Tag: Jesus

Doing The Right Thing

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

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2021-01-05
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Genesis 4:6–7
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 6 The Lord said to Cain: What’s wrong with you? Why do you have such an angry look on your face? 7 If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy you, but don’t let it!

OBSERVATION: Isn’t it funny to watch a child try to wiggle out of their guilt when caught by a parent? Isn’t it heartbreaking to watch an adult in the courtroom when they are being tried for a crime? God Has designed our emotional system to respond one way when things are good and we are happy, but in a totally different way when we are upset, sad or disillusioned. As you meditate with me on this Scripture today, I hope that God will open our eyes of understanding and help us recognize those areas of our life that curtail our happiness.

APPLICATION: Notice how we never wish anyone a sad day, or an unhappy future. We know that our bodies react best to happiness, and our minds are most content when we are not sad. Yet we find ourselves doing things that we know will result in sin and unhappiness all the time. Jealousy seems to be a huge culprit in pushing us towards revenge and/or payback – in other words, we want to hurt the other party back for the hurt they caused us. This all started back with one of our very first ancestors – Cain. He became jealous of his brother Abel, so he thought that he would just terminate him altogether. The death of a loved one always makes us sad, but imagine how much worse that would be if we realized that we were responsible for the death of a loved one. I believe that leads to a double dose of unhappiness, as our conscience pricks us for disobeying God’s law about murder, plus our heart aches for the loss of one who spent time with us, albeit often challenging times. Friends, God not only knows all things, but He sees all things and also knows our innermost thoughts. So don’t you know that God was well aware of why Cain was so sad inside, despite any smiles he may have tried to force onto his face? God knew that if Cain had done the right thing, you know – chosen to discuss his hurt feelings with Abel and perhaps look to him for advice on what he might do better in providing more pleasing sacrifices to God, then there would have been contentment in Cain’s heart, and contentment leads one to happiness. Doing those things opposed to God’s laws, means that you sin by doing them. In spite of one becoming hardened to sin, deep inside they will still have a feeling of sadness and disappointment, because they know that they have hurt God, and in most cases hurt a fellow human being. Friends, I bet this all seems philosophical to some, but I believe that God wants us to know that the same thing occurs in the life of an individual today. While you may not have killed a brother, or anyone else, if you have done something that is sinful in God’s sight, then you have displeased Him. If you have sinned and done something wrong, I could only believe that it has also impacted the life of one or more other individuals. Why live with that guilt and unhappiness dear friend? God loves you and I believe that nothing will please Him more than to know that His child is happy and content with all that He has blessed you with. Let me encourage you to read the Word and seek to understand and apply it to your life this year. As you fill your heart with the Word of God, your desire to sin and displease Him will begin to disappear from your life. Unhappiness and stress will affect your heart and other vital body functions. Do the right thing, stay right with God, and live a long and happy life. God will be glorified in your life and it will impact others around you.

PRAYER: Thank You precious Lord for life itself, and for providing a wonderful world around us to enjoy. We are blessed to meet some of the kindest and nicest people wherever we go, and it becomes so evident that Your love exudes from them in amazing ways. Your laws are perfect, and I am convinced that they were put in place to help us live a long, happy life, so that we could be a blessing to others. Please help us to stay strong and not be so determined to have our own way and do our own thing, but instead stay strong in the power of Your might, Your power, and Your will. I believe that true happiness comes from You, but we need Your strength to overcome the power of Satan to live like You. Please be our Guide, Protector, Friend and Savior until You call us home to glory. 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!

Mature, Yet Willing To Learn

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

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2021-01-4
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Luke 2:46-47
TRANSLATION: New International Version (NIV)

BIBLE TEXT: 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

OBSERVATION: Is it painstaking for you to sit and listen to someone less educated than yourself try to explain something that comes very natural and simple to you? Could you ever learn anything new from them? Would you have enough patience and ingenuity to try and simplify your message enough so that even they would understand? Do you suppose that Jesus had any of these issues when He sat down with the teachers and leaders in the temple? Let’s just stop and ponder over these things for a few moments as we start, or continue our day.

