Month: April 2019

The Events of This Weekend Impacts Your Eternity

On By Ed AlgreenIn Acceptance, Forgiveness, Sacrifice3 Comments

Thursday, 2019-04-18

Bible Reference: John 19:4-6
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!” 6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” “Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”

OBSERVATION: On Easter Sunday, I believe you will be faced with a similar question to the one Herod posed to his audience: “Here’s the Son of God, what will you do with Him?”. I trust that you will begin thinking and praying about how you will respond to this life changing question in a way that will be pleasing to the God who loves you beyond all measure.

APPLICATION: Pilate presented Jesus to the crowd and asked what would they have him do with Jesus? Each weekend most churches/pastors will present the gospel and ask their congregations to respond to a similar question. Most of us leave our churches having said something very similar to that of the crowd before Pilate. Perhaps by our unresponsive action we are saying: hey, you may as well crucify Him, for we have this ‘life’ thing under control. I don’t need this Jesus interfering and telling me what to do or how I should act, or highlighting my wrongs. Perhaps we totally ignore the message, and the idea that Jesus is in control of us and all of life’s happenings. Perhaps we conclude that since Jesus is available, we could easily and quickly call on Him, if and when, we need Him. Friends, in and of our natural selves we have no desire for godly things. If we ARE alerted to the things of Christ, we are actually being personally admonished by GOD Himself. We NEED to listen and obey, not aim to crucify Him. We are about to enter into another weekend of church services. What will you do with Jesus? He loved you so much that He gave himself up on the cross of Calvary as a sacrifice for your sin, so that you might have the means of forgiveness of your sin, and the joy of entering heaven’s gates. How will you respond to that? Some in Herod’s crowd eventually responded ‘surely this was the Son of God’, but others joined with their friends in responding ‘crucify Him’. Please pray that God will speak to you individually about how you should respond this Sunday. The whole purpose of God sending His Son Jesus, is to save His people – you and I, and to give us the opportunity of living and dying in hope, and to be with our Creator throughout eternity!

PRAYER: Lord God, thank You for loving us so much that You showed evidence of that love when You allowed Your precious Son to suffer the disgrace of the people that insisted on His death. Lord, we are not a whole lot better, for we stand by and watch our family and friends ‘spit in Your Son’s face’ in our world today. They are convicted by You, yet they turn away in rejection as if to say that they would rather reject Your unbelievable love and accept the horror and disgrace of the Evil One. They would never be so evil to an earthly friend who blesses them today, by turning their face and rejecting them in spite of their sacrificial giving to them. Dear God, please don’t give up on my family members, friends and coworkers who have chosen to follow this unfortunate pattern. Please, Heavenly Father, bear with them a little longer. Please tender their hearts yet again to the fact that You showed Your love in very obvious and sacrificial ways. Their acceptance of that gracious gift is so valuable that it contains the keys to Heaven and an audience for eternity with the creator of this entire universe. We are truly a blessed people, to have such a loving God. Thank You dear Lord, and hear my plea yet again for those I love. For I ask this in the wonderful name of Jesus – the crucified, sacrificial lamb of God, AMEN!

One More Time

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Repentance, Rewards, Surrender, TrustLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-04-17

Bible Reference: Psalm 27:13-14
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: Yet I totally trust you to rescue me one more time, so that I can see once again how good you are while I’m still alive! Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!

OBSERVATION: David had witnessed the power of God in His life many times, yet he didn’t take that for granted. We see in this Scripture today, that David is asking God to intervene – one more time. The powerful thing about these verses is that David is not approaching God as a stranger, for he shares with us lessons he had learned from times past. Hopefully we can approach God with that same confidence today!

