Tag: Obedience

Experiencing God’s Guidance Through Obedience

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, ObedienceLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, July 31, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Jeremiah 35:18-19 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

I believe I had the best parents, but as I read this chapter today, I couldn’t help but compare the way my parents disciplined vs the way God handled it in our key verses today. What an awesome, patient and just God we serve! Consider God’s unexpected strategy: He used Jeremiah to arrange a hospitality-filled meeting with the Rechabite clan. Their unwavering obedience to their ancestor became a profound object lesson for Judah and Jerusalem.

Imagine the world’s reaction to believers today if God’s directives were followed with such radical obedience, even when it defies human logic!  There is no evidence that Jeremiah questioned God about why such a meeting was necessary or how he should conduct the meeting, he just did it. The methods Jeremiah used as a gracious host seem very comparable to our meetings today, for we strive to make our guests comfortable with an adequate supply of food and drink. But at the conclusion of this meeting, can’t you imagine Jeremiah scratching his head and wondering ‘what just happened?’, or ‘was that a productive meeting?’. In similar cases, we may question whether we misunderstood God’s instructions.

But fast forward to the message God gave to Jeremiah to share with the people in vs 12 and following. It was at this point that Jeremiah would have seen the purpose in his meeting with the Rechabite clan, for this encounter formed the basis for Jeremiah to explain how his people should respond to God in similar fashion to the practice of the Rechabite family.

Friends, if we trust God to orchestrate our lives, then full obedience to His calling is essential. But how do we do this? We don’t hear God giving us our direction for the day while we’re eating breakfast! Let me remind you that when one accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside of us to be our Guide, Encourager, and our Protector from the evil one. For the believer who is in daily communion with God, reading and meditating on His Word, and communicating with God in prayer and devotion, God will achieve His purpose in our lives. When we recognize God, and fully depend on Him, He will make Himself known to us in ways we could never imagine. Can we explain and understand this fully? No, but if we sincerely believe that the Bible is true, then we know we can trust what it says. If God said it, we must believe that He is in control of what is going on and that He will direct our path to enable dedicated, committed representatives of the most high God here on earth. I have a personal experience I could give you of how God used an unexpected move by our family to save the lives of two other relatives in the years that followed. Let me encourage you to stop the busyness of life and reflect on your Christian walk. Use your experiences as confident assurance to encourage you on your journey knowing that Jesus is your Lord and the One who directs your path. Let it be an example to others in search of a trusted Father who loves His children and will guide their steps also, if they truly place their faith, trust and devotion in Him.

PRAYER
Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all that You have created, orchestrated, sacrificed, loved, guided and protected, who am I to be worthy of such a Savior, such a Lord and Almighty God? You knew what Jeremiah needed in order to reenforce his confidence to tell Your people of their sin, and of the God who is awesome in power and strength for their every need. This reminds me, and I believe it will reenforce Your goodness to Your people today as well. You know what we need, yet You are patient in our weakness and You wait to hear us in our humility come to the foot of the cross to bare ourselves of our guilt and shame due to our sin, guilt and unworthiness. Please Lord, do it again. Remind us daily of Your awesome power and that You have Your eye on us, just as You do the smallest sparrow. Please give us boldness to share Your touch on our lives so that others might want to know and experience our Lord, for we are reminded that there will come a day when the saved on earth will gather at Your feet for all eternity! Oh what a glorious day that will be. Thank You Jesus, for Your cleansing blood that washes all our sins away! AMEN!

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

God Enjoys Doing Good For His Righteous Children

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, Discipline, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, July 2nd. 2025, and I was blessed to be at Westgate Vacation Villas, Orlando, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Jeremiah 32:36.41 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Century Version (NCV).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced earlier, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional. Despite its title, the Scripture begins with God explaining how He disciplines His children when they disobey and reject His commands. God wanted Jeremiah to understand that his fears of his country’s destruction were part of a greater plan to draw His people closer to Him and give them a clearer vision of His love and desire to bless them. I especially appreciate the ‘BUT’ in verse 36 because it reveals that God wasn’t finished with the Israelites—He had a greater plan for them beyond their discipline.

