Your Faith and Strength in God Will Sustain You

On 2024-02-10 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, February 10, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM The Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 24:10

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: If you fall apart during a crisis, then you weren’t very strong to begin with.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I am convinced that the Holy Spirit wanted me to spend some time on this verse today. Perhaps one of the shortest in the whole chapter, and definitely one of the bluntest for us to accept, but it sure is impactful. There are so many Bible references and hymns of the faith that refer to the power of God, and I believe that we hang on to that because we know that we are minimally strong when things are going great in our lives, but this Scripture verse precisely describes us when things get stressful or tough, for we tend to fall apart. I wonder why?? Perhaps too often we pray for an easier, wealthier, and more successful life, rather than asking God to make us a stronger child of the King who can accept and deal with all circumstances of life that may confront us. Trials don’t make or break a person. They’re simply a gauge to show you where you’re at in your walk with the Lord. In Jeremiah12:5, God addressed this when He said: ‘If you are worn out after only running with a few men, how will you one day compete against horses? If you stumble on the easy terrain, how will you manage in the thick brush near the Jordan?’ Friends, in other words, if you’re exhausted by the problem facing you today, what will you do when even bigger problems come your way? Whatever I’m going through today is strengthening me for what will come tomorrow. 2024 came in with a bang for me, with trials, medical, finances, etc., it was enough for me to seek the face of the Master and question what it is that He desires of me to do differently in my life. But as I continue in the Word of God, I find refreshment that my God is waiting for me to open the doors of my heart so that He might open the floodgates of heaven to supply all my needs, guide me through all my challenges, and renew such a spirit of holiness in me that others might be touched by the power of my God, and overwhelmed with a desire to know Him in new and beneficial ways that might return glory, honor and praise to Him. Oh, that our strength might be renewed so that we may face our present challenges with such boldness and faith, that God will do even more to prepare us for what lies ahead! With God as my strength, I have nothing to fear! How about you, how do you deal with the extraordinary and stressful things of life? If you know my Jesus, then this devotional is for you. If not, then I believe this devotional will prompt you to a knowledge and acceptance of my Jesus, so that you too may depend on him in all circumstances of life. Please read on to my Footnote, where you will find tips on leading you to Jesus.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, I am convinced that You can do all things, and because of Your love for me, I ask that You give me ongoing faith to depend on You for today, while accepting of everything You will provide to help me through tomorrow. You are my Rock and my everlasting strength, dear Lord. Please continue to work out Your plan in my life so that I may be obedient to Your direction and accepting of Your love and protection in all circumstances of life. Many who will read this devotional are probably in a similar situation as I opened up about already. Please show Yourself to us and give us the faith and humbleness we need to call on You, depend on You, and trust You for everything that might come our way. 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!

Looking For Someone Greater

On 2024-02-07 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: Wednesday, February 7, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 7:24-26