APPLICATION: Hopefully we all can remember a time that God was especially real to us. It may have been a time when we couldn’t figure out where to turn next, or who to turn to for help, when suddenly we sensed the power of God intervening in our life and giving us purpose to go on. At some point we may have learned that someone was praying especially hard and persistent for us, and that convinced us even more that it was the hand of God that touched us in our time of need. Friends, I believe that God especially gives us times of refreshing like that, so that we might have a memorial to refer back to and be encouraged by, for He saw our need and responded to our prayers when times were really challenging for us. The glorious truth is, that He could very easily ‘do it again’, if only we would seek Him and depend on Him. While I believe that these very special times might be refreshing times for us individually, I also believe that they sometimes serve as a tool that we may use to encourage others that may encounter similar challenges. Another real purpose that these special experiences, might serve, is to encourage our own selves when challenges come our way. Have you ever experienced a time when you sat down and almost cried, because the burden seemed so heavy? The need for power, or for encouragement, or perhaps healing may have been overwhelming. You may not have known which way to turn next – until the Holy Spirit suddenly brought to remembrance a time where God clearly responded to a similar need in your life. It was times like this, that you regained purpose in your relationship with the Master, and you were able to return humbly before the Lord and seek His forgiveness as you acknowledged your need and your weakness before the Creator of this universe, the Master of the land, sea, and every living thing. Friends, it is unfortunate, but way too often we try to assume control over our circumstances for which we have no power. And it’s not until we humble ourselves and rededicate ourselves completely to the lordship of Jesus Christ in total surrender, that we make room for Him and His awesome power to move mightily in our lives. I believe that God is waiting for us to surrender, or re-surrender ourselves to His will, so that He might move in our lives personally, and corporately, one more time. I need that, friends. I hope and pray that you will also see the need to be totally surrendered to Jesus – yes, even today!

PRAYER: In Your awesome expression of love, humility and power, You reached down and touched the life of this servant, and I thank You for loving even me that much. Oh that I may be reminded of whose I am, every time that Satan tries to discourage and pull me down. Lord, I believe that many who will read this devotional may have experienced similar times of discouragement, and may still be waiting for a touch from You once again. May this reminder for David be something that may return peace and encouragement to many who allow Your Word to penetrate their hearts today. Oh that they may be reminded of the mighty work You have already accomplished in their life, and may they be encouraged to seek You yet again, even in their current circumstances, knowing that You could just as easily ‘do it all again’! May You be glorified because of our surrender today dear Lord! AMEN!

Determined To Be With Jesus

On By Ed AlgreenIn Cross, Determined, Easter, Good News, Greatest Need, Healing, Needs, Persistence, SalvationLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-04-16

Bible Reference: Mark 2:2-5
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 2  ….While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

OBSERVATION: The determination of these men carrying the paraplegic is to be admired. They didn’t let the crowds stop them, nor the leaders that were probably there helping with crowd control. They didn’t let the walls of the building stop them, for they got up on the roof with the man on the stretcher. The roof was no hindrance, for they dug a hole through it that was large enough to fit a stretcher through it – probably 80″ by 30″ or more. They had a determination to get their friend before Jesus, no matter what obstacles stood in their way.

APPLICATION: I wonder how disappointed the men were after going through all that they did, yet when Jesus saw the young man He didn’t immediately address the issue of paralysis, but rather attended to the condition of his heart and his readiness to meet God. I wonder how much this story parallels our earnest prayers to God, where we are concerned for our family and friends’ welfare or health, but seldom show deep concern for the salvation of their soul for eternity? Would we ‘go to bat’ over their salvation as much as we would for other things in their life that we feel might impact their normal living here on earth? How often do we forget that the things of this earth are temporal and could very easily be gone today or tomorrow? Yet the condition of their soul will determine their eternity. Should we be concerned for the physical, financial and personal welfare of our friends? If we didn’t then one would question if they are truly our friends, but I believe Jesus showed the Pharisees, and is showing us, that there is one concern that trumps all other concerns in life, and that is the spiritual condition of the individual. When you know that your friend is ready to meet their Savior and Lord, and that they are living daily to be more like Him here on earth, then all other needs will fall into place, for God cares intimately for His children and He will not bring anything on us beyond what we can bear, nor will He burden us with anything that will not bring glory to Himself. So friends, let me encourage you this Easter weekend, to look just a little differently at those you love and will spend time with this weekend. Look beyond their physical and material needs and pray with them about their spiritual needs, should there be a need to do that. Our greatest need in life is to be the individual that God designed us to be – one that will worship Him and bring glory to Him, in everything we do, until Jesus returns to take us all home to heaven to spend eternity with He and His Father. I’m ready for that reunion friends, and I want each of you, and all of my family and friends to also be ready to join me for that meeting at the foot of the cross! Oh ‘What a Day That will Be’!