This isn’t just a story from centuries ago. Many nations today have strayed far from God and the principles He gave us in His Word. This isn’t exclusive to unbelievers; even Christians have become lukewarm, as I was reminded during a sermon last Sunday. We’ve grown too comfortable adopting worldly standards instead of following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Most of us are likely aware of the ways we’ve been lukewarm. For instance, some regular churchgoers changed their habits during COVID, and even now, they continue to stay home, watching services on TV while reclining with their devices. We might call that “going to church,” but the Bible encourages assembling together with like-minded believers. While I’m not a Bible scholar, I struggle to see how we can truly connect with our Christian neighbors, understand their challenges, and share the joys we’ve experienced in the Word throughout the week if we simply turn on the TV and half-heartedly listen to the Word of God being taught. While I know you’ll be grateful I’m not your judge, I want to emphasize that our eternal Judge knows every tiny detail about us—our deepest thoughts, intentions, and mindset toward Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. What we take in will ultimately come out. If the love, teachings, and presence of Jesus fill your soul during the week, I believe you’d naturally want to celebrate that with God and your fellow believers in corporate worship. Ultimately, you’ll answer for this before our all-knowing God.

Verse 41 stood out to me in the Scriptures today, reminding me that the God I adore said He will delight in doing good for His people who are called by His name! Maybe you feel indifferent, but I often think I call on God so much that I might be annoying Him. Yet, that’s not what the Bible says. In verse 41, He declares, “I will enjoy doing good to them. And with my whole being I will surely plant them in this land and make them grow.” Wow! The very thing the Israelites might have thought God despised—the reason He was sending them away—He instead says He will take joy in blessing them. Only a God like this can truly teach us about righteousness, forgiveness, and obedience, for no one else has such a heart.

PRAYER
Not many of us openly admit to loving discipline, Lord, but we all desire to walk in Your perfect way and let Your blessings flow to those we meet. Throughout biblical accounts, it’s evident that Your deep love for Your people led You to discipline them when they strayed. Yet today, we often mistake it as being forgotten or unheard by our Master and Lord. Please forgive us, Lord, for our impatience and doubt in believing You always work for our good. Discipline now brings joy in Your presence with a clear conscience later. We long to obey Your Word, follow Your teachings, and live by the example You set for us. We want to do what’s right, and while we know Satan’s power is no match for us, we are confident that You hold the power over all creation. Humble us to accept You as our Guide, Deliverer, Sustainer, Healer, and soon-coming King, and to share this joy with everyone we meet! AMEN!

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

Heed To Repeated Warnings

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, May 31, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Jeremiah 27 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I’ve heard some believers joke about their attending church 9 months before they were born and right up to the current day!!! I too have attended church all of my life and thankful for the leadership of my parents in helping me hang on to the things of importance in my life, and in teaching me to prioritize those things. I realize that no one is saved because they go to church, but I strongly believe that they stand a much better chance of meeting the only One who can save them, by being in His presence as often as you can. Furthermore, the Bible teaches us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together with other believers. God had purpose in the church, and as His followers, He wants us to also find purpose in it. Over the years I have been blessed to feel, see and understand the heart of many pastors. Yes, they too are human, so they falter just like we do, but as in the case of Jeremiah’s teaching today, they desire that no man, woman or child choose Hell over Heaven for their eternal destiny. Each week our pastors stand before us and share their heart, just as it was burdened by the Holy Spirit during their sermon, or lesson study time, and they are exhausted at the end of each Lord’s Day. Jeremiah was prompted by God to share some very sobering thoughts with none other than the national leaders of his day. I am convinced that change comes from the top. But as a mind-sobering thought for us, I am convinced that the only meaningful example that can change our hearts, minds and souls, is that which has been directed and blessed by God. Just as our pastors repeat the importance of salvation through Jesus Christ each week, Jeremiah had a very disturbing message for the leaders of his day. Worthy of note is that Jeremiah didn’t water down the message so it would be more palatable for the leaders he spoke with. The prophet didn’t question God about whether major harm might be inflicted by the leaders or whether this challenging mission might lead to his death for delivering this message. At my church, we just concluded a study on the book of Jonah, and we were reminded that Jonah was punished because he tried to escape the command of God to go and minister in Nineveh. Throughout this short chapter we see where Jeremiah repeated the message from God several times. Our pastors stand in front of us every week and relentlessly teach, or preach, the gospel of Jesus Christ so that everyone could celebrate our risen Lord, or might recognize our shortcomings and consequently renew a right spirit within us. As a believer, we should strive to celebrate our Lord and Savior each day, for He sacrificed His very life for us, so that we may one day see the glories of Heaven. For unbelievers who may come across this devotional, I pray that the Holy Spirit would work powerfully in your heart to recognize your lost condition that leads to eternity with Satan. Parents become very angry at kids when they have to repeat themselves. Let me encourage you to listen closely when the Holy Spirit prompts you to a closer walk with Jesus, for the Bible is certain in reminding us of the soon return of Jesus to take His church home – that’s believers in Jesus Christ, my friends. Jeremiah painfully, but boldly, told the leaders of his day what the fallout would be if they refused to make things right with Almighty God. That truth still stands today, dear friends, and I pray that your pastor makes that clear in his sermons and/or teachings, for you must be well informed in order to make a good decision about your eternal destiny.

