Month: December 2014

No Substitute For Faith

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Grace, WorksLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. 5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. 6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

(Bible Translation and Location: New Living Translation – Galatians 5:4-6)

Thoughts:

Paul found a real challenge among his people where, although the people/his churches accepted his preaching, understood it and followed in accepting Jesus as Lord, yet it was challenging for them to accept this gift of grace without the need and/or support of their old religious practices, such as circumcision. Do we find that happening today in our churches? The challenge I see today friends, is that way too often we become so ‘religious’ or ‘church attendance’ minded, that we lose sight of what God truly did for us at Calvary. In fact, we have so many programs going on at our churches that folk could come in and join us in worship services, then follow into any number of other studies or groups, and before you know it they will be considered ‘one of us’. I’m afraid that folk can easily convince themselves that they are a Christian, because they follow so much of the traditional church programs and practices. In fact, I believe that our very own kids – growing up in a Christian home, attending regular and frequent church services and/or activities, could very well feel like they too are a Christian, without ever encountering Christ through a personal decision and an ongoing relationship with Him. Paul emphasized that anytime we take our eyes off Jesus, and/or co-dependent on anything additional, then essentially our faith in God becomes suspect. Unless we leave this study less than encouraged, I must quickly tell you that I am a strong advocate of the local church. However, if you attend church all of your life and never surrender your life to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as Your Lord and Savior, then your lifetime of church attendance is in vain, because you are destined for eternal damnation in Hell. God has relayed this through His Word very clearly. There is only one way that leads to eternity with Christ. If you are not clear on the time period and place where you made this commitment, then I would encourage you to follow the direction offered in my footnote. I am praying for someone to make this decision today – before it is eternally too late.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I thank You for saving my soul back in 1976. As folk meditate on this devotional today, I pray that they will be prompted by Your Holy Spirit to make any necessary decisions to insure that their lives are in order, should You call them home today. Thank You for making the way available to us! Now my prayer is that no one will ignore the prompting of Your Holy Spirit as You minister to them today. May all the angels in heaven have reason to rejoice today over the one that might make a commitment to follow You, is my humble plea that I ask in the name of Jesus, my Lord, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

God’s Love Remains – In Prosperity and Hard Times

On By Ed AlgreenIn Love, Prosperity, UnconditionalLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

13 Accept the way God does things,

for who can straighten what he has made crooked?

14 Enjoy prosperity while you can,

but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God.

Remember that nothing is certain in this life.

(Bible Translation and Location: New Living Translation – Ecclesiastes 7:13-14)

Thoughts:

The last verse in this chapter, Ecclesiastes 7:29 reads: 29This is all that I have learnt: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated. I believe that this verse sums up our human race so well, for we are never satisfied with just the facts, we have to prove they are true, and that the speaker or the author had no bias towards what they said! Friends, our key verses today is basically reminding us that our God is way more powerful than we could ever imagine, in fact Solomon went on to illustrate the majesty and power of God by reminding us that no one can straighten out the curves in this universe made by God. Therefore we should continue to trust Him through our praises and celebrations when things are prosperous and going well for us. However, although we often neglect to stop and praise Him for our everyday happiness, safety, family, friends, work, knowledge and so much more, we seem to do just the opposite when it comes to those hard times in our lives. We are reminded in verse 14 that ‘everything’ comes from God, both the good and the challenging times. Think about it friend: if God loves His dear children, why would that differ when things are going wrong, vs the times when we are on cloud nine with joy and happiness? When we discipline our children, it is not because we hate them today vs yesterday. We discipline because we love them and want to help them do better. There’s a popular song out today entitled “I will Praise You in the Storm” that speaks very loudly and clearly to this unconditional love of God for which we are to be thankful and praise-worthy at all times. Will you join me in shifting our negativity during challenging times to more of a praise time because of God’s love to discipline us and show us a better way to live? Can we learn to praise Him in spite of our personal circumstances – good or bad?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You made us, so I am confident that You are well aware of our weaknesses, especially during those challenging times in our lives. Please touch Your children today and help us to be more of a thankful people. For I believe that if we did a better job of praising, thanking and celebrating during our ‘good times’ then, perhaps, we will more easily recognize that You are still God, still in control, and will do nothing to harm us, but rather continue to mold us during the times when we feel so out of control. You went through some very challenging times even as our supreme Lord, so help us to understand that these times will come. However, help us to follow Your example in dealing with our challenges, for You healed the ear of an attacker in the garden, and You prayed for the Father to bless those who hung You on the cross. Please help us to recognize You daily for the loving God that You are, knowing that You have our best interest at heart. Please continue to bless others through us, both during our prosperous times and especially through our challenging times, and may we continually praise You through every event in life, for I ask this in the wonderful name of Jesus, my Savior, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

The Traps That Ensnare Us

On By Ed AlgreenIn PrioritiesLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

9 But now you know the true God. Really, it is God who knows you. So why do you turn back to those weak and useless rules you followed before? Do you want to be slaves to those things again?

