Month: July 2019

Faith – Even In The Eyes of Impossibility

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-07-17

Bible Reference: Luke 8:49-54
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 49 While Jesus was still speaking to the woman, someone came from Jairus’ house and told him, “There’s no need to bother the Master any further. Your daughter has passed away. She’s gone.” 50 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Jairus, don’t yield to your fear. Have faith in me and she will live again.” 51 When they arrived at the house, Jesus allowed only Peter, John, and Jacob—along with the child’s parents—to go inside. 52 Jesus told those left outside, who were sobbing and wailing with grief, “Stop crying. She is not dead; she’s just asleep and must be awakened.” 53 They laughed at him, knowing for certain that she had died. 54 Jesus approached the body, took the girl by her hand, and called out with a loud voice, “My sleeping child, awake! Rise up!”

OBSERVATION: Faith seems like a real possibility when doctors have reached the end of their knowledge, while the heart of the patient is still beating. But when a relative still hangs on to their faith after the eyes of a loved one have been closed in death, others might pull him away to help him save his sanity. However, in our Scripture today, Jesus insisted that Jairus hang on to his faith in spite of the evidence seen with human eyes. This takes us to a different level in our faith. Stand by as we look into this some more.

APPLICATION: Without sounding too morbid, or deliberately try to cause you to cry, have you ever pulled someone away from a graveside when it seemed like they just didn’t want to commit the body of their loved one to the grave? Our story today sounds similar, for it sounds like instead of the undertaker entering the home to remove the dead body of Jairus’ daughter, the family instead entertained a few more ‘holy’ men to visit. You would probably wonder if the family is just struggling to let go of their loved one. But let’s stop for a moment and put ourselves in the minds of the family members. Jairus had heard about Jesus and his healing power. In fact, he was at the scene when the woman that had an issue of blood was healed from just touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. So please try to convince Jairus that there was no help for his daughter. However, let’s consider the circumstances and pressure that Jairus was under. He had just received news that his daughter was dead, yet in the presence of all these learned people, Jesus instructed Jairus to hang tight and wait for them to arrive at his home. What do you suppose must have gone through the minds of the onlookers as they waited for a reaction or response from Jairus? Can you imagine the challenging choice that Jairus had to make at that moment? Can you imagine what you would have done? Additionally, Jairus arrives at the home scene with Jesus and His entourage, and in spite of all his family and friends hanging around his home crying, Jesus wants to move in to see the dead girl. Imagine the shock and amazement on the faces of the relatives as they make room for Jairus, Jesus and His followers to walk through to the house. Imagine the mind of Jairus as he feels what others must be thinking of him at this time. But in knowing the ending of this miraculous story, I want to challenge us to consider how strong our faith is. On a meter of 0 to 10, how would you rate your level of faith? Even in a scenario of desperation, could you follow through with all that Jairus did? Think about it, you’ve heard the Bible stories of all that Jesus did. You’ve heard the stories from your pastor of how Jesus healed a good old saint. But have you developed the kind of relationship with the Master that you are willing to walk to Him on water? Or to take your boat back out again and cast your net one more time – just because you heard Him give the order? Are you bold enough to cut a hole in a roof and lower a handicapped man in front of Jesus, because you are convinced of His ability and willingness to heal? I believe that our faith is truly tested when we are asked to act, even when friends are around that might mock us, or the circumstance seem impossible to mankind. I don’t believe that any of us could respond in faith, without knowing the author of faith personally. Under desperate situations we may ask others to pray, but without faith you are merely wishing for a good thing to happen. Having faith gives the confidence to believe that God will do what He said He would do for us. Know Him today my friend, and be confident of the miracles that are possible through Jesus Christ alone!

PRAYER: To have the faith of a minuscule mustard seed, we could move a mountain – according to You oh Lord. Thank You precious Lord for offering the hope of eternity, and the possibility of healing from the Creator of life itself! Oh Lord, You are my God and I praise You for all things available to me through faith in Your Son. Please speak to Your children today as we meditate on Your Word. May our faith grow by leaps and bounds because of this reminder from Your Word. We need You precious Lord, every hour of every day. AMEN!