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: You may be one of the many Christians who have been tempted to quit attending church, because you may have heard so many things about church leaders – their failures and public sin, and serious questions may have arisen about whether you should waste your time. But our Scripture today reminds us that Jesus is still King above all kings, and Lord above all lords! In previous verses, the Bible explains how previous priests may have failed and/or discontinued their ministry because of death. However, in our focal verses we can better understand why Jesus is our ultimate choice in choosing a spiritual leader that can help us navigate through life here on earth and lead us to a better place when we pass from this life to our eternal home. If you walked into a church, or if you met a church leader out in the world, you would probably have expected to experience the love and example of everything you ever heard about Jesus and/or His Father (God). In our Scripture verses, we can better understand why Jesus was so much more than previous priests chosen by their respective churches, and I believe this is worthy of note for us, so that we don’t expect too much of our Christian leaders. Our minds should be fixed on their leader and our ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is head of His church. You see, when we fix our minds on the purpose for which we want comfort, or healing, or uplifting, or someone to meet our needs, we know that we need someone superior to us and who cares for mankind way more than any other human being could possibly do. The writer of Hebrews helps us understand why it is that Jesus is superior to the high priests of Jesus’ day. They only lasted for a time, because they were not invincible. Compared to Jesus, who we need, because He is holy; blameless; unstained by sin; set apart from sinners; and now sits at the right hand of the Father, in His place of honor, petitioning for us. Is there any comparison to those we look to as pastor, priest or spiritual leader? NO there is no comparison, so while these earthly spiritual leaders are tasked with the responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with us, we must always bear in mind that they are human, just like us, and therefore subject to sin as long as they remain on this earth. Dear friends, while it behooves us to associate with, worship together with, and sit under the teaching of our spiritual leaders, we must always aim to live like, love like, and follow in obedience the teachings of, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Father – God Almighty. Let’s aim to fix our minds on the things of Christ and live like He did while on earth, and the teachings of our Father as detailed in the Word of God. We will be much too busy in our efforts to keep self righteous and holy, that we will not have time to look at the failures and faults of others.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Precious Lord, thank You for Your Word – a light unto our path and filled with instruction for our everyday walk here on earth. Without You, it seems like we are prone to failure and sin, but we are reminded once again that we serve a God, and a Savior, who is far greater than we are, yet desires relationship with us. Thank You Father, Son and Holy Spirit for not giving up on me. Having called me out of my lost condition and into the Kingdom of Light, with heaven as my anticipated home in glory! Please Lord, continue to prick my conscience on any thought, action or word that may not be pleasing to You, and please do the same for every reader who will happen across this devotional. Our ultimate goal is to be with You in glory some sweet day, and we ask that You help us to live obedient, holy and righteous lives until the day You call us home, so that others will be influenced for the Kingdom. Be glorified in and through us Lord, for Your honor and glory. AMEN!

Take Peter’s Place

On 2024-02-03 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, February 3, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 22:55-61

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat among them. And
-> a servant-girl, …. said, “This man was with Him too.” But Peter denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him!”
-> A little later someone else saw him and said, “You are one of them too.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
-> After about an hour…. another man began to insist, “This man was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.
The Lord turned and looked at Peter….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: It is so easy to see the faults of others, while all along, we might easily be found guilty of doing, saying or reacting to circumstances even worse than they are. The Holy Spirit caused me place myself in Peter’s position as I meditated on today’s Scripture, and I was forced to look deep inside of Peter’s mind, but also challenged to think about whether I would have acted and/or responded any differently. For those not familiar with the context of this Scripture, Jesus had been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane where He was in deep prayer with Peter and two other disciples. The arrest was aided by one of Jesus’ disciples, a traitor names Judas. Peter tried to reassure Jesus of his love, commitment and how he would never betray Jesus. After the arrest of Jesus, He was led around, until in today’s Scripture, being at the house of the Jewish High Priest. And it was here that Peter mingled with the crowd around the fire while Jesus was in the ‘hot seat’ being questioned by the authorities. Over the years, Christians, and their pastors, priests and teachers have criticized Peter for not sticking to his vow given to Jesus at the garden. But I wonder, are we any better today while at our jobs surrounded by jeering unbelievers? Or in our work lunchroom where others are ridiculing the church and Christian beliefs? Or at a restaurant when we are ashamed to bow our heads in prayer over our food? Or in a courtroom when we know what the outcome might be if we stay committed to telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Dear friends, the three individuals who challenged Peter, recognized he had been with Jesus. Do our friends and associates see that same evidence in you and me? Peter was probably afraid that since the leaders arrested Jesus and were now ready to crucify Him, they might very well do the same to him if they knew he was a part of the same team who went around ministering with Jesus. Many of your friends will know about, or suspect, your church affiliation also. Are you proud of that affiliation, or do you try to keep that a secret also, so that you not be considered one of those ‘Jesus freaks’? What’s your aim each day, to be like Peter and hide your church and or Jesus’ affiliation or are you seeking to share Jesus Christ and His love for all mankind with everyone you come into contact with? As you assume Peter’s position today, be prepared on how you will answer the three folks around the fire, or your peers that may ask you in varying ways ‘how are you associated with Jesus Christ’? Jesus already knows the response you will give, for He knows our very thoughts just like He knew Peter would deny Him three times. But let me encourage you to determine personally how you will respond to such questioning. Please let me encourage you to commit wholeheartedly to the lordship of Jesus Christ, knowing that He is more than conqueror to all those who ask Him to direct their lives, and be more like Him in every way, every day.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, it is easy for us to see the fault and apparent weakness in Peter. But we truly need You to open our eyes and hearts to recognize our own weakness and lack of commitment to You. And that’s the reason we come before You again today asking that You keep us humble, obedient to your teachings and commands, and determined to follow in Your footsteps every day and in every circumstance. Thank You Lord for being available to us at all times and thank You for the assurance of Your power and Your strength that can be made available to us in our time of need. Please Lord, have You own will and way in our lives, so that we may be pure examples of the God we serve. AMEN!

