An Example For Those Who Follow

On 2021-01-312021-01-30 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Follow Christ, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2021-01-31
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Genesis 26:23-25
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ²³When he (Isaac) went to Beer-sheba, ²⁴Jehovah appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of Abraham your father,” he said. “Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you, and will give you so many descendants that they will become a great nation—because of my promise to Abraham, who obeyed me.” ²⁵Then Isaac built an altar and worshiped Jehovah;….

OBSERVATION: It’s not Father’s Day, but yet a good time to remind our fathers that others are following in their footsteps. Perhaps a son, daughter, or even an employee under your supervision – they will do what you do and in the same manner that you do it. They will listen to you and respond like you would to life’s circumstances. Are you proud of what they might do or say? Let’s look at the example of Isaac and his father, Abraham, today as we meditate on our Scripture verses.

APPLICATION: I have a young relative who, I thought was not paying attention to what I was saying to the adults in the room, when I challenged the men to lead the way in taking their families to church. A few weeks later, there was a discussion in the car between this relative’s parents about whether they would attend church the next day. My nephew spoke up from the back and reminded them of what his uncle had said to them!! He was listening to what his uncle said!! I have a few other examples, and you probably have as well, so I believe we know that others are listening and watching what we say and do. But why do we sometimes still say and do things that we immediately wish that our younger audiences would ignore? Perhaps the same things that we wish God would also ignore! I was first shocked to be reminded in verse 7 that Isaac did the exact thing as his father by introducing his wife as his sister, so that the same king, Abimelech and his men would not kill him, in envy over his beautiful wife. His dad did it, so why should he not follow in his dad’s footsteps? But with that being a negative trait, I want to draw your attention to verse 24 above. Because of the obedience and faithfulness of the father (Abraham), God promised to bless the son (Isaac) with enough dependents to form a great nation! It’s unfortunate that we often feel like we are doing our very best to please our God, and hoping to influence our children, but feeling like no one ever notices our good deeds or our faithfulness. I believe that this is a day that we could be reassured that God sees and knows all things. Yes, the good and the bad. But what we do for Him will last for all eternity. Others look on us and follow our example. It is unfortunate that this sometimes include the things that we wish we had never said or done, but they tend to pick that up also. But friends, I can assure you that if we seek God’s face and His righteousness, and we obey His commands by meditating on His Word and doing what it says, then we can’t go wrong in feeding good to those who follow in our footsteps. It’s not too late dear friend. The good you do for Jesus Christ for the rest of your life, could very easily outweigh the unfortunate bad things that you did up to this point In your life. Seek God while you still have breath in your body, draw close to Him, and follow in all that He teaches you for the rest of your life. He could wind up blessing your ancestors because of your faithfulness! There is nothing I wouldn’t do in order to leave a good influence on my daughter, son-in-law, and others who watch me, how about you precious friend?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, it was said in the New Testament that anything we do of our own accord is like ‘dirty rags’ in the Kingdom, but those things done under the influence of the Holy Spirit for the sake of the Kingdom, will last forever. It was also said that God even uses the ‘foolishness of preaching’ to win some. Praise God, I believe that anything we do for You, and under Your leadership, will not only leave a good influence for those that follow in our footsteps, but I believe You will honor Your obedient children, just as You honored Abraham. Oh that others may see Jesus in all that we say and do, and may they be drawn closer to the cross where they will come face-to-face with our risen Lord. 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!

A Song of Reflection

On 2021-01-302021-01-29 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-01-30
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Psalm 9:1-2
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹Lord, I will worship you with extended hands
as my whole heart explodes with praise!
I will tell everyone everywhere about your wonderful works
and how your marvelous miracles exceed expectations!
²I will jump for joy and shout in triumph
as I sing your song and make music for the Most High God.

OBSERVATION: I’m thrilled that you didn’t pass over this devotional, thinking that you cannot sing, nor write a song. For you see, I want us to reflect on the goodness of our God today, like you’ve probably not done in a while. After reading this, it might be best to go for a short walk, or find a shade tree to sit outside, with no other agenda on your mind, but to communicate with the Master of this universe.

