Author: Ed Algreen

One of God's kids expressing his understanding of God's Word and sharing how it is affecting his life! May those who read it be blessed, encouraged, and drawn closer to the Lord!

Reflecting on the Past Gives Confidence for the Future

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Christian, Encourage, God Cares For Us, God our Helper, God our Provider, Our Help comes from God, Thank You JesusLeave a comment

The Bible – The Good news Translation

Psalm 77:11–12

11              I will remember your great deeds, Lord;

I will recall the wonders you did in the past.

12              I will think about all that you have done;

I will meditate on all your mighty acts.

Thoughts:

Although faith is a powerful thing, we have a lot to increase our confidence and our faith, especially when we reflect on the past. Example in point, is the hard physical work I’ve seen from my dad that helps me to stay focused, and press on, especially when I attempt physical tasks myself. I know that the hard work only made him a tough, persistent, determined man who cared for his family, so instead of me looking at the trends of today, I gain my strength from looking at my dad’s past accomplishments that stemmed from his hard work. So it is in our Christian walk. We have the option of listening to the critics that we must base our faith on the things that can be seen, but reflecting on the mighty hand of God in so many Biblical stories, gives us the faith and confidence to know that He can do it again! What’s even more exciting is that God doesn’t have to do it the same way again! He once parted the waters for His people to safely cross over and avoid massacre by the army behind them – don’t you think that He could also free us from our oppressors in even more exciting ways today if He thought there was a need to? He raised Lazarus from the dead, don’t you know that He could also speak the dreaded decease of cancer out of a child of His, if only we plead with Him for healing? Furthermore, God has promised to watch over us, care for us and love us through to the end. Whom then shall we fear? Why then should we worry ourselves sick when we face challenges beyond our human control? Friends, remember that we have a Savior who is very capable of blessing His children, and just as capable of seeing us through our challenges, that otherwise seem hopeless to us. However, let me be quick to remind you friend that our God is a God of relationship, not a ‘Jeanine-in-a-bottle’. He hears the prayers of those who know Him, not those who just need a temporary relief in a situation. Asking a stranger for a favor is just about hopeless, but calling on family (real family that live as, and love like, family) in our time of need, is two totally opposites in our expectations. To build that relationship you must have invited Him into your life, have you done that friend? Please use the contact information below to allow me to pray with you about this very important decision you need to make. God is the only One that can, and will, help you in and through life’s circumstances, so yes, this is a ‘needed‘ decision you should make!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the record You have left in Your Word to comfort us and reenergize us into making good, solid decisions. May Your kids who meditate on this devotional today be humbled about their need for a Savior, the Savior of this world, the One who loved them enough to die on a cruel cross so that they would have the means of entering heaven’s gates and one day sitting by Your side in Your kingdom. Thank You Father for loving us this much. Thanks for keeping Your record book (the Bible) alive so that we might see from Your past record how truly powerful and loving You are. This gives us confidence that You can do these things and more in our day, if they become necessary! What a might God we serve! Thank You Lord for Your blessings on me! Father, the evil of this world is way more than I can handle alone, so I commit myself to You again, with the confidence that You can see me through every circumstance! I ask all this in Your precious, powerful and loving name, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

God Alone Is Our Judge

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Our Help comes from God, Pleasing to God, StregthLeave a comment

The Bible – New Living Translation

Psalm 75:5-7

5 Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens

or speak with such arrogance.

6 For no one on earth—from east or west,

or even from the wilderness—

should raise a defiant fist.

7 It is God alone who judges;

he decides who will rise and who will fall.

Thoughts:

