Month: June 2011

Nothing is Too Big For God!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Ask and Receive, Bible Believing, Celebrate God, Christian, Listen to the Word of God, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

Scripture: Joshua 9-11.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Joshua 11:19-20 (NLT)

19 No one in this region made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites of Gibeon. All the others were defeated. 20
For the Lord hardened their hearts and caused them to fight the Israelites. So they were completely destroyed without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

This passage reminds me that nothing, absolutely nothing, is too big or impossible for God! Praise the name of the Lord! I feel like so often in our lives today we limit God and our requests to Him by what we can see as a possibility. In this passage this morning I saw where kings for several nations joined together to fight and try to keep the Israelites out of their territory, but as noted in these two verses, God was preparing the land that He had promised to the Israelites when they left Egypt, and these folk had to go. God hardened their hearts and caused them, or provoked them, to fight the Israelites, and no matter the size of the joint army, God had already won the battle for the Israelites. This tells me that in today’s society where there are folk that are so hardened and don’t want to hear about the Lord, and when we, as Christians or children of God, decide that those folk are unreachable or untouchable, we are truly limiting the power of God. We know what the book says – God will be victorious over Satan and all of his forces, and I have a pretty good idea that it will not be because of what we do to help Him! We serve an awesome, powerful God. Let’s not limit Him in our prayers, in our families, in our churches, in our workplace nor in our towns. He will overcome this world! He will be victorious! Let’s not stand in His way. Instead, let us be steadfast in prayer, obedient to His Word, and follow His every direction – for He holds the keys to winning our church, our town, our state and our nation. Let’s be ready to join the victory party in heaven, instead of sitting on the sidelines and doubting if our God can overcome the people and the evil things that we see going on around us – for Nothing Is Too Big for our God!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father I pray that I can see through Your eyes and not be obstructed by the limitations of my eyes. Please help me to set aside my personal agendas, my limiting expectations and my projection of what I can accomplish, and instead fill me with the awesome realization that I serve a God that knows all things and can do all things. As I sit aside and see Your awesome power at work, may I be the greatest cheerleader and servant to follow Your every command. You deserve all my praise and adoration for the awesome power that You portrayed to my forefathers, and for the power yet to be displayed as You win the victories over sin and death that I see all around me. Praise God that I am on the winning side!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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Are You Clean Before God?

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 4.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

24 On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him. Ex 4:24 (NLT)

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

This verse really caused me to stop and ponder a while. God had elected Moses to set His people free and to lead them on an awesome journey, to a country where both milk and honey flowed, according to the Word of God. However, in sending him from one place to another to make final arrangements for the journey, God took advantage of a time that Moses and his entourage stopped for the night to confront Moses about a situation, and this was confrontational to the extent that He was about to kill Moses. Bottom line is that Moses had not followed one of the God-based laws of that day, to circumcise his own son. I believe that regardless of what sin it was, God did not want a man leading His people out of Egypt when there was sin in his life. This then opened up my eyes to remind me that just because we may be leading a ministry, or perhaps teaching others about Jesus’ love, and even thought we may feel very much led of God to do that, I was reminded that God wants to use clean vessels to perform His work. Yes, I know that none of us are perfect, but I feel like this passage was appropriately placed to show us that we must not only make a onetime clean-up in our lives, but that we are to be ‘clean’ as Jesus is ‘clean’ if we are to represent Him before His people.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord, I pray that as You have spoken to my heart this morning that You will also open up my spiritual eyes so that I may clearly see any sin that separates me from You, yes any sin that would prevent the effectiveness of Your ministry through using me as Your vessel here on this earth. I pray that You would forgive me where I have failed in this, and instead open my eyes clearly to Your ways, Your attitudes and Your commands. May You find a clean, contrite heart ready and willing to serve You wherever and whenever You issue the call.