APPLICATION: Why would someone see the need for praising the Lord? I know, that sounds like a dumb question, but I believe that you can easily think of 10 people who never take time to count their blessings and sing praise to the Lord? Since this is a time for us to personally reflect on our blessings, let’s start by ashamedly looking deep inside and acknowledging how often we enter a new day, walk through a full day, and retire at the end of the day, all without acknowledging the God who gave us life, strength, health and the will to maneuver a day successfully? Why is that? Perhaps we just take for granted that another day is provided for us to enjoy, and that we will be able to arise, walk, talk and move about. But for the innocent who wish they could achieve the heart of David, let me suggest a few things that may help:
~ Physical – Acknowledge that it’s God who created you, and everything that you could possibly encounter today. Yes, He created you; He created the sun that should rise to begin your day and to provide nutrients to yourself and the plants; He created other human beings that you may encounter and who may cheer you up, or provide opportunities for you to be a blessing to; He provides plant and animal life that will provide food for your nutritional purposes; etc, etc. There’s a lot to praise God for, dear friends!
~ Spiritual – When you recognized the existence of God, I believe you will want to know about Him, and know more about what He might desire for you. In addition to His Holy Spirit that God left to indwell the believer, He also gave us His Holy Word – the Bible. In general, if we want to know more about a subject matter, we will do research and we will read up on everything about that matter. It is no different with God. Make it a part of your daily routine to read His Word and It will fill your heart and soul with more about God and also more about what He wants of you, so that you may be more like Him. In fact, He has a work for each of us to do – share the wondrous love and work of God with everyone that we come into contact with. To do this, we must know and experience Him personally.
Friends, when we are so filled with Jesus Christ, His love will exude from us in every walk of life. Additionally, we will explode unless we take time to release our praises to our King. Like David, I pray that we will find time alone with God and share our innermost and heartfelt love for Him. As appreciation for all who Jesus is, we will want to return our thanks and deepest appreciation to Him as often as we could. It won’t be the words of David, but God will recognize the deepest expression of our heart as we worship Him and sing our own love songs of praise to Him.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your blessings on me. As I lay down You relax my mind and ease any pain so that I may rest comfortably in the bed You provided, and I thank You and praise You with all that I am dear Lord! You give me strength to arise each morning and greet the beauty of the day You provided, and I thank You and praise You with all that I am dear Lord! You bless me with companionship and with friends who remind me of the Great I Am, and I am eternally thankful dear Lord! To open Your precious Word and be reminded of the sacrifice You made at Calvary for even me, is way more than I could imagine or clearly understand, but I thank You Lord for Your unconditional love for me. I praise You Lord for who You are, and especially for how perfect You are to me in every way. May my grateful heart sing Your praises each and every day, so that others may believe and look to You as their Lord and Savior. I pray that my readers will also take on this challenge, for the world needs to see more of Jesus here on this earth, so that they might seek Him while there is time. AMEN!

The Master’s Touch

On 2021-01-282021-01-27 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Healing, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2021-01-28
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 9:18-22
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: ^18-19….. a local official appeared, bowed politely, and said, “My daughter has just now died. If you come and touch her, she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, his disciples following along.
^20-22Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” …..

OBSERVATION: Most people will quickly turn to the medicine cabinet for over-the-counter drugs that might give relief for most common physical issues that arise. But what do we do when our problem is recurring or more advanced than a common cold or a sore muscle? In Jesus’ day, there were no doctors with quick cures, so from our two examples in today’s Scripture, we could see that people sometimes sought the help of their Designer and Manufacturer – Almighty God. Have you gained confidence in knowing that a ‘Touch from God’ is all you need?