Praise God for His Compassion!

On 2024-02-02 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: Friday, February 2, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Good News Translation (GNT) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 30:18-23

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: And yet the Lord is waiting to be merciful to you. He is ready to take pity on you because he always does what is right. Happy are those who put their trust in the Lord.
You people who live in Jerusalem will not weep any more. The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you. The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more. If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.”
Whenever you plant your crops, the Lord will send rain to make them grow and will give you a rich harvest, and your livestock will have plenty of pasture.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: To get the full impact of these verses today, you will want to click on my Scripture reference and read the whole chapter of Isaiah 30. In fact, you may also wonder if Isaiah may have been blessed with this prophecy because of everything that has happened in your life! Israel had turned to Egypt for help instead of turning to the God of this universe – very much like we tend to do when we moan, complain, and turn to various government programs or other resources when we feel like we have reached the end of our supply chain, friends list, protection or hope. God disciplined Israel pretty severely through heartaches, trials, lost battles, and just plain hopelessness. He wanted them to see what life would be like if they got their wish to truly exclude Him from their lives. Not sure about you dear friends, but there seems to be times in my life also when so many unexpected things are occurring that I am made to wonder if my life is properly aligned and obedient in every way with my Master – Jesus Christ. But then comes verse 19 above where we are reminded that we serve a compassionate God. For me, this breaks down to Him being loving, caring, and always having our best interest at heart, even when He has to discipline us. However, although this is what we derive from our understanding of God, what do we learn about ourselves in this Scripture today? Unfortunately, it becomes very evident that we are spoiled worse than the most undisciplined child we can think of. In spite of us not doing our part, we first blame God for not caring about our situation, or denouncing all those that God may have placed in our path to love and care for us, or complaining about our lack of perfect health, finances, material goods, opportunities, and prospects for our future. Oh that we would be reminded today that God is still love; that He created us in His image; that He sacrificed His very own Son so that we might be forgiven of our sin and allowed to join Him in heaven one day; that His love for us is far greater than anything our human minds could comprehend; and that He has a future in mind for us just as He had for the Israelites, if only we would turn from our wicked ways and acknowledge Him as Lord and everlasting Savior. Yes, my friend, we serve a compassionate God. Do you know Him intimately? Have you given Him lordship of your life? I really want to see you in heaven one day, so please allow me to encourage you to sure up your relationship with the only One who can make this possible, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You Lord for loving me, even when I may appear unlovable to others around me. Thank You for providing the means for my future in heaven to be assured. Please Lord, continue to impress upon the hearts of my readers, listeners, and myself that we have a strong hope and a very bright future. Soften hearts so that we might take our eyes off self long enough to see a loving, compassionate and caring Savior who truly wants us in His presence one day when life here on earth is complete. Please give us opportunity to share this love with others today so that they may also be reminded of Your compassion and grace causing them to develop a growing desire to find and accept You as Lord. AMEN!