PRAYER: Than You Jesus for all that You willingly did that very first ‘Good Friday’ and the glory of that first ‘Easter’ morning! As we celebrate the events of that occasion again this year, I pray that although we will be touched by the drama of all that You went through, yet we will never lose sight of the fact that You did it all for us. Thank You Lord Jesus! I am eternally grateful Heavenly Father! In much the same way that You were willing to do whatever it took to save Your children from the awful stain of sin and damnation, I pray that each of us will commit to being so concerned about our family and friends that we would recommit to sharing Your love with them and allowing them to see the meaning of the cross and the possibilities of their eternity with You. There was nothing more important to You Lord Jesus. I pray that we would be very much the same in our concern for others. May You be glorified and lifted up this weekend, for I ask these things in the precious name of the crucified, yet risen Lord Jesus, AMEN!

The One Thing That I Crave from God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, Surrender, TrustLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-04-15

Bible Reference: Psalm 27:4
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: Here’s the one thing I crave from God, the one thing I seek above all else:
I want the privilege of living with him every moment in his house, finding the sweet loveliness of his face, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace. I want to live my life so close to him that he takes pleasure in my every prayer.

OBSERVATION: Before David became king, he had some intimate time with God. He reassured himself of the awesome God that he served, while seeking His face in every aspect of his life. Then in verse 4 of Psalm 27, David narrowed down his most important thing that he would ask of God, if he was only granted one wish. When last have you gotten that specific with God?

APPLICATION: Many things that we pray for each day, change with the circumstances of that day. For example, heaviest on your heart might be the well being of a friend that just had heart surgery, but when you followed up with their spouse this morning you were delighted to hear that they are now recuperating at home. However, when it comes to your relationship with the Lord, when it comes to the one thing that only can be attended to supernaturally and that may improve your walk with the King of all kings, what might that one thing be? By way of suggestion, you may want to consider the one thing that you feel stands in the way of your total surrender to the Lord; or it might be that one person that you become so agitated over, you are sure that the relationship stands between you and a perfect God; it might be a habit that you feel convicted about, but have found it impossible to give up. Friends, let’s be totally open to the fact that our God knows all things, so there is nothing that you might ask Him about that He is not already aware of. So the onus is on you alone in wanting to have a right relationship with God that is free from constraints. Seek Him while He may be found and surrender your life completely to Him – for His full and complete control. To make yourself moldable by God, He needs your full surrender. So may I encourage you today to ‘let go and let God’ have His way in your life my friend? Imagine what He could do through you when your life is totally surrendered to Him!

PRAYER: Father in heaven, You formed us and created us, yet we try to hold back on portions of our lives that should totally belong to You. Please forgive us for our selfishness, and our self-consuming desire to have our own way. Lord, we acknowledge that we are powerless without You, so we humbly ask that You melt our hardened hearts; renew a right spirit within us; make us more like You in every way; and then use us in ways that only You can – for Your purposes alone. AMEN!

Oh How We’ve Changed

On By Ed AlgreenIn Change, Changed, Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-04-13

Bible Reference: Mark 1:40-45
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened….

OBSERVATION: In contrast to believers today, the leper could not contain the joy in his heart over the miracle that took place in his life. His joy was overflowing and it was obvious that a ‘God-thing’ had occurred in this man’s life. I don’t believe that this is exactly what our coworkers and friends see in our lives today, is it? Let’s let this sink in real good as we meditate on God’s Word today.

