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!

Go Where You Send Me

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

God’s Word

Acts 10:25–29 (The Message)

The minute Peter came through the door, Cornelius was up on his feet greeting him—and then down on his face worshiping him! Peter pulled him up and said, “None of that—I’m a man and only a man, no different from you.”
27–29 Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, “You know, I’m sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don’t do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked. But now I’d like to know why you sent for me.”

My Thoughts:

Some of you may recognize the title ‘Go Where You Send Me’ as the name of a popular contemporary song. I thought to borrow the title for this devotional today, as it so aptly fits! Peter, a Jew, was traditionally brought up to not mix with the Gentiles. However, when God called him to go with the Gentile team to visit a Gentile, Cornelius, he never hesitated but followed the command given to him by God.

My Challenge:

Can you imagine how many of us would remain on our knees until we could get God straight on such a direction or command being given to us? This may sound bad coming right out and saying this, but I want us to be realistic. Some of us would have to be careful singing the words of the song mentioned, because we would be greatly challenged if God instructed us to go to a third world country as a missionary – why many of us are challenged to welcome people not of our own race into the house of God where we worship. Many of us would not dream of going into certain areas of our cities to witness and represent our Savior that, by the way, came to save ALL peoples of ALL races. My, how God must shake His head in dismay sometimes as He sees His creation living and thinking this way. Friend, I challenge you, and me, to become more like Peter and be prepared to follow God’s instructions when we ask Him to show us how to be more like Him. Peter went, without hesitation, where God sent him, are you prepared to be that obedient today? Let’s not place any conditions when, like Peter, we ask God to use us in His service. It could be anywhere and at any time.

Prayer:

Father, please prepare our hearts to ‘Go Where You Send us’, God being our helper and provider! Please tender our hearts that we may be obedient to You and not impacted by the traditions of our upbringing, or the prejudices of our hearts. Like You, may we have a heart and mind to minister to all people through our love, our actions and our words.

God Gets Our Attention!

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

God’s Word
Acts 10:16-20 (MSG)

16  This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies.

17–20  As Peter, puzzled, sat there trying to figure out what it all meant, the men sent by Cornelius showed up at Simon’s front door. They called in, asking if there was a Simon, also called Peter, staying there. Peter, lost in thought, didn’t hear them, so the Spirit whispered to him, “Three men are knocking at the door looking for you. Get down there and go with them. Don’t ask any questions. I sent them to get you.”

My Thoughts:

God spoke to Peter three times about not calling, or considering anything that He created unclean. Because of what ensued after this encounter, I believe that the emphasis here is that God got Peter’s attention. Because as you will read in vs 17 and onward, God continued to deal in Peter’s life about certain prejudices or misgivings that Peter had. First it was the food, then it was the matter of him (a Jew) mixing with the Gentiles. I sincerely pray that God will work in my life to help me identify those things that I have developed a prejudice against, and then accept His help in dealing with those things.

Challenge to My Friends Meditating on this Devotional:

How is it with you friend? I wouldn’t be surprised if you aren’t in the same position that I find myself. Over time we have developed certain beliefs and practices according to society, according to our peers in the ministry, according to those things that make us comfortable. God has shown us through His Word that He loves the whole world, and that He loved each and every one so much that He was willing to sacrifice His one and only Son so that we may have forgiveness of our sin, and be assured of our eternal home in heaven with Him (John 3:16). With this being so clear in the Bible, I am in no way qualified to subtract from that, or leave a certain faction of people out of my ministry or witnessing or loving or caring. God has called us to be HIS witness, not our own, not with conditions, and definitely not with exclusions.

My Prayer:

Father, I surrender all of me to all of You. Please use me for Your glory to reach all Your people. Please touch the hearts of my friends who may be in a similar position as I am. May we together become Your church, Your bride, reaching all people in all parts of this earth, especially those in our neighborhoods that we have practically given up on. Thank You for loving us enough to trust us with such awesome responsibility and privilege as this! For it is in Your precious, holy and powerful name that I ask this!