APPLICATION: At 12 years old, Jesus decided to stay at the temple and learn from the elders and teachers. Unfortunately this was at the expense of worrying His earthly parents half to death when the discovered that He simply was not with them as they returned home to Nazareth from Bethlehem, where they had gone as part of a mandatory census. Although interesting that this 12 year old would feel at home sitting with these scholarly elders, yet when His parents finally caught up with Him, He sounded surprised that they didn’t realize that He would naturally be in His Father’s house learning, teaching and sharing the love of His Father. From a humanly standpoint, there are a few things that should catch our attention here:
1. That Jesus would be respectful in learning from some of the same men that would probably take part in having Him crucified later in His life. It takes a very mature person to sit and listen to people that have tried to get you in trouble, to report you to the authorities, to distract from your ministry, etc. Yet Jesus did!
2. Jesus joined in and answered questions just like any other student might do. The Bible says that the group of teachers were amazed by His answers. After all Jesus, being God, knew all that had transpired and all that will transpire in the future. Don’t you know that some of His answers reflected things that the teachers themselves were unaware of? Yet Jesus did!
3. Imagine after a few answers the teachers may have asked this young 12 year old, where He was from and from whom had He received His learning? Imagine how shocked they were in hearing His responses to personal questions, should they have inquired about that? After all, Jesus was born of an earthly mother, so He was human. But He was born of the Holy Ghost as part of the triune God, so He was also God. But this is who Jesus was!
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could truly be more mature in 2021, like Jesus was? As a student of the Word, I have sometimes taught Bible Study. It always made me nervous to look over my audience and see a Pastor or church leader listening in, because I was well aware that I was never well learned, or smart enough to share the Word of God with the unction and power that it deserves. Yet Jesus astonished His teachers with His knowledge and abilities. Imagine if I was teaching and saw someone in the audience who had betrayed me in the past, or might be trying to belittle me before the Pastor, or my employer. Could I have taught the class without making jabs at them? But Jesus succeeded in this! As we seek to grow in maturity in 2021, may it be mirrored after the One who is our primary mentor – Jesus Christ, and may God be glorified because of our efforts.

PRAYER: I wonder if we could ever become truly mature in the eyes of Jesus, our King? But Lord, You know our heart and you therefore know whether our intentions are pure. Thank You for protecting us and bringing us into another year that could be just as challenging as 2020, or even worse. However, as Your child who longs to serve You with all my heart, may I ask that You please help mature me to respond to life’s challenges with the same love and good heart as You did. Fill my lips with words that will share Your love for mankind. Help Your children to draw closer to You in spite of earth’s trials and temptations. May we be ready for Your return or Your calling on our life, so that You may be glorified even through us. 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!

A Place To Call ‘Home’

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

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2021-01-03
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Psalm 1:5–6
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 5 Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God.
6 The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road
that leads to ruin.

OBSERVATION: Imagine for a moment that you landed on a desolate island where you know no one, nor have you made any arrangements for a place to stay there. What would you do? In today’s Scripture the Psalmist reminds us that when we leave this world, the Lord will take care of His own (those who have prearranged their meeting with Him, by accepting Him as Lord) However, the unsaved will be left with their earthly master – Satan, as they won’t have a place with the people of God. Think about whether this is really what you want, as there may still be time to change your mind while there is breath in your body.

APPLICATION: Financial advisors may give you advice as you enter into a New Year that may have opportunities equal to or worse than 2020. Medical doctors may give you advice on keeping your body healthy and prepared for the unexpected in 2021. But the Word of God is faithful in preparing you for the expected, after you leave this world. On each nightly news broadcast, we are given the numbers who became hospitalized, or have died from the Coronavirus. It only makes sense that you were not included in either of the totals mentioned, because you are reading this devotional. However, on the Day of Judgment that the Psalmist refers to in our Scripture, no one is excluded. Everyone will be accounted for. The children of God will be welcomed home to heaven by their Maker, because of their acceptance of His Son, Jesus. Those who rejected Jesus will not be welcomed there, which means that they will revert to Hell where Satan will rule over them with fire and brimstone for all eternity. The choice is made today, while you are still alive. You may argue that you made no such choice. Unfortunately that means that you have accepted your current leader (Satan) to continue ruling over you, and his ongoing reign is already explained. Friends, you prepared yourself to live independently; you prepared yourself financially to see yourself through everyday life; you prepared yourself for happiness by marrying the spouse of your dreams. But unless you prepare yourself for heaven by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will not have a home with Jesus and His saints. This could mean separation from family, friends, spouse and children. There’s no one to blame your outcome on, and there’s no one who could make the arrangements for you. This is a personal decision for each one, and the verdict is for all eternity. Please make this very early stage of 2021 of key importance to your eternal well being. Accept Jesus today and be saved for all eternity. Self-help is provided in my Footnote, and my contact information is also included, to help you change your destination plans. No excuses my friend, do this today, please?