Isn’t it interesting who we tend to blame when things don’t go our way? Sometimes it’s the ‘Devil’ who made me do it; or perhaps my peers who pressured me into something; or even the same bad luck that my family has always been cursed with. David is reminding us that God alone is our Judge so we need not shake our heads from east to west in defiance, or find other things to blame His judgment on. Throughout the life of David we can see how God used His judgment to correct and redirect David so that one day He could boast on him as ‘a man after my own heart’. So how does this affect Christians today? Well, I would challenge you by saying that we are quick enough to give God the credit for the good things that happen in our lives, but we should be just as quick to stop and recognize that those challenging times actually bring positive correction from God; times that He is growing us in our faith? Another challenging thing for most of us to accept is that God decides who will rise and who will fall. We are often filled with so much envy for the success of others, until it is extremely difficult for us to actually praise God for someone else and then show our sincerity by supporting God’s choice for the job. As children of God, we must always be prepared to accept His Lordship, His Judgment, and of course His Love. How are you doing in each of these areas of acceptance? Is He truly Lord over each of these in Your life and you have matured enough to accept His will in ALL things? If so, praise Him daily for His perfect will; if not, approach the throne daily and plead for help from the Father for the fortitude to accept His blessings and His judgment – His will for your life.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me enough to die for me. Thank You for daily leadership in this life here on earth. Please forgive me for the times that I willingly accept Your blessings but yet refuse to accept Your judgment on, and correction in, my life. I admit that I am not perfect, and while I always appreciate and enjoy the blessings, I know that I desperately and continually need correction from You. Please help me to stay humble and freely accept Your good judgment and Your correction. Lord, I’m afraid that this is also something that my friends reading this devotional today might also need. Please touch the heart of every one who might meditate on this devotional today. May they find rest in You and peace in every decision you might make that impacts their life. Thank You for loving us enough to correct us! I love You too dear Lord, and I lift my voice in praise and honor to You this day! I am asking this in Your holy and most worthy name, dear Lord, AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

For The Sake of the Gospel

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Bold Confidence, Born Again, Celebrate God, Christian, Getting Along, Heaven, Imitator of Christ, Love your Neighbor, ObedienceLeave a comment

The Bible – The Message

Romans 15:15-16

So, my dear friends, don’t take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It’s not criticism. I’m simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me, this priestly and gospel work of serving the spiritual needs of the non-Jewish outsiders so they can be presented as an acceptable offering to God, made whole and holy by God’s Holy Spirit.

Thoughts:

Sometimes I believe that we read these passages in the Bible and we feel so sorry for the circumstances in which God’s messengers had to work, because we read where they were really challenged in many areas, especially the conflict between the Jews and the Gentiles (non-Jews). So let’s take a moment and rejoice over the many advancements that we have attained in our society and ministry today! Excuse me, but did I just give the impression that we have no issues like Paul faced? If I did, then I am totally wrong, because we are faced with issues that either hinder us from ministering to every man and woman, or we are faced with churches (people) that are opposed to having others of unmatched faith; or color or socioeconomic status, worship with them. Friends these types of prejudices hinder the spreading of the gospel as much as those Paul faced back in Romans 15. Just look around your workplaces, your circle of friends, your neighborhood, etc. We hear of folk that would go to vast extremes to hinder the possibility of folk like I referred to above from moving into their neighborhood, so should we expect to see any difference in our churches? Friends, there is only one God and there will be only one heaven, wouldn’t you reason that we should make every effort to try and work though some of these prejudices we’ve allowed Satan to entrench in our minds, while we are here on this earth so that we would be very comfortable in heaven among ALL of God’s people? Have you ever stopped to think that your reactions resulting from these various prejudices are actually hindering the gospel message? I would challenge you to think about how God might react to you obstructing the message of salvation when you come face to face with Him on Judgment Day. Based on scripture, I believe I have good authority in advising you that you might be surprised who might actually make it into heaven, for I believe there will be grave consequences for those who hinder one of God’s children from surrendering their heart to The Lord. Why not join me in asking God to look deep into our inner selves and expose any prejudice that might be found so that we may not obstruct those that we come into contact with that need to know The Lord, and also that we may be extremely welcoming to those that enter our church doors regardless of any differences that may be evident. People need The Lord friends, that’s the bottom line.

Prayer:

Thank You Lord Jesus for dying on Calvary’s rugged cross for sinners, yes even me. Although undeserving, yet You died for all, so that we may one day be with You in heaven for ever and ever. You placed no restriction on who might surrender their hearts to You, and my simple prayer this morning is that You might open our hearts, cleanse us of all unrighteousness – especially prejudices, so that we may be like You and accept all that may come into our lives, into our churches and into our realms of influence. Please continually remind us that Your judging will be based on our heart, and not any of the exterior things that we tend to look at and allow to interfere with our Godly influence. For I ask this in Your precious name, Lord Jesus, my deliverer, peacekeeper, and lover of all mankind AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

Strength is for service, not status

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Encourage, Follow Jesus, Helper, Holy Spirit, Humility, Imitator of Christ, Love, Love your Neighbor, Obedience, Pleasing to God, Service, Status, StregthLeave a comment

The Bible – The Message

Romans 15:1-6

1-2             Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

3–6           That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it.