This Makes God and Your Parents Happy

On 2024-01-31 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: Wednesday, January 31, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 23:22; 24-26

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Pay attention to your father—after all, he gave you life and don’t ignore your mother in her old age.
The parents of the right-living will celebrate; yes, parents of children who make wise choices are happy.
So make your parents happy; delight your mother—after all, she brought you into this world.
My son, devote yourself to me fully. Observe my ways, and follow my directions:

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: You might hesitate to think about times that you were totally agitated at how your parents acted around you when you were in ‘your element’, and how you almost wanted to disclaim them! Remember, when you were so proud of yourself, yet they were pounding on you about how you could do better! But there might be some in the audience who have been blessed to reach a fair age, and you might realize that some of the things you say or do really agitate your children today also! I tend to kid around a lot, so I am at the stage in life where I pray that God will help me to keep my mouth shut when I need to, so that I don’t lose the respect of my child! However, through the prophet Isaiah, God has a word for us all, for we all have parents, and many of us are blessed to have children, and God wants us to open our eyes to what pleases Him and our parents. For those who are estranged from their parents, or parents who are estranged from their children, I believe that our Father in Heaven has so much to help us open our eyes to what He desires of us. Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus was still concerned about His mother and wanted to make sure she was taken care of in His absence. In our focal passage of Scripture, God demands that we obey our parents, or as this translation puts it: pay attention to your earthly father and strive to delight your mother. To my male cohorts out there, a lot hangs on the latter charge, for daughters are told that when choosing a guy, watch for how they treat their mother, for it is highly likely that they will treat you in the same way. But why do you suppose that God saw this as important instructions, even for us today? Well, so often we hear today how much smarter kids are today than we could recall in our earlier days. It just seems that we are taught at a very early age to develop a stand on something, and then ‘stick to our guns’ on the matter. In this way, no unsuspecting person could win us over from what we know we believe in. While this might be a correct stand to take, I believe that godly wisdom teaches us to always listen to the advice and teachings of a person who has been there and done that. They are teaching from experience, and often they don’t want us to make the same mistakes as they did. Parents always want their children to be so much more that themselves. This can only happen when we humble ourselves and listen to the advice of our fathers and other older men and women. To not delight, or respect your mother, is clear evidence that you are unappreciative of what she did for you in raising you. Mothers are the first to eat bread and drink water, so that her children could splurge in the finer things at the table, and in life. To disrespect, or not do as much for her as she did for you, is basically saying that God messed up in providing the mother that He did to raise you. There is faithful saying that says we are an adult only once, but twice a child. Be very careful how you treat your father, and delight your mother, for in your second childhood, you children will have opportunity to practice just that on you! When you do what is right, and pleasing to God, for your parents, you can use that same experience in pleasing God in just the same way, for He calls for that in the very last verse today. Devote yourself to God, observe and honor His instructions and His ways, so that you might follow His directions. You can do this my friends, just accept Him as Lord of your life, and commit yourself to honor Him in all that you do and say. You will learn about Him from His Word, not by looking at, and following, what others say or do.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 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! You saved me from my sin and showed me the path in which to live my new, changed, and dedicated life. Because I still live in this world, I sincerely and respectfully ask that You protect me from the teaching and practices of this world and its leader, Satan. Many that I know still need a Savior, so please help me to reflect You in every word and action, so that they may be convinced that You are still alive and active in the lives of Your children. Please teach us to always honor our parents in a way that You would approve of and help us to show our love and appreciation to them for putting up with us during those years that we ourselves were incapable and/or unwilling to be different to the ways promoted and urged by the evil one. It hurts me to see, or hear, children who has nothing to do with their parents, or parents who have pushed away unruly, disrespectful, children, for it becomes obvious that they are dishonoring You, Lord. Please teach us to be examples of how you lived, loved, and directed us to live. May the world see evidence of Jesus in my readers and myself as we strive to live more like You each day, so that You may be glorified in all aspects of our life. AMEN!