APPLICATION: There are two important pieces to each of the encounters with Jesus in our Scripture today: Faith, and Healing. Notice the ‘If’ statements to see faith in action. ‘If You come and touch her’ – in other words, I believe the official was saying to Jesus from a heart filled with faith: If you come and touch her, I know she will come back to life again. Friends, that is huge. Mend a broken heart, or heal a broken arm, or cause her to see again, those are all things that Jesus had done already, but to bring the dead back to life again? That’s a whole new dimension of faith. In the second example: ‘If I could just put a finger on His robe’ – it was like the lady was convinced that she would be healed, if only she could get close enough to touch any part of this powerful God-man. In both of these cases, Jesus saw that there was great faith being exemplified. He turned to the lady who had touched his garment and assured her that because of her faith she was healed. Just a touch from the Master! At the home of the official Jesus simply helped the young girl up. Just a touch from the Master! Of course we could rejoice beyond measure about these miracles, but what about the circumstances that you and I face? We serve the same Master, and I believe He has the same power today as always. But how is our faith? Many don’t find the time or have the desire to attend church, so will they really walk along the road to find the Master So that He may meet their urgent needs? Do any of us have the faith to boldly approach Jesus and ask for healing for ourselves or our family? Not only faith to ask, but faith to believe that it’s worth asking, because we know Jesus has the power to heal, and we are ready (in faith) to acknowledge His healing? Friends, I am convinced that if we truly believe in Jesus, and we acknowledge that His healing power demonstrated in the Bible, then I can only believe that we should have faith to know that He can do it again, even for us. We have many diseases where a cure is either non-existent or not available to man, but is there anything too big for our God? He is greater than all our problems and diseases, let’s just seek refuge in Him and seek His healing touch as and when needed. Peter had faith, and he walked on water. Moses had faith, and the sea parted before him. Show God your faith dear friends and watch Him perform miracles right before your eyes.

PRAYER: Thank you for your awesome touch on my life dear God. From a life of sin and rejection, You touched me and made me whole – righteous in the sight of a holy God. My readers and I stand before You again today, knowing that we have family and friends dying from such awful diseases as cancer and COVID. We are reminded in today’s Scripture that You healed the lady with an issue of blood, just through her simple touch of your garment. Plus we were reminded that even death itself has no hold over Your awesome power, as You simply touched the young dead child, and helped her up again. What a blessing to be reminded of the super powers of our Almighty God, and to know that we are a vital part of Your family. We believe dear God, please help us in any unbelief that may exist. We have faith dear God, please help us in any doubts we may have. May others see and believe. Because of the faith they see in action in our lives. AMEN!

Show Mercy

On 2021-01-272021-01-26 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Mercy, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2021-01-27
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 9:11-13
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹¹When those known as the Pharisees saw what was happening, they were indignant, and they kept asking Jesus’ disciples, “Why would your Master dine with such lowlifes?”
¹²When Jesus overheard this, he spoke up and said, “Healthy people don’t need to see a doctor, but the sick^[f] will go for treatment.”¹³Then he added, “Now you should go and study the meaning of the verse: I want you to show mercy, not just offer me a sacrifice.^[g] For I have come to invite the outcasts of society and sinners, not those who think they are already on the right path.”^[h]

OBSERVATION: I find it intriguing how we often find in our lives today, very similar challenges to that of Jesus’ day. Perhaps, today as we meditate on this Scripture, we could evaluate whether that might be because of us being human, just like Jesus was dealing with in His earthly days, or whether we have just hardened our hearts to not do what Jesus taught us to do. What if we were ‘tested’ by God today, would we pass the test?

APPLICATION: I believe that the whole idea of a daily devotional is that we keep hoping that as we try to focus our minds on Jesus Christ, we will continue our learning about what He desires of us, and perhaps our hearts might be stirred to doing the perfect will of the Father. Unfortunately, we are very quick to point fingers at what seems wrong to us. Imagine seeing your pastor, or a church leader having lunch with a known criminal, or one from a profession known for its criminal or worldly actions? How would you respond? Perhaps like you never saw him? Perhaps call someone from your church and share your concern (or gossip) with them so that together you could approach the pastor about his actions? But wait, what sin? I believe that we tend to feel a sense of achievement when we could report another Christian for something that appears wrong to us – even if we don’t know all the intricate details of the visit? That’s a similar story to what the Pharisees found with Jesus. He was dining and chatting with questionable people from society, instead of church goers or church leaders. Surely that’s not what a holy and righteous prophet or godly leader would do in all good conscience. Surely He wasn’t meeting with them in hopes of converting them, right? But let’s carefully study what Jesus responded to this accusation. First, let’s assume that God would not go to the extreme of sacrificing His Son, if there was not good reason. If everyone was already saved and looking forward to heaven, they would not need help. But our all-knowing God was well aware that there were many on earth who needed help to turn away from sin and instead live with their minds fixed on God and His home in heaven. So to achieve His purpose, who do you suppose Jesus concentrated on helping and directing? You got it, those who needed it – they needed a Savior. So in applying this Scripture to our lives, who should we be hanging around? Who should we be ministering to? Who should we be specifically showing mercy to? Friends, Jesus emphasized that He wants us to be much more devoted to showing mercy to those who need it, instead of settling for our gifts to send help, or our prayers for others to give help on our behalf. If each of us show mercy that might help at least one person per day, I believe they will see God, and they may even decide that they need Him as Lord of their life. Imagine the math on how many will see mercy extended to them? They will know that God is still alive and indeed loves them like a true Father would. I hope that you are willing to do your part for the Kingdom today, God being your helper.