What To Do When Tested

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Commitment, Distractions, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-07-16

Bible Reference: Deuteronomy 13:3-4
Translation: GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Bible Text: 3 The Lord your God is testing you to find out if you really love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Worship the Lord your God, fear him, obey his commands, listen to what he says, serve him, and be loyal to him.

OBSERVATION: The Israelites were about to branch off into a ‘new world’, at least to them, where they would have to decide who they would serve, who they would honor, and who they would allow to guide their heart. Moses, through the help and direction of God, gave the Israelites instructions, and God saw fit to have these included in His Word, because He knew that you and I would face the same challenges that the Israelites were about to deal with. Let’s concentrate on the advice given so that we might be best prepared for what our day might hold in store for us.

APPLICATION: In my younger days, I worked for a company that relocated me every few years to manage their business on several Bahamian islands. At each island, my wife and I had to face the challenge of ‘going with the flow’, or maintaining our faith, in spite of vast variances in culture. In reading today’s Scripture, I now wonder if we were presented with challenges by God to see if we truly loved Him and were willing to serve Him, even under very diverse situations that we may had found ourselves in? There are also other situations that we often find ourselves in. While chatting with friends, someone invariably will turn to bad-mouth a close neighborhood friend of yours. Do you stop them in their tracks, or could that have been a time where God was testing your loyalty to that neighborhood friend? Perhaps God wanted to see how much you would tolerate in hearing your friend belittled or destroyed verbally, before standing up for them? So what does this testing do to those of us involved? Surely it is a test of our loyalty and friendship. But what about the child of God that once heeded to His voice and surrendered their life to His Lordship. What happens when that person faces a challenge in life and is hurt by someone at church? How do you help that person overcome the fear of rejection, and bitterness against the whole Christian faith? Unfortunately this is so prevalent that I believe that each of us have at least one friend or family member who refuses to enter a church door again, because of past hurts. Don’t you know dear friends, that God saw this coming as His precious children entered a land where its people knew every god but the holy God of heaven? Don’t you know that it would have become the inhabitants’ main object to see what these newcomers were made of, and to convert them into thinking the way they did? God certainly saw this coming, so He had Moses sit down and prepare the Israelites for what’s ahead. Unfortunately not a whole lot has changed, for whenever Christians walk outside of their church doors, they are bombarded by a world filled with sin, false gods, hatred, enemies of God, people who have been hurt by someone called by the same name as us – Christian. How well prepared are you to face the opposition? Perhaps it’s your turn to be tested on your love for Jesus – the One who sacrificed His very life so that you might receive forgiveness of sin and face eternal life with He and the Father – God. I believe verse 4 details how we are to stay true to our Lord and Savior – Worship the Lord your God, fear him, obey his commands, listen to what he says, serve him, and be loyal to him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we have been placed on this earth as ‘light’ into a dark world of sin, hatred and unbelief. It is often challenging – much like the Israelites were about to face as they entered into the Promised Land, where the inhabitants served every other god except You. But Lord, You gave Moses encouraging words for the Israelites as well as our current generation – worship You, fear You, obey Your commands, listen to what You have to say to us, and to serve You in sincerity and loyalty. Please help us to stay on track with what You ordered through Your servant, so that we may never become distracted with the evil things of this world and its leader. You are our King oh Lord, may it be evident in everything we do to avoid the distractions that Satan sends our way. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

When Not Fully Informed

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-07-12

Bible Reference: Luke 7:44-47
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 44 …“Don’t you see this woman kneeling here? She is doing for me what you didn’t bother to do. When I entered your home as your guest, you didn’t think about offering me water to wash the dust off my feet. Yet she came into your home and washed my feet with her many tears and then dried my feet with her hair. 45 You didn’t even welcome me into your home with the customary kiss of greeting, but from the moment I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You didn’t take the time to anoint my head with fragrant oil, but she anointed my head and feet with the finest perfume. 47 She has been forgiven of all her many sins. This is why she has shown me such extravagant love. But those who assume they have very little to be forgiven will love me very little.”