On Betraying Jesus

On 2024-01-26 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, January 26, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 22:47-48

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: While He was still speaking, a crowd came, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve [disciples], was leading the way for them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. And Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: As I meditated on this very familiar Scripture today, it made me question whether I betray Jesus in any way. Oh my, did that open a ‘can of worms’ as I thought what this could possibly mean today. We come down hard on Judas for being a ‘betrayer’. For this means that someone who has ties to, and a certain allegiance to, may choose to turn them into the enemy, instead of standing up for them and being totally sold out to their safety, their advancement, their profit and their success. So, friends, I want you to stop and consider with me today whether you have anything in common with Judas. Let’s begin by being reminded that Judas was chosen by Jesus as a follower of His, so he was a disciple who had equal access to all things revolving around the life and ministry of Jesus. Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Are you a member of his local church? When we answer ‘Yes’ to both of those questions, I believe that means that we have a certain appreciation for all that Jesus did to provide salvation for us and His promise to welcome us home to glory one day when we graduate from our home here on earth. This should make us ‘float’ around on a cloud every day rejoicing in the birth, death and resurrection of our Savior and Lord. But what happens when we’re put on the spot by our long-lost friend who is obviously apart from Christ and worships the things of this world while also following every evil wish and practice of its ruler? How many of us remain true and faithful to our Master? Or do we tend to cower and, perhaps, avoid even stating the name of Jesus in our conversation, or totally renege on our promise to promote Jesus in our words and our actions? How many of us quickly turn to denouncing the preacher on Monday morning for having stepped on our toes in the sermon the day before just by merely sharing the Word of God with us? Do we promote the name and person of Jesus, or do we more often disassociate ourselves with Him, depending on the circumstances? Have you ever given in to the ways of the world because of your circumstances? Judas did. He wanted to be popular, by being the one who aided authorities in capturing Jesus. He wanted the money paid for helping in the capture, for he was known as the one to watch over the treasury, or money bag for the disciples. To what extent might we go to earn a few extra dollars? Even if we have to look the other way on our faith, our church or our Lord? I believe God would have us examine ourselves and the things that we allow to impact our choices and our decision making. Is there an appearance of ‘betrayal’ in any of that? I believe that we must challenge ourselves to seek Jesus on an ongoing basis and ask Him to show us the ways that we are unfaithful in our allegiance to our Lord and or ministries dedicated to Him. We must be children totally sold out to Jesus, and not ones who are ‘in’ when it’s convenient or no opposition present. It is super important that we not confuse those who are looking to see Jesus in all of His glory working through His children. What might Jesus call our actions? Betrayal, a turning away, questionable as to whose we are, hypocrite, uncommitted, or are we truly a child of the King who will stand for Him in every circumstance of life?

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, just as we are quick to ridicule Judas for his disappointing actions in betraying his Lord, I pray that You will continually open our eyes to the times that we tend to disclaim You and perhaps even dishonor You and Your name. We are certainly not ones who remain faithful in every circumstance of life, yes even at times when we know that we should do better in promoting the name and person of Jesus Christ. Please forgive us Lord, and I humbly pray that You will be even more intrusive in our thoughts and decision making to truly get our attention and give us a chance to be more committed. May it always be our growing desire to claim the name and person of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, no matter the circumstances of this world and the darts thrown at us by the evil one. May the world see Jesus in us and hear about Him through our spoken word. AMEN!

His Promise is TRUE

On 2024-01-19 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, January 19, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Hebrews 6:16-19

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls….