APPLICATION: A man scorned by society, but who realized where his healing might come from, found his way into the presence of the Master. Just as he was assured of, Jesus had mercy on him and healed him. However, because Jesus didn’t need any more publicity, He demanded that the man simply go directly to the priest and follow the traditions passed down by Moses, concerning his clean bill of health. But being so full of joy, the man made it known everywhere what had miraculously happened to him. So just for a moment, I would like to explore how this story compares to the trends of Christians today. For we attend church, and are encouraged to go and spread the good news of what Jesus has done for us. But isn’t it shocking how many believers live alongside non-Christians and, other than seeing us rushing out to church, they may never know what is different about us. Do they really know that a prince/princess lives next door? Yes, as sons of the King of all kings, we are automatically a ‘prince’ or ‘princess’. How about our coworkers, do they know that they are working alongside royalty? How about the many friends, who walk along hopelessly, and with no vision of what lies in their future, yet we walk alongside them with knowledge of the greatest story ever told, and the everlasting hope of tomorrow inside of us. Friends, we know full well that the same Jesus who died and rose again, would like nothing better than to see us share His story with those who need hope. Our command is just the opposite of what Jesus commanded the leper, He wants us to share His story, so that others may experience His love and the hope of life after death here on earth. A future that includes an eternity of worship around the throne of God. No more pain, envy or strife, but peace and communion with our God and His precious Son! Praise be to God!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for the promise of heaven – a time to look forward to where Your children will spend eternity worshiping You. We are instructed in just the opposite way to that of the leper, for we are instructed to go into all the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. To all my readers, and all those who love my Lord, may we unseal our lips, raise our hands in joyous thanksgiving, and celebrate the Healer of all our diseases, the only Savior of this world, the One through whom Salvation is possible, so that others might see the glory of God in us, and have a desire to meet our Savior! There is no other Savior – no other means under Heaven that man might be saved, than through the precious name of Jesus. AMEN!

What Might Jesus Find at our Churches Today

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Ready, Ready to Go, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-04-12

Bible Reference: Mark 1:23-28
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you’ve come to destroy us!” Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!” The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.  Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. “What’s going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!” News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.

OBSERVATION: Jesus had just called 4 disciples to follow Him – to learn about Him and then to be His example, as He gave them power to do so. A good first stop was the Temple, a normal place of worship and teaching. But what Jesus found there, was anything else but normal. I hope to draw our attention into what Jesus might find at our churches today when He walks in. Allow the Spirit to open your spiritual eyes, and remove all prejudices because of your love for your church, as you think about he might find right at your church!

APPLICATION: The first time that you visit a church, hopefully you will find a sweet spirit of corporation, love for each other, and preaching the pure, unadulterated Word of God. Of course, I hope that years after attending that church, you will still find the same thing there. But if we are to be totally honest with ourselves, it really becomes like anywhere else, because we get to know about the attitudes and actions of those that Satan has planted among us to stir up trouble and strife between God’s people. We find those who feel like they could do a much better job in the kitchen, or as a teacher in Sunday School, or even in the pulpit. We find those who are determined to fix the pastor, or the elder, or perhaps a deacon. Those who find fault with everything, and everyone. In fact, it becomes like a fog as we search in earnest for those who are strictly there for the purpose of worshipping God, learning more about Him, and to enjoy a sweet fellowship with the saints, as they search for ways to build one another up. But I wonder what God truly sees? I wonder if He was to send His Son, in person, through the doors of my church this weekend, what might He stop, touch me on the shoulder, and tell me to cleanse my heart of? Friends, we need not look for Him to point out the criminals in the church, or the backbiters, or those who habitually lie, steal or try to distract the saints, although I’m sure He knows each of our weaknesses very well. But may we soberly connect with the Master and hear Him say ‘well done good and faithful servant’, as that should be the desire of every believer. However to achieve that ultimate goal, no doubt there are several things that God might need to point out to us that tend to separate us from His perfect will. So do you suppose that we should look for the one in our midst possessed with a demon, that Jesus might have to call out, or would each of us have a full time job seeking God’s forgiveness for all that lies within us? Oh that we may pray like the psalmist, ‘Cleanse me oh God, and know my heart, my thoughts, my will and my desires’.