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for speaking words of wisdom to me back in 1976 and helping me make preparation for my eternity with You. Thank You for all who read this blog, and I thank you for friends and family. Please speak to their hearts today through Your powerful Word. Convict them of their sin and please reinforce the facts shared in my message today. According to Your Word there will only be a place in Your kingdom for those who have accepted Your Son. Please emphasize the shortness of time to all those who need to make important life changes. May today be a day of decision for each one, I pray. 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 – Ever Was, Always Is and Always Will Be!

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

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-01-02
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Genesis 1:1
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

OBSERVATION: I believe that some of the most powerful words in the Bible are included in our Scripture today! Before there was anything in the universe, there was God! In yesterday’s blog we looked at some of the concluding verses of the Bible and we saw where God was calling us home to Glory – so we know He is waiting for us when this universe becomes non-existent, at the end of time. The sun arose this morning, not of its own accord, or by happen-chance, but because God placed it in the sky and orchestrated its rising and its setting for each day His children need it. He always was, He always is and He always will be! That’s my God! Do you know Him?

APPLICATION: I believe that one thing 2020 taught us, is that we live in an uncertain world, where mankind could only hope to try and find solutions to protect us against what has already occurred, and in hopes that they could build our immunities against a recurrence of that. World governments could prepare financial budgets based on past experience and on things that they plan to do that will involve certain finances, but no one in the whole world had a financial plan for COVID, nor did they have a budget in place to help scientists prepare for a medical solution that would prevent thousands of deaths. I was so overwhelmed in awe as I started my time through the Bible again! For I was reminded in the very first chapter of the Book, that God not only created the universe, but He went on to create everything that mankind would need to survive. I was enthused by the way the CEV version explained how God commanded each thing into being – major things that we often take for granted, such as light (and darkness); water; the sky; land; living creatures, and so on. As He reflected on all that He made, He was proud of it and happy with the results. Perhaps a great reminder for His created beings (you and I) to recognize these things and praise God for them, for they cannot be replaced by the ingenuity of man, should the need ever arise! I was also reminded that if God was so pleased with what He made, why on earth do we allow Satan to misguide us into complaining about: no sunshine today; no rain for the past month; if only I was as handsome/beautiful and slim as that popular movie star; lack of money (notice that money wasn’t even mentioned!!), etc. God made us as we are for His good purpose, why mess that up? God gave us all we need, why complain? God loves us unconditionally, why fret, doubt and become disheartened? God created us, everything around us, and also everything we will need after life here on this earth. We are truly blessed and can safely enter this new year knowing that God is in control of it all. If He leaves us here for a while longer – to God be the glory! If He’s ready for us in Heaven – to God be the glory! There is no other like our God! Glory to God in the highest!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that You will touch the lives of Your children, that You created, and that You provided everything for. Please convince each one that You are true to Your Word and that we can rest assured that, come what may in 2021, it will not occur without Your knowledge and without You power to overcome it, or take us out of it. Your inspired Word is filled with words that describe the glories of heaven, where there will be no more sorrow, no pain, no diseases, and other things that seem to worry us. Please help us in this temporary position here below until we arrive forever glorified at Your feet. Thank You Father for Your love and Your patience with us as we endure the challenges of earth. 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!