OBSERVATION: Way too often we take on the role of Simon, where we look down our noses and wonder why God, or anyone else, is giving an unsuspecting visitor a second chance. Simon stood by in amazement that Jesus would allow the woman from this story to even touch Him. After all, she was well known for her lifestyle, and the sinful acts that she committed. Let us meditate carefully on the way that Jesus handled this situation, and hopefully we can learn from it.

APPLICATION: To get the picture here, I would like for you to assume that you are having the pastor over for dinner. Shortly after he enters your home, and much to your embarrassment, a young lady, a distant relative, pops in for a very infrequent visit. After being introduced to your pastor, you are hoping that she would quickly leave, especially considering her tainted character, and her history of never wanting you to talk to her about the Lord. Much to your surprise, the young lady moves to the front room and makes her self comfortable on the ottoman near the pastor. Can you imagine the embarrassment, especially when you notice that the relative is asking to massage the feet of your pastor….. Can you start to get the picture of how Simon felt? But what if the pastor suddenly turns to your relative and starts speaking to her about the condition of her soul? I feel like there are stories in the Bible, such as this one, that are designed by Jesus to draw us in, and hopefully be reminded that the Gospel is for everyone – especially for those unsuspecting ones that we might otherwise brush aside and consider hopeless and perhaps helpless. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, it is stories like this one that I believe Jesus placed on the heart of His writers, to get through to Christians who tend to give up on folk that seem helpless to us. In other words, way too often we lose hope on our family and friends who have chosen to live lifestyles differently to ours, and visit places we choose to avoid, or hang out with friends that we can’t identify with. Fortunately for each person on this planet, I believe that God has such a laser beam of love focused on our heart, that for a time He is able to look straight through our sin – our bad intentions; our sinful acts; our dirty words; our depressing attitudes, our determination to avoid the things of God, etc. and He looks on us as His very own; the one for whom He allowed His precious Son to be beaten, crucified, and hang shamelessly on a cross in view of the world. Friends, let’s never forget that there are some who are axe murders; some who have robbed banks; some who hate others enough that they would terrorize them to the point of death; some who attended church all of their lives, but have never surrendered their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ; yet God looks at them in their sin and with outstretched arms, will accept their cry for forgiveness just as He did in the case of the harlot who sat at His feet in Simon’s house. As His forgiven children aiming to live just like Jesus Christ, why then should we do any differently? It’s not up to us to judge or consider anyone unworthy of Jesus Christ, for only He knows the heart of the individual and the value of his/her soul. Let’s learn to love others, like He first loved us – even while we were yet sinners.

PRAYER: You went to the cross knowing that You had never sinned, yet You were obedient to the will of the Father and gave up Your life for us – even though we were sinners. And although we may tend to look at sinful acts as something that is much worse than we ever thought of, yet we stand in disobedience to You and Your commands each and every day. Thank You Jesus for the sacrifice You made for the forgiveness of my sin, and to provide an open path to eternity with You and the Father. Oh though so unworthy, yet I’m a child of the King! This is so amazing in the eyes of mere mankind! As we strive to live our life like Your sacrificial life here on earth, please help us to extend love to those that the world may frown on as unlovable and unworthy of You. For all who believe on the Son of God, to them gave He the power of life everlasting. Praise God that He sees a perfect heart cleansed by the blood of Jesus! AMEN!

God’s Closeness to His Messengers

On By Ed AlgreenIn Forgiveness, Persecution, PerseveranceLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-07-11

Bible Reference: Acts 26:10–11; 13–14
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text:  10 ….. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.
13 …. as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’

OBSERVATION: I’m sure that it is very challenging for us to read our Scripture verses today, and to imagine that this sort of thing continues even today. But I want us to stop and meditate on whether these verses are truly applicable to us, and how God might speak to us as He attempts to correct our ways.