PRAYER: May the meditation of our hearts and the praise, worship and words from our lips, be acceptable to You oh Lord, our Rock, our Redeemer and our soon coming King. Please help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, and always conscious of our own weaknesses in trying to imitate You in this life here on earth. This is my personal prayer Oh lord. Help my readers to search their hearts and petition You for their needs, so that we will be found humble, pure and true before Your throne each and every day, especially at the unannounced time of Your return. AMEN!

Lives that Reflect God’s Good News!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, Evangelize, Good News, WitnessLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-04-11

Bible Reference: Mark 1:14-15
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where He preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

OBSERVATION: The order of events shows that Jesus showed up to be baptized by His forerunner, John the Baptist; He was then ordered to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan; then He returned to begin His earthly ministry of sharing the best news ever – God’s Good News of the home He has prepared for His saints to settle in one day with He and His precious Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. There is nothing that would match this good news when shared with people of this earth!

APPLICATION: This great news that Jesus shared with the people of Galilee, is still the greatest news that we can share with the world today, friends! Pastors do this from our pulpits, teachers do this through Bible studies and/or Sunday School and those who have that assurance of salvation – Christians, we share this each and every day through our words and through our actions. Ever stopped to ponder what message you are unconsciously getting across to those you work with or associate with every day? Unfortunately the unsaved have chosen to reject the Bible and its teachings, but they are constantly looking for a life, or a witness, that appears happy and successful to them, so that they may seek the source of that joy. And that’s where Christians come in, it’s not how often we attend church, or how good we are at quoting parts of the Bible. Friends, they are looking for changed lives – ones that stand out and are sincerely living a life that imitates everything they have heard about Jesus. I believe that our takeaway from this Scripture today is that the Good News must still go out to the unsaved today, if they are ever expected to know and believe on Jesus. Are we conveying that message through the lives we live? May our words be reflective of the Good News of Jesus Christ that we live our lives by, so that the world might know.

PRAYER: Spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and the salvation of those that believe on Him, was of super importance to Jesus. If we are to live like Him, then we must follow in His footsteps and fulfill the ministry of the saints to share the love of Jesus and the saving grace that comes form Him alone. The world needs this, but how will they know unless we tell them? Lord, please direct Your children today. As you share the Good News, may we follow in doing the same today. Amen!

In The Presence of Jesus, Worship Him

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Know Jesus, Rewards, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-04-10

Bible Reference: Matthew 28:8-9; 16-17
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 8-9  The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. | 16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

OBSERVATION: In these two incidents told about in Matthew 28, we are reminded that when we find ourselves in the presence of Jesus, we will worship Him. In another Scripture we are told that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord – That is ‘Worship’! As we meditate on this, let’s look at today’s opportunities to ‘worship’ the King of all kings and Lord of all lords!