PRAYER: Thank You Father for showing mercy on me, by forgiving me of my sin and assuring me of my home in Heaven! There is no greater love, and there is no greater gift that any person could ask for. Please help my readers and I to extend mercy to all those that we come into contact with, so that others will be reminded of our Savior and have a greater desire to surrender lordship to Him. May Your mercy towards us, become incentive for us to share mercy with others around us. AMEN!

The Unseen Hand

On 2021-01-26 By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

What an awesome beginning Elisha! May God continue to touch you as you study His Word and share Its truth with others!

Putting Life Together

Life is full of things that we don’t understand. We don’t understand why we couldn’t get that new job. We don’t understand why we got into that car accident. We don’t understand why a loved one gets sick and/or passes away. It seems like things are against us sometimes. For some people, it may even seem like everything is against them all of the time!

Why is that? Are you a failure? Did you do something wrong? Does God hate you? These can be some pretty scary thoughts that might go through your head if you’re anything like me. However, the truth is that your still inside God’s plan. Maybe He might be trying to get your attention. Maybe you haven’t submitted to Him yet. Maybe it’s time to dust off your Bible and revisit the word.

“But what if I am doing all of that,” I can hear you…

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God Will Provide

On 2021-01-262021-01-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, God our Provider, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2021-01-26
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Genesis 22:7-8; 14
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: ^7-8Isaac said, “Father, we have the coals and the wood, but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?”
“My son,” Abraham answered, “God will provide the lamb.”
The two of them walked on…
¹⁴Abraham named that place “The Lord Will Provide.” And even now people say, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”^[a]

OBSERVATION: Abraham had his faith tested in many ways, but at the very beginning of chapter 22, we are told that God put Abraham to the ultimate test. As we meditate on the Word of God today, let us place ourselves into the shoes of Abraham And his son, Isaac. What if God wanted to prove how faithful we are to His promises and His powerful hand? How would we respond to our orders to sacrifice our only child? Are we convinced, without a shadow of doubt, that God will provide?