Don’t Expect God to Work Where Sin Resides

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Humility, Listen to the Word of God, Our Help comes from God, Reaching the Lost, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

Scripture: Joshua 7-8.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Joshua 7:12-13 (NLT)

12 That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.

13 “Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

Instructions were given to Joshua about what to not remove from the city of Ai, because the things actually belonged to God. Like us many times, Achan saw something he liked so he took it, and knowing that it was wrong he hid it (buried it under his tent). This sounds so much like us when we do something that we know is not pleasing to God. We cover it up, or hide it from other smart humans! Evidently no one in Joshua’s camp knew about Achan’s sin, because God had to single him out when everyone was presented before the Lord. Bottom line is that innocent people were killed, an army defeated, leaders totally discouraged (because they thought that they had failed in God’s command for their direction), all because of the sin of one man in their camp. Friends, we see individuals struggle in life and we sometimes wonder why Lord. We see families go through more than we could ever imagine and we wonder why are they so unlucky Lord. We see churches – yes churches, fail and are often defeated in their mission to win the lost and disciple the saved, and we question what God must be saying to the church. After meditating on this passage this morning and being reminded that God expects us to be obedient to Him and His commands, He expects us to be holy as He is holy and He expects us to look just like Him if we consider ourselves to be ‘Christian’. When we’re not, then I believe that we should expect no better than what God did to Joshua and the Israelites, for He will withdraw from us and He will destroy us. In verse 12 God said that He would not remain with them unless they rid themselves of the sin in their midst. In verse 13 God told the Israelites that they would never be victorious until they remove the sin from their midst. In our world today I believe that God is still saying to us that He will not work among us until we come clean before Him – get rid of the sin from our personal lives, our families, our churches and our towns. God desires a clean and contrite heart in which to live and work through. Let’s seek His forgiveness today. Let’s rid ourselves of those sins that we think no one else knows about and let’s pray that God will return His favor on us to reach our lost family members, neighbors, church members, coworkers and acquaintances.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, You know my inmost thoughts, my desires and my every action. Thank You for reminding me of this this morning so that I may be sensitive to following Your commands and being transparent before a God that knows it all. As I worshipped through the song “Change My Heart oh God” I am also reminded that You are the One who could unlock the hardened heart of sin, You alone can reveal the sin that prevents me from being a clean and holy vessel in Your service. Today Lord, please change my heart and make it ever true – pure as snow, so that I may be blessed into perfect service for You, and that I may not be a hindrance to Your work that You would like to do through me, my family, my church or my town.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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Whose Side Are You On?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Eternal Life, Evangelism, God Cares For Us, God our Provider, Obedience, SurrenderLeave a comment

Scripture: Luke 11.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Luke 11:23 (NLT)

23 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

In chapter 9 vs 50 Jesus said something similar, when he told His disciples that if someone is casting out demons they are on the same side as them. In this passage Jesus is actually illustrating how there is no middle ground. A person, you or I, are either committed to and actually serving God daily/on the Lord’s side, or we are on Satan’s side and living a life separated from God. Ouch! God has already won the battle, so why would anyone opt for the losing side? I don’t think that anyone in their right mind would do such a thing, but friend, we must not straddle the fence. We are either totally sold out, practicing our faith, and following God’s commands, or if we are not, then we are children of Satan. Is it clear whose side you are on, friend? We might fool some of the people some of the time, but God knows ALL things – we can’t fool Him. If we are not actively serving Christ, then we are against Him. I not only prefer always being on the winning side, but I am one who is dedicated to the one that I love and have committed my life to. Jesus laid His life down for me, I will do all within me to serve Him faithfully until the day He calls me home to be with Him. How about you? Please contact me if I can pray with You for strength and commitment to serve Christ daily, of if you don’t know the One who I love, adore and am committed to. Please allow me to introduce you to Him. He’s the best friend you will ever have, and He will never leave you alone. He loves you unconditionally!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, my King, my Savior and my Lord, thank You for giving Your life so that I may live eternally with You. Thank You for being by my side day in and day out. I pray that You will continue to give me strength for life’s daily journey, to overcome Satan’s darts, temptations and distractions, for my desire is to serve You faithfully each and every day. I want it to be evident to You and to this world, whose I am, and who it is that I serve. May that evidence lead to someone coming to know You today. May I represent You in such a way that others will want to know the source of joy that exudes from me!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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Where’s Your Memorial?

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Scripture: Joshua 4.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Joshua 4:19-24 (NLT)

19 The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month. Then they camped at Gilgal, just east of Jericho. 20 It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River.