Thoughts:

Our reaction to someone’s problems is that we normally feel very sorry for them, followed by: “we will pray for you”. Personally I am very guilty of forgetting that promise as soon as I am out of the person’s presence. Not intentionally, but often because I feel like this is my Christian responsibility to tell them that I will pray for them. But it is very unfortunate that I have taken this serious responsibility so very lightly, especially when my mentor, Jesus, cared for people so much that He didn’t worry about food for himself, but for the 5,000 that had followed Him. It gets even worse, because people will share their worry with us about them not having food to eat or money for the electric or clothing for their school kids, and so often we say how sorry we are to hear that, or perhaps that we will tell our pastor about their problem. Sometimes, that’s the most that some of us can do at the time, but often it is because we do our best to shrug the problem off and leave it for the leaders of our church to handle, since that’s what they are getting paid for! Friends, I believe that God places us in a situation that requires our help, not to simply pass the buck, but to follow through and do our part. It might be a growing experience for us! Let’s remember that we are a Christian not just for the status in our family, workplace and community, but we are to follow the example of our Lord and Savior and serve others as given the opportunity. Can you do more in this respect? I know I can, God being my helper!

Prayer:

Father, often we look at other ‘Christians’ and look down our proud noses and say how sorry we are for them and their circumstances. I am sorry for the times that I have fit into that mold dear Jesus, but I must say that I am not proud of that, and I want to dedicate my life to being a true example of You in every way. I know that this will sometime lead to certain things not pleasing to self, but it’s You I live for Jesus and You that I want to please and follow. Please help me to be Your hands and feet on the ground, so help me to characterize You in every way throughout my life. I believe that many of my Christian friends fit into the same mold as I do dear Lord, so I ask that you shower Your wisdom and Your power on their lives today as well, so that together, we may be Your church – your bride. Lord Jesus, I ask all this in Your name and for Your glory, Amen!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

May We Rule In Righteousness

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Bold Confidence, Follow Jesus, God our Helper, God our Provider, Helper, Motivate, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Pleasing to God, RighteousnessLeave a comment

The Bible – The Good News Translation

Psalm 72:1-5

1               Teach the king to judge with your righteousness, O God; share with him your own justice, 2   so that he will rule over your people with justice and govern the oppressed with righteousness.

3               May the land enjoy prosperity; may it experience righteousness.

4               May the king judge the poor fairly; may he help the needy and defeat their oppressors.

5               May your people worship you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon gives light, for ages to come.

Thoughts:

As I read the Word this morning I was touched by David’s request. Not only that he, as the greatest king of his time, would humble himself to ask such a thing of God, but as in vs 5, that he would do it to enhance the worship of his people. I feel like that’s the same thing as me asking such a favor of God not so that I might be lifted up in the eyes of my management team, but in order for my staff to receive a bigger raise this year, or to give my staff reason to recognize God’s hand at work and that they would be prompted to attend church services if only to give God praise for His mighty work, even in the heart of their boss. Friends, if we had more Godly managers and business owners, we wouldn’t need half the laws introduced by our government leaders, because businesses would not be out to gouge their customers or steal from the government. Furthermore, our churches would be filled with worshipers anxious to praise God the Father for having such great places to work, and desiring to have a heart like their employers. Wouldn’t that totally be a turn in events that would set us on fire for the Lord? I can only imagine that we would awake each morning super anxious to go to work and to give our employers an honest day’s work, with great expectations of them being very successful in the marketplace! Business owners, managers, supervisors, seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you, just stand by and watch the hand of God work mightily in the success of your businesses and in happy employees anxious to offer up praises to God for their place of employment!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, although I am not ruler over a kingdom like David was, I am responsible for employees, my family and other domestic employees that may work for me from time to time. Please work in the life of this son of yours and continue to give me guidance that I might manage and/or rule in a manner that is pleasing to You and that might bring glory to You by others under my supervision/management. It’s all about You Lord! To God be all glory, for I ask this in Your precious and holy name, AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

Goodness, Peace and Love to Keep Harmony Alive!