APPLICATION: In the days of Abraham, it was commonplace to sacrifice animals at the altar of God. Abraham was used to that, and so was Isaac already aware of the requirements and practice of sacrifice. But, neither of these men were accustomed to human sacrifice, and I am amazed at how little God was questioned by either of these men for such a command from God. I want you to think with me about a time in your life where you felt like God may have tested you. Granted, it probably won’t be to the extent of what He asked Abraham to do, but none-the-less you felt like it was a test of your faith and you were committing to honor God without knowing how you would possibly accomplish such a feat. Pretty tough just thinking about the impact of such an event in your life, right? Well, let’s try and place ourselves in Isaac’s shoes. Dad calls him to go to the altar of God, and as always, you quickly prepare to make that journey without question. But something seems strange about this particular journey. You help to carry the wood to burn, and you notice that your dad is carrying the hot coals to start the fire, but you keep looking around wondering where your dad will collect the animal from for the sacrifice. Friends, there is no mention of Abraham questioning God, and no mention of an objection of any kind, but instead he walked towards the altar, set up the fire and was ready for the sacrifice ordered by God. However, in verse 8, notice that Abraham told his son not to worry, for God would provide the sacrifice. Isn’t it awesome when we know our God so intimately that we know deep in our heart that God would not take us anywhere that He would not see us through? Abraham knew that He served a God of love who would love him and care for his needs through every circumstance of life, including the frightening thought of sacrificing his only child. Then we might also consider the faith of Isaac. He was told get up on the altar, and I believe that he did this with grumbling or whining about why it had to be him. I believe that most young men may have fired a blow or two at their dad, being convinced that he must have lost his sense of reasoning. But instead, Isaac went along with God’s plan just like a lamb being prepped for slaughter. I believe that Abraham convinced Isaac that they served a great big God who promised never to leave them nor forsake them, and if He ordered a sacrifice so precious, He must have a bigger plan ahead that any of them could have imagined. I know that most of you reading this devotional will say confidently that you know that God is holy, and that He has all power to see you through every circumstance of life, but I wonder where the line is drawn. Are you willing to do anything that God asks of you? Perhaps if we did a better job of obeying God’s commands while here on earth, we might be better equipped to respond in great faith if given the ultimate test by Almighty God. Let’s learn to trust in God with all of our might, with every fiber of our being, knowing that He cares for us, and that if He takes us to it, He will see us thru it.

PRAYER: I’m afraid that You could easily say to many of Your children today, just like You said to Your disciples ‘oh ye of little faith’, for we say we believe, but often our faith is very thin, and perhaps almost nonexistent at times. Please humble us to look full into Your wonderful face and be reminded of who You are. You created everything around us, so why can’t we believe that You can direct us through difficult waters, and still be there to help us cross over Jordan in perfect wholeness. I’m afraid that we look too much at our own weakness and insecurities, and just can’t imagine a God who is so much more. We need You precious Lord. Please bless us richly so that we may be a blessing to others. We know that you will provide. Please help us in our unbelief. AMEN!

Peace In The Storms of Life

On 2021-01-252021-01-24 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2021-01-25
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 8:23-26
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ²³They all got into a boat and began to cross over to the other side of the lake. And Jesus, exhausted, fell asleep. ²⁴Suddenly a violent storm^[q] developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly. ²⁵The disciples woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We’re going to die!”^[r]
²⁶But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear?^[s] Where is your faith?” Then he stood up and rebuked^[t] the storm and said, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm.^[u]

OBSERVATION: Over recent months you may have faced situations where you were ready to throw your hands up and give in because of the challenges, losses, disappointments and hard times. But something, or rather someone, brought you through. Could it have been Jesus, who was awaiting your cry for help, like He did with the disciples in the boat? As you reflect on this Scripture with me, let’s be reminded that He still cares for us today, and tomorrow.

APPLICATION: Friends, we serve as faithful and loving God! When He knows that we have been pushed to a stage where we need our Father, our Savior, our Protector, our Deliverer, He will stick with us closer than a brother. He is waiting to show forth His awesome power, He can’t wait to show how much He loves us and that He would move mountains to show forth His love for His kids. Perhaps worry and doubt sometimes burden us, but in a recent sermon the pastor encouraged us in saying that ‘Faith is acting like God is telling the truth’. Think about it, we know that we serve a God who can do all things – There is Nothing that He can’t Do’. Listen carefully to the words of this popular Christian song, and be reminded of this (I included a link in the words underlined). We may have reached the end of our rope, just as the men in the boat thought that all hope was lost in their survival when the the bad storm developed. As a last resort the disciples awoke Jesus. I’m not sure why we leave these things until all hope is lost, before we call on Jesus. I’m sure He would love to see us do this as our very first option. Dear friends, if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you and I have the greatest power available to us in our storms of life. He will never fail us, and He will quickly give us peace about the storm, and possibly even resolution for the storm that is causing us grief. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross and know that you can have peace that will satisfy your troubled heart. In spite of all that has already taken place, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring. But let me remind you that the same God who calmed the rough waters of that lake for His disciples in today’s Scripture, He is still God and He is still all-powerful. Place you’re hand in His, knowing that He cares for you, and knowing that He will still care for His own.

