As adults, Paul has reminded us of the gracious gifts that are ours, in being a child of the most high God! Here are some of the gifts mentioned by Paul: 1). God has made us His holy people – imagine that – steeped in sin and very much a part of Satan’s army, yet when we felt the call on our life by Jesus, and surrendered our life to Him, we were adopted into the sonship of the Most Holy God! That is beyond comprehension, and could only be imagined through faith in the truth of God’s Holy Word; 2). God loves us – ‘Love’ is an awesome word that we use, and even abuse in our lifetime, but it takes on such a special meaning when the holy Son of God loves a child that has been so blatant in sin, and asked for His forgiveness. Oh that we may find it in our hearts to love like that this Christmas! But because of all that God blessed us with, here are some gifts that we may give to others, knowing that He will continue pouring out His gracious love to us: Show mercy towards others; Be kind to others; Be humble towards others; Be gentle to others; Be patient with others; Don’t be angry with others; Forgive others; and LOVE others. Friends, the best news of all about these godly gifts, compared to our usual gift giving, is that there will be no increase in credit card bills whatsoever!  So why not read over this devotional again as Christmas draws closer, and concentrate on all the gody gifts that you can extend to family and friends. Be instrumental in teaching them God’s ways and His teachings through your example this Christmas! Others just may see that you have a heart like that of Jesus, because you showed that you cared for them!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for Christmas, and the precious gift of Your Son! Thank You for teaching us about the many precious gifts that You bless us with, and then through your servant Paul, teaching us how we might extend to others the many gifts that You have showered on us. Please help us to make someone’s Christmas special this year, simply by showering them with the character of Your Son, and the godly gifts mentioned in our Scripture today. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org 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 or listening to this devotional, please go to 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. 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!

Wrap An Apron of Humility Around You

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

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-11-05
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: 1 Peter 5:5-7
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: 5 ….. In every relationship, each of you must wrap around yourself the apron of a humble servant. Because: God resists you when you are proud but multiplies grace and favor when you are humble.[h] 6 If you bow low in God’s awesome presence,[i] he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. 7 Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.[j]

OBSERVATION: In today’s Scripture, I believe that the answer is given to us on what is required for us to receive the uplifting hand and blessing of our Father. But there is particular action for us to seek after, if we are to receive God’s blessing in this way – humility. Open your heart to God as you reflect on this Scripture with me today as you search for His grace and favor.

APPLICATION: To ask for help, we have to come to a clear understanding that there is someone available to help that is more powerful and/or more knowledgeable than we are, and that they may be willing to help us under certain circumstances. We must also acknowledge that the problem is bigger than we could handle ourselves. To do this, you would think that we would be humbled by this overpowering realization, but is that what actually occurs? I am so disappointed at seeing some people with a sense of feeling like the world owes them something in return for all they have done, or given. There are some who demands from others, even if they are the ones in need of help. God said that we are to wrap ourselves with a cloak of humility As we seek His face. Also, God said that He would resist the proud (those who are not humble). I get the impression that God turns His face away from the proud. Ignores their need. We are to envelope ourselves with humility dear ones. I love the way that the Amplified Bible includes the following explanation for humility: demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation. Notice the reminder also that the timing of God’s response is up to Him, and not the instant rate that we will demand. Friends, when we get our priorities straight, and when we recognize who’s in charge, then we may be ready to simply take our burdens to the foot of the cross and leave them there, knowing that our God tenderly cares for us and will answer our prayers in His time in accordance with His will. So with a humble heart, how do you feel like you’re doing in Your relationship with each other, and with your Heavenly Father? Are you cloaked in humility? There is hope my friend, just let go and let God!

PRAYER: Father, we acknowledge that we have no power except from Your power, no intelligence about the future except for our all-knowing God. We are worthless to man because of our inadequacies, but because of You, we are worthy and appreciative of our lives, we know that we can do all things because of You. We have been admonished to bring our burdens to the cross and leave them there. Especially in this year of strange occurrences, we seem to have more burdens than we could ever handle, so Lord we bring our burdens to you and leave them there. Our future is only known to You, so in Your perfect timing, answer our prayers as You see fit, and please guide and direct us through the rest of this year so that You might be lifted up, praised and magnified for Your great works. Thank You Lord Jesus for being my Savior and my Lord. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org 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 or listening to this devotional, please go to 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. 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!

God Is Attentive to The Prayers of His People

On By Ed AlgreenIn Draw Me Close to You, Healing, True witnessesLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2020-02-25

Bible Reference: 2 Chronicles 7:13-14
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: If I ever shut off the supply of rain from the skies or order the locusts to eat the crops or send a plague on my people, and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health. From now on I’m alert day and night to the prayers offered at this place. 

OBSERVATION: I believe that way too often we read into the Scriptures what we want to hear, or perhaps we might use the content of a verse to make sure that it is understood in the manner we feel it should read. Re-reading these frequently used verses might remind us of the emphasis God places on ‘HIS’ people. As we meditate on these verses today, please allow the Word of God to penetrate your heart and speak to your very soul.