APPLICATION:  In some translations, the word ‘persecute’ is used several times in the few verses referenced. Here’s what that means: “to treat (someone) cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs“. I feel like God opened my eyes and reminded me that when we treat God’s messengers with contempt, then we are actually persecuting the Lord Jesus himself. This reminds me of a loving parent who feels condemned when their child is persecuted or ill-treated. So what is our lesson in this? After all, we don’t go about ‘persecuting’ our religious leaders… Or do we? How often do you hear corners of conversation that tend to chew on the sermon from your last service, or the dress code of the pastor, or the attitude of the worship leader, or the audacity of the pastor to say what he did during his sermon? Is that complimentary of God’s messenger? Is that the precursor to a time of prayer that the group will have for their pastor? I’ve always said that one will get as much from a sermon, as they have prayed into it. Do you feel like we tend to persecute the pastor because God didn’t respond like we expected to our prayers for His messenger who stood in the pulpit? Friends, over in 2 Chronicles 7:14, God said that if we would humble ourselves and pray (not belittle or try to humble the pastor), and if we would seek His face, and if we would turn from our wicked ways, then He would hear from heaven, forgive our sins and restore our land. Notice the personal application there? Nothing about God taking care of all that we feel are inadequate, or who screw up at every opportunity. Friends, I believe that these scriptures are warning us that we have a full-time job doing all that God expects of us, so if we find that we are ‘persecuting’ anyone, then we are meddling, and need to get back to the basics. Take care of self first, then perhaps we will not be near as critical of everyone else. Please don’t shrug this off as being super applicable to all of your friends. Allow God to search your heart and convict you of your sin and shortcomings. I believe you will find that there’s lots there to keep you on your knees for a very long time, including praying for your spiritual leaders.  There just won’t be time enough to persecute others. 

PRAYER: Lord God, You created all things and You are above all things. Thank You for sending messengers, Your angels, to minister to folk like me, even though we tend to persecute the very ones that You send to bless us, love on us and warn us about our sinful ways. Please help us to love these ones, in spite of them not meeting all of our expectations, and in spite of our sinful desire to persecute them. I believe it is obvious that Paul was not the only one that persecuted Christians. Please dear Lord, rest Your hand upon Your children today, beginning with me, and help us to accept Your power and desire to help us succeed in this Christian life, so that we may serve You better and more fully. We are your messengers as well, please encourage us to treat other messengers in the same way that we want to be treated. May Your kingdom come oh Lord, and may we be ready and obedient in every way, every day! AMEN!

Why Discipline?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Give thanks, Giving, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Thanksgiving, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-07-10

Bible Reference: Deuteronomy 8:2-3
Translation: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: 2 And you must remember the entire trip that the Lord your God has led you through these 40 years in the desert. He was testing you. He wanted to make you humble. He wanted to know what is in your heart. He wanted to know if you would obey his commands. 3 He humbled you and let you be hungry. Then he fed you with manna—something you did not know about before. It was something your ancestors had never seen. Why did the Lord do this? Because he wanted you to know that it is not just bread that keeps people alive. People’s lives depend on what the Lord says.

OBSERVATION: I’m sure that the Israelites must have thought, and no doubt complained about the necessity for discipline by God, if He (supposedly) loved them so much. Isn’t it interesting that we still hear that happening today? let’s meditate on this today and consider the qualities we have gained because of discipline.

APPLICATION: Surely you’re no different to me, in that you hated to hear your mom and/or dad say how it pained them to discipline you! For we always thought ‘then why do it?’!! As adults we now know that to discipline shows love, caring and concern for the individual you are disciplining. The easy thing to do, is to ignore the issue and hope that things will get better. But to care enough about the individual to correct them and possibly discipline them, shows that you love them enough to want them to succeed in life, and to be the best individual they could possibly be. When disciplined at home, it becomes easier for our children to respect and understand the need for discipline by an employer. None of us like to be disciplined, but let’s look at why God thought it was necessary for the Israelites. As His chosen people, God couldn’t stand it that they were being mistreated in Egypt, so in cooperation with their leaders, God decided to get them out of there and into a very chosen place that He had prepared for them. Because of their ungratefulness and disrespect during their journey, God disciplined His children in a few serious ways – food, water, obstacles in the path they traveled, etc. And time and time again, God showed love and deliverance for His people. In our verses today, the Israelites are being reminded of what they should have gained from those challenging times of discipline. And I believe that God wants to use these words to remind us of the same thing today. Like the Israelites, we are a spoiled and rotten people. We want, we want, and we want, but oh how seldom do we ever stop to recognize all that God has provided, and how He has taught us along this path called ‘life’. Do we have time to visit the sick or help the poor, or are we too busy tending shop? In other words, are we so caught up in the many material things of life, that we have no time, love, or respect for God, to seek out the needs of others? God disciplined the Israelites because He wanted them to know that there were more important things in life than their stomachs, their material things, and their selfish desires. He wanted them to see, and I believe that He wants us to also learn, that it is the very words of God that teaches us about LIFE, and not at all about what we have, what we see, or what we want. So what’s important in this life to you my friend? Would it require a good dose of discipline by the Almighty God to help us refocus on the really important things in this life? Why not stop, listen and obey today, for there’s no other way, but to trust in our Lord, and obey His commands!