APPLICATION: Those looking for excuses on why we are not impacted like the women were in verse 8 above, might say that the advantage the women had over us was that they actually saw Jesus physically in all His glory; they saw Him crucified; and they would therefore have reason to be emotionally attached to Him, especially in His risen state. But I really would like for us to examine that excuse carefully, for I could see the glory of God in everything that I see and touch throughout my day; I could follow the evidence of Him being with me as I reflect on protection from a near accident while driving to work, or saving my youngest child – at a time that doctors had given up all hope of survival; I knew it was the power of my Lord that healed my aching body and gave direction to my physician. So my God’s not dead, no, He’s very much alive and evident in all aspects of my life. Therefore I can’t say that the women had one up on me. How then can you and I possibly use any excuse to not lie prostrate before Him in worship and adoration? Let’s look at the second set of verses, and be reminded that those who lived with, and worked alongside, Jesus, had doubt in their hearts and were unable to truly bow at His feet and worship Him. Could it be that we are like those disciples who may have doubted the healing touch of the Master; or perhaps looked at the miraculous experience of Lazarus being raised from the dead – just like the gathered crowd may have whispered – that he really wasn’t dead at all? The crowd doubted because the knew that Jesus was just the son of a local girl Mary, and that carpenter’s son, Joseph. What’s our excuse? Friends, this really brings us to the point of examining our own hearts, and our tendency to worship our Lord, or not. We say that ‘we have met to worship’, when we come together at a church building on weekends. How is that? Do we find a prod at the door that enables us to sing, and/or listen to a messenger of God speak his heart to us? Did we truly find opportunities to ‘worship the King’ since we last met together at church? In these verses, I was touched by the Spirit of God, to believe that when we see Jesus and witness His divine presence among us, particularly those that know Him as ‘Father’, or ‘Lord’, or ‘Master’, or ‘Friend’, or ‘Savior’, and as ‘Creator’ of this whole universe, shouldn’t our very souls immediately, and automatically, burst forth in worship to Him. Out of respect and honor, we may fall to our knees, but I don’t believe that anything could prevent the overflow of excitement and reverence that we experience internally, when we enter into His presence. Please don’t wait for the weekend services for this. Allow God to envelop you, fill you with so much of His holy presence, that praise and worship will burst forth even today! He’s our Lord and soon coming King, my friend, if we expect to worship Him throughout eternity, then let’s not hesitate doing just that even now – today!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord, for making Yourself known to even us – sinners saved by the wonderful grace of Jesus! Our love to Your Son, and our appreciation for all that You have done for us, should be reflected in worship and praise at frequent intervals. May our praise emanate from us in ways that are very obvious to You and to those around us. Oh that my family, friends, coworkers, church members, and all who come into contact with me, see Jesus today, and may they be drawn to accept and worship this same Jesus that I love, honor and look forward to seeing one day in glory! There will be readers of this devotional today whose desire it is to also see, worship and share Jesus with everyone in their circle of influence. Oh that their wishes may become a reality today dear Lord, so that You may be magnified through them. AMEN!

He really is the Son of God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, Salvation, TrustLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-04-08

Bible Reference: Matthew 27:50-53
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 50 Jesus passionately cried out, took his last breath, and gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth shook violently, rocks were split apart, 52 and graves were opened. Then many of the holy ones who had died were brought back to life and came out of their graves. 53 And after Jesus’ resurrection, they were plainly seen by many people walking in Jerusalem. 54 Now, when the Roman military officer and his soldiers witnessed what was happening and felt the powerful earthquake, they were extremely terrified. They said, “There is no doubt, this man was the Son of God!”

OBSERVATION: I find it interesting that in spite of all that the Chief Priests and Pharisees did to mock, accuse, arrest, and force Herod’s hand into the crucifixion of Jesus, now that He is dead, their worries are really beginning. This is proof positive that they believed every word Jesus said, they just couldn’t handle the attention Jesus was receiving from the multitudes who chose to claim Him as their King, Ruler, Miracle Worker, Master and Lord. All doubt was removed at the death of our Lord, when God showed His power once again. How does God get our attention?

