The Greatness of God’s Power

On 2016-07-30 By Ed AlgreenIn Awesome God, God's Guidance, God's PowerLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-07-30

Scripture

Bible Reference: Job 37:2–5

Bible Text: ²Listen, listen to the thunder of his voice. ³It rolls across the heavens and his lightning flashes out in every direction. ⁴Afterwards comes the roaring of the thunder—the tremendous voice of his majesty. ⁵His voice is glorious in the thunder. We cannot comprehend the greatness of his power.

Bible Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

My Take

In just reading this scripture my mind wanders to the song by Christ Tomblin, ‘How Great Is Our God‘. Here we see where a man of God, Job, was tempted and tried to a point where he lost almost everything he owned, and at a certain point Job went and sulked in the corner to himself wondering if God had forsaken him. The last of his three friends to try and console him, is now trying to refocus Job to the awesome power of the God that Job always loved and served. Friends, could that be our problem at times when we feel like the world is against us and that every option is closing in on us? Perhaps we may have lost focus of the only One who cares and the only One who could help us through our trying times? Friends, when we feel all alone and dealing with all aspects of life with just our simple, inadequate, wisdom; guidance and power, it is very clear that we are very limited in our abilities. May we all be reminded of the advice given to Job, and may we be encouraged by the word’s in Tomblin’s song, so that we may come to our senses and refocus our attention towards God – the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is through the greatness of His awesome power that we are able to do all things through Him who strengthen us!

Prayer

To the Awesome God that I serve: thank You for expressing Your power in so many ways for my benefit. There are many times that my friends reading this devotional probably feels much like me, where we’re just not sure what else we could do to improve our position in this life. This scripture has reminded us that when these times of discouragement comes, we must quickly realize that it is then that we are trying to handle things on our own, instead of depending more completely on the powerful hand of Jesus. Lord, You’ve proven Your love for us, and You’ve shown Your awesome power in so many ways. Please help us to stay close to You daily, as we badly need You in every aspect of our lives. For I ask these things in the strong name of 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. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Know Today About Tomorrow!

On 2016-07-29 By Ed AlgreenIn Assurance, TomorrowLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-29

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 14:12–13

Bible Text: 12 God’s people must learn to endure. They must also obey his commands and have faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die.” The Spirit answered, “Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done.”

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

Some might find the subject of today’s blog ‘catchy’, because you might really want to know about tomorrow so you can make appropriate plans today. I bet if there was an app that promises to accurately foretell the occurrences of tomorrow, it would probably be a super hit! I would imagine that stock markets would crash many days, if investors had a glimpse into what will occur tomorrow or in future days. Yet God has given us His holy Word that not only tells us about all that has transpired, but also all that is about to happen tomorrow and in to the future. In fact, reading through the portion of my Bible study in Revelation this morning, brought exciting thoughts of the day I will see my Savior face to face! In chapter 13 John told us all about the beast and the mark of the beast. However in chapter 14 we are given a glimpse of what happens when our King of Glory walks in! The glorious sounds of angels singing in chorus reminded me of the scene at the birth of Jesus! But in verse 13 we are told about our tomorrows and what we could expect when we see Jesus. Friends, this caused me to reflect on the differences between today and what we could expect in heaven. Some may say that they knew my earthly dad, but they didn’t just march into his home and pretend that they were right at home to do or take whatever they wanted. However, as his kids, we knew that what was dad’s was ours also, so we were very much at home when we visited him. Now, notice that John had a qualification for what he said in verse 13 also: the blessing, the rest and the rewards are for those who have faith in Jesus Christ when they die. What impact does that have with your tomorrow friend? Are you assured of your blessing, rest and rewards? The alternative is not good, so may I encourage you to prepare today (accept this Jesus whom I love and speak about) so that your tomorrow will bring you great joy, peace, love and hope? Some on earth may say that you’re in good hands with …., however I want to assure you today that you will be in best hands, with the most comfort about tomorrow, if you know Jesus and have faith in Him. Please be sure to read my ‘Footnote’ for help and to sure this up for yourself. Only you can do this for yourself, with God’s help.