PRAYER: Thank You precious Lord for the many gifts that You shower on us each and every day. Thank You for those times that You stop us in our tracks and, through loving discipline, You redirect us to the things of Christ. May we have that same kind of love for our brethren, for there are so many in need all around us today. We are often so caught up in protecting all that we have gained, that often we lose track of praise, honor and glory that is so deserving of the One who has blessed us. Thank You dear Lord. Please touch our hearts today. Draw us close to You and help us to use all that You have blessed us with, to bless others in return.. AMEN!

Worthy Of An Audience With The King

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-07-09

Bible Reference: Luke 7:6-7
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 6–7 Jesus started off with them, but on his way there, he was stopped by friends of the captain, who gave this message: “Master, don’t bother to come to me in person, for I am not good enough for you to enter my home. I’m not worthy enough to even come out to meet one like you. But if you would just release the manifestation of healing right where you are, I know that my young servant will be healed.

OBSERVATION: It’s amazing how we could feel on ‘top of the world’ at times, yet at other times we feel intimidated and unworthy of even being in the presence of certain people that we have placed on pedestals – at least in our minds. In our focal verses today we read about a leading citizen who, in spite of his monetary worth and prominence, felt unworthy to have Jesus come to his home. Let’s consider our thoughts on this today…

APPLICATION: Some reading this devotional today may be in charge of large corporations, while some may be simple gardeners who enjoy being away from a crowd. Is it possible that both types of individuals may feel intimidated by certain individuals? After reading today’s scripture, I believe that the answer to the above question is clearly ‘yes’! For both types of individuals could be humbled by the thought of meeting with certain individuals. I believe that the primary lesson for us to learn here today is that we should never position ourselves to a place of honor. Yes, we might be considered elevated among the poor, if we are wealthy. We might feel elevated above the homeless, if we live in a very nice home, or above the unemployed if we supervise lots of people in a very important job. But have you ever felt great respect for an individual who was at the very bottom financially, but yet spoke great words of wisdom about life in general? I pray that we will never place ourselves on a pedestal where we are unreachable by God and/or man. In our story, this Captain had built the local temple, so I believe that he was rich in finances, and rich in generosity – wanting to share his wealth. He knew that healing came from Jesus alone, so he sent the religious (Jewish) leaders to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant. It sounds like the closer Jesus got to his home, the more worried he became about having God’s Son visit with him. Notice that the emphasis changed from the urgent need of the servant, to the overwhelming inadequacy of the master. I believe it was evident that the captain started examining himself and realized that he was unworthy of having Jesus see him in that condition, so he sent word asking Jesus to heal his servant from a distance. Is that how we feel at times when we know that the fear or suspicions of others will be confirmed if they popped in on us for a visit? Are we afraid of the many eyebrows that will be raised if we walk into that popular church downtown, because they already know what we’re like in our business life? Friends, I believe a real lesson that we all need from this story today, is that in this world we are all on a level paying field without Jesus in our hearts. For we are not known as CEO, or President, of Chairman of the Board, or Garbage Truck helper, but collectively we are known as sinners in need of a Savior. Alternately, when we surrender lordship of our lives to Jesus, we are not known to God as Priest, or Pastor, or Elder, or church Janitor, for we are all sinners saved by His awesome grace – or children of the Almighty God! So can we tear down those walls today and align ourselves with the King of all kings, and allow Him who created us, to lead us each and every day? Just as we (Christians) were beggars looking for the rich food of heaven, let us then redirect our energies towards helping other beggars looking for the same ‘food’ that we found in knowing Jesus Christ. On that great Judgment Day, it will not matter what sort of CEO we were, for that CEO will be judged by the same Lord that the Captain’s servant stands accountable to. For it is by grace that we are saved, and not because of any good works or monetary gifts that we may share with others. In Christ alone, we stand humbled before the Father, knowing that it was only because of His grace that we are saved!