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Goodness, Peace & Love in the Holy Spirit
The Bible – Good News Translation

Romans 14:17-19

17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Thoughts:

I don’t know about you, but it often seems to me that we have almost as much strife ad disharmony in the church as we see in the world, especially at churches where there’s too much idle time for members who should really be involved in ministry of some sort. Paul told his church members at Rome to learn to concentrate on the more important things that really matter in the kingdom of God. Some of which are character principles that really affect how we behave, and according to the Word, is still applicable today. These can be accomplished in the strength, and through the power of the Holy Spirit These are:

Goodness – I believe this is a life where we are blinded to the ill against us. Live to be good to others in spite of their rudeness and hatred. Remember, Jesus asked His Father to bless those who hung Him on the cross, how much more should we ask for grace and peace on those that merely look at us funny or say evil things about us out of ignorance or hatred.
Peace – I believe the easiest way of thinking about this is to think of those things that are not troublesome or lead to fighting or unrest. If you strive for a peaceful life, you will avoid those things that lead to strife or unrest. Remember, this requires the power of the Holy Spirit!
Joy – Think about times that would normally really aggravate someone who cannot boast of the power of the Holy Spirit. Now think about a Christian who is truly filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The ‘Joy’ that you will see in that child of God, in spite of the circumstances, is the ‘Joy’ that Paul is referring to. It is only possible when God’s hand is upon your life and helping you to overcome the circumstances you are facing. It can never come from strong drink nor any type of food that you might eat.

Friends, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit reminded Christians that God will be pleased with you and approve of you, as this type of living will lead to harmony among His people – the church. Therefore when we see disharmony brewing, let us challenge each other on which of these characteristics must be out of whack. Let’s examine ourselves before God and ensure that we have these characteristics in order in our own lives, so that we may do our part towards harmony in the church!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You have given us the formula for peace and harmony among Your church – our Christian community. Please empower us to wipe away the scales from our own eyes so that we may see clearly what might be preventing us from doing our part towards a harmonious church, one that the world might look at as truly being the example of Christ. One that they might want to join and actually enjoy praising God with, and working alongside for the furthering of the gospel in our communities. Lord, may Your kingdom come and find us representing You well. May Your church be especially living under the inspiration and powerful hand of Your Holy Spirit. For I ask this in Your precious name, Lord Jesus, my deliverer and peacekeeper, AMEN!

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

Labels: Christians, Church, Example, Faithful, God’s Word, Goodness, Harmony, Joy, Love, Peace
Location: Avon Park, FL 33825, USA

Our Lives are an Open Book

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Faith, Follow Jesus, God our Helper, God our Provider, ObedienceLeave a comment

The Bible – Good News Translation

Psalm 69:5-6

5   My sins, O God, are not hidden from you; you know how foolish I have been.

6   Don’t let me bring shame on those who trust in you, Sovereign Lord Almighty!

Don’t let me bring disgrace to those who worship you, O God of Israel!

Thoughts:

I believe that all of us can identify with David. If we are truthful, and not trying to hide behind a disguise, we know two things:

  1. That at some point in our lives we have sinned, especially in a place where we know that no one knew us. Perhaps we were out of town or even out of the country. Often we would say to ourselves, it is good to just be ourselves and enjoy. Dangerous words, right? What we are actually acknowledging is that we put on such a face for our friends when around them, that we can’t be ourselves. In other words, they don’t know the ‘real’ you. However….
  2. Our conscience is pricked to the point that we acknowledge that no matter how much we might pull the wool over the eyes of our friends, God is very much alive and knows exactly what we are thinking and/or doing, so we may as well be honest in our actions and/or words.

Are you one to blend right in with the crowd, or do you actually live by definite life principles? It is my desire that I might always live be God’s principles, but I sincerely need this to be action based and not just words that roll off my tongue. How about you, friend? I once heard a sermon where the preacher suggested that the congregation had best not tell him about a certain church member, because he knew what they stood for and the Christian principles for which they are guided by. I don’t know that I would dare say exactly that, but I sure wish that I could live my life so consistently in such a manner that others, especially God, would see exactly what that preacher saw. How about you friend, are you living life where ‘anything goes’, and no matter what company you are in you can fit right in? Remember, God is our guide and He loves us beyond our wildest imagination, but He is also our judge, and He doesn’t need a jury nor a lie detector when we answer the question “Why should I let you into my heaven?” or “Were you consistent in your everyday living and followed my commands to the letter?” Friends, there is no way of you fooling God or hiding the truth from Him.