Prayer

What a glory to baste in Your beauty and awesome power today here on earth, and to be assured of an eternity of the same, should you call me home even today! While I rejoice in that oh Lord, I can only do that for myself, as relationships between You and others reading this devotional are strictly known to only You. I therefore pray that You will get right to the heart of those that may read this and still be uncommitted and unconcerned about their future. Lord, I have family and friends that show no evidence of having a personal relationship with You also, so I humbly ask, in fact plead with You today, to please touch their hearts also. May they be restless in knowing that the King of Glory loves them enough that He died for them, yet they stay at a distance rather than accept that gift that leads to life eternal in heaven. Lord I pray that right decisions will be made in my family even today, for it’s in the powerful, yet loving name of Jesus that I pray, AMEN!

Footnote

Stand Your Ground

On 2016-07-28 By Ed AlgreenIn Stand Firm, Take a stand1 Comment

Thursday, 2016-07-28

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 13:9-10

Bible Text: ^9-10Are you listening to this? They’ve made their bed; now they must lie in it. Anyone marked for prison goes straight to prison; anyone pulling a sword goes down by the sword. Meanwhile, God’s holy people passionately and faithfully stand their ground.

Bible Translation: The Message (MSG)

My Take

If I was to compare a person to a Chameleon lizard, I would probably say that it’s because the individual fits into any crowd as if he belonged there. The unfortunate part is that I might automatically assume that they are of the same attitude and character as the crowd also. Often we might fit into this lifestyle, for fear of indifference that may lead to persecution, abuse or even death. Our scripture is reminding us that we are to be passionate about our faith, to make sure that we stand true to God in good times, around good people, and in tough times while around people who would just as soon see us disappear. Friends, if we are unable to remain faithful to our God in both of the above scenarios, then we should question the depth of our relationship with God. We often teach around our churches that our mission field really begins the moment we walk outside the doors of the church building. The challenge for each child of God is to be as bold about our stand for Christ outside of the church as we are inside. Are you able to take a stand for Christ and be transparent about your faith, no matter what audience you are surrounded by? While I believe that God wants us to identify with our unsaved family and friends, I also believe that He wants them to truly identify us for who we claim to be, whether in the presence of like saints, or in a crowd that opposes the very thought of Christ. Where do you stand friend? Is it obvious to the world whose you are? Is your life a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ whether you open your mouth or not? Are you ready to take a stand for the Lord? If your friends know that you are married, why would you not want them to meet the One that you have surrender the reins of your life to? Take a stand friend!

Prayer

Lord, if our football teams caved in to opposition as easily as we do, they would never win a football game. Yet we expect to win the lost for the kingdom while still living like the world. Please forgive us for belittling the sovereignty and deity of our Savior. For a life totally dedicated to You, it should be very obvious to the world whose we are, and for whom we will take a stand. May we never be found in contempt. Lord may You be glorified in us today, even while we may be in the presence of friends who have not accepted You yet. I ask these things in the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, AMEN!

Footnote

God’s Way of Getting Our Attention

On 2016-07-272016-07-30 By Ed AlgreenIn Follow Christ, Follow Jesus, Listen to the Word of God, ObedienceLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-07-27

Scripture

Bible Reference: Job 36:15–16

Bible Text: 15 Hard times and trouble are God’s way of getting our attention! 16 And at this very moment, God deeply desires to lead you from trouble and to spread your table with your favorite food.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

My dad had a 30-year old nephew electrocuted while working high up on a power poll one Sunday afternoon. This ultimately influenced my dad into asking Jesus into his heart. An extremely sad time for this young man’s mother, yet God used it to open the eyes of my dad. Praise the Lord! Job was an honorable man who loved the Lord and obeyed His commands, yet God allowed Satan to run him through some extremely trying, tough times. As his friends tried to console him and help him through this rough time in his life, the words of these verses were shared with Job. Friends, what do you suppose it would really take to get our attention sometimes? I believe that because God loves us so much, He is very patient in trying to lead us in the right direction and towards right decisions. However, because we are so stubborn, He often has to resort to some very serious actions at times, just to get us thinking outside of our ‘box’ that we consider ‘right living’. Let me remind you friends that you could never be good enough to get into heaven, or to be like Jesus. That’s just doesn’t work. It is interesting though that once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we are obedient to His Word, how we seek to become ‘better’ citizens of earth! In fact, following the teachings of Christ will create in us a clean new heart, where we tend to do things just like Jesus did – loving, kind, respectful, obedient, caring and sacrificial. These things are very opposite to the teachings of the world, that is directed by Satan. When bad things happen, may I encourage you to seek the face of God and ask if He is trying to get your attention on some aspect of your life? Also, please note that the response might be totally opposite to what the world will do, so be careful to follow the right path on this!