Soon and Very Soon!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Christ's Return, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Return to Christ, The Return of Jesus, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2021-01-01
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Revelation 22:10-14
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 10 Don’t keep the prophecies in this book a secret. These things will happen soon. 11 Evil people will keep on being evil, and everyone who is dirty-minded will still be dirty-minded. But good people will keep on doing right, and God’s people will always be holy.
12 Then I was told: I am coming soon! And when I come, I will reward everyone for what they have done. 13 I am Alpha and Omega,[b] the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
14 God will bless all who have washed their robes. They will each have the right to eat fruit from the tree that gives life, and they can enter the gates of the city. 

OBSERVATION: Happy New Year to all my faithful followers and readers of this blog! By reading today’s devotional, you have been awarded the gift of yet another day, another month and another year to sing the praises of our King, and to continue sharing His love with those that you come into contact with! Welcome to 2021!

APPLICATION: Our verses for meditation today comes from the last chapter of the last book of the Holy Bible – God’s precious Word! I believe God is assuring us that there was great purpose in having gone methodically through the entire contents of His Word, for it all leads to one thing – His ultimate return to earth to take His bride – the church – those who are called by His name, home to glory with Him, for an eternity with He and the Father. For you see dear folk, there are many who have divided the Word and taken advantage of the various pieces of the Bible that appeal to them, and speak to their belief system. However, we can see from today’s Scripture that God wanted John to tell us all that He was deliberate in all that He shared with us, and that there are consequences for any that have added or subtracted from His Holy Word. Furthermore, we are reminded that everything shared with us leads to the return of Jesus Christ, and that awesome event is about to unfold, for He is coming soon, according to His own words! Notice that He said that He will return with rewards for everyone. No doubt you might automatically assume that He must have rewards even for those who don’t deserve the gift of heaven. Friends, I glorify God that He is doing the judging, and not I or anyone else I might know here on earth. For those who are ready, meaning that we have accepted the gift of salvation through God’s Son – Jesus Christ, then we will be rewarded with Eternal Life. The Bible tells us so. For those who have done nothing in preparation for Christ’s return, they too will receive what they deserve – eternal damnation. The Word is clear my friend, there is no ‘middle-of-the-road’ choices. So let me encourage you on this very first day of this New Year, prepare yourself for what Jesus Christ has promised: He is coming soon, and He will take His bride on to glory with Him. Please don’t be left behind watching as your Christ-following family and friends leave this world supernaturally. You too can be in that group. 2021 can be bright and filled with the promise of happiness in the Lord, despite any circumstances that may come our way! 2020 was filled with surprises, and some were impacted by its events that they, nor us ever expected to see. With Christ, we can be content in knowing that in death we will gain the heights and glory of heaven, while in life we can press on to encourage others towards knowing our Savior and Lord. I trust that you are content in the Lord dear friend.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for watching over us in 2020, and thank You for giving us additional opportunities in 2021. Thank You for opening my eyes, and my understanding to accept You as Lord! Thank You for bringing my readers and I through a very challenging, different and difficult year. Thank You for giving us another chance to share You with those we know and care about. May You be glorified in 2021 like never before! Come Lord Jesus, come! 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!

Don’t Cheat

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

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-12-31
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Malachi 2:13-16
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: 13-15 And here’s a second offense: You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don’t get what you want from God. Do you know why? Simple. Because God was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you’ve broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife. God, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that’s what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don’t cheat on your spouse.
16 “I hate divorce,” says the God of Israel. God-of-the-Angel-Armies says, “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage.” So watch yourselves. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t cheat.

OBSERVATION: I believe that God blessed me with the best wife, when we made our vows before Him on November 7, 1975. I believe that God has also blessed our work for Him over the years, and in the daughter He blessed us with. But little did I realize the full extent of this Scripture, until today. Please know that I am not here to criticize anyone whose marriage fell by the wayside, but I thought it important that we see what the Word of God says about this important aspect of two lives becoming one in holy matrimony.