PRAYER
No matter how difficult it is for us to hear the truth, yet we acknowledge that we do not know it all here on earth. But, dear Lord, we know that You are unlimited in not only Your knowledge of every little thing, but also what lies ahead for each of us. Please continue to patiently work on us to patiently listen, wait, and to always be patient in every thing that we do or say. In our surrendering to You, we committed to follow in Your ways, listen to Your commands and be obedient in each of these. If we were flawless in this commitment, then there wouldn’t be a need to seek Your forgiveness and ask for Your ongoing guidance. Lord we need You, every hour we need You. Please help us to escape the distractions of this world and concentrate wholeheartedly on You and Your Word. Please continue to mold us and lead us in the way we should go. Jeremiah had to repeat the warning You handed down to him. Please open our eyes to all that You have taught us in Your Word so that we may know Your heart and listen carefully to Your commands. For those who will read this but need to know the Lord first and foremost, please speak persistently to them and draw them to Yourself. Please work out Your plan in each of us today, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. AMEN!

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

The Blessings of Obedience vs. The Consequences of Disobedience

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, Obedience1 Comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, January 27, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read it in your Bible, or click Jeremiah 11:1-8 to read it in the New English Translation (NET)

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
We are taught from a very early age that they are good things in store for our obedience, and sometimes displeasure, disappointment or even consequences that might result from our disobedience. If this was not the case, we would never learn the value of rewards, nor the importance of rules, promises/covenants, or laws. Just as God listens to our cry for forgiveness and salvation today, He also heard the cry for mercy from His people captured in Egypt. For us, God promised that anyone who believes on Jesus, the Son of God, we will be saved from the wrath of Hell and receive Eternal Life in heaven. But for all who reject His free gift, they would spend eternity in the depths of Hell with Satan and his cohorts. For the Israelites, God promised those who believed His covenant promise and lived in full obedience to His commands, they and their ancestors would transition from the heated fire of distress and mistreatment by the Egyptians to a fruitful, beautiful land that kings and queens could only long to live in or benefit from. However, this place of milk and honey was not intended for those who rejected the Word of God and disobeyed His commands. In fact, God told Jeremiah to warn the people that He would bring curses on the disobedient. Now, unless we casually think for a moment that we are reading a story about the history of our forefathers, I believe that we should consider how God provided His precious Word to trigger a celebration of praise when we are reminded of the many ways in which He blessed those before us, and how He promised to also bless those who accept Him as Lord today. But we must also realize that God would never leave the alternative open for discussion or second guessing. His complete Word is given to us, His obedient children, so that we could understand that since He is still the same today that He has always been, we too can expect the fertile ground that He promised the Israelites who obeyed His covenant with their forefathers. Likewise, I believe that God would also have us know that anytime we take things into our own hands and do life as we see fit, and not according to His commands or covenant with our forefathers, we too can expect His curse. You see, God didn’t want this unpleasant warning to go unnoticed or to never have an impact on His children today. We need the same reminder that God demanded His servant Jeremiah to share with the Israelites. When we obey God, we receive His blessings. When we ignore His promises and His precious gift of His Son Jesus, then we receive His curse and wind up getting our wish of being subjected to Satan’s unpleasant and horrific actions and domain. Based on your decisions to date, my friends, what have you done about Jesus? Is He your Lord and Savior? Or in rejecting His promises, are you satisfied in what Satan has to offer? Those are the only two options, my friends, and only you can make the decision or choice for your eternity.

PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, You have taught us the value of obedience, and You have warned us of the dangers and misfortunes of disobedience. Thank You for putting this into perspective through today’s Scripture and thank You for allowing Your servant Jeremiah the opportunity to warn Your people, instead of bringing down Hell and damnation on them without notice. Through this, I feel like You have also encouraged me and warned my contemporaries who have not heeded Your commands. Oh, that this may be a day of decision for many as this message is brought to light again, and may Your obedient children find reason to glorify You multiple times over. Be glorified through the truth of Your Word and in it being extended to the world through this devotional. AMEN!

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

Lesson From Jesus Under Intense Pressure

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

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, and I was blessed to be at a Vrbo property in Lake City, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 23:33-37

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” … Now the people stood by, watching; but even the rulers ridiculed and sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others [from death]; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him and [cruelly] offering Him sour wine, and sarcastically saying, “If you are [really] the King of the Jews, save Yourself [from death]!”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: My prayer is that many of my readers may have heard this Scripture read at least once over this past weekend. But although I did, the Holy Spirit still keenly spoke to me today as I meditated on this Scripture. How much improvement is needed in our character to come close to what Jesus taught in His experience? It seems like our family and friends are going to extremes to get back at each other, because something was said against them, or perhaps not quite in the right tone. People are being murdered because they accidentally cut someone off in traffic. People are quitting churches because the pastor can no longer afford quality time with them, or the elders are encouraging new members instead of recognizing all that the older members give financially. Be reminded dear friends that Jesus had been arrested by the Jewish authorities, even though He never committed a crime. He was taken before Herod and also Pilate and neither could find any fault in Him, yet because of the hatred of the Jewish leaders, Jesus was ordered to crucifixion so that a murderer, Barabas, could be set free. Jesus was repeatedly beaten and abused as if He was a murderer, He was forced to carry His own cross to Calvary in spite of His worn out body. In the midst of His mother and other followers, His beatings continued, while being mocked and ridiculed and pierced with huge nails to a wooden cross. And then, even in spite of all that had transpired, Jesus looked to his Father and asked for forgiveness of the hateful and cruel men assigned to His crucifixion. Remember, this is the same Jesus who performed miracle after miracle, as recorded in the New Testament, so we know that a simple command could have reversed every evil action that day. What would you have wished on your accusers and abusers? Be reminded how upset and vindictive you get over much less, by those who cross your path. How might they be affected if you followed in the example of Jesus and asked God to forgive them? When we say that we’re a child of the King, seeking to do His will and follow in His example – do we truly know what that entails? Oh that we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and submit our will to His, so that He might mold us and make us His disciples who will be His witness here on earth.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, we are humbled and reminded of how much You willingly endured for our sake at Calvary, and we are forever grateful. Based on our actions, I believe that so many of us need a very special touch from You to enable a humble spirit, and one that looks first at what the God of this universe wants of us, before we acts based on selfish desires and personal benefits. Please help us to stay so in tune with You so that we will learn to act based on Your will, Your desire for us, and the benefit it all will have on the KIngdom. May we be willing at say, and accept, the words of Jesus – not my will oh Lord, but may Your perfect will be fulfilled in us. Please brush aside our selfishness, pride and greed so that we can concentrate fully on Your will and desire for us, and those that we come into contact with. 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!

Only What’s Done For Jesus Will Last

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

DATE POSTED: Wednesday, December 27, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Kyle, Texas when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 17:9-11