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being persistent to get my attention to my lost condition. You created us to be holy, just like You, yet we have allowed the ruler of this world to tempt us with his many vices and evil deeds, that have caused us to look more like the world. Lord, I have many family and friends that I love dearly, and would love to see the very best for them while allowed to remain here on earth. Please gently get their attention again today so that they may be encouraged to surrender their lives wholeheartedly to You. Please also touch each reader of this blog today, so that Your Holy Spirit may be actively working in their lives to draw them closer to the cross. May we all be better prepared to handle the events of this day, week and year as a result of Your activity in our lives, and may we praise You like never before for all that You accomplish in our circle of influence, AMEN!

Footnote

Hope Even In Your Storm

On 2016-07-262016-07-26 By Ed AlgreenIn Hope, Peace, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-07-26

Scripture

Bible Reference: Matthew 14:28-31

Bible Text: ²⁸Then Peter called to him: “Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.” ²⁹“All right,” the Lord said, “come along!” So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him. “O man of little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Bible Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

My Take

Many of us face situations that seem virtually impossible to us. Our challenges appear so far out of reach that we often worry if we could ever overcome them and go on to live a ‘normal’ life. Let’s look at some attributes of Peter in the story told through the few verses chosen today, for he also faced some challenges that seemed way beyond human ability. Have a look at how Peter’s situation was handled and apply them to your ‘storm’ today:

Have courage – Peter knew that he served an awesome God, so stepping out of the boat onto water, which he had been around long enough to know that it was not of the consistency to walk on, yet because he knew Jesus, and because Jesus said ‘come to me’ then he was confident that Jesus would provide the means. May I encourage you to trust the Master more than what may appear obvious from your circumstances? Have courage to step out in faith and do what Jesus commands of you;
Have faith – To have have faith in God is to be ready to follow what He commands you to do, not what seems logical or practical to you. You may have messed up already and therefore in the position you are. Ask God what He would have you to do, then place your faith totally in Him and do as He commands. Because of his faith, Peter walked on water! What will you be willing to do?
Stay focused – The distractions of this world often gets us in the bad positions where we feel hopeless, so it is important that we keep our eyes on Jesus and not let the world mislead and distract us back into a state of hopelessness. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink – falling back into his human, hopeless state. Only in Christ will we find our answers friend.
Doubt – When we take our eyes off the prize – the encouragement and confidence of having our hand supported by the Creator of our universe, we submit to the mere power of self, and return to doubting if there truly is a better way. There’s no need to doubt friend, we serve a God who placed this world into existence, raised the dead back to life, caused the blind to see again and made the lame to walk again, to name just a few of His miracles. This is the same God that we serve and depend on, and there is no need to doubt His love or His abilities.
Praise God – There’s a really neat song entitled ‘Praise You in the Storm‘. Let’s pray that our hope in Christ will be so strong that we could praise God in the good times, and in our storms. If we have faith in Him, and we know His awesome abilities, then we can do this friend! Our situation may seem impossible and hopeless, but our God is not. Let us therefore keep our eyes fixed on Him, the author and finisher of our faith!

In this life there will be storms, but be reassured friend – there will always be our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has demonstrated His love for us on the cross, and will continue to demonstrate that love everyday as He watches over us! Trust Him, won’t you?

Prayer

Lord God, You are our strength; our stable, proven force; our fortress and our deliverer in whom we can place our faith and our trust. We are Yours Jesus, and yet we doubt. Please forgive us, and renew a right spirit within us oh Lord. Our situations are varied, and some seem very impossible to us. As we come to You, our Rock, may fear and doubt be overcome with faith and confidence. Please touch Your children once again today dear Lord. I ask these things in Your holy and precious name, AMEN!