21 Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over.

24 He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

I pray that one day someone will be blessed by reading these devotionals, as they tell a little about how God may have touched my life through the reading of His Word. These may be held as a memorial of these special moments in my life that I had with God. There are other special times in our Christian walk, and in the life of our church, that I wish could be recorded so that our ancestors could reflect back on and see how the mighty hand of God was active in our lives. Joshua saw the need for this and erected memorials to be used as a reminder to future generations. The memorial didn’t consist of anything very expensive, but yet it served a purpose. Thank God that we don’t have a lot of arguing in the business meetings at our church, but I bet that if these were meetings where we celebrated the victories in the various areas of our ministry, then not only might our meeting be better attended, but the minutes from these meetings may serve as a memorial to our next generation to reflect back on the work of Christ in His church. God is actively working among His people every day, oh that we may give Him full credit for all that is accomplished and not be so self-centered to think that we, individually, had the power to accomplish anything in and of own selves. I love the words of that popular old hymn, “To GOD be the glory, for the great things He has done“!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father it is You that deserves the praise for all that is accomplished in our lives, especially in the lives of all that have placed our faith and trust in You and have allowed You to work in and through us. May we never fall short of celebrating and offering thanks for all that You have done. Lord may I also be like Joshua and find ways to set up memorials that would remind me to tell over and over again to those that will follow behind me, how awesome my God has been in my life. May these memorials also serve as grounds for celebration by my ancestors as they look back and reflect on how You had worked so mightily in the life of Your servant. Oh Lord, may I and Your people with whom I worship and associate, always find ways to celebrate Your mighty works and in turn, give You all the glory for the great things You have done! You are God alone, and there is none beside You. May the lost see this clearly in the way that we live and worship!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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Busy Work?

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Imitator of Christ, Reflecting Christ, WorshipLeave a comment

Scripture: Luke 10.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

There is such a fine line between not doing enough for the kingdom, and on the flip side, doing so much that we don’t have time to really concentrate on worship or time alone with God or slowing down enough to let God minister to us. Many of us are like Martha, where it is our nature to serve, and unless we are serving/working/slaving over all the things that must be done, then we are not happy with ourselves or feel like we have accomplished anything for the Lord. I believe that the difference here is that anytime we are doing things to make ourselves feel better, look better, because no one else will do the work, or feel like what we do is to impress God or others, then we are doing too much, because we are doing busy work. When we truly make time to be with the Lord in prayer and in His Word and in worship to Him, then we will see needs like He saw and we will work like He teaches us – to be a loving servant, because we represent the greatest servant of all times, we will do it because of the needs of others and not for any self-fulfillment. I believe that anytime we get to the stage that we look around us and feel like we are the only one doing anything, then we should stop and ponder why are we doing it – why are we alone? Let us never neglect our time with the Lord. Let us never neglect the time to look at the needs of others and ponder what would Jesus do to help them, and what could we then do to help them. Sometimes it is merely listening to them, while sometimes it is just showing them that we care, or sometimes just a visit to lift them up. The very one that we sit at their feet and spend time with, might be like Jesus where Mary just sat at His feet and just listened. Taking time to listen to someone shows that there is nothing more important to you at the time, than what they have to say. That makes them feel pretty important! Let’s be busy about the work that Jesus would do, not what we feel we must do for recognition, or obligated to do. As we look deep into His wonderful face, the things of this earth will grow strangely dim.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, this passage has ministered to me in an awesome way this morning, because I often make myself so busy that I don’t know that I truly take time to stop and listen, or worship You from the stillness of my heart, and be quiet enough to truly listen to Your voice and learn Your will for my life. I seem to have a lot of ‘busy-work’. Please forgive me, and show me daily what to do where I might best represent You, and how to do things so that I might not only show my love and devotion to You, but that I may reflect Your love to others in all that I do or say. It’s all about You, Lord. Please help me to never lose sight of that.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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What’s Expected to Know God is With Us

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Scripture: Deuteronomy 34; Joshua 1.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Joshua 1:8-9 (NLT)