 

Prayer:

 

Father God, thank You for Your awesome power and Your enormous love. Thank You again for what You did on Calvary so that I might have life eternal with You in Heaven. Thank You for providing the ways and means for us to follow so that our lives would be pleasing to You, and also reflective of You when in the presence of family and friends here on this earth. May we be reminded that our lives are an open book to You, and may we live in such a manner that others may thank You for what You have created and is currently working in and through us. All this I ask for your ultimate glory and for Your sake, and I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

,

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

Living a Life Pleasing To God

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Bible Believing, Faith, Holy Spirit, Humility, Obedience, Pleasing to GodLeave a comment

The Bible – New Century Version

Romans 13:13-14

 13 Let us live in a right way, like people who belong to the day. We should not have wild parties or get drunk. There should be no sexual sins of any kind, no fighting or jealousy. 14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and forget about satisfying your sinful self.

Thoughts:

In these verses Paul was warning the church about the reasons why so many were falling into sin. Now friends, Paul was talking to Christians – members of the church. He reminded them that they were expected to live their lives as if there was full daylight around them. In other words, live knowing that Jesus Christ was observing all of their deeds. Funny how we believe that if we are out of town we can act one way, or do certain things that we know we can’t do in town for fear of getting caught! Like Paul, I would remind us that God is everywhere at all times, so He always knows what’s on our mind and what we do at all times. Paul advised that it is time that we put off clothes worn in the night, and the sinful works of darkness (the night – those things that we think people who know us would not see). Now he didn’t leave us hanging, for he went on to tell us what we must put on, or how we should dress our souls: Put on the armor of light (Jesus Christ). The graces of the Spirit are this armor, to secure the soul from Satan’s temptations. If we are to put on Christ, then we are to: Put on the righteousness of Christ – for justification; Put on the Spirit and grace of Christ – for sanctification. In fact, we need to walk honestly as in the day; avoiding the evils of darkness. In these type scenarios, Satan is generally very busy and often very bad things result from these. Friends, great care must be given to provide for our souls, else we fall into temptation and or commit unwanted sin. Remember God sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us when we were saved. Why would we subject the Holy Spirit to the events of the darkness? Are you struggling with the power to overcome the old life – the life before Christ? Please allow me to pray with you about that need. God desires His very best for us, and He does not want us to surrender to the things of Satan any more. Let’s confess these weaknesses to God and ask for His powerful touch on our lives to help us live noble lives that are pleasing to Him.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I pray that You would impact our lives in such a way that our minds would be fresh and reminded at all times that through Your Holy Spirit, You are with us wherever we go. As such, we must respect this fact and be cautious about where we might not only take our sinful selves, but also how we disrespect Your Holy Spirit by taking Him into some dark sinful places, where our worldly bodies might find temporary, but sinful pleasure. Please forgive me dear God for times where I may have trampled over Your blood and not respected Your holiness by taking You into places that You have shown us to be dark or sinful hangouts. Please sharpen our consciences and daily work in our lives to make us more like You in every way. I know that this can be accomplished not only through Your great power, but also through my submissive spirit and untainted desires. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I might walk uprightly, boldly and in total respect of Your holiness. May others always see Your very nature very prominent in my life, and may they want to know You personally. Please tender the hearts of my friends meditating on this devotional today, so that they also may desire a closer walk with You. For those that may stumble across this devotional today and may catch a glimpse of Your awesome power and love, please provoke them unto salvation – draw them close to You, is my humble prayer that I ask in Your holy name, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

Obedience to God’s Servants – Our Government Leaders

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Disciple, Faith, Follow Jesus, Fruit of the Spirit, God Reigns, Holy Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Listen to the Word of God, Pleasing to God, Reflecting Christ, Servants of God, TrustLeave a comment

The Bible – The Good News Translation

Romans 13:1-2; 4b

 1 Everyone must obey the state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. 2 Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself.
4 …. they are God’s servants working for your own good

Thoughts:

This is probably one of the most challenging verses for us to follow, because we tend to look at the corruption and evil that goes on in government, and the laws that are put in place that especially seem to hurt Christians. It is obvious from the first 6 verses in Romans 13 that Paul encountered Christian brothers and sisters who thought very much the same as the way we tend to think today. I believe that anytime a law is instituted that works against our bottom line, we tend to send ‘hate vibes’ towards our senators, or authorities who had anything to do with the new law. In fact, at re-election time we have the availability to look into a candidate’s record and see exactly how they voted on certain items. Not a bad idea, but it also helps to build a wall of hatred and/or disrespect towards that person. I believe what Paul is teaching here actually goes very deep, because I believe he is telling us that if we are doing everything above board, then we have nothing to fear of our government leaders. I also believe that if we follow other Biblical references to pray for God’s direction as we vote, and yes Christians you must lead the pact in going out to vote, then our prayer, in faith, will play a part in having God’s man/woman elected. Further, I believe that if we had to publicly pray for our elected officials more than we complain about them, then perhaps God will intervene in their decision making and guide them into right decisions that will be pleasing to Him. Bottom line is that our officials are in place as God’s representatives/servants for our good (vs 4), and we are to obey them and support them so that God’s work might be accomplished through them. Friends remember, our initial instructions come from God, so our obedience, respect and prayerful support towards our leaders is a sign of obedience to God. Key points – prayer before voting; prayer while these folk are in power, as God’s servants, and our leaders; obedience and support of those servants of God for whom we are praying daily. Let’s get before God in prayer and ask Him to tender our hearts so that we can be obedient to Him in all things!