Footnote

Is God Pleased?

On 2016-07-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Missions, Pleasing to God, Reaching the LostLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-07-25

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 22:30–31

Bible Text: 30 “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. 31 So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

There was so much going on in the day of Ezekiel, that God was hopeful that He would find a good cell of churches or Godly people that would convince Him not to destroy those who promoted the evil of the day. This led me to question whether God might feel like we (the church) are doing enough in our day that He might feel like the sacrifice of His precious Son was worth it. I am encouraged when I hear of what churches are doing outside of their four walls, but this is often limited to very few. Unfortunately, most churches are so caught up in denominational-ism that they are not allowed, or unwilling to tarnish their beliefs by joining hands with another group for the good of the community. In God’s statement through Ezekiel, He was looking for some hope that His message was penetrating the hearts of the people. Nothing was said about which ordinances we adopted or how we decided to administer them. Friends, I believe that we get so caught up in the small things of our specific churches, that we forget there are people in our community who have not accepted the simple love of Jesus, so they are dying and going to Hell without ever being told otherwise. Often we acknowledge needs across the world, and we send missionaries thousands of miles away to minister in God’s name, but do we do enough in our own communities to satisfy the concern of God? Are we truly bridging the gap in our own communities for God? Will God find us faithful to the tasks He has laid out for us, and indeed save our land? If we are satisfied that we have reached our communities, then we need to make sure that our state and our country is also in order. We need to be willing to let God work through us at all levels, so that all will hear and believe, God being our helper!

Prayer

Lord thank you for placing us in our respective communities with lots still to be done. How will the people know, if we don’t go out and tell them, is the thought offered in another part of scripture, that I feel is so applicable to what is taught in this lesson today. Please help us to continue thinking outside of the box of selfish desires and outside of the four walls of our respective churches, so that the world will know who Jesus is. Please make us keenly aware of the needs of our communities more than any other mission efforts we may undertake. For as our hometown people know and believe, we can join hands to reach the state, country and the world. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to serve in Your army. Use us now to be Your instruments of change. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Footnote

How to Find ‘Real LIFE’

On 2016-07-232016-07-24 By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Biblical Decisions, HeavenLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-07-23

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 20:11,13

Bible Text: 11 There I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them.

13 ……. They wouldn’t obey my regulations even though obedience would have given them life.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

No matter if we are talking to friends, listening to advice from our doctor or watching television, there is always tons of advice for us on how to improve our lifestyles, improve our health, enjoy our lives, look as good as the top model, etc. However, as with all other aspects of life, we have access to life’s Instruction Manual (the Bible), and It has answers for all walks of life for us. And I don’t know about you friend, but I would much prefer listening to God, who created us and loves us enough to have sacrificed His very Son for us, than to listen to a product manufacturer compelled to sell their product in order to save their company. So let’s take a peak into what God has placed in His Word for us. He reminded the prophet Ezekiel about His love, and all that He had done, for the Israelites. He also reminded him of how He had given the Israelites very special instructions so that they could preserve the awesome life He had brought them to. It was a simple thing of: here’s my instructions to life, now obey these and you will have all those aspects of ‘life’ that I have promised you. Does this not sound familiar friends? God created the beautiful planet of earth for His children that He would later create. He even took things into consideration that He knew we might find fault with, for there are various places where we can ‘plant our roots’ with just the right temperature that we enjoy! God then gave us life’s Instruction Manual – His Word – The Bible. Follow this, and you will not only find peace, love, joy and happiness while on earth, but you will also have everlasting joy in Heaven with our Father. Of course everyone in their right mind would assume that God’s children would automatically do these things, for ‘life’ could never get any better than promised by God. Unfortunately everyone with a sound mind will quickly recognize that we are still very much like the Israelites that God referred to in verse 13 above. In the greatest love that I can can possibly offer friend, I must warn you that the Israelites who disobeyed God and didn’t follow His decrees, never saw the wonderful gift of the Holy Land. This will be no different for those on earth who choose to disobey the Word of God – we will never see the gift of Heaven promised to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and obey the wonder gift of God’s special instructions to us – The Bible. Where do you stand on this Brother? Will you receive the prize Sister? Why not settle this today friends? Speak with God about your decision, won’t you?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for providing the means for me to have eternal life in heaven with You and the Father one day. Thank You for my friends who are reading this blog today and have not only been rescued from sin, like the Israelites were rescued from Egypt, but I pray that unlike the Israelites, each of us will dig deep into Your Word each day and not just look for Your glorious promises, but also be challenged to live according to Your teachings/decrees. As this occurs, I pray that those that we come into contact with each day will be impacted with the love of Christ that will be evident in everything we say or do. It’s all about You God. May we look and act just like You. I ask these things in greatest humility and love, 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. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to http://www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Accountability