APPLICATION: I don’t believe that things have changed very much at all. Malachi dealt with the whining and complaining of the Jews on why they were feeling so empty in their worship to God. Malachi, in speaking the word of the Lord, immediately recognized that something was blocking the communion of the saints with their Father as they worshipped. Isn’t it interesting how still today we could go through the motions, but yet feel very empty inside, as if we never truly worshipped? You see, we might take off the dirty filthy clothes worn all week and we may put on our very best clothes, but will that truly bring us close to God? We might attend the biggest and best rated church in town, or we may decide to visit a small, quaint, secluded church that claims to have the best pastor, but in either case we could very easily leave as empty as when we walked in, even though we were convinced that God was just not there. We may decide to get involved at our church – singing in the choir, helping in a Bible Study class, or working with the children, but yet we might drown in our sorrows, feeling like we have not connected with God. Obviously we must know that God never reneges on His Word. He said that He would be with us through every stage of life and be there to accept us as we leave this world, so what might trick our brains into thinking that we have a disconnect between us and God? Friends, God made it clear in His word that He will not reside where sin is, and He will not approve of sin in any form, for He has never sinned, nor will He ever sin, seeing that He is the righteous Son of God. We may immediately think of sin, like we see in our neighbor or our friend, but in our example today of how sin could separate us from God, Malachi dealt with divorce – breaking the covenant agreement made between a man and a woman in the presence of the Almighty. Friends, our fleshly minds will tell us that everything we did was legal, and furthermore we even had a Notary pronounce our wedding vows. I’m sure that makes you feel that your actions are therefore more legitimate because of that, but because we are talking about a right relationship with God, I believe it behooves us to think about how our relationship was injured when we totally ignored the covenant we made with Him and our spouse. Why do you suppose this is important to God? He became a party to our vows and He blessed our union with our spouse, so that we could produce godly children. So through divorce, we not only broke our covenant agreement with God, but we also made it impossible to give Him what He desired from us – godly children. Without looking down my nose in the slightest at any divorcee, let me just say that God’s Word is exactly that – it’s His Word, and not mine. I am merely the messenger reminding you of what the Word has to say about everything – today being about marriage. Please read the Word of God and endeavor to live by it, God being your helper. Take your petitions before God and seek His forgiveness, guidance and His perfect will for your life.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for making us in Your own image. We were placed here on earth being weak and fully susceptible to sin. You are the only One without sin, and You are the only One to whom we must give an account of what we have done with all You have blessed us with. Unfortunately we have messed up a lot, and it is so challenging to approach Your throne in such an ugly, sinful manner. But praise be to the Father, You are the only One capable of forgiving us of our sin and making us right with You and the Father. Please renew within us a right spirit and a righteous and holy respect for You in every phase of life – one that You could use to bless others who need an example to follow. Oh that You may be lifted up, magnified and praised today because someone may have realized their need for a Savior. 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!

It Is Finished, Now Expect This…

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

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-12-30
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Revelation 21:6-8
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 6 It is finished! I am the A and the Z—the Beginning and the End. I will give to the thirsty the springs of the Water of Life—as a gift! 7 Everyone who conquers will inherit all these blessings, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But cowards who turn back from following me, and those who are unfaithful to me, and the corrupt, and murderers, and the immoral, and those conversing with demons, and idol worshipers and all liars—their doom is in the Lake that burns with fire and sulphur. This is the Second Death.”

OBSERVATION: Twice in the New Testament I remember the words ‘It Is Finished’. Once at Jesus’ death, and again in our Scripture today. If Jesus should postpone His return for a few days, we may hear these words again, for we will be reminded at midnight tomorrow evening that 2020 has come to an end – it (the old year) is finished. Let us meditate on all this means for us individually.