(Bible Translation and Location: New Century Version – Galatians 4:9)

Thoughts:

I believe that there is nothing Satan hates more, than to see one of his children come to know Jesus and accept Him as Lord of their life. I also believe that in spite of God’s power, Satan is constantly trying to win us back, so there is a constant tug-of-war going on in our spiritual lives. For example, our religious practices forbids idolatry, yet many ‘Christians’ practice spiritual idolatry in their hearts. For what a man loves most, and cares most for, that is his god: some have their riches for their god, some their pleasures, some their favorite sport, and some their lusts. Many ignorantly, and unknowingly, worship a god of their own making; a god made all of mercy, and no justice. For they persuade themselves that there is mercy for them with God, though they repent not, but go on in their sins. It is possible for those who have made great professions of faith, to be afterwards drawn aside by Satan from purity and simplicity. Friends, just as in marriage you don’t walk out of the church saying “I do” and walk into oblivion believing that love and unity will grow in your marriage whether you live together or not, so it is with Christianity and your kinship to God. Sure, God is with you always and everywhere you go, but what good is it if you ignore Him? Please remember, our God is a jealous God. He gave the ultimate gift of His precious, and only Son, to show His love for us. I am personally convinced that He deserves our unwavering commitment, our intentional worship and daily, or more frequent, communion with Him. There are several scripture references that would support my statement that God is to us, based on what we are to, and for, Him. Could this be why so many churches and ‘Christians’ are in trouble today? If we only grudgingly give God an hour on Sunday (or Saturday), why should we expect any more from Him? There’s a hymn entitled “I Need Thee Every Hour”, why then should we only worship Him for one hour (or less) in a 168-hour week, and expect Him to be there for us?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we have become such a spoiled and rotten bunch. We open our arms to receive from You 24/7 365 days per year, yet we can’t make time to thank You daily, or to worship and praise You at least one hour per week. We continually ask for so much from You, yet we complain when we try to give even an hour per week back to You. Please forgive us for our unworthiness, selfishness and pride. We make time for everything else in life, yet way too busy to find time to stop and pray. Our priorities have become very warped, and Satan is really catching a grip on weak Christians. Father, I am thankful for what You did for me at Calvary. Please continue to guide me into all truth and keep me on a path of righteousness, for Your name’s sake. I love You Lord and I lift my voice to Worship You, Oh my Lord, Rejoice….. I respectfully ask all this with a thankful heart and in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Praise God, I’m a Child of the King!

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

3 ….. We were once like children, slaves to the useless rules of this world. 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son who was born of a woman and lived under the law. 5 God did this so he could buy freedom for those who were under the law and so we could become his children.

6 Since you are God’s children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, and the Spirit cries out, “Father.” 7 So now you are not a slave; you are God’s child, and God will give you the blessing he promised, because you are his child.

(Bible Translation and Location: New Century Version – Galatians 4:3-7)

Thoughts:

The following seem to be general icebreaker questions, especially in a mixed crowd: “So where are you from?” or “Who do you belong to?” or “Who are your parents?” or “Do you have family around here?” These are fair questions, but wouldn’t it be a neat change to be asked “Are you my sibling in the Lord?” or “Are you a child of the King?” In the above verses you will notice that I bolded four inferences to us being ‘children of God’, and you will notice that this was quite intentional on God’s behalf. Friends, there is much to praise God about in acknowledging that you are a child of the King! However, don’t let’s overlook the responsibility that comes along with this kinship. Here are some thoughts:

  1. Freely acknowledge to whom you belong – there is every reason for us to live in a constant state of praise!
  2. Most heirs to the throne will one day rule in their kingdom – and we have been promised a similar reign! So be on your best behavior and represent the King and His kingdom well!
  3. Heirs are protected – God sent His very Spirit to dwell in us and to direct us into all truth and spiritual well-being. We are protected by His mighty hand!
  4. Heirs are representatives of the monarch
    – You will either act like the monarch, or otherwise let down the kingdom. Similarly in God’s kingdom, we will either be His loyal representative or known as a rebel and possibly working for the opposition – Satan.
  5. The rewards of heirs are outstanding – We are well aware of earthly rewards for royal families, but can you ever imagine the promised blessings referred to in verse 7 above? It’s not the streets of gold or the mansions on a hilltop, but the wonderful blessing of being in a place filled with God’s glory and the eternal presence of His Son, that fills my heart with joy!

Friends, we are a highly favored people! Let’s learn to live like that! Let’s take every opportunity to share the joy that fills our heart and the excitement of being God’s very own child. Remember, for those who have accepted Jesus as Lord of their life, they/we are children of the King of all kings! Glory to God in the highest!