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Their largest cities will be as deserted as the distant wooded hills and mountaintops and become like the abandoned cities of the Amorites, deserted when the Israelites approached (so long ago). Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you—the Rock who can hide you; therefore, even though you plant a wonderful, rare crop of greatest value, and though it grows so well that it will blossom on the very morning that you plant it, yet you will never harvest it—your only harvest will be a pile of grief and incurable pain.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Isn’t it interesting that we tend to put God aside when we think that we have everything under control and life is going our way? But I was awakened to the fact that we serve a just, fair, and honest God who will do what He told us He would do. Nothing has really changed, for today we still act like since we are smart enough to do what’s needed in our lives, so why bother God with those types of decisions. Unfortunately this goes on when we are faced with decisions every day, so we get into the trap of doing ‘life’ under our own power and without the guidance and power of Almighty God. Friends, I am convinced that God loved the Israelites with all His heart, just like He loves His children today. But it is clear that God gave the Israelites free rein to use the information and help at their disposal to guide them into right decisions. But then they allowed worldly desires, and tried to win worldly approval to influence their decisions which, in turn, told God ‘No thanks, we can do this alone’. But one thing they didn’t factor into their decisions were the consequences God warned them about, if they disobeyed Him. Friends, we also have been warned of God. Yes, He is a God of love and mercy. But that means that if we confess our sin, and acknowledge that we want to do life God’s way, instead of our own earthly desires, then in His perfect love, He will show mercy and grace by wiping our slate clean, forgiving our sin – in full, and welcome us into His Kingdom as a righteous child of God. The Bible tells us that God will do the same today as He did with the Israelites – remember the rich man who awoke in Hell and cried out to God for mercy? Just like the case of the Israelites, it was too late for the rich man. God has warned us that we too are destined for Hell, just like the rich man in the Bible, if we refuse to believe on the name of Jesus and surrender lordship of our lives to Him. God never changes my friends. Because He said it, we could ‘go to the bank with that’. So we find ourselves in much the same state at the Israelites. We have a loving Savior who sacrificed His very own Son for the redemption of our sin. Why settle for anything less than the glories of heaven with an eternity of praise and worship to our Creator, Master and King? God has already completed His side of that covenant agreement with mankind. It’s up to us now to say ‘no’ to the world, and accept His gift – His endless love, protection, mercy and grace.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, You are so good to us! You created us in Your image, perfect in every way. You gave us the satisfaction of making our own decisions, and I’m sure You must be saddened by the decisions we make and especially how we try to neglect You in our lives. I realize that this is no different to the Israelites, even though we have the option of learning from their mistakes, and we are reminded of your firmness in responding to us in exactly the way that You promised. Lord, we may live to enjoy a new year, so we humbly ask that You renew a right spirit within us and help us to stay committed to You in every way. May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be acceptable to you, precious Lord. AMEN!

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

Thankful for Parents & Trusting God As You Become One

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

DATE POSTED: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Royal Floridian Resort, Ormond Beach, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 19:13-14

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father, and the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water]. House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and sensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the Lord.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: As a youngster who determines that we now know everything and could conquer the world, we may tend to ignore what our parents taught us, sacrificed for us, and loved us through when we are totally dependent on them. For those who have read my devotionals for a while, you will recall me saying that God’s Word contains everything about life that we might expect to encounter over our lifetime, so of course God knew how a child’s unappreciative and rebellious attitude would impact the heart of a father and mother. We must always avoid looking at what the author of a book in the Bible may have been going through, and always remember that the authors of God’s Holy Word were totally inspired and led by God himself when delivering His message for us. So I would encourage all those who have allowed Satan to divide you and your parents, to take note of what God says in our verses today – this completely destroys the spirit, hope, expectation, and desire for a parent. I know what some may say, I just don’t know what caused you to act the way that you do, right? But, my friend, please allow me to point you to the Scripture again today and examine vs 13 to try and find where God allowed Solomon to share the exclusions for this verse. You see, I believe that God will question you on what you have done with your life, not on the excuses you give with reasons on why you acted the way you did. Be reminded also that although God may question you, He already knows the answers, because He knows your very heart and the thoughts that bubble up inside of you. Another excellent piece of advice is given to the young man in search of a good wife. Notice there was no mention of the school that has the most hot girls, or the nightclubs that your friends pound on you to attend with them, but it’s a matter of relationship with, and trust in, Almighty God. It is He who knows way more about that girl that crossed your path and got your attention. But, to know the will of God, you must be in relationship with Him – listening to Him through His Word, and sharing your heart with Him through prayer. It’s not about running to the preacher and have him communicate with God for you, it’s way more powerful than that – this is something that you will benefit from because of your faith, your trust, your hope and your relationship with the God of this universe. For He’s the only one who has inside information for those who have an inside relationship with Him, and I believe He is anxious to bless you with all you deserve, if you allow Him to.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I am eternally thankful for You, my Savior and my almighty Father and God. I am also thankful for the parents you blessed me with and especially thankful for the Christian wife that You have placed by my side to love and uphold me through every phase of life. However, based on everything that I hear outside of my home, I believe that many readers may not feel as blessed and appreciative. Please Lord, speak with Your children once again today. Draw them to Yourself and not only open their hardened hearts, but also expand their minds to see You and all that You have blessed them with. Many homes are divided, and because of this our younger generation seems more determined to do ‘their own thing’ instead of what You might lead them into. Please draw us to the cross on a daily basis so that we might be reminded of Your love and sacrifice for us. You’ve paved the way for us already, please direct us to be obedient and faithful followers, so that we will always have reason to praise You and lift Your name on high. AMEN!