When Instructed, Act on it!

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

God’s Word Says:

7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, Cornelius called two of his servants and a God-fearing soldier from among his own personal attendants.
8 And having rehearsed everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Ac 10:7–8). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

My Thoughts:
I believe it would amaze us how often God whispers into our hearts and minds things that He would like for us to do, and we either brush it off, or we feel the importance of discussing it with our ‘trusted advisors’ before we ever act? Friends, I am not advocating that we should never discuss things of importance with our friends, but what I am saying is that such a discussion should be secondary to our acting on God’s instructions. Look at the example of Cornelius in verse 7 …… as the angel departed he called his servants who would carry out the instructions given to him by God through the angel. I would dare say that when we delay for any reason, we are doubting what God may have said to us. When our hearts and minds are in tuned with God, and when we are constantly in touch with Him through prayer and in studying His Word, why would we doubt? We are His chosen people, His bride (the church). If He can’t use us, who will He trust to carry out His work? When we ask our kids to do something, we expect them to act on it without question and without hesitation. God expects no less from us dear friend. Let us pray that we will overcome the temptation of the Evil One to doubt God, and instead be followers of Christ, obedient to His call and His instructions. Only then will we see this world, our world of influence, won for Christ! Won’t you join me in this endeavor of instant obedience today?

Living Holy Lives Will Produce Holy Results

On By Ed AlgreenIn Uncategorized1 Comment

One of the odd things about this man Cornelius, is that although he was leader of a troop of men, yet he had a genuine heart for the Lord. Odd because in today’s environment, when we find men in leadership, they often show little regard for our Savior. There is little evidence shown – perhaps they are afraid of offending some of their unbelieving followers. However, this man Cornelius had some other attributes, for he was considered a ‘religious man’; a Christian family leader – as he and his family faithfully worshipped God; and he also gave freely to the poor. Friend, these are the characteristics we want to see in our Christian men today, because they are indications of what must go on behind closed doors. Indications, that he must have a good connection with the Master, that this is a man we can probably trust with our concerns and our prayer needs. The verses go on to show us that God was really pleased with this man, because He sent an angel with specific instructions for Cornelius. Friend, I believe that our desire should always be to please God in all that we do and say. I believe that our ultimate desire of God, is to accept us, hear our prayers, and respond to our pleas and requests in a manner pleasing, acceptable to Him, and in alignment with His ultimate plan for us. To have this type of relationship though, involves us doing our part. Let’s not just say that we are Christian, let’s show it in all that we are and let’s depend on God for all of our decisions and His ultimate direction for our lives. In other words, let’s totally surrender to Him, so that we may be totally used by Him to produce ‘fruit’ that will glorify Him. Cornelius was a great example for us today! Will you change anything?

Book cover

There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman regiment called “The Italian Regiment”. He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshipped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God. It was about three o’clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius!” He stared at the angel in fear and said, “What is it, sir?” The angel answered, “God is …

Our Belief System Will Be Reflected in our Actions

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment
Ever thought about why certain little tidbits are included in the Bible? As you can imagine, there was so much more that went on in those days, yet only certain stories got included in the Bible. As Christians, we believe that the Bible is God’s holy, inspired, specific Word (Truth) that provides hope, help and direction to us even today. So with that in mind, let’s think about the content of this short story of Tabitha. Without saying anything about Tabitha’s wealth, Luke tells us that she was a great doer. Like Jesus exampled during His earthly ministry, Tabitha was recognized and known as a believer – so I believe that her faith was evident to others, and that she was not one to just gel into the crowd and do what the crowd did. She was also known as a doer of good works and helped the poor. Unfortunately in today’s ministries, we are great at words and beautiful and comfortable edifices in which to worship, but often empty and barren in good works and meeting the needs of others. 