PRAYER: Thank You heavenly Father for sending Your precious, only Son, as a sacrifice for our sin, so that through grace alone, we might enjoy eternal life with You in glory! There is no greater joy! Please humble Your children today, so that we may not only enjoy our rich heritage, but that we may be humbled into helping others find the richness of a relationship with You. Oh that You may be lifted up today dear Lord, so that You may complete what You have promised in Your Word, that You will draw all men unto Yourself. AMEN!

From The Abundance of The Heart

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-07-08

Bible Reference: Luke 6:44-45
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 44 Every tree will be revealed by the quality of fruit that it produces. Figs or grapes will never be picked off thorn trees. 45 People are known in this same way. Out of the virtue stored in their hearts, good and upright people will produce good fruit. But out of the evil hidden in their hearts, evil ones will produce what is evil. For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words.

OBSERVATION: I believe that in our Scripture today, Jesus was teaching us the importance of filling our hearts with the right things. Remember, God created the trees that Jesus used in His comparison, and He created us in His image, so better than any counselor we might speak with, God knows about everything expressed in this chapter. He knows how our hearts react to certain circumstances and the conditions that trigger our expressions of goodwill and/or fear, hatred and greed. Since this impacts our very character, and could impact the world for Jesus Christ, I feel like it deserves our time to meditate and consider.

APPLICATION: In our world of computers and programming, a clause often used is: ‘garbage in, garbage out’! Some find that challenging to believe, since computers are so smart and powerful! However, they are mechanical and can only work with the data that was input by humans at some point. Well, just like the computer engineers who put the ‘X’s’ and ‘O’s’ together to make the first computer language, God our Creator put together an even more complex piece of machinery, that we call the human body. So when He likened us to fruit bearing trees, He knew what He was talking about. Friends, with God’s help, we are responsible for the input into our bodies, our hearts and our minds. If we fill our bodies with junk food, we know that sooner than later we will find ourselves sitting in doctors’ offices, and possibly occupying hospital rooms, as we look for medical help to correct those things that we have brought on ourselves. But what about our minds and our hearts? Ever noticed how many things that we once were taught was immoral, or not permitted on the Lord’s Day, has now been okayed by society? Ever noticed how quickly we become bored with sitting around socializing with neighbors and friends, when we suddenly think about our favorite show that’s on television, or perhaps about our device that we left at home, Lord forbid? Friends, God is reminding us that in much the same way that we pick our best fruit from a tree that has been loved and cared for, so it is with our personal lives. Others will be impacted by lives that are rich in good values; that are rich in relationships – especially a relationship with the Almighty God, and that shows evidence of His characteristics. Television, nor nightly trips to the local bar will give you those attributes. However, a right relationship with God, and frequent study of His Word, will help keep you on track. I honestly believe that more so than ever before, our friends and family are looking for examples of a life that is strengthened and led by God. You can personally benefit from this, and so can those who stand to experience time with you. Please consider a firsthand experience with our Creator, and a daily walk in His Word. It will change your life, and impact those who come into relationship with You. Read my Footnote for more information in cementing a relationship with my Savior, Jesus – God’s only Son.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for making a way for us to know You and experience Your love in such a real and meaningful way. Lord, unless we are filled with You and Your qualities, our world will go deeper and deeper into the evil and misgivings of the ruler of this world, Satan. Please oh God, touch the hearts of all those that will read this devotional today. Fill each of us with Your love, and help us to recommit to serving you more faithfully and taking in more of Your Word than ever before, so that our hearts might overflow with the character and mind of Christ. Oh that You may be glorified through all that is accomplished today. AMEN!

All Will Go Well For You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-07-06

Bible Reference: Deuteronomy 5:27; 29
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 27  ….. You go and listen to all that God says, then come and tell us, and we will listen and obey.’ ….. 29 Oh, that they would always have such a heart for me, wanting to obey my commandments. Then all would go well with them in the future, and with their children throughout all generations!