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

The Purpose of The Bible

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, Worship1 Comment

DATE POSTED: Sunday, August 13, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN 2 Timothy 3:16-17

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: In a world where anything goes, and where mankind chooses to do their own thing at their convenience and for their own good, it becomes increasingly challenging for one to truly settle on the Word of God being their primary guide and God being their one and only resource for decisions. However, for the ones looking at eternity and where they will spend it, I believe that the complete resources and direction from the Creator and the God of this universe offers the only hope and promise to us. Our verses today help us to understand 1). Why the Bible, and 2). What the obedient believer could expect when they take direction from our Creator. Stay with me on this!

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I believe the easiest way for us to look at this, and to realize its impact, is to remind ourselves of what brings us to the feet of Jesus for acceptance, forgiveness, and relationship. In this world, it doesn’t take very long to realize it has nothing to offer outside of the partying, heartaches, family division, pay backs, ill will towards each other, revenge, wickedness and the hopeless destination of hell. However, the Bible gives us a whole list of things similar to the ones I just outlined – see Galatians 5:19-21 and it assures us that those following this lifestyle will never see the eyes of our Holy God. But friends, God has chosen not to give up on His creation, so there will come a time when He reminds the unsaved of the righteousness of a holy God – their Creator. This will be through intervention by the Holy Spirit. It may be a word or action of a pastor, a family member, a good friend, a casual acquaintance, or it may be through His living Word – the Bible. While God will not pressure us into making a decision against our will, He will reveal Himself to us and remind us of all that He did for us so that we may become children of God. For my dad, it was the unfortunate death of a nephew that opened his eyes to the God of this universe that he had never personally accepted. For myself, it was through a family friend who encouraged me and walked with me to the altar where I surrendered my life to God personally, after a touching sermon. Paul knew what Timothy would face as a young minister of the Gospel so, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul pointed Timothy towards the Book what would provide him the confidence to preach, and the encouragement to continue in, the work of the Lord through the toughest of times. This awesome Book is still available to the child of God today. Whether it’s the pastor who stands before a mega church of individuals from all walks of life, who needs direction, encouragement and direction to find the one way that leads to eternal life, or if it’s the young, simple, inexperienced new Christian who will interact with a friend or acquaintance who needs the Lord during his normal daily walk of life. Let’s never forget that God is all knowing and all powerful, so He could also speak directly to the needs of an unsaved individual who needs Him. I have heard of individuals who, in the quiet and solitude of an overnight hotel stay, found the Bible that was stored in the top drawer of that hotel room nightstand, opened its pages and began reading, only to find the words necessary for drawing him/her to the forgiving and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Let’s never forget, only God can save a person headed for a wicked Hell. Although He may use us to experience new life through our 2 cents that we may lend to an individual, only God can redirect a lost and sinful heart. Let’s try applying the Word of God to our own lives on a regular basis, then perhaps, we will also speak words of wisdom from God Himself as we minister and care for others.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: We often need someone to ‘straighten us out’! Praise God for His Word, a true and meaningful way of God speaking to us and redirecting our path towards the holiness of God.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, I thank You for the cross. A place where You suffered and died for the redemption of our sin. In our Scripture today, I am also reminded of the invaluable tool You left for us to hear from You and receive instruction from You. Please remind all readers and listeners to dust off the covers of this important book on their shelves, and to desire a daily encounter with You through the words You left for us to follow and better understand Your mercy and Your grace. A tradesman who follows manufacturer’s instructions will often succeed in returning something to its original perfection. Your Word is even more powerful and effective in reaching the heart of its readers and drawing us closer to the source of that great Book, God Almighty. Please help us to never lose sight of You, by becoming active in reading Your Word each and every day. May others see more of Christ, because we have drawn closer to, and following what You have desired of us in Your Word. AMEN!