8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

I believe that if we read just these verses we would deduce that this is referring to God’s Holy Book, the Bible as we know it today. I believe that we would be right on, because it appears that God was saying to Joshua that he needed to follow every word taught to him by Moses and to follow God’s book of instruction. Bottom line is that I believe that reading God’s Word and following its instruction is the only way for us know with confidence that God is with us wherever we go, and for us to:

  1. Prosper in all we do – even among a greedy and crooked people that we deal with and live amongst here on this earth;
  2. Succeed in all we do – even when others will seek to fight us every step of the way when they feel like their success or livelihood is threatened;
  3. Be strong – even when we feel like the world is against us and the odds are so overpowering;
  4. Be courageous – especially when we feel like we could never win the battles of wickedness, health issues, evil ones, selfish ones of others that could and will oppose us;
  5. Not be afraid – especially when we feel alone and not a part of the popular group, or when it seems like this old world is crashing in on us;
  6. Not be discouraged – for God is with us through those times that we feel victorious and especially those times when we place our total faith and trust in Him to see us through circumstances for which we feel so inadequate.

The last sentence gives us assurance that for those who follow the commands of our Father, He will be with us wherever we go! Praise be to God for that assurance!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father God, thank You for giving us Your Book of Instructions that teaches us about holiness, right living, right relationships and unconditional love. How comforting it is to know that You will be with me wherever I go, if I follow Your commands. Please continue to give me guidance, courage and strength every day to follow You in all that I do and say. May You rule over all that I am so that I may be the very best that You intended me to be for You.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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Failure to Demonstrate Holiness

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32-33.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Deuteronomy 32:48-52 (NLT)

48 That same day the Lord said to Moses, 49 “Go to Moab, to the mountains east of the river, and climb Mount Nebo, which is across from Jericho. Look out across the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to the people of Israel as their own special possession. 50 Then you will die there on the mountain. You will join your ancestors, just as Aaron, your brother, died on Mount Hor and joined his ancestors. 51 For both of you betrayed me with the Israelites at the waters of Meribah at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. You failed to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel there. 52 So you will see the land from a distance, but you may not enter the land I am giving to the people of Israel.”

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

It is evident in scripture that God is unhappy with His children who do not follow His plan, His direction and His commands. As much as know about Moses and how great he was in leading Israelites and keeping them in tuned with God, yet we know that he failed. This is yet another reason why we must keep our eyes fixed on the only perfect One and follow Him and obey His commands, for following man we will find that they are fallible. When we allow God to have His way in our lives and when we practice faith in believing and following Him in all things, then we can truly look forward to experiencing the ‘promised land’. Friend, our ‘Promised Land’ is the place called heaven, the place that we will meet Jesus and where we might look full into His face and live with Him eternally! What a Glorious Day we have to look forward to! I liken the experience by Moses to that of a marriage. We may feel like cheating on our spouse will not break up our marriage, but I believe that you will find that it scars the pure relationship that you could have enjoyed with your spouse if you would have stayed sincere to your spouse only. So it is with our relationship with God. He knows our every thought, desire and action, so let’s stay pure before Him and not only to the extent that we feel like we could convince others to believe. Demonstrating His holiness means that through His grace and power we must aim to be like Him, speak like Him, act like Him, love like Him and be holy like He is. As we live such unadulterated lives we can look forward to the ‘Promised Land’ God speaks of in His Word!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, I believe that You are well aware of the challenges we face here on this earth, but I know that we/I must never forget the power You have to help us overcome the distractions of Satan and instead stay focused on Your Word and all that You teach us so that we may live holy lives in Your sight. I look forward to the joys of Heaven and being in Your presence. Until that time, may I be found faithful to the calling You have placed on my life, and expect from a follower of Yours.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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The Key To Life!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, Follow Jesus, Listen to the Word of God, Reaching the Lost, Things EternalLeave a comment

Scripture: Deuteronomy 29-31.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NLT)