On 2016-07-22 By Ed AlgreenIn AccountabilityLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-22

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 18:30–32

Bible Text: 30 I will judge each of you for what you’ve done. So stop sinning, or else you will certainly be punished. 31 Give up your evil ways and start thinking pure thoughts. And be faithful to me! Do you really want to be put to death for your sins? 32 I, the LORD God, don’t want to see that happen to anyone. So stop sinning and live!

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

I want to try something a little different today in my blog, as I want to illustrate the various ways that we are held accountability, and the subsequent results, so that together we will get a better understanding why God also holds us accountable:

Home:
- Unless we take our roles seriously, and treat each one appropriately with love, respect, care and understanding, we could very easily lose our spouse or our children or even our parents. We are accountable to each other, or we lose them;
- For the safety of our homes, we lock doors and windows, and some may even have alarm systems. Unless we take time to do these things, we could attract robbers and wind up with injuries or losing the contents of our home;
Work:
- Unless we follow the rules and expectations of our employer, we could very easily wind up losing our jobs. We are accountable to them for satisfactory work, in return for the right of being paid a salary;
Church:
- Pastors and leaders have a responsibility to God to preach the Word and provide opportunity for their congregation to worship God. Failing to take this responsibility seriously could lead to personal discipline from God, but also result in losing the church because of missed opportunities to meet the needs of members and/or followers;
God:
- In the verses we are looking at this morning, God said that if we continue on sinning, we will be punished, and this may even lead to death;
- God also said that unless we start thinking pure and upright thoughts, we will sin and it will lead to His strong hand of discipline.

Friends, God is not pulling any punches here. He is very forthcoming in telling us that the consequences for our evil thoughts and our sin will lead to eternal death (Hell with Satan). Jesus provided for us the way of redemption, which is the way to eternal life and the glories of heaven with He and the Father. It just don’t get any better than that! So why not hold yourself accountable to doing the right thing. Accept the love offered by God. Ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord, and aim to live victoriously in His grace and wondrous love. This can happen today friend! In fact, you are not promised a minute after the very time that you ready this blog, for we are promised only the very moment in which we find ourselves. The next minute could find you standing before the throne being held accountability for your decisions made here on earth. Make it count friend, and do the right thing – now, while you have the opportunity.

Prayer

Father, You’ve given us the rules for this life that could result in where we will spend the next life. Having also given us the will to make our own decisions, You hold us accountable for the choices that we make. Please speak to those who know you already, but that You are holding accountable to live the life prescribed in Your Word. Please also speak to those You have created and made Your Word available to them, but they have rejected it and continue to live in sin. Please encourage each one today with the truth of Your Word, and help us to make appropriate decisions that will draw us closer to You. I ask these things believing with all my heart that You can do all things! AMEN!

Footnote

God’s In Control

On 2016-07-21 By Ed AlgreenIn All-powerful, Awesome God, Celebrate God, Chosen by God, Control, God our Helper, God our Provider, God's Power, Power of GodLeave a comment

Thursday, 2016-07-21

Scripture

Bible Reference: Job 34:10–13

Bible Text: 10 If any of you are smart, you will listen and learn that God All-Powerful
does what is right. 11 God always treats everyone the way they deserve, 12 and he is never unfair. 13 From the very beginning, God has been in control of all the world.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