PRAYER: To the God who created the seas, we are once again reminded that You still have the power to direct the actions of the waves and calm the oceans and lakes. Thank You Father that You care so much about us. I can hardly imagine the peace that must have swept over Your disciples when they realized that they had You so near, and that You had power of the very seas that threatened their lives. But Lord, we walk similar paths in that we have challenges facing us every day over which You have full control, and You are very much available to us as You were for the disciples. Please help us to seek Your face, worship You as Lord, be reminded of our awesome God, and then call on You for every aspect of life. Many things are beyond our reach and out of our control, but we serve a God who can do ALL things. There is nothing better than You, nothing more powerful than You, so help us to seek God first in all things, for He cares for us. AMEN!

Willing To Follow Jesus?

On 2021-01-232021-01-22 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Excuses, Follow Jesus, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2021-01-23
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 8:18-22
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁸When Jesus noticed how large the crowd was growing, he instructed his disciples to get ready to cross to the other side of the lake.
¹⁹Just then^[f] one of the Jewish religious teachers* said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you no matter where you go!”
²⁰But Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but I, the Messiah,^[g] have no home of my own—no place to lay my head.”
²¹Another of his disciples said, “Sir, when my father is dead, then I will follow you.”^[h]
²²But Jesus told him, “Follow me now!^[i] Let those who are spiritually dead* care for their own dead.”

OBSERVATION: When my wife joined me in marriage, I don’t believe she had a clue what she signed up for. The company I worked for had plans for me in several Bahamian islands, so I was the cause of us being uprooted several times for at least a 2-year stint on another island. When you were invited to accept Jesus as Lord, was it clear what you were signing up for? Have you been willing to go where He called you to go, and/or do what He ordered you to do? As we reflect on God’s Word today, instead of beating up on those who found excuses, think about what your excuses might be if God called you to move for the purpose of His ministry today!

APPLICATION: In my job mentioned above, I was promoted with each move and my wife and I made many new friends at each location. We also found that God had work for us to do at each assignment. I absolutely cannot imagine the extent of our loss if we had found excuses not to accept one of my assignments. Today, we watch new ministers of the Gospel come to our churches or our towns and I believe that Satan impresses upon us that its all for the money, or being from Florida, we may think that it’s an opportunity for the messenger of God to relocate to a warmer climate! But let me share a challenge that I feel God led me to about 6 years ago. I felt impressed to go on a missions trip with my church to help the people in charge of an orphanage and a few other related ministries in Mexico. For me, it was a lot to consider, the least of which was probably raising the funds to enable me to take the trip. There were many times that Satan tempted me with excuses to not make the trip, but thank God, there were many times that God impressed upon me the importance of going. So many times I’ve heard people say, or even pray, that they are thankful for missions because of the money they send all over the world in support of various mission efforts. Friends, I’m here to tell you that there is no amount of money that you could give, nor any amount of encouragement you might offer to a missionary, that would come close to matching the blessings you receive when you actually make a move and go, in faith, on mission for our Lord. Notice that Jesus told the Teacher of the Law that if he was to really follow Him, he may very well not have a roof over his head at night. You see, Jesus was not an itinerant evangelist/pastor because He stayed in one home for a few years until called to a different church. He literally had no where on earth to call ‘home’. His ministry was way more important than the idea of having a nice home. In another case, a disciple wanted to hang around to bury his family and couldn’t go anywhere at that time. On one of my transfers mentioned above, I almost had a guilty moment like this, because my dad couldn’t believe I would leave he and my mom and move hundreds of miles away while they were aging and needed their kids close to them. Because I believe that God had such a powerful hand in my move, I was able to get medical help for my dad who was diagnosed with heart disease within months of my move. God knew what He was doing, and I praise God that I stayed focused on Him. I believe that Jesus essentially told the disciple who felt like he needed to stay put, that there was nothing more important than following the Master. Perhaps you are pondering decisions that will take you out of your comfort zone, or away from relatives, and you may have questions about what God’s will might be for you in this important decision. Let me encourage you to read today’s Scripture carefully, and not find yourself like either the teacher who made a hasty commitment to follow Jesus, or like the disciple, who quickly found excuses why He couldn’t follow Jesus. I believe that Jesus has a unique plan for each of us, and it is critically important that we seek God’s direction for our lives so that we could be right where God wants us, and right where He wants to use us for His glory. If you have not yet accepted Jesus as Lord, then much of this discussion today will make a lot of sense to you. Please read my FOOTNOTE, and especially the content behind the link ‘To Know Jesus’, and allow the Bible to help you meet, accept, and know Jesus personally.