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Some are challenged to sleep on Christmas night due to the buildup of anxiety about what they expect to see around the tree next morning! I believe we all love gifts! There are many who also do their best to take people at their word. This sometimes lead to disappointment, but at other times their hope in humanity is restored as they see commitments kept and promises fulfilled! I believe that today’s Scripture restores hope to the Christian, for we are reminded that ‘it is impossible for God to lie’! This should also give assurance to the unbeliever who is doubting and questioning whether God really does what the Bible says He would do. Less we forget, there were some huge promises made in the Bible – promises that unbelievers might find impossible to believe. Like when He told a woman who had been unable to get pregnant that she and her husband would have a child. A promise to Sarah that fulfilled a promise made to Abraham when he was 75 years old. Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90! God never lies! Through Moses, God led a multitude of people through the wilderness, while at first being chased by the Egyptian army. On approaching the Red Sea, many doubted that God could ever hold true to His promise to carry them through to the Promised Land. However, God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could cross over to the other side on dry land, while using the opposite action to drown the chasing army! He fed the Israelites with miraculous manna when there was no human sign of food! He brought forth water when the thirsty Israelites could only see a rock! Later, God gave us the promised Messiah through a miraculous situation that only He could satisfy. A virgin bore a son – Jesus, the Christ. Friends, as I meditated on these verses, I couldn’t help but wonder at the awesome God that I serve, for I know that He is still God and that He could still fulfill everything that He promises. He can’t lie! So when He tells me that He will love me forever and forever, I have no reason to doubt and feel alone or forsaken, for God can’t lie! Because He told me that He has prepared a home for me to live with He and the Father in heaven for evermore, I can start celebrating my eternal destiny now, for my God can’t lie! For those reading this devotional and you are still uncommitted to the resurrected Christ, please let me encourage you to believe with all your heart soul and mind that Jesus died because of His love for you, and in obedience to His Father. However, He rose again as living proof that just as He now lives, we too will arise and live forever with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all eternity. Remember, He can’t lie. So you can take this promise ‘to the bank’, for it is genuine truth! To do nothing at all in light of this truth, you are settling for the lies of Satan and, according to God’s Holy Word, you will have an eternal destiny with Satan in the pit of Hell. Cruel? Perhaps, but it is TRUTH, precious friend. You are responsible for your destiny, please make the best decision in light of the truth shared with you today.

PRAYER INSPIRED BY TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: What an awesome reminder dear Lord, that You cannot lie! This means that what You promised throughout Your Word, You will bring to pass! Praise the Lord! I thank You Lord for the promise of Salvation, and the gift You so aptly provided on the cross at Calvary. Today I can rejoice in the prospects of heaven, because I know that You cannot lie! I humbly pray that You will once again touch the hearts of those who have not changed their destiny to Heaven. Some of these are relatives, loved ones and coworkers, so they are very special to me. Please use these humble words to wake my readers out of a careless sleep that may be affecting their decision making. Draw them to Yourself, Lord and invoke a time of decision making today that will impact their eternal destination. I ask these things in the wonderful name of Jesus, AMEN!

Follow Jesus in Habitual Prayer

On 2024-01-18 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Thursday, January 18, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 22:39-41

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed Him. When He arrived at the place [called Gethsemane], He said to them, “Pray continually that you may not fall into temptation.” And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed…