Prayer:

Lord, this is very challenging for us, so I humbly ask You to help us to get out of the ‘driver’s seat’ and allow You to control our government leaders/Your servants in place for our good. To do this I must first personally ask that You help me to totally surrender to You as my authority, because when I try to do your job I am showing lack of faith and trust in You. Please forgive me for that, and build my faith to a level where I can trust You in ALL things. Lord. I am embarrassed by some of the comments I hear from other Christian leaders about Your servants, please speak to these friends and co-laborers in Your work here on earth and help us all to submit to Your authority and will for our every concern, especially our government leaders. I must acknowledge that You are God over ALL things in our lives, not just the pieces that go our way and seem to benefit us personally. Please remind us of that when we tend to question those in authority. Needing Your help in such a powerful way, I humbly ask this in Your holy and most worthy name, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

How To Handle Evil Against You

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Bible Believing, Disciple, Encourage, Forgiveness, Giving, Grace, Holy Spirit, Love, Love God, Love your Neighbor, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Power of Prayer, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

The Bible – New Living Translation

Romans 12:17-21

 

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” (Deut. 32:35) says the Lord.

20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” (Proverbs 25:21-22)

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Thoughts:

 

Friends, these words are intended for children of God, because they are not the normal course of action for the person who has no Godly influence, or help to handle situations in just the opposite manner that one would normally expect. The actions mandated in these verses are God-inspired; God-directed; and only possible with God’s help, because in and of our natural selves we would normally lash back at those that misuse and abuse us. This is similar to another command given by God: when your enemy slaps you on one cheek, don’t lash back, turn the other cheek and let them slap you there also. Again, this is not a normal reaction to the natural sinful man. I believe a good question for the Christian would be: “why would God demand something so totally opposite to the norm?” Friends, I believe that God saw His only Son beaten, hung on a cross and crucified, but didn’t send down 10,000 angels to rescue Him, because it was all done for the purpose of showing the world (us) that His love for us extended even to the extent of crucifying His Son. Similarly, when we allow the grace of God to work in our lives and we subsequently behave like Jesus would have, we are showing the world that the grace by which we are driven is one filled with a miraculous love, a divine love. You see, what would the world learn if we reacted just like they would and expect? That we are no different to any other man, right? Now Brothers and Sisters, is this an easy thing? Absolutely not, but for those who are in the Word daily and learning about the ways of God, and constantly being reminded of things like Deuteronomy 32:35 (quoted above), then we know that the love by which we are driven is nothing like the love known by the world. Our actions are totally unexpected by the world, but we are to be obedient servants and follow the commands of Christ, knowing that He will not see His prized possessions taken advantage of. Remember, the last word is God’s, and He will settle the acts against His children. Let’s do our part, knowing full well that God is faithful to His Word and will do His part at the appropriate time. Let’s endeavor to love even in challenging circumstances, not give in and act just like the world expects one of their own to act. Let’s show that God is in control of our lives and our circumstances and we have nothing to fear!

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord Jesus, these are very challenging directions in these verses, but thank You for reminding me that the battle is Yours and that You will revenge, if needed. My job is to love through the good times and through the challenging times, to those that love me and to those that hate me. My obligation is to be obedient, in spite of my circumstances, knowing that You have everything under control and that through my obedience You might have another opportunity to minister to that person who means ill towards me. I must be obedient to You, no matter the circumstances that face me in this world, because it is often through the most difficult, or challenging circumstance that an unsaved person might be challenged to look heavenly and find the source behind this Christian’s strength, wisdom, endurance and love. Lord Jesus, in Your name, I ask for this strength, wisdom, endurance and love to be imparted and available to me, because You have already demonstrated this type of love, and You definitely have the authority and power to give it to me. May this all be used for Your glory and Your honor, AMEN!

 

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.