APPLICATION: For some, 2020 may have been an exceptionally good year, but for most this has probably been the most challenging year of our lives. Of course, we have no idea what 2021 will bring to us, because it could be 100% better as the vaccine is introduced to the worldwide population and perhaps we could finally see an end to the COVID virus. Our lives could finally return to ‘normal’! There are some lessons we could learn from the challenges this year, as we were faced with an evil/virus that never before showed its ugly face. We were forced into quarantine; forced to wear masks; forced to social distance; forced to cook at home more, as restaurants were either closed, restricted or impossible to gain access to, due to the social distancing guidelines. We did all these things in order to survive – in order to avoid catching the virus. For centuries the church has been alive and well, with pastors preaching the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, so that we might prepared for eternity and our meeting in the air with our Maker. Jesus made Himself available to you and gave you the freedom to accept Him as Lord, so that you could avoid the pit of Hell and avoid all your worldly leader, Satan, has planned for you. Given the choice, even though the end result would lead to certain death and eternal punishment, yet many have chosen to ignore the warnings and instead, take their chances. Friends, I pray that as you evaluate what your chances were in ignoring the warnings in 2020, you might also think about how, given the warnings in the Bible about your eternal destination, you will make the right decision in favor of spending eternity with Jesus and His Father. This could occur before we finish out 2020, so I would highly recommend that you not postpone your decision any longer. See my Footnote for help, particularly the link ‘To Know Jesus’, for all the Scriptural help you need to accept Jesus. Be ready today my friend. I’m not sure when you might hear that phrase ‘It is finished’ next. Only God knows when He will call an end to this world by pronouncing ‘It (this world) is finished’. Only God knows when He will call an end to your life by pronouncing ‘It (your life) is finished’. Either of these could occur before you ever see 2021. The answer for full readiness in either scenario has been provided. It’s your turn – your decision, as no one can do this for you. Please dear friends, know Jesus and know the peace that passeth all understanding. Know where you will spend eternity after hearing your last ‘It is finished’ from God Himself.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for providing the path to eternal life for mankind, even though we may have done nothing to deserve it. Your love for us is far greater than anything we could imagine, but we appreciate Your unconditional and everlasting love for Your children. Praise God, You called me out of my sin and into the light of Your salvation, before pronouncing ‘it is finished’ on my life. I now can look forward to unending peace while still here on earth, knowing that I will enjoy eternal peace in heaven with You and the Father. Lord, I’m afraid that many are taking Your Word too lightly and not heeding to the warnings given in It. Please oh God, soften the hearts of my readers that they might know You before it is eternally too late, and do the same for my family and friends who are playing with their life and the vain benefits offered by this world. I would be forever grateful to You, Lord Jesus. May You be glorified throughout the rest of 2020 as Your children make important decisions in their lives. 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!

Judged For ALL We have Done

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

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2020-12-29
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Revelation 20:12-13
TRANSLATION: Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

BIBLE TEXT: 12 I [also] saw the dead, great and small; they stood before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is [the Book] of Life. And the dead were judged (sentenced) by what they had done [[b]their whole way of feeling and acting, their aims and endeavors] in accordance with what was recorded in the books. 13 And the sea delivered up the dead who were in it, death and Hades ([c]the state of death or disembodied existence) surrendered the dead in them, and all were tried and their cases determined by what they had done [according to their motives, aims, and works].

OBSERVATION: It’s a frightening thought about being judged for all we have done – our motives, our aims, our works, and our actions (good and bad). There may be some actions that we are very proud of and we don’t mind the whole world knowing about, and some that we would prefer that they were kept secret. But then there’s God – He knows everything about everything that we have ever done. What must we do oh God?

APPLICATION: We are usually good at hiding stuff from our parents, from our spouse, from our boss and perhaps even from our best friend. But God is all-knowing, all-seeing and always present. So there’s no hiding from Him. However, for the child of God that sought forgiveness through His Son, Jesus, the Bible says that our sin was separated from us as far as the east is from the west. Therefore, I believe that when God looks at our lives on Judgment Day, He will just see His precious Son! But our Scripture today reminds us of what God sees when the non-Christian stands before Him, whether dead or alive on Resurrection morning. I love the way that the Amplified Bible emphasizes what John meant when he said that the dead will be brought before God, for we are reminded that this not only means for all they have done, but they must remember to incorporate: their motives behind the things that they did; their aim in what they wanted to accomplish in the things that they did; their works – whether good or bad, that were strategically done to ensure glorification of self and or self gain; and their actions – whether its the good ones they did in the presence of the pastor, or the bad ones that they did in the middle of the night. I believe that God gave me this Scripture today to share with you, in the hopes that it would cause you to reflect on your ‘works’, or what you have done in 2020. I’m sure that as each reader is reminded of their unfaithful deeds in the current year, they will strive to improve as they head into 2021, or the return of Jesus Christ, whichever comes first. Dear friends, let me encourage you to meet my Savior today. See His forgiveness of your sin and ask for His help to live more like Him every day. Remember, God will either see the person who has been washed white as snow with the forgiveness of God’s Son, or God will see the many horrible things that you have done as described above. Which do you prefer? Are you prepared to do something about that today? If so, may I recommend that you read my Footnote, and especially click on the link ‘To Know Jesus’ for helpful Scripture references that will lead you to Christ.

