Tag: Sound advice

Watch Out! Keep Alert!

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: Monday, November 27, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Florida Hunting Adventures, Okeechobee, 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: New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Luke 21:25-27; 34-36;

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.
“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: If the local television station had given a warning like this about the course and/or danger of a nearby weather system, we would close down our businesses and follow his/her instruction without further delay. In today’s Scripture, Jesus shared with those closest to Him, His disciples, a similar warning to that given by the Father to Daniel – see Daniel 7:13. As most readers and listeners may be aware, the words of Jesus were recorded in the Bible so that His warnings might also be extended to others who are close to Him and make every effort to listen to His Word. So, what then shall we do? The warning has been extended to us. Are we satisfied to just sit in our corner and gloat over having our lives in order, and ready for the coming of the Son of Man – Jesus? Is that what you would do if you heard the above warning from the weatherman? In the case of weather-related storms, our family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances have become pretty accustomed to listening to warnings via radio or television. However, if you are looking at individuals anything like I am, you will conclude that many never attend church regularly anymore, and I strongly believe that even fewer read their Bibles. So where will their warning come from, if you refuse to pass along the warnings such as given to us today by Jesus? Notice that Jesus knew exactly what would distract the unsaved and perhaps even Christians, for He knows in advance what we, and/or our family and friends will resort to for entertainment, sports, and recreation. Notice how ‘Thanksgiving’ has become ‘Turkey Day’ rather than a time of thanksgiving for our many blessings? Notice how Christmas has become more about the commercialism and gift buying, rather than worshipping our newborn King? Sundays have become more about our only day to sleep in, or go to the beach, or to a theme park, than finding our way to the house of God to celebrate our risen Lord. It seems like we are ignoring the warnings from Jesus still today. He emphasized how much He loves us, and I feel like we believe and appreciate Him for that. He said that He would never leave us alone, and I believe we tend to call on Him when we feel like no one else is listening, or cares. He showed us how miraculous He is, and we tend to trust in Him for that, especially when there seems to be no way out medically for us or for a loved one. But, precious friends, we see the same trouble all over the world that Jesus referred to, and we see the many, many changes in weather conditions and unusual storms like He warned us about, shouldn’t we truly take Him serious about being ready and staying alert for His unannounced return? You may never get to read this devotional, because Jesus may have called you out of this world before I could get it online, or He could return before you totally absorb everything I am reminding you about. What will be your excuse be when Jesus asks you about your decision regarding eternity? Excuses won’t work for Jesus, because He not only knows our heart, but He also knows our very thoughts. Please friends, don’t delay. Without further delay, prepare to meet your Maker. The timing might be sooner than you think.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Your patience oh Lord is more than we could ever appreciate or duplicate, and we are so thankful. We read about it in the Old Testament, and Your patience seems multiplied in the New Testament and in our current environment of selfish greed and excessive efforts to enjoy ‘life’ just a little bit more. Should You come before I could complete my thoughts in this devotional, I trust that You will find a heart that is totally surrendered to You and longing to be with my Savior and Lord in Heaven. Please give my audience more of an urgency to do the same, and may we all be found ready and longing to be with You and the Father. Please forgive us for allowing the enemy to distract us from You, even though You are known for Your love and sacrifice, all for our benefit. With a greater sense of urgency, we could help others understand the urgency of the hour, but as I call on the One who is far greater than the advisory, I ask that You also soften the hearts of my audience to do the same. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, here on earth, and especially in our lives. 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!

Accurate & Timely Advice from Someone Who Cares

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: Saturday, November 25, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Florida Hunting Adventures, Okeechobee, 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 Isaiah 8:20

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: Go to God’s teaching and His testimony to guide your thoughts and behavior! If any response disagrees with the word of God, then it’s muddling and wrong and not the least bit illuminating.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: In much the same way that Isaiah was aware of men turning to fortune tellers, astrologers and or attempting to call up the dead for a good word about what they were facing, it is no different to what men still do today. I bet by now you are sitting on the edge of your seat wondering where I could possibly be going with this devotional, as current-day practices are so different, right? And although I needn’t get into the particulars of what I just referenced, I believe that all readers and/or listeners will agree that things must have been weird in Isaiah’s day, as it is challenging at best to think about mankind turning to such mediums for advice. But friends, I want us to get realistic, based on what we see today. Daily horoscopes are still one of the more popular ‘turn-to’ mediums for many to patiently wait for each day, as it tends to try and project our course for the future. Fortune tellers, or palm readers seem to have an office established in almost every city, plus I understand they are available 24/7 via telephone. Why? Well, for a fee they will make an effort to help you see into the future and try to clear up any frustrations you may have about what tomorrow may hold. Really?? Isn’t it interesting how many will be content in paying hard-earned money, and go out of their way, just to hear advice from a stranger that has no link to your Creator and Lord, rather than just seeking the answer from His Book? Look at what Isaiah said, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Isn’t it obvious that the One who created heaven and earth, the One who designed and molded mankind in His own image, the One who provided the Bible for us under His direct supervision and wisdom, the One who is directing our path here on earth, and the One who made possible the road for our eternity, that it’s Him who loves and cares about us each and every day, plus through eternity with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Why would mankind, you and I, turn our heads away from such a ‘sure thing’, and instead seek worldly wisdom or direction from a stranger with no idea of what God has in store for us tomorrow? It is so unfortunate that instead of mankind learning right from wrong from our Master, and from the mistakes made by our forefathers spoken of in the Bible, that instead we are repeating the same mistakes, practicing the same, or even worse wickedness, and disregarding our Father far worse that our forefathers ever dreamed of. Dear and precious friends, please consider joining with me in returning to our roots – to God – our Creator, Lord, Savior, Friend, Healer, and eternal provider of all good things; the church – the place referred to as the ‘bride of Christ’, a place referred to by all mankind as ‘the house of God’ and a training station for the children of God; and the Bible – a book of instruction and promise from Almighty God, a place where we can find answers to all of life’s dilemmas and a place where we could be reminded of the eternal love of our Creator. Join me dear friends in rejoicing over this reminder by Isaiah today, that answers to life’s most challenging questions, and the hope, that what lies ahead for us, far exceeds any happiness we will find on earth – these, and the comforting words of our faithful God are all found in His Book – the Bible. If I can provide one or more Bibles for you and your family, please use my contact information in the FOOTNOTE to let me know. It will be my pleasure to share the words of my Master with anyone that asks.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, thank You for being such a bold and important part of the awesome plan created and put in place for those who surrender their life to Your lordship. Please Lord, open the eyes of Your people and show us the joy of Your salvation. We whine and complain about so much that has, and is going wrong in our society, but we are sitting on the Book of all books, the One that contains Your words, and Your instructions. The answers to all of life’s quandaries were prepared and properly recorded by Your messengers, under Your direct inspiration, for us to follow. Please Lord, clear up the mind-block of Your children, for it’s not necessary to travel hundreds of miles, or meet with people with reported special abilities, for You are available to converse with us anytime we desire, and Your instructions are prerecorded in Your Book for our peace of mind, if we obey them and follow them. Forgive us Lord for thinking that we have a better plan, Your plan is the only one for life today and the life that follows. I love You Lord, and I seek Your face as I look to You with praise and thanksgiving for all that You have done and promised to do now and throughout eternity. Please encourage Your saints with the words and intent of this devotional, and especially the words of Isaiah. 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!