PRAYER: Lord, there’s a song that reminds us that we are not traveling an easy road here on this earth, but more important than anything else, we want to affirm that we are walking a road that is directed by You for Your ministry and to demonstrate Your love to a lost and dying world. The world would have us dream of success by the size house we have, or the new vehicle we recently financed, but Lord, if we are not following Your will and Your direction for our life, we are hopelessly misguided. Please touch Your children once again today. May we be reminded of the extent of Your sacrifice for our salvation, and know that nothing else matters here on earth if its not directed by You. May we grow closer to You, if only for the benefit of others who need our Savior. AMEN!

When Do You Seek Out The Master?

On 2021-01-222021-01-21 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Healing, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Seek God's Face, Seeking God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2021-01-22
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 8:2-4
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ²Suddenly, a leper walked up to Jesus and threw himself down before him in worship^[b] and said, “Lord, you have the power to heal me . . . if you really want to.”
³Jesus reached out his hand and touched the leper and said, “Of course I want to heal you—be healed!” And instantly, all signs of leprosy^[c] disappeared! ⁴Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t speak to anyone, but go at once and find a priest and show him what has happened to you. Make sure to take the offering Moses commanded so they can certify your healing.”^[d]

OBSERVATION: As I read the Word of God today, I was reminded that our Covid patients over the past year went to doctors, knowing that there was no known cure for COVID. They were admitted to hospital with lots of positive vibes, hoping that they would keep them comfortable while they experimented with various drugs. But the leper in our story had neither of these at his disposal, so he went straight to the source of life itself, knowing that He was the only healer of all bodily diseases.

APPLICATION: Many times we try to avoid the expense of specialty doctors or expensive hospitals, so we try to find the nearest and cheapest clinic that may offer us some relief from our ailments. Two things I would share on this: 1). A major insurer told us the larger the building, the more expense we could expect! 2). When I refer to ‘urgent’ matters that need attention. Some will say that it’s considered ‘Urgent’ or ‘Major’ if something is wrong with me, but ‘Minor‘ or unimportant if you have a problem! However, notice how this leper went straight to the Creator of our bodies. Notice how it’s always best to go straight to the manufacturer of a product to be sure that you get the recommended best parts and or repairs? Most people probably wanted nothing to do with the leper, because they wanted to try and keep themselves protected by that awful disease. That’s the same with COVID, no one on earth knew how it originated, nor how to cure it or prevent it. Medical experts will treat COVID patients like they have a plague, because they want to remain protected from it. But I wonder how many patients prayed to their Creator for healing, and restoration of their bodies? Notice also the faith of the leper. He stood in the path of Jesus and told Him that he knew that He could heal Him, if He wanted to. I believe that Jesus responded to the leper just like He would still respond to us today: Of course I want to heal you! Friends, our Lord loves us, not only because He created us, but remember, He also gave up His very own Son so that we could be healed from something much worse than leprosy – the sin that has rubbed off on all of us from those that we live around and associate with. I believe that God said to the leper, and to those of us that ask: look, I am willing to do anything to get your attention, and make you whole again – like I am. If He went to that extreme, would He not also want to see us well and being used for His glory here on earth? I believe we would be astonished to stop and consider what are some of the triggers that drive us towards the Master. I trust that we will not wait until we develop an incurable disease, for each day we arise from our beds, we are entering a sinful world – one that bears all the cancers, COVID, leprosy, etc. that could easily cause our transition from this old earth. Of course, there are crimes and accidents that could easily take us out much quicker than any disease we may contract. So it is critically important that we have a right relationship with our Maker – one that will enable our transition to heaven, should our time here on earth come to an unexpected conclusion. Friends, please be reminded that the leper found his way to Jesus while he still had the breath and strength to do so. Please do the same today. Don’t wait for a critical disease, or a tragic accident, for you may not have the strength or stamina to seek Jesus at that time. Know Him today, and be ready for whatever may come your way.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for being there for the leper, just as I am confident that You are there for us today. Please humble the hearts of Your children Lord, so that we may seek Your face while we have the strength and will to do so while in good health. You were not afraid to be in the presence of the leper, nor to touch him. I believe you looked at the leper with admiration, since he was your creation, and I don’t believe that You were the least bit scornful of him, nor afraid of catching what He had. The world may go to extremes to protect themselves from us when we are carriers of a disease, but I praise You Father for taking our hand, healing our bodies, and welcoming us into Your kingdom, no matter what maladies we may have. We are Your precious children, and You are our awesome, all-powerful God that we long to be with one day! AMEN!

