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!

Decisions Totally Based on God’s Will and Design

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Too often we make personal decisions based on our selfish desires, wants and passion, and from a heart of envy for what others might have. Persons who act like this make up the leadership of our local churches. Therefore when it is time to make decisions, sometimes very critical ones, these individuals revert to the same method of making decisions about God’s work through the church. God’s Word was specifically provided to us so that we may discern truth and wisdom from it, and use it as a guide on how God expects us to live today. I love the way that the disciples approached this matter in prayer when they admitted to God that He knows the thoughts and hearts of the two men in question and that they (the disciples) didn’t, and that God knew which one should serve as a disciple to replace Judas. 

Friend, this is simple truth that we should always adhere to, for we are too apt to apply our personal desires and preferences to a candidate, but God can point us to the one who has a heart like Him and who will serve to represent God in truth, even after a ‘honeymoon’ period. Let us therefore set aside personal preferences and seek God’s perfect will in our decision making, whether at church or at home, work or anywhere we are called up to help make decisions.

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So they proposed two men: Joseph, who was called Barsabbas (also known as Justus), and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know the thoughts of everyone, so show us which of these two you have chosen to serve as an apostle in the place of Judas, who left to go to the place where he belongs.”

He’s Coming Back for Us!

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As a young teenager I left home to attend a boarding high school about 45 miles away from my home. I remember each time that I left home my young brother would go to pieces crying after me and it would take hours and days of comforting from my parents to help him get over it. In this scripture, the disciples stood gazing into heaven where they saw Jesus disappear. In comparison, we too stand gazing at times when we feel like we have reached the end of our patience, our hope, our joy here on earth, or even our reason for being here. I am comforted by what the angels told the disciples, because I believe it is very applicable to those of us that know Jesus as Lord. Praise God, our time here on earth is temporary, and one day soon Jesus will come back the same way the disciples saw Him disappear. Praise God that I have surrendered my life to Jesus and made my election clear, so I am guaranteed the next trip up with Jesus! How is it with you friend? Do you know Him? Are you ready to go? If you have questions or just want to make sure, and you would like to talk this important matter over with someone, I would quickly offer to chat with you, but should you have connections with a local church, I would highly recommend speaking with your pastor, or trusted spiritual leader first. You may contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@yahoo.com. Please trust God to lead you into the right decision on this, if prompted in your heart to do so. 
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They still had their eyes fixed on the sky as he went away, when two men dressed in white suddenly stood beside them and said, “Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven.”

Can We Obey Without Knowing Why or When?

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Much of Christianity is built around faith. Faith that Jesus came, ministered here on earth, died a cruel death to fulfil God’s plan for salvation for mankind; but praise God Jesus rose from the dead so that we, who believe in Him, might confidentially worship and look forward to seeing a risen and living King one day! However, like us, the disciples became curious about the timing of the coming events that Jesus spoke about. In these verses Jesus clarifies that He had given them instructions for the discharge of their duty, and this knowledge is enough for them, and for Christians today. It is enough that He has engaged to give believers strength equal to their trials and daily struggles so that, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, they may be witnesses for Christ on earth, while all along in heaven he is managing our concerns with perfect wisdom, truth, and love. Friend, this is a form of guarantee, peace and love that we find in nothing else here on this earth. Let us therefore be the witnesses we are called to be so that the loss may be won for Christ. All the other why’s, where’s and when’s are really insignificant compared to the joy that awaits us as we serve Him faithfully here on this earth! Do your part friend, and pray for me that I may do the same!
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Jesus said to them, “The times and occasions are set by my Father’s own authority, and it is not for you to know when they will be. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

When Calls, Don’t Look for Excuses

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Having just called Peter to ministry, to follow Him, it surprised Peter that Jesus preceded the command with the challenging words, “do You Love Me?” Although Peter sounded shocked by all this, I believe that Jesus knew that Peter would look for excuses, even after being asked by the Master to follow Him. Friend we must remember that Jesus knows ALL about us, including the things that we think or never audibly say. In today’s perspective, we normally respond with something like, “am I not busy enough already, why not call on Joe for that responsibility”. In line with the way Jesus responded to Peter, I believe that Jesus responds to us by saying, “I called on you because I know that you are the person for this job, not Joe or anyone else in the church”. It may be better for us to stop looking around for another person to volunteer, and concentrate on the blessing of being asked to serve the Lord in some meaningful way while here on earth. Where do you stand with your response Brother or Sister?
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When Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus answered him, “If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!”

Do You Love Me?