OBSERVATION: What would we be willing to do in order to hear God say that all will be well with us and our family for evermore? But look at what God said in verse 29! One translation reads: Oh what I wouldn’t do to see the people listen and obey my commands. Pretty much the same thing, isn’t it? So let us meditate on what helped both God and man feel this way.

APPLICATION: When troubles come, and trials seem to hit us hard on every side, don’t you often wish that God would take control and give us comfort and wisdom on how to handle every little detail of life in a way that is pleasing to, and blessed by Him? To an even greater degree, when you are feeling helpless to do anything about the struggles that your child(ren) are going through, wouldn’t it be awesome to know that God is totally in charge, and that all things work together for good to those who love, adore, and worship the Lord their God? Friends, it is obvious from the words shared with Moses, by our Master, that He is more than willing to bless us and our future generations, if only we would acknowledge Him and obey His commands. The people begged of Moses to go and speak with God and, in verse 27, they promised that they would listen and obey. Notice how God had gotten used to the idea of people making vain promises when they are in trouble, or in dire need. For He said in verse 29: If only they would do what they say. Or, what I wouldn’t do to hear them say that, commit, and obediently follow through with their promise. THEN I will bless them and all their future generations. That’s our awesome God, folks! Let us rest assured that this is not just a nice story that we could read about our ancestors, but rather, this is a story about our all-powerful Creator; our wonderful God! This reminds us that the same God who ‘did’, is the same God who ‘can do now‘. He’s still alive; He’s still all-powerful; and I am convinced that He is still waiting to bless us and our future generations, if only we will listen and obey. So how badly do you want to be blessed precious friends? Enough to listen and obey all that the Master has outlined for us in His Word? Trust and obey, for there’s no other way!

PRAYER: When we walk with You Lord. In the light of Your Word. What a glory You shine on our way. When we do Your great will, You abide with us still, and for all who will trust and obey! Thank You precious Lord for placing these words in the mind of that great old inspired song writer. But most of all, thank You for still being available to those of us today who are ready and willing to place our faith and trust in You and obey Your Word. You promised You would bless, and we stand in great anticipation of Your everyday blessings. For all those who will meditate on this blog today, please bless them oh Lord, and speak words of wisdom to them that will draw them unto Yourself. Perhaps for a closer walk with You, or perhaps for the very first time. May they find peace in knowing You as their personal Savior and Lord. AMEN!

Our Compassionate God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Biblical Decisions, Decisions, Jesus led decisions, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-07-05

Bible Reference: Deuteronomy 4:29-30
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 29-30 But even there, if you seek God, your God, you’ll be able to find him if you’re serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul. When troubles come and all these awful things happen to you, in future days you will come back to God, your God, and listen obediently to what he says. God, your God, is above all a compassionate God.

OBSERVATION: Moses was preparing the Israelites for their freedom – their entry into the Promised Land. Not only would there be separation, and independence that would require making their own decisions, but Moses would not make the last leg of this journey with them. So God worked with Moses to prepare the people, so that they could be best prepared to deal with their new life. Perhaps you will meditate on how this applies to us today, but I wanted to share a few thoughts with you…