As believers, we are not doers of the gospel in order to be recognized for it. In fact, I get embarrassed if recognized for something I did in Jesus’ name, for it is to Him that I would rather the praise be given. However, at the end of the day, or at the end of our earthly life, what are some of the characteristics that we might be remembered for? Does our testimony speak to others? Does our works bear testimony of the One in whom we believe? I intend to attend the funeral of a dear friend today, and as Tabitha was recognized, I believe that she was also recognized – a believer and a doer! Thank God for people like that! Dear Jesus, I pray that I would daily live like that, in desiring no personal praise, but that You may be glorified, and that You may be recognized by the lost in and through my Godly actions.

Book cover

In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, who was a believer. (Her name in Greek is Dorcas, meaning “a deer”.) She spent all her time doing good and helping the poor.

Antidotes for Christian Growth

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I first reflected on church growth when I read this verse, but then I believe that God changed my thoughts, as these thoughts apply to personal Christian growth and to church growth. I discerned two things from this verse that spoke to me: 1). It was with the help of the Holy Spirit that the church grew in peace, was strengthened and grew in numbers. Think about it friend. Nothing was mentioned about the dynamic speaker that Paul was – although I believe that a preacher can only preach about something that really dwells inside of him and directs his thoughts and his mind, like the Holy Spirit will aptly do when one is connected to Him. Nothing was mentioned about the church location or the beauty of its building, or the money it had saved. It truly is a God-thing. Without the Holy Spirit, nothing Godly is accomplished. 2). The church lived in reverence for the Lord – a key ingredient to church and personal growth is loyalty, love and respect for the Lord. Think about it – anytime a pastor, or church leaders feel like they have everything under control and there is no need to operate in the fear and reverence of God, then the individual and/or the church will be destined for failure in its mission. Friends, let’s return to the basics of our belief and the founder and maker of all Godly things, Jesus Christ, through the work of His Holy Spirit. It produced results for the work Saul was involved in, and knowing that our God has not changed, assures me that He can still do an awesome job in our personal lives, and in rejuvenating our respective churches!

The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation (2nd ed., Acts 9:31)

31 And so it was that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had a time of peace. Through the help of the Holy Spirit it was strengthened and grew in numbers, as it lived in reverence for the Lord.

Confound Those Who May Oppose Your Faith

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Holy Spirit, Witnessing1 Comment

Today we seldom use the word ‘confound’, but according to my studies on this, this verse can be translated: “Saul’s preaching left the Jews speechless and prevented them from arguing against Christianity”. Friend, is this not what we need more of today in our churches (sermons, Sunday/Sabbath School and other teachings)? Is this not what we need to practice in our own lives? Doesn’t it appear to you that our shyness is caused by the questions that may be posed by our opponents in order to confuse us and make us speechless? Then for us to follow Saul’s example, we must be prepared to talk about Jesus and His mighty acts and His power to save. OK, STOP, is probably what you are thinking very loudly right now, as you say: But I’m not a preacher or even a Bible Scholar, so how can I confound, or leave my opponents speechless. Re-read the last sentence and notice the ‘I’ and ‘My’. Saul was a brand new Christian, so we knew this act of leaving his opponents speechless was nothing studied in Seminary or in years of church attendance, instead, it was the power of the Holy Spirit that Saul surrendered to and allowed to guide his thoughts and his words. As Christians, we have access to this same Holy Spirit. Set self aside and ask the Holy Spirit to take control of your thoughts, actions and words, so that the Father might receive glory for all that is accomplished through you (His servant). In recent studies on this through my church, I was reminded that daily I must ask for this power, just like I ask for breath, health, guidance, and direction for my day. So Lord, again today, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that You may accomplish Your work through me, and may all who I come into contact with see You in action and hear a word of encouragement, or be led to a life in You. You are God alone, and only You can touch the hearts of sinners and draw them to You. I make myself available to be used by You today. Friend, won’t you open your heart and life to be used by Jesus today also? We are His hands and feet, His army on the ground to serve Him!