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: One of the awesome things about a ministry such as mine, is that the Word of God must speak to the heart of the teacher before they could share its effectiveness with their audience. Praise God! I believe that this Scripture today is intended directly for me, but because there are others just like me, I believe that this message might also speak to you and challenge you in the adequacy of your prayer life. The Holy spirit spoke to me on a few matters while meditating on this Scripture:
– Jesus left the Upper Room and went to His ‘usual’ hangout (the Mount of Olives) where He could speak with the Father. I would be hard-pressed to answer a curious youngster who might ask me where my usual place is to pray. Do you have a quick, honest answer for that question? For those who followed Jesus and heard Him teach, they were reminded first-hand that this Teacher did as He taught. Remember how Jesus had said earlier that He only said and did as instructed by His Father? So, what do you suppose created the urgency for Jesus to seek private prayer? I believe that nowhere in Scripture will you find where Jesus ever taught that we wait until urgent needs arise before we seek the Father’s face. For you see, we were created for communion with our Creator and Father. Yet prayer is probably one of the weakest habits of a Christian, and therefore of the church. If we find it unimportant to stay in communion with the Father, what might He say when we just use this vehicle of communication during those times of urgent prayer? What would you say to such a person who does that to you? Probably one of the worst results of our absent prayer life is that those who are watching and following in our footsteps are led to do the same thing. Unfortunately, this leads to a church of tomorrow where prayer has been placed in the corner ‘for urgent needs only’. I believe that our ministries fail when we are basing our output strictly on the input received from seminary teachings; last week’s sermon; the deacon’s counsel; etc. For it is only what’s said for Jesus will last or impact the lives of others.
– Pray continually that you don’t fall into temptation – For those of us who fail, or refuse to pray, we might very well fall into the same trap as the unsaved where we are overcome by temptation and any other sin that Satan places before us, because we are unprepared and unconcerned about our Protector helping us defend against our known primary enemy. In our Scripture, Jesus knew full well what His disciples would face over the next few days as He was arrested, tried, convicted and crucified. Because we serve the same all-knowing Master, I am convinced that God also knows what lies ahead for each of us, and I can only believe that He is saying the same thing to us today – pray continually that you are not tempted. Notice He didn’t say ‘now as soon as you’ve followed through on everything you are tempted on, get with me right away’. Every time you are tempted, stop and question yourself as to whether you have been faithful in your prayer life. For it sounds to me that Jesus could also have said this same phrase in a slightly different way: ‘If you don’t pray continually, you may very well be tempted by the evil one – more than you could ever handle personally’.
For those reading this devotional who have not surrendered lordship of your life to Jesus Christ, please ponder what your defense is when you are tempted. Jesus wants to be Lord and everlasting Savior of your life. Will you please consider accepting His offer? You are invited to read my Footnote for tips on how this might be accomplished.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Thank You for Your Word, oh Lord. It is food for my soul and is a guide to my feet. Thank You for prompting me to salvation and giving me the necessary boldness and determination to surrender lordship of my life to an all-knowing, all-loving and all-powerful God. I can only imagine that some will read this devotional and be puzzled by Your command to Your disciples, and to us, that we pray continually to avoid temptation. But Lord, I believe. Please deliver me from my lack of commitment to regular prayer and embed these words into my mind – that I must pray continually so that I do not fall into temptation. Just as I want to see You in every aspect of life, I believe that unbelievers are also seeking you out in the lives of those who claim to be under Your lordship. Oh Lord, may they see Jesus in me today, and be convinced of their need for a Savior. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the glory, forever. AMEN!

Recognize and Honor The Power of God

On 2024-01-16 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, January 16, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Isaiah 25:1-3

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God; you do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them, just as you said! You turn mighty cities into heaps of ruins. The strongest forts are turned to rubble. Beautiful palaces in distant lands disappear and will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong nations will shake with fear before you; ruthless nations will obey and glorify your name.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: God, the One who is creator of human life, and the guiding hand behind all good things that honor Him. He placed the world in place and everything that inhabits each part of this world. Don’t you know, dear friends, that He who created it all, can also erase unnecessary and unappreciated parts of it at will? But God is not like worldly dictators who hold life over the heads of their subjects, for our God not only created us in His likeness, but He also provided a Savior, His Son, to open the channel for access into His glorious heaven. Yet He has given us the option of choice to decide if we really want to live in this world and follow its leader, or if we will believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to redeem us of our sin and make us righteous in God’s sight. Many created ones have accepted this free gift of salvation and, like the nations mentioned in the very last verse of today’s Scripture, we shake in fear before this righteous, powerful, yet loving God and we glorify Him for who He is! It is unfortunate that many, even some who will happen across this devotional, still reject the Savior and the love shown for them on Calvary, for you are confident that you are in control of this thing called ‘life’. Friends, please carefully think this through: if you think you are in charge, then that applies to life, and in death. The Bible teaches that a place is also available for those who reject Jesus. But since sin cannot enter into heaven, you will be assigned to your earthly leader, Satan, and his eternal home – Hell/The lake of fire/Eternal damnation – a place where things will only worsen and magnify over what you experience here on earth. As one who has experienced the love and lordship of Jesus Christ, I feel an obligation to remind each reader that you fit into one of the nations mentioned in today’s Scripture. By default, you are assigned to the nations under the control of Satan, for you have lived on earth and been tainted by sin. However, many have opened their eyes and humbled themselves to the lordship of Jesus Christ, and we are assured the glories of heaven while basting in the glory of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost forever. We have a graduation day to look forward to, and not a Hell to fear. Not because we are favorites, but because of the choices we have made regarding our eternal destiny. This same assurance can be yours today dear friend. Please read my Footnote, especially the information behind the link ‘To know Jesus’. You have control over where you could be on Resurrection Day, but the choice must be made while you’re alive. Know Jesus today and know about the peace of which I have taught in this lesson! Be with the ‘nation’ who will obey and glorify Jesus as Lord!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, I believe that You have designed us to make smart decisions, such as readying ourselves and our family for natural disasters that we are warned about ahead of time. Every person alive will naturally face death, for in Hebrews 9:27 we are told that we all die once, then face the judgment of Almighty God. Oh Lord God, I humbly pray that every reader of this devotional will face that promised judgment with confidence, and in much anticipation of hearing You say, as You welcome them in for all eternity, ‘Well done good and faithful servant’! Knowing that calamity could come at any moment, home and auto buyers purchase insurance at the closing of their purchase. May these same ones, knowing that death could occur at any moment, not delay in making this very important decision about their eternal destiny. Nations who are ready for Your return, stand ready to praise and worship our King as we see salvation decisions made today! AMEN!

