Tag: Promises of God

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!

Finding Hope in God’s Promises: A Devotional Reflection

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

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, June 3, 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 29:10-14 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 am amazed how God, the One who created us and taught us how to live, while also showing us what He is capable of when we disobey or disregard His commands, just how merciful He is to give us 2nd, 3rd and even more changes to correct our ways. In fact, He goes even further with the Israelites, a people that He ordered to report to king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, by giving them hope for their lives post Babylon reign. And before I go any further, let me remind you that while God has not given us over to the reign of another kingdom or ruler, yet He has also promised us, after our life here on earth, eternal life in Heaven to those of us that have accepted His Son, Jesus, as our Lord, Savior and Ruler of our lives, so there is also hope for us! Sadly, I must draw your attention to the verses that follow our focused verses today, for God went on to warn those who refused to follow His command in moving to Babylon. Less we are misguided, or of a false knowledge, I must remind you that often when we attend funerals/memorial services, we might become confused to hear that the individual who died have now gone on to be with the Lord. Friends, please be sure that you apply the whole Biblical truth to that awesome statement. For it is a true statement for the saints of God who accepted His Son while they were alive, but for those who have rejected this condition, the Bible says that upon their passing from life into death, they will then answer to the evil one whom they chose to follow while alive. I apologize that I digressed a little, but I felt like this was a good time to correlate this Biblical truth with the promised hope given to the Israelites. The overall message that I rejoiced in from today’s verses us that the Israelites were told they would remain in exile for 70 years, an extremely long sentence for the Israelites. But, with the hope given in these verses today, I am confident that these people must have felt a sense of relief in spite of knowing they would have to endure over 25,000 in bondage. As I mentioned above, we have no idea how many more days God has ordained for us to remain here on earth, but if you would open your heart, soul and mind to accept the truth of God’s Word, and the gift He provided through sending His precious Son for the forgiveness of our sin, then we too can face tomorrow because of the hope we have in the promises of God. For the unbeliever who struggles with life here on earth and have no hope for anything better tomorrow, please allow me to assure you of this hope that is available to all – especially you! In my FOOTNOTE you will find Biblical references that will help to guide you into accepting Jesus Christ. But don’t feel alone in your decision, speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or a solid believer and tell them how you feel the Holy Spirit is dealing in your life, and/or contact me by email and I will be excited at the opportunity to introduce you to the God that I know and teach about in this blog. It would be like one beggar showing another beggar how to find bread – the Bread of Life – Jesus Christ!

PRAYER
Thank You Lord for Your goodness, mercy and love. The sacrifice You gave just for us – Your children, is far beyond anything we could comprehend. Thank You for reminding us in Your Word today of the hope that is ours when we surrender lordship of our lives to You and give You full control over everything, especially those things that burden us down and discourage us, like the Israelites must have felt with their 70-year sentence under the rulership of the Babylonians. I must repeat Your words to the Israelites, for it gives me hope on how tomorrow will go for those who believe in You: ‘I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.’ Be glorified in me today, oh Lord, and accept my attitude of praise as I worship You and seek to know You better every day of my life. 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!

God Keeps His Promises

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

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2021-06-28
WRITTEN AT: Tucumcari, NM

SCRIPTURE FROM: Numbers 23:19
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT: 19 God is not a man; he will not lie.
God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it.
If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.