Acts 9:22 (ASV)

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

Enough with the excuses…

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment
It is important to read the verses leading up to these two verses that I have highlighted, but I wanted to draw attention to a prophet that reminds me so much of so many of us. God showed His power through His work in Saul’s life, then appeared to Ananias and gave him instructions. Ananias immediately put self into the equation and needed to explain to God that He must be making a mistake to ask him to go and minister to this man Saul! Wow! Can you imagine how much we must disappoint our Maker when we try to question Him about His awesome power to reach even the vilest of sinners, and when He wants to use us to do those things that we would never dream of doing under our own power. God wants our availability and obedience, not our human, logical thinking and explanations! Enough with the excuses, just do it! Do the will of God and watch Him work miraculously through us! No more excuses, please?
Book cover

Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and about all the terrible things he has done to your people in Jerusalem. And he has come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who worship you.”

A Covenant to Obey

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

This particular verse really opened the floodgates for me for understanding sincere obedience to God. So often we do Christian-based things because of the company in which we find ourselves, or because of the teachings of our church, or because a particular thing is the root of ministry by a certain individual that we admire and follow. When we make a covenant with God, without conditions attached, we are basically agreeing to follow that covenant regardless of circumstance around us. Oh that I could make a covenant like King Josiah did: to obey God, keep His laws and commands with all my heart and soul, and to put into practice all that His book of instructions (the Bible) demands of me. How about you friend, are you ready to make such a covenant with God? I know that He is looking for that kind of people so that He might grow His kingdom using totally committed individuals, and not half-hearted Christians swayed by every wind or fashion or worldly trend. God will direct our path and give us the strength to stay true to such a commitment! Let’s start a new revolution by making such an awesome covenant today! I believe that God is anxiously awaiting committed individuals that He could use to touch the lives of so many unsaved, and also the wandering and uncommitted folk who carry the badge of being a ‘Christian’/believer/follower of Christ!

Book cover

He stood by the royal column and made a covenant with the LORD to obey him, to keep his laws and commands with all his heart and soul, and to put into practice the demands attached to the covenant, as written in the book.

Attention Please?

On By Ed AlgreenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Unfortunately there are times in the lives of individuals that, although God made them to love Him, Worship Him and Obey Him, yet in their minds, confused and controlled by Satan, they decide to do their own thing. In doing the opposite of what they think God might want from them, they often attack the people and things of God – Christians and the church as a whole. Saul was a good example of this. But also in my Old Testament reading this morning another such character is identified – Manessah (2 Chronicles 33:1-20).  In Manessah’s case, God got his attention by allowing his enemy to attack him and badly hurt him (almost to the point of death). While in a vulnerable position, he pleaded to God for help and, because of God’s mercy and love, He forgave him and Manessah made a 180 degree turn/change in his life’s direction and purpose. In Saul’s case, God boldly got his attention while on the road to his next mission to destroy the Christians in Damascus. He, also, made a 180 degree turn/change in his life. I feel compelled to remind Christians that there are misguided folk that we come into contact with every day. I challenge you to be that forgiving, loving, accepting, life-changing representative of God that will help them to make that same 180 degree change that Saul and Manessah made. It will make the difference of eternal death or eternal life to them, and you will then boldly stand before Jesus on the day of His return and not be ashamed of having obeyed Him, even in challenging circumstances. I also feel compelled to warn those who have not yet accepted Jesus as Lord of their life that it is important that you listen and obey the voice of Jesus when He touches your life. Just as He was powerful enough to touch the lives of these two men whose mission it was to destroy God’s work, He too can lift you up from the evil things that you may be involved in. Remember, there is only one God, and He alone is powerful enough to help you make a 180 degree change in the way you are living your life. He is seeking your attention and wanting to see you on the right path that He sacrificed His life to provide for you. Won’t you stop, listen and obey today? Jesus loves you right where you are at, just let Him work in you friend!

Book cover

As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed round him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” he asked. “I am Jesus, whom you persecute,” the voice said. “But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do.”