The Will Of The Father

On 2021-01-212021-01-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Determined, God's Will, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2021-01-21
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 7:21-23
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ²¹Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Simply calling Me “Lord” will not be enough. Only those who do the will of My Father who is in heaven will join Me in heaven. ²²At the end of time, on that day of judgment, many will say to Me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name? Did we not drive demons out of the possessed in Your name? Did we not perform miracles in Your name?” ²³But I will say to them, “I never knew you. And now, you must get away from Me, you evildoers!”

OBSERVATION: I was born into my natural family, lived with them for 17 years, learned their ways and followed their rules. I believe that I could legitimately say that I am an Algreen, even after living on my own for almost 50 years. Lets’s stop to think about our sonship in the Kingdom of God today as we study this passage. Was our decision just a passing fancy, or have we truly listened to, and obeyed, the will of our Father in Heaven.

APPLICATION: I remember pulling into a gas station on a neighboring Bahamian island to where I was brought up. A young man came out and confidently said that I must be Cloide’s (my dad) son. I believe the resemblance in looks and demeanor reminded him of my dad. What if I would have entered the same station ablaze with cursing and loud music? That would not have related to my earthly father at all, and it may have been extremely confusing for the young worker, knowing who my dad was but seeing me act totally different to him. Do you suppose that this is similar in description to what Jesus taught in our Scripture today? Could it be that Jesus is teaching us to not only say that we are His, but to also show it through our dedication to Him, by following through in obeying His commands, and to seek His will daily so that we may strive to do what He wills for our lives. Friends, I believe that in verses 24 and following, Jesus went on to affirm that when we seek His face, and when we strive to learn and follow His will, THEN we will truly stand on a solid foundation – on solid rock, and He will know that we are His. Conversely, Jesus went on to illustrate that when we merely say we are His but show no signs of that, we are walking on shaky, or sandy ground, and we will ultimately fail and fall. We can’t fool God dear friends. Our Pastor may think we are good, and our family may vouch for our Christian heritage, but unless God is convinced that even beyond our earthly accountability, we are still strong in our faith and determined to follow His will, then we are merely spinning our wheel, but going nowhere at all, like a hamster. Let me suggest that you reflect on your life as a Christian, and write a bio that you might hand to Saint Peter as your credentials for getting into heaven. See if you are convinced, and honestly evaluate whether you feel like you have lived up to the will of God in such a way that God will know whose you are. Please don’t get distracted by retorting that you are not answerable to Saint Peter, as this is merely an exercise for you to evaluate your own life. Perhaps there is room for God to work in your life afresh so that you may not only say the right thing, but actually do the will of our Master and Lord.

PRAYER: You know every little detail about our lives dear Lord. We may brag to the world that we are a Christian, but precious Lord, I believe that it is way more important for You to know that we are seriously doing the will of our Father. Please open our eyes and allow us to see our shortcomings, so that we may be diligent about fulfilling the most important part of our relationship with You. Oh that we would study Your Word daily in search of all aspects of Your will, so that our walk might be carved in love for You and our fellow man, our praises be lifted up to You regularly and that our lifestyle will imitate You in every aspect. This is in hopes that others will be drawn to You through our relationship with them, and not turned off by any hypocrisy that exists in our walk with You. AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Month: January 2021