APPLICATION: For the one who receives a call that their child has just been killed in an auto crash, they will be devastated and have a lot of questions for God. For the one who has great plans for retirement, but loses their spouse near the end of their working years, they may question God. And, of course, for the one who lays on a bed of affliction knowing that there is no medical help for their condition, I’m sure it must be challenging to lay there and praise God. These are just a few examples of how we relate to the supreme God when life is not going the way that we feel like it should. King Balak was in a similar dilemma, for he knew that the extremely large body of Israelites approaching his nation could very easily wipe them out and do what they wanted with his land. But he was the king, and he could order people around at will. He always got what he demanded. Balak soon found that as oddly as it may seem, there were certain children of God that would do what God told them, verses the offers, money, promotions or threats from any earthly king. Balak realized the power of God working in Balaam, that’s why he called for him to come and demand a change in the course of the Israelites. However, what Balak didn’t account for was the fact that true, dedicated children of God will do what He says, regardless what any earthly human demands or threatens them with. Does that sound like you my friend? Will the threat of beatings, killings or imprisonment prompt you to change your commitment to God? As in my earlier examples, will something related to a family member cause you to turn against God, or draw you closer to Him? Notice that regardless of the intimidation of the king, Balaam stayed true to his Master, and persisted in following the Word of God. Friends, do you know without a shadow of doubt that your Redeemer lives, and that He rules in your heart and life, regardless of earthly circumstances, and/or visual happenings all around you? Are you willing to stand firm on the Word of God, and on the direction that God is leading you in, even if you know that it will meet with man’s dislike and/or opposition? Balaam assured his king, and we are assured from God’s Word that our God will keep His promises, for His word is always true and always honored. Paul said, to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord, and that was his ultimate goal. If that’s your goal today, then I believe that you too can stand firm on God’s Word and know that His promises are true.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God is true to His Word and will fulfill that which He has promised. As His child, we are assured eternal life in Heaven with He and the Father. Don’t let anything on earth come between you and our awesome God!

PRAYER: What an awesome reminder from Balaam in our Bible story today! Our God is true, and He expects us to be true to Him. There are thousands of promised You gave us in Your Word, Lord, please give us strength and determination to stand firm in our faith as we spend our remaining time here on earth. Balaam faced fierce testing of his faith, and we face the same in one form or another each day that we are around Satan’s earthly army. Oh that we will love and honor You Jesus with all of our heart, soul and mind, until the day You call us home to glory! AMEN!

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

The Promises of God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Easter, Forgiveness, Sacrifice, SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Romans 4:23-25 (TLB)

TEXT:  23 Now this wonderful statement—that he was accepted and approved through his faith—wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. 24 It was for us, too, assuring us that God will accept us in the same way he accepted Abraham—when we believe the promises of God who brought back Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He died for our sins and rose again to make us right with God, filling us with God’s goodness.

OBSERVATION:   Abraham was blessed, and he benefited from the wonderful gifts of God when God blessed he and Sarah with a child in their old age. Paul wants us to know through this Scripture today that God’s grace is all sufficient for His children today, if we would trust in the very One whose death and resurrection we believe in, and celebrate this very week on our church calendars.  

APPLICATION:   The Scripture today is probably one of the most important ones that we could have come across, especially at this time of the year. For centuries churches have celebrated Holy Week, with the Good Friday and Easter weekend being only second to that of Christmas. On Good Friday we remember the death of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Bible. For those who have not yet accepted Jesus as Lord of their life, or you’ve been playing around with the relationship that you once started with Jesus, let me remind you that the only reason Jesus died on that cross at Calvary was to satisfy your sin and the sins of mankind. Are you rejecting His sacrifice and turning your head to the sacrifice that someone (Jesus) made just for you? Please take the opportunity this Easter weekend to accept the gift of eternal life, through the forgiveness of your sin, offered through the death of Jesus on the cross. The Bible says in verse 24 above, that God brought Jesus back to life on the 3rd day, signifying that He made Abraham, and us (His born again saints of God) right with His Father (God). Friends, that was quite a sacrifice that Jesus made, just for the sin of mankind. Will you reconsider and accept that gift this week? Easter will bring a fresh encounter for you as you join other saints in worshiping and praising the risen Lord next weekend!

PRAYER:   Lord, Your love is beyond anything mankind can imagine. Our Scripture reminds us today of the extent of Your love, and the sacrifice You made to demonstrate that love to us. Never before, and never again will we be blessed with such love and such awesome gifts. Please forgive us when we are unappreciative and reject Your offer of salvation. Lord we offer ourselves to You in return for Your gracious gifts, and we look forward in great anticipation to the day when we see You face to face! What a day that will be! 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!