Prayer:

Thank You Lord for honoring me with the title of sonship! Thank You for providing the means for salvation and the love that exceeds all other earthly love. Please touch the hearts of Your children today that may meditate on this devotional and remind them of the awesome love that they have in You. May this ‘Good News’ be an overriding factor in our busy lives throughout this busy season of the calendar, and may that news be expressed and very obvious to those that we come into contact with, so that they too may have a sincere desire to also know You before this year is over. Thank You Father! Thank You Jesus! Thank You to my Lord and Savior! All this I ask in the name of Jesus, the King, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Clothed With The Life of Christ

On By Ed AlgreenIn Example, ForgivenessLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

26 It is through faith that all of you are God’s children in union with Christ Jesus. 27 You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself.

(Bible Translation and Location: The Good News Translation – Galatians 3:26-27)

Thoughts:

Paul was addressing a people who struggled with their national, spiritual and godly differences – Jews and Gentiles. In today’s society we still struggle with various differences, jealousies and beliefs. In this scripture, Paul told the Galatian church that these differences should be set aside, and even disappear, when they consider that their belief in, and acceptance of, Jesus Christ makes them one in Him. Today is not much different than the same bunch that Paul addressed, for although we might have also accepted the same Lord, we still face fighting and bickering when we don’t get our own way, or we may even resort to ungodly acts against each other. Paul’s advice then and now is that we act like the one to whom we belong. Personally, my earthly father would have been disappointed, and even embarrassed, if I had acted in a manner different to what he taught me, or practiced in his life. I can’t begin to imagine how my heavenly Father must feel when, considering the extent to which He went to prove His love for us, yet we who are clothed in His forgiveness, grace and love, still act in very similar ways as the Jews and Gentiles acted in Paul’s day. I’m sure that nothing comes as a surprise to God, but it should hurt our hearts knowing that we may have hurt God through our actions and/or words with those who are our brothers and sisters, under the same banner of Jesus Christ. Friends, when we are clothed in the blood of the lamb, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, then we are obligated to follow in His ways – to act just like Him; Love just like Him and to be His ambassadors in this foreign land. May I challenge you to live like the King today? He has demonstrated how He wants us to live, and He will help us to do just that if we are faithful and just to ask Him. This world can be a better place in which to live, if only we will do our part as Christ’s representatives, invite Him to direct our words and our actions, and apply heavenly, Godly principles to the things we do and say!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I was challenged by Your Word today, because I realized how easily this old world, and Satan, can suck us into the attitudes and distractions that take Christians off the track of godliness and living holy lives that imitate Your perfect example set before us. You are truly holy oh God, and we are to be the same if we are truly Your children. Please forgive me of my littleness and lack of effort to stay focused on Your will and character. Please help me to stay focused on the goal of eternity with You, and while allowed to remain on this earth, may I truly live according to Your instructions and the perfect example You have shown through Your Word. Please touch the lives of friends who might meditate on this devotional today. May they also recommit to live the life they committed to when they accepted You as Lord. I ask this in Your precious and most worthy name Lord Jesus, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Make Yourself Accessible to All

On By Ed AlgreenIn AccessibleLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

24 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? 26 God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him.

(Bible Translation and Location: New Living Translation – Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)

Thoughts:

I am finding the book of Ecclesiastes an interesting read, as in general, it appears like such a downer! It appears like the writer sees life as such a struggle, and often very little hope. However, in these verses I found a lot of truth and wanted to share my thoughts. Often today when we hear about someone enjoying so much of life, it involves partying and carousing all night long with awful neglect of their family. But I was reminded in this passage that even to our good times, we need to stop and realize that these pleasures are from God’s hand. It is times such as this that cause us to stop and praise God for everything, for we realize that He is not just a God who waits to punish us or keep His thumb on us, but because of His sacrifice and love for us, He provides for our happiness and success also. Friends, I believe that it is time for Christians to enjoy God’s blessings. We can enjoy a great party without alcohol or abusive substances. Even at a party we can be a witness for God, for we can show where we can enjoy others while still serving God. Of course, I realize that there will come a time where you limit yourself to these activities to help avoid giving in to the ways of the world, however there is a fine line between enjoying each other’s company and making yourself available to witness and or counsel, and separating yourself from all activity in order to preserve your righteousness. For we may sometimes be so godly good that we are of no earthly use. Folk will talk and let friends in on their challenges if you are accessible, not if you place yourself at several levels above them in unreachable, or untouchable pride. Friends, while here on earth, let’s make ourselves of earthly use while representing the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, please work among your children each and every day so that we may be led to events and activities where we may be accessible to our unsaved friends and family. You were questioned about some of the homes and areas in which You visited, and I’m sure that we will be also, so we need to be convinced of Your direction so that we don’t make the mistake of pleasing self without any real benefit to Your kingdom work. I know that You will guide us along the right path. Please help us to be obedient and submissive to Your perfect will so that we can be at Your disposal as needed. Thank You for being my God and sending me a Savior, Your Son, to rescue me from this world of sin. Please use me, and other children of Yours, to reach the unsaved, especially during the remaining days of this year. I know You are coming soon, may we all be ready! I ask all this in the name of Your Son, Jesus, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!