APPLICATION: Isn’t it interesting how Christians might share with friends about their first hand experiences with Jesus, and tell them about the awesome power of the holy Son of God and, too often, friends will look on with a smirk on their faces, wondering if we may have also lost other areas of our realistic view of life here on this earth. However, in a time of need, these same friends will call on these same Christian friends for advice, comfort, prayers, good thoughts, etc. It’s just like the Chief Priests and the Pharisees. They looked on, seeing what was happening right in front of their very eyes, yet they knew that they couldn’t believe what they saw, because of popular belief, and the traditional teachings of their ancestors. Jesus and His disciples were mocked at every opportunity, yet the mockers saw a man who was blind, get up and walk and talk and see everything that was around him. They sorrowed with Jairus over the untimely death of his daughter, yet they saw Jesus use powerful, yet very simple words, to order the resurrection of this young lady. So how is it with you my friend? You are probably in a circle of friends where a Christian keeps sharing the love, the power, the wisdom and the promise of eternal life in heaven, and while you can’t seem to find a way to prove that friend wrong, it all sounds so foreign, compared to the average leader, or friend that you know today. But something keeps tugging at your heart’s door about this awesome God that your friend keeps on about. What do you do with that? My friend, let me suggest to you today, that anytime something totally foreign (to your normal way of thinking) is coming up in your mind like this, take time and have a conversation with the Holy Son of God that you keep hearing about. Others are probably praying for you and for your salvation, and Jesus will speak to you in ways that you may not recognize at first. However, just as the Chief Priests and Pharisees finally acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God, may I encourage you to also acknowledge that still small voice that speaks powerfully to you, and may you be prompted to say like the profit Samuel said as a very young man – “speak Lord, for your servant hears You”. I’m sure that you’ve never being taught to disregard someone when they are speaking to you. Please don’t begin that now, especially as it pertains to the Son of God. For He holds the keys to eternal life in heaven with He and His Father. I believe that He longs for your decision to turn to Him, my friend. Don’t disappoint Him, for He truly is – the Son of God.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please speak to the hearts of those who are running from You today. Please remind them of Your love and Your awesome power. Please show them the joys of heaven and life eternally with You. May there be decisions to follow You today dear Lord, especially in the case of those that will hear Your voice again today through the Scriptures, or through personal friends. May Your perfect will be done today, and may the miracle of new birth be realized by many, is my humble prayer dear Lord, AMEN!

Not As We Were, But As we Are

On By Ed AlgreenIn Changed, Forgiven, Forgiveness, Love, Redemption, The love of GodLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-04-06

Bible Reference: Psalm 25:7-10
Translation: The Voice Translation (Voice)

Bible Text: 7 Do not HOLD against me the sins I committed when I was young; instead, deal with me according to Your mercy and love. Then Your goodness may be demonstrated in all the world, Eternal One. 8 IMMENSELY good and honorable is the Eternal; that’s why H/e teaches sinners the way. 9 With JUSTICE, He directs the humble in all that is right, and He shows them His way. 10 KIND and true are all the ways of the Eternal to the people who keep His covenant and His words.

OBSERVATION: Like many of us, David felt like approaching God in the light of who he was in his earlier life, might be a hopeless case. However in light of who God is, and the mercy and grace that He is known for, David knew that there was hope for himself and for all who commit to serving Christ and obeying His commands.

APPLICATION: It is so easy for us to listen to Satan and believe there is no hope for us because of all that we were. I found it refreshing to be reminded that when I committed my life to Jesus and accepted the outstanding grace that He offers to His children, that He not only cleansed me of my sin up to that point in time, but that He looks on me as a sinner saved by His grace. Sure I make mistakes still, but with the Holy Spirit living in me and prompting me to the way of the cross, I am constantly reeled back in and redirected to the ways of the King who reigns over me. Friends, I don’t believe I am alone in feeling this way at times, for I’ve heard from many how hopeless they feel at times. May I implore you to be encouraged by the words of David in this Psalm today and be renewed in knowing that those whom Jesus has welcomed into His fold, will never be released to any other master. Think of your earthly mother and father – you can’t undue the fact that they are your blood parents. Jesus would never accept you into His family and then push you away every time you mess up. He wants you to seek His face daily and realign your will and way with His, every moment of every day. He loves you beyond anything you could ever imagine and I believe that He is anxiously awaiting your arrival in glory to join He and His Father around His throne. Would you commit to follow the last verse of our Scripture today and remain true to God’s Word and keep His commandments? The promise is that He will remain kind and true to you Brothers and Sisters! There is no better companion than to have Jesus on your side while here on earth and when we see Him face to face in heaven!

PRAYER: Lord You are so good to us. Praise God that You are able to see us as ‘white as snow’, because of being redeemed by Your precious blood. Most of us have nothing that we could brag about from our past, and absolutely nothing that we can place before You as redemption for our sins. Thank You for Your enormous sacrifice, and for Your uncompromising love for us, in spite of who we used to be. In being cleansed by Your blood, because of Your amazing grace, we are united with You in spirit and filled with the promise of eternity around Your throne. Oh what a Savior! Lord teach us daily to live like who we are, and not like who we used to be. AMEN!