19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

Moses and the Israelites had witnessed God’s hand of love, protection and guidance from the time they were set free of slavery in Egypt and throughout their wanderings in the wilderness as they moved towards the land of milk and honey promised to them by the Almighty. In spite of the mighty miracles, we saw that time after time they faltered and quickly turned away to worship other gods when they weren’t being watched closely. Moses knew that his life was ending, and like any good father would do, he wanted to make sure that he gave the best last minute advice to his followers so that their future would be taken care of. In fact, based on his relationship with God and all that he saw God do over the years, he was able to share with the people important keys that would lead them and keep them secure in life – true Godly and pure lives that would represent the Father well and be representative of their eternal destiny. Friends, this is a choice that we must make even today. The key to ‘LIFE’, everlasting ‘LIFE’, a glorious ‘LIFE’ with our Lord in heaven, rests solely in the condition of our soul. The key to ‘LIFE’ was made available to you and I when Jesus hung on the cross at Calvary. For He died so that the key to eternal ‘LIFE’ might be offered to those who would accept the gift, the key – those of us that have a desire to follow Jesus in this world and receive the prize of Heaven with our master, Friend and Savior. The key to unlocking the treasures of heaven has been offered to us. As Moses said to his people in verse 20, so it applies today – you can make a choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to him. If I can lend assistance to you or pray with you about the commitment that you need to make today, feel free to respond to this post. Jesus wants the very best for His children – us, but to receive the key – the gift of salvation, we must accept it and commit to serving the giver of all life. Jesus is the answer friend! He is the ‘key’ to ‘LIFE’! Accepting the key will lead to life eternal with Jesus in heaven. Rejecting it leads to eternal death and curses in the pit of hell. Your good common sense will lead you to the right decision today!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, so often in this life we receive what we consider the ‘dirty end of the stick’ because often people are out to get us, take advantage of us, fulfill the personal, greedy desires of their hearts at our expense. Seldom are we presented the ‘key to LIFE’ as indicated in this scripture this morning. Thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your very life so that I may have the ‘key’ to eternal life with You in heaven. Everlasting peace and unending love by the Father is something that we all want and desire. Please help those reading this devotional today to make a wise decision and receive the ‘key to LIFE’ that you are offering to us. Thank You Father for loving me so much to give of yourself so that this key was available to me. Now that I have accepted the key, please help me to live daily like a child of the King – as one destined for the glories of Heaven with the King of all kings!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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Let the Word of God Speak

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Scripture: Luke 7 and 8.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Luke 8:11-15 (NLT)

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word.

2 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.

13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.

14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.

15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

A very familiar passage but yet a powerful reminder of two things:

  1. As hearers of the Word, we must be willing and humble servants to seek God’s face and allow Him to indwell our inmost self so that He may speak to us in ways that would change us from our evil ways and worldly influences and, instead become more like Him every day. If we merely brush it off as an emotional experience, then we are no better than the seed that fell on rocky ground. If we truly allow God to take control of our thoughts and our actions, we will truly let Him have His way in our lives and we then we can become fully usable by Him.
  2. As a church and co-laborers in the ministry, this passage reminds me that we are called to deliver a message from God, knowing that sometimes that message will fall on deaf ears, sometimes it will reach those who are easily influenced by the world but yet want to keep their Christian friends happy, so they make decisions based on what they feel their friends want to see, instead of doing some soul searching and allowing God to speak directly to them in their time of need and for the specific needs in their lives that would draw them to true acceptance of Jesus and a happy and contented life in Him.

In all cases it is so important that we note the following about God’s Word:

  • We must read it to understand it and allow it to speak to us;
  • It addresses every walk of life, if only we would read it and see what it says;
  • It has the power to speak to us in our time of rejoicing and in our time of need. It is a communication tool through which God speaks to us;
  • As It blesses our lives, we should also use It to bless others and encourage them along their path of life.

Notice that if we are not active in the Word and do not depend on it to help us witness to a lost world, then we will be powerless and what we say will be of little value to the person that is looking for a deep, relational experience with God. So let’s fill ourselves with the power of God, His Word, so that we may be an effective witness to those that we come into contact with.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for using me as Your instrument to witness to those around me. Please allow Your Word to so infiltrate my life that others will see proof of the Gospel in my actions and my words and want to know the Savior that I love, adore, worship and depend on daily. May the words that I share speak to someone who will cling to it and commit sincerely to it today!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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