Goals for Teaching and Learning

On 2024-01-12 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Friday, January 12, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Century Version (NCV) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 22:17-19

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Listen carefully to what wise people say; pay attention to what I am teaching you.
It will be good to keep these things in mind so that you are ready to repeat them.
I am teaching them to you now so that you will put your trust in the Lord.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I sure wish that over my years of teaching in Sunday School, Marriage Enrichment classes and elsewhere, I would have had as my goal ‘So that they (my students) might trust in the Lord’. I found these verses today very intriguing, for in verse 18, I believe that students will learn that you’re not just in class for a perfect attendance award, but instead, to listen careful to the wisdom being taught, and to record those words in your heart so that you will have wise words of advice to give to others. When you sit in front of a television and fill your mind with all the unfortunate reporting that fill our evening news channels, or if you sit in a local bar and listen to the anger, frustration and brokenness of families today, your heart may very well be soured by, and disappointed from, everything you hear. But God’s Word is filled with wisdom for every good and perfect desire of a man’s heart. Solomon, the author of Proverbs, is known as the wisest man that ever lived. One can expect to find his words of wisdom filled with useful advice for any child of God seeking to follow the desire of the Holy Spirit who inspired this writer as an integral part of God’s Word. So where then should you spend your spare time? I believe that as your mind is saturated by the Word of God, and you make it a priority to meditate on the Creator of this world, you will have a growing desire to be more like Jesus in everything you say and do. As you seek His face, learn about His commands, desire and direction for your life, I believe you will wind up seeking Him out more and more each day. This will come from your desire to communicate with Him, learn more from his Word every day, and seek out learning opportunities frequently. Teachers of the gospel, please notice the responsibility and commitment these thoughts place on you. Why do you teach? Just to fill a vacant spot at church? Have you set an overall goal you are asking God to help you achieve through your teaching? This Scripture might be yet another reminder that your teaching is more of a God thing than anything you can drum up from your own resources. Your students need more of God, and less of you and your personal desires and wishes. Do you teach every lesson so that your students might be encouraged to grow in the Lord Jesus Christ?

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us again today the importance of opening our ears of understanding and our hungry minds that yearn to grow more like You every day, so that we might always be better representatives of Yours before a lost and dying world. If a natural disaster was approaching, we would be in the highest form of urgency to convince our family, friends, students and all others in our circle of influence, that the need for salvation from material destruction is at hand. Please Lord, teach us that same urgency when it comes to teaching and sharing the urgency to set aside material gain, and instead, see with urgency the need for a Savior who would accept us and forgive us of our sin. Please open our minds to accept the wisdom taught to us by our teachers, pastors and elders. Please gift our leaders with more and more wisdom, and their need to trust in You for all things, while losing sight of the need to please others who need so much more of you. Oh Lord, may Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth and in the hearts of all who will meditate on this devotional today. AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Tag: Savior