If, at work, I’m at the controls and operating the computer during a demonstration in the presence of an audience, I tend to be a little tensed and nervous at times, hoping that I’ll click on the right link, or get us to the next screen quickly and accurately. Recently I was at someone else’s office and they were ‘driving’ (operating the computer), and they quickly told me how stressed they were! Let’s consider that illustration together with the Word of God in the above verses. Wouldn’t it be easy to deduce that we would be a whole less stressed if we allow God to be God, instead of us trying to take that role on by doing things and making decisions without Him? Friends, we must always remember that, without our help, God created the universe; hung the stars in space; handled all of the intricate programming for the earth to spin just right so that we would receive the right amount, and duration, of sunlight. Recently I saw a photo of a waterfall coming down from a very high mountain. How is that possible? We usually dig deep into the ground for a well of water, do you suppose that anyone ever thought to go and dig at the top of a mountain? This is one of those unexplained wonders of the miraculous hand of God! So friends, why do you suppose that we fall into the tricks of Satan by thinking that our aches, pains, finances or other circumstances are beyond the ability of God to help us place in order? For those of us who have given God control of our lives, we are super blessed to be His child/His chosen one! He has already shown enough love for us that He sent His Son to Calvary as proof of His love and to provide a means of us getting to join Him in heaven, Can you even imagine how much more He has in store for His children? While this is reviving and encouraging for the believer in Jesus Christ, this should also be an answer to many who are stressed to the limit and need the hope of One who is greater than all of their concerns! May I encourage you to read my ‘Footnote’ for tips on how to know this Jesus of mine, this Strong One who has been in control of this world from the very beginning? I can assure you that you will never regret it!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Creator of this world and of every human being, thank You for accepting us as your children, and for allowing us access to Your throne. Please help us to place our faith and trust in You and Your awesome power. Our issues often appear very large and insurmountable to us, but when we consider the awesome works of Your hand, we can rest assured knowing that we’re in good hands.Thank You Father for loving us enough to care so much about us. Please help us to show our appreciation and respect of your power, by giving You full control of our lives. Lord, rule in us and show Your power through us as we share Your love with others. In the wonderful name of Jesus I ask these things, AMEN!

Footnote

The Love That Won’t Give Up on You

On 2016-07-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Eternal Life, Ready, Ready to Go, State of ReadinessLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-07-20

Scripture

Bible Reference: Job 33:29–30

Bible Text: 29 God gives each of us chance after chance 30 to be saved from death and brought into the light that gives life.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

Job, a very faithful child of the King, was tested and tried, yet he stood tall and loved God. However there came a time that he really became depressed about why all of this was happening to him. Three friends gathered around him to try and encourage him back to a good place mentally and spiritually. I love the advice given by the third, and youngest friend, with the key verses today being the highlight of something he shared with Job. Friends, we are tempted and tried as well, because God has to often finds ways to get us back on track in our walk with Him. I heard of a gentleman who lost a child in an accident, followed by losing his wife through some medical issues. Might he have felt hopeless like Job there for a while? The good news is that he is now happily remarried and standing tall for the Lord. His example made me think that verse 30 may have been applied to his life! That was just an example of being encouraged back to a meaningful life. Perhaps you know friends who are headed into eternal death – Hell and a life of damnation with Satan. Have you seen times in their life where God may have been working on them to bring them into the light of eternal life in heaven with Him? Do you remember how filled the churches were after 9-11? I believe that many responded to the gospel at that time, because God spoke very loudly and clearly to them about eternal death vs eternal life. Unfortunately, I believe that you probably know of friends that persistently said ‘no’ to God and died from this world without any hope of ever seeing eternal life with the Lord. There could be many that we know who will follow that same path, because they have consistently rejected the calling of God. May I remind you friends, that TODAY is the day of salvation, for none of us know the day or the hour when we will be called out of this world and into the next. Are you ready for that transition?

Prayer

Father God, thank You for not giving up on me, and I thank You for that assurance of Eternal Life in glory with You some day! While allowed to stay here on earth, please fill me with the desire and the boldness to share You amazing love with as many as possible, especially my dear family and close friends. I’ve seen You work in many of their lives already, and I believe that as long as they remain on earth You will not give up on them. Please use me, if need be, to encourage them and to show them Your miraculous light, with great hopes of them one-day surrendering their lives to You before its a day too late. Bless Your children again today with a refreshed hope of sharing Your love with someone that we may come into contact with today. For I ask these thing in the name of our risen and victorious Lord, AMEN!