PRAYER: Thank You precious Lord that there is a day coming when all of life’s worries, strife and hardships will be over, as we know it today. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sin, and thank You for the bright new future that heaven holds for those of us who have accepted Your precious Son As our Lord and Savior. Please soften the hearts of those who continue to serve the evil one, may they choose life over death, and the goodness of God over the punishment of Satan and his domain. Please Lord, may each reader be assured of their fate for eternity, whether sealed in You and Your kingdom, or not. And may they choose life over death and eternal punishment. 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!

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!

God is able to Orchestrate Everything For Our Good!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Allegiance to the Lamb, Answered Prayer, Believers, Caring, Circumstances, Merciful Savior, Mercy, PerfectionLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2020-12-27

Bible Reference: Romans 8:27-28
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 27 Don’t you know that He who pursues and explores the human heart intimately knows the Spirit’s mind because He pleads to God for His saints to align their lives with the will of God? 28 We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.

OBSERVATION: As we approach the end of the year and begin thinking back to all that has taken place in our lives in 2020, unfortunately others may hear us moaning about the ups and downs of COVID or the hardships brought on because of that dreaded virus. However, there could be a much brighter view if we review the year based on our Scripture today. Join me for a time of reflection on the mercies of our awesome God!

APPLICATION: For some, who may have won the lotto, or been immensely blessed in many ways, it may be easy to reflect on how good God is, and the many ways in which He has blessed. But there are some who may have experienced great life events, that may have involved losing a loved one; or medical challenges that may have almost caused separation from life to death for a precious family member; or losing a house or a car because of devastating financial burdens; or any number of things that you may have wished were more ‘normal’ or in line with others. However, if we look at the year in light of what today’s Scripture is teaching us, how might we answer this question of ‘blessings’ more appropriately, or how might we understand more clearly how God’s hand was right plumb in the middle of our circumstances? Friends, the Word of God says that our Savior is ‘pursuing and exploring our heart’ and petitioning the Father on our behalf that we may stay aligned with His will for our lives. Is it any wonder why we reflect on circumstances and wonder why we chose to take a certain road home in lieu of another, after hearing of the awful accident around the time of our travel home? Or that we chose to go to the hospital for expert medical help, instead of playing doctor and treating our chest pains with aspirin? Or that we chose to share our testimony with our best friend, at a time that God was already working out His salvation plan in her life? Friends, for each of these examples we may easily brush them off as just being something you would have done anyway, or we may call them coincidence or good luck, but please notice again from the Scripture that neither of these words are used – not even in this modern translation of the Bible. There is nothing haphazard about God’s plan, or about His actions in working out His plan in our lives. Remember, we are His workmanship, and for those who have accepted Him as Lord, we are His prized possession on loan only to this world for just a little while longer. So let’s look for, and expect to see His love and His caring touch work through us in miraculous ways. Verse 28 is a commonly recited verse, but I pray that it takes on a more enriched meaning for you as you are reminded of these verses today. I love the way that the Voice has translated the condition in verse 28: ‘when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan’. So friends, whether you reflect on 2020, or look towards 2021, try creating a sense of accountability with God on whether you could honestly say that you have loved Him sincerely, and you have accepted His plan for your life. Learn to praise Him unconditionally for everything that has transpired in your life, even if something devastated you at the time, because you know that He has worked it out with the Father for your good!

PRAYER: Lord You are so good to us! You amaze us with Your love and Your goodness, so much so that we may tend to question ‘why me Lord?’. Thank You for the lessons taught in these special verses today, for we are reminded of Your unconditional love for us, and how You love us enough that You keep us constantly before the Father, for our good. Help us Lord to keep this awesome reminder in mind, especially when things don’t appear to be going our way. May we be encouraged to share that special love with those that we come into contact with today. AMEN!