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

The Results of Unfaithfulness and Disobedience

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

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2023-01-21
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 13  Saul died because he was unfaithful and disobeyed the Lord. He even asked advice from a woman who talked to spirits of the dead, 14 instead of asking the Lord. So the Lord had Saul killed and gave his kingdom to David, the son of Jesse.

APPLICATION: Isn’t it interesting how we’ve come to believe that being good enough, or attending church regularly, or standing out as an obedient and upright citizen, could all lead to eternity in heaven? In fact, we may even skip over Scripture verses such as the one today, because we personally feel like we serve such a God of love, that He would never beat up on us or destroy us. Saul, the first king of Israel, was approved for the position by God. He was successful in many ways during his reign, but we also know that he was pretty headstrong in many things, particularly in his actions towards David as his jealousy constantly increased against him. However, one thing that is evident in this story today, is that our God – our Creator and Sustainer of life, is a jealous God, and He will not stand for open disobedience and mockery to His holy and righteous name. Children are often excused from accidental actions that a peer may have encouraged them into, or they may have innocently tried because they didn’t realize that it would offend their parents, friends or even God. But parents would become irate over actions that children have been warned against, taught right from wrong in, and practiced before them consistently. For parents could clearly see that such actions were done in spite of what the children were taught. As we fast forward into adulthood, we find ourselves still wanting to do those things that we know displease God, but we do them anyway. Why? Dear friends, the enemy is still on the prowl and working diligently to steer us away from God. Satan is the one that makes you so busy in the mornings that you ‘can’t find time to read God’s Word’. Let me encourage you to reword that phrase just slightly as you are tempted to give that excuse in the future. Say this instead: ‘It was just not a priority for me to read God’s Word this morning’. The end result is the same, but the latter excuse better explains why you didn’t read God’s Word! Satan loads you up with lots of excuses why you don’t need to attend church services, and I’m sure that as you reflect back on the excuses given over recent weeks, you will clearly see that it was just not a priority for you and your family to be in church, learning more about God, blessing others, taking in the encouragement and blessings from others, and strengthening your walk with the Lord. Corporate prayer meetings are one of least attended services held by a church. If folk were praying regularly to God, would they not desire to share in that experience with fellow believers who are also seeking God’s face with the celebrations of praise, and petitioning for their needs, their family, their church, their employer, their unsaved friends and all who are hurting? How do you suppose Satan is trying to destroy your time in talking with God? I pray that God will open your eyes to see how these very weaknesses I just mentioned, are some of the very things that weaken our stand for the Lord. When one is weak, they become confused about who can help them, so they may turn to witchcraft for help in solving problems or seeing into the future, just like Saul did. When one is weak in their position with God, they tend to fall prey to their own selfish thoughts and practices, most of which may have nothing to do with God’s design for their life. It seems to me that God particularly placed this account of Saul’s death very boldly in our faces through this account in Scripture. Now that we have been reminded of how God will treat unfaithful and disobedient children, I believe He is offering the challenge to us today: What will you do about this in your life? Do you have changes to make in your priorities? Please don’t look at God’s Word as a threat to your life’s performance. God designed us, brought us into this world, and is patiently waiting for us to worship Him, accept Him as Lord and King of our lives, understand His Word and live obediently without looking for excuses. It’s your call my friend! What will you do with this lesson today?

BLESSING(S) NOTED: We are reminded of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the death of Saul. Praise God that we know the rest of the story! God sent His Son, Jesus, so that all those who acknowledge Him as Lord, will be saved. In acknowledging your Lord, I believe you will live a fully dedicated life to Him where you will follow in obedience and seek only Him in all of life’s decisions.

PRAYER: Lord, I surrender, again, – all of me, to all of You. Teach me Your ways and help me in my priorities to always place You first and foremost in what I fill my heart with each day. May I be so filled with You, that Your goodness, mercy, love and commitment will be indicative of You in every way. After such awesome wins in battle, and in being such a great first leader of Israel, it all seems like such a waste when Saul life ended in such an unfortunate way. I believe this is eye-opening to my readers and I today, for we can’t continue to do the same as Saul and expect different results. Open our eyes each day Lord, so that we may see Your glory, and desire to live in obedience and dedication to our Father all of our days. Use us Lord to touch the lives of those who need You. 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!

None Found To Compare With You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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