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Anytime my wife asks if I love her, I realize a few things right away: 1) Has it not been evident that I love her through my words and actions recently? 2 Was I not convincing when I last told her that I love her? 3) We must need more quality ‘alone’ time together. Ever noticed how easy it is to brag on, and about your spouse when things are going really well between you two? In this verse we see where Jesus gave Peter some ministry opportunities, but He prefaced the assignments by asking Peter to really think about his love for the Master. Until Peter’s heart is committed, unified, enthused and totally engrossed in his Master, his ministry for Him would be half-hearted at best. Friends, Jesus wants our best as we minister for Him. He gave it all (His life) for us, why would we possibly limit what we are prepared to do for Him? Nothing compares to the gift given on the cross for us. Friend, do you really love the Lord? Are you ready to ‘feed His sheep’ from the depths of your heart?
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A third time Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was sad because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” so he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.

The Difference Obedience Makes

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Three of Jesus’ disciples who really struggled with believing and obedience are now faced with a decision that many of us could very easily face each day. Having fished all night and caught nothing, they were ready to pack up their nets and call it a night. But from the shoreline a man questions them. Often men who know what they are doing, yet going through times of unsuccessful results will snap at anyone questioning, or especially telling them how to do their job. Yet, we see where the three obeyed Jesus. Could be a God inspired moment, but through obedience to the Master of the sea and fish, the disciples obeyed and saw marvelous results. Could it be that our Christian work that seemed to have plateaued  has maximized because we have not yet allowed the Master in? Just a word, or the slightest action from Him could make the world of difference in our ministries. Let’s invite Him in friend and ask for His involvement and direction. It’s all about Him anyway!
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As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water’s edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then he asked them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered. He said to them, “Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some.” So they threw the net out and could not pull it back in, because they had caught so many fish.

The Purpose of the Bible

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The signs and proofs of our Lord’s resurrection were just detailed, and for those who believe in Jesus, we can rejoice in that fact until Jesus comes back for us. But the Bible says that although all miracles could not be included in the book, these ones were committed to writing, so that all might believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Savior of sinners, and the Son of God; and that through this faith, they might obtain eternal life, by his mercy, truth, and power. Yes, we will be lifted up as we read the Word, but let us take a new perspective as we read, with verse 31 always on our mind, and look for truthes to share with our unsaved loved ones and acquaintances? May all who read the Bible, believe that Jesus is the Christ, and discern that in believing we may all have have life through His wonderful, matchless name! May God be glorified today knowing that His children are reading, believing and accepting Him as Lord of their lives, as we read and meditate on His Word!
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Verses 30, 31 There were other signs and proofs of our Lord’s resurrection, but these were committed to writing, that all might believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Saviour of sinners, and the Son of God; that, by this faith, they might obtain eternal life, by his mercy, truth, and power. May we believe that Jesus is the Christ, and believing may we have life through his name.

Obedience leads to success

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Just as David told his son, Solomon, the importance of obedience to God’s commands and that it would lead to a successful reign for him, so it is with us today. First of all we must experience the results of such obedience ourselves, then as we preach that to our kids it will have much more of an impact. Too often we live like the world and become envious of all that we could have been if only we had been obedient. Friends, we must commit ourselves to obedience and the ways of God. It’s our witness that is at stake, and our joy that is incomplete. It’s up to us, friend, to shape our destiny as God leads, if only we will Trust and Obey the Master!
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If you obey all the laws which the LORD gave to Moses for Israel, you will be successful. Be determined and confident, and don’t let anything make you afraid.

Will We Recognize Answer To Our Prayer?

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Although hurting terribly about the loss of her Lord, Mary was first to the tomb, and first to find the tomb empty. No doubt, she was one of the first to pray for the safety and peace of the body of Jesus who had been crucified. But like us, when we see answer to that prayer we are in deep shock and disbelief. Often we say things like: “I can’t believe it!”; or “Who would have ever thought!”; or “We sure were ‘lucky’ to see the change in events today!” Friends, like Mary who prayed earnestly for her Master, we too must pray in earnest. We must learn to pray with such compassion that it consumes us. We hurt and even cry out to God for that concern. Then, we look with such anticipation and anxious expectation for any sign of answered prayer, so that we can quickly praise God with a thankful heart for hearing His children and answerring our prayers. Remember, God may answer prayer in His way. Totally unexpected ways from our ways, but He is in control. Let Him be God!

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Then she turned round and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not know that it was Jesus.

Facing a battle?

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Don’t try to-
Figure your way through,
Reason your way through,
Guess your way through,
Feel your way through,
Push your way through,
Manipulate your way through,
Fake your way through.

What should you do?
Trust your way through! We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. 2 Chronicles 20:12 AMP
Pray your way through! Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance. Ephesians 6:18 AMP
Believe your way through! This is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4 AMP
Walk your way through! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3 NLT
Praise your way through! This happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Joshua 6:20 NKJV

-Devotional by Roy Lessin, from his blog Meet Me In The Meadow.