APPLICATION: For so long I have heard reference to verse 14, but when you read the preceding verses, especially verse 13, it becomes very evident that God is saying that He may very well withhold blessings from us when we stray, or when we sin. However, He also tells us that when we pray, and when we repent of our sin, and when we turn away from our sin, then praise God, He will hear our prayer, forgive us of our sin and make us (our land) prosperous again. It seems so out of sorts the way that we try to make this work. God is the Master and He dictates how it will work. We are the servants, the followers, the beggars, we need to listen and obey, to see the results of God’s response to our prayers! I don’t believe that these verses were intended that the lost might awaken from their sin, surrender their lives to God and then see Him work miraculously in their lives, although I believe that God is very capable of doing that. I have the distinct impression that God told Solomon that the new temple was dedicated in service for the work of the Lord. However, he should let the people know that there may come a time when God may choose to strike their farms, or even send a plague among his people. This is not a time for the people to strike out against the evildoers or the Satan followers, but rather it is a time that believers should look to God and seek His forgiveness for their sin, their pettiness, their ugliness to their family, friends and coworkers. A time that they must look inward and face God in shame for their lack of obedience to His commands, their lack of caring about the elderly and those in need, their shame for keeping the King of all kings bottled up inside – their sin, yes be sorry for their own sin, and to seek the Master for forgiveness and for strength to serve Him, worship Him, and exemplify Him in ever fiber of their being. Friends, I believe that God is saying that we are to look inward as a church, and get our act together, so that we might represent Him honorably before a lost world. In other words, let’s get inside the four walls of our churches squeaky clean before we feel like we could be an influence to those on the outside. Many might respond that they are not dirty, they are not evil, they don’t hate others, but let me remind you that we are to compare ourselves to, and aim to live a perfect life like, the only begotten Son of God – Jesus our Lord. When you do that, can you see where God might want us to clean up our act? God told Solomon, that when we – the church, do what we are called to do, then He will hear from heaven and bless our land. This reminds me of an old Christian song, ‘It’s me, it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer. It’s not my brother or my sister, but it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer’. Fellow believers, join me in drawing closer to God today. I believe that He wants to bless our land, but He said that He wants us to have our house in order before He does so. Let’s not be a stumbling block in the good work of the Lord.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that my readers will join me today in being obedient to Your precious Word. May we humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, pray, and seek Your face, like we seriously want a move from You, and like we seriously want You to heal our land of its sin, its deceases, its wickedness, and its lack of desire for our King. Please heal us – Your church, and draw us unto Yourself, so that You may eventually heal our land. We are tired of the crime and many sins that are evident and that seem to worsen every day, and we are frightened by the unknown deceases for which our doctors fail to find a cure. Our land is in much need of a touch from You oh God. Please begin by healing Your children – even today, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org 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 or listening to this devotional, please go to 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. 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!

Show Me Your Way Oh Lord

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faithful, Humbleness, Obedience2 Comments

Saturday, 2020-02-01

Bible Reference: Psalm 119:33-34
Translation: The Voice Translation (VOICE)

Bible Text: 33 Eternal One, show me how to live according to Your statutes,
    and I will keep them always.
34 Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law
    and keep it wholeheartedly.

OBSERVATION: We know from the life of David that there were many ups and downs, or highs and lows in his life, and perhaps that’s why many of us can identify with David so much. However, David became pretty special to God though, and we can see from our verses today that David’s heart was one of humbleness before God. He had a desire to learn more of God’s Word, and His perfect will for his life, feeling like if he could only understand it, he would put his whole heart into being obedient to it.

APPLICATION: Ever had a time in your life where you were about to get upset with a child because they were about to do something that you had corrected them on many times before? Then you realized that they were doing their very best to do what they probably understood from you, but just not as perfectly as you were hoping for? Isn’t that the way it is with God’s Word sometimes? You want to do things according to your understanding of God’s teachings, yet you become confused by all that is being taught from various pulpits, classrooms or media platforms. Friends, I believe that we need to pay close attention to the method used by David. Notice how he went to the Source to ask for wisdom and understanding? Notice how he had determined in his own mind that with this understanding and additional wisdom, came a determined heart to be obedient to whatever God revealed to him? I believe that often we become so hung up on wanting to hear an explanation of the Bible that fits our own personal desires and wishes that we tune out the teachings and explanations that are contrary to predetermined ideas. I believe that when we seek God’s face, like David did, we will often be led in opposite directions to what was determined in our minds, because God’s ways are so different to our ways. The bottom line for us though, is that only what’s done for Jesus will last. Only when we do what’s pleasing to Him and in full obedience to Him, will we truly align our lives with His will for us. So shall we seek to follow David’s example and seek God’s face, asking for Him to clarify exactly what it is that we need to do, so that we may be a pleasing fragrance in His nostrils? It’s not about what self wants or desires. It’s all about pleasing God in all that we do, friends, so that His perfect will might be accomplished through even us – His humble servants.

PRAYER: Father in heaven, You have demonstrated Your love for us by sending Your only Son as a sacrifice for our sin. Yet we love grudgingly and with many strings attached. You gave us Your Word – Your book of instructions for life, so that we might know the way to eternal life, and that we might know what pleases the Father. Yet we often choose to do our own thing, in hopes of selfish returns and personal achievements. Your servant David demonstrated through this Psalm today, that it’s not until we stop and surrender wholeheartedly to You, and Your perfect will for our lives, that we truly become a pleasing aroma to You and usable instruments by You to reach unsaved loved ones. Lord, may this be a day that You will be busy at work in our understanding of Your statutes and commands, whether we are sitting to ‘soak in’ the words from Your Holy Bible, or whether driving along being blessed by all that You have made, or whether through the spoken word of another believer. Lord, may Your will become perfectly clear to us today, is my honest plea and heart’s desire, with total thanksgiving for all that You will do today, AMEN!