APPLICATION: We are nearing a time on our calendars where many teenage children will be leaving home for the first time, living on their own for the first time, or living with other teenagers in a dorm for the first time, as they begin college. Just like the Israelites, some teenagers are firm in their convictions, and they are not followers of the popular kid on the block, so they may not be influenced into all the partying that one might generally hear of in college dorms. However, based on the many events that took place during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, God knew that some of the Israelites might really be challenged when faced with the freedom that would soon be theirs, so God prepared His children (through His servant Moses) for the inevitable. I believe this might be a good verse for each of us to be reminded of, but especially for parents, pastors or church leaders to meditate on, as they play a critical role in the lives of our young people who are about to gain their long awaited freedom from the dictates of their home life. I included church leaders, because often young adults will listen to advice from others much quicker than they would to their parents. Additionally, each of these adults normally play a key role in the life of a young Christian adult. So to our young adults who are soon to embark on ‘life’, as you may look upon it, may I share with you, based on the Word of God? You are about to enter the ‘real’ world, where mom and dad will not be around to make decisions for you. Please know that God said that He would be with you at all times and, while this sounds very accommodating, especially for those times that you may get in a bind and not know which way to turn next, it also means that He is with you no matter where you go. So this leaves an important responsibility on you. Remember, He is holy, He is righteous, He always was and always will be, so He deserves our reverence and our respect. This means that it is entirely up to you to avoid unholy situations and places. Surely you would not take your mom or dad into some places, and around certain party scenarios, so imagine how much more you should not take God’s Holy Spirit there. Now for those who have been there, done that, and wondering how on earth would you reconcile with, or return to God. Notice that the Scripture reminds us that our God is a compassionate God. May I suggest that you reconnect with God, ask for forgiveness of your sin, and ask for a new direction for you to follow. In His compassion, I am convinced that He will accept you back and redirect your life to one filled with righteousness. One that will once again represent Him in a meaningful way. Don’t throw your hands up and give up on the possibility of reuniting with God, for I believe that He never gives up on us. His love is deeper than anything we could humanly understand.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for saving my soul, thank You Lord for making me whole, thank You Lord for giving to me, thy great salvation, so rich and free. So Lord, it is with that very gift that I come to You asking for forgiveness of sin, for Lord, my Brothers and Sisters together with myself have often strayed and fallen short of a consistent, righteous and holy relationship with You. Thank You for the reminder today about Your compassion. We want to be consistently like You oh Lord, so we need Your strength and guidance more today than yesterday. Please, especially speak truth into our young people as they leave home to begin the journey of college-life, all by themselves. Guide them to make good decisions, and to always be loyal to the One who loves them more than anyone, or anything else in this whole wide world. Please bless them with success in their studies, and may they have every opportunity and success in sharing Your goodness with another college kid that stands in need of a Savior. AMEN!

Eyes Fixed On Jesus – Our Saving Grace

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Creator, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-07-04

Bible Reference: Psalm 42:5
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair?
Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for living before his face is my saving grace!

OBSERVATION: I wonder what Jesus would say in response to our whining and complaining. Would we feel guilty of complaining to the Creator about things He created? Would fixing our eyes on the very Son of God be enough for us to forget about the trivial things that bother us and cause us to become disheartened? Let us stop to ponder….

APPLICATION: My mom was one who would prepare a meal each evening for her family, as we were growing up. As we moved out of our home, she continued this tradition for she and my dad, for he was still working on His farm. At one point in the years that ensued, my dad would sit to the table and find fault with the meals that my mom labored over in the heat of her kitchen. My mom could take it no longer, so she stopped preparing meals! It didn’t take very long for my dad to realize that a precious gift had dried up! So how much does it sadden the heart of our God, when we start our complaining about how we look, or how fat we are, or slow to learn, or our hair is not the right color or texture? How dare us complain to our Creator about the things that He created? What if we started praising God for the very things that we have always become disheartened, disillusioned, or depressed about? Do you suppose that if we did that, God might start pulling back on our blessings? Or would He convince us of how special we are, just the way He made us? Do you suppose that our minds would be calmed when we’re in the presence of friends and family, because we know that God approves of what He has made? Being calm, will help us become satisfied, less stressed, and less apt to complain or worry about things over which we have no control. I believe that the Psalmist is saying right at the end of our verse, that he is content in knowing that God loves him just the way he is, and in the contentment brought on by that assurance, he has an amazing peace with his life and the circumstances in which he finds himself. We are no different than the Psalmist dear friends, but I believe that God has given us the Scriptures so that we might learn from it, and therefore grow from it, into a right relationship with God, and with one another. We need that peace, and it is only through the grace of God that we can find that peace. Let us therefore ask God for His continued blessings.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, Creator of heaven, earth, and all living things, thank You for loving us. For in love, You blessed us with good health, family, and friends. You have directed our lives to be exactly what we are today, and there is really no room for us to do anything but to praise and thank You. Please forgive us when we do otherwise. We are a needy people, but as reminded in today’s Scripture verse, God’s grace is sufficient! May we praise You all the days of our life for Your gracious hand upon our lives, and may others praise You for having been touched by Your servant. To God be the glory for the things You have done! AMEN!