Category: Accept Jesus NOW

Know and Do What God Commands

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, ObedienceLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-10-05

Scripture

Bible Reference: Romans 3:19–20

Bible Text:  19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. 20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I believe that we all have heard it at one time or another from a friend, that they, or perhaps a loved one, would never be subjected to hell because of how good and honest they have been all of their lives. First of all, that statement is not biblical, because we can see from God’s Word today that living by man’s law will only help us recognize that we are sinful, because we are constantly breaking the law. So if we approach the real dilemma in my first statement about our going to heaven because we obeyed the law, I believe we will quickly see that our world’s lawmakers really have nothing to do with who enters heaven and under what conditions. That decision is strictly up to God, who controls heaven. Friends, it is super important that we obey man’s laws, because God expects us to be good, law abiding citizens of this earth. However, when it comes to matters of heaven, we must look to the ‘rule-book’ of heaven, and God has ordained it through various writers and we call it the Bible. This has peaked the curiosity of millions around the world, because the Bible is the greatest seller in the world. May I encourage you to read it and understand that God went to great pains to make it as easy as possible for us to enter heaven. In pain and agony, He had to watch His very own Son, Jesus Christ, suffer through the pain of death on a cruel cross. However, because of the blood shed by Jesus, God demonstrated to us that if only we would give up self and surrender our lives to the will of God, by accepting His risen Son, then His blood would wash away our sin and we would be acceptable to Him (God), and in turn, be accepted into His heaven. Notice that the latter statement had nothing to do with any law concocted by man. So friends, I believe that these verses are intended to help us clearly separate what the laws of our land will do, versus what the forgiveness of Jesus Christ will do. Once we could get that straight in our minds, hopefully we can go on to help others that struggle with this same dilemma everyday. There’s only One Way to enter heaven friend, and being good or obeying the laws of our land, do not form a part of that One Way. But Jesus Christ is THE Way! Won’t you trust Him today with your whole being? According to God’s Word, you too can be assured of Heaven, if you accept Jesus as Lord.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You have made it clear in Your Word how we are to surrender our lives to You for our eternal salvation, as nothing else will secure our path to heaven or our eternity with You and the Father. Please touch the heart of each one that will read this devotional today and fill them with a renewed understanding of Your will for their lives.The words of a gospel song comes to mind: “nothing good have I done, to deserve God’s own Son”. Father, may the eyes of all who have not surrendered to You, be opened to the things of God today, and may they surrender to Your will and Your way, for their eternal salvation. I ask these things through the powerful and awesome name of Jesus, AMEN!

Footnote

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. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

God’s Mighty Power Within Us

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Follow Jesus, Jesus, The Return of JesusLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-09-19

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ephesians 3:20-21

Bible Text:   20 Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. 21 May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ.

Bible Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

My Take

I read from the book of 2nd Kings this morning where King Hezekiah was faced with a battle against the very strong, powerful king of Assyria, who overwhelmed him with numbers and strength. In one night God slaughtered 185,000 of Assyria’s men, so that king Hezekiah might be reminded of the awesome power of his God. Peter walked on water when commanded by Jesus to do so. The dead was brought back to life again by Jesus, and sight restored to the blind. Yet we face each and every day filled with challenge after challenge, and we wring our hands in despair, wondering how we will ever see life beyond our current circumstances. It is no wonder that Paul had to remind the Galatians, and us, that our God who is at work within us, is able to do far more than we could ever dare to ask or imagine. Friends, I want us to remember that our needs and concerns are not new to God, for He knows all things. Just imagine, we are His chosen children, and He knows right down to the number of hairs on our head. He loved us enough that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die the death of a criminal, just to provide the means of us overcoming sin and one day joining Him in heaven. So think about it, with a love that deep and sincere, can’t you appreciate what Paul is teaching here, that God cares for His dear ones; is very capable of doing anything we could ask – within the boundaries of His perfect will for our lives; and will indeed do what may seem so very impossible in our eyes? So for the child of God, we have a Savior who loves us, cares for us, and is capable of doing the impossibilities of mankind. What have we to fear or worry about? If we ask in faith, and within the boundaries of His will, He will hear His children and meet their needs. For those reading this devotional who have not accepted Jesus as Lord, and permitted Him to rule and reign in your life, may I ask you to consider making a change from your personal effort to understand and run your own life? Seek the face of Jesus, and accept His offer to love and reign in your life. I believe that He would love to show you how He could change your life and meet your needs. However ‘the ball is in your court’, and you need to make the decision to invite Him in. This decision depends on your willingness; you being alive; and Christ not having returned to take you home to glory yet. The latter two things you have no control over, and either of those could occur before you have finished reading this devotional.

Prayer

Thank You Jesus for speaking to me many years again and urging me to make a decision to accept You as Lord. I also thank You for loving me and working in my life daily, as I still face a variety of challenges by just being in this old world. Please control my decisions today, and please control my tongue and my actions so that I may always represent You well. Lord, for all those reading this devotional today, and for all my family and friends, I pray that You would soften the hearts of those unsaved, and that You will be allowed to be an active part of the lives of the others that have already accepted You as Lord. Of our own strength, we are very weak and limited as to what we can accomplish for the kingdom today, but with You, I am reminded that we can do all things. Please bless us with Your presence and Your power, so that we may be a blessing to others. In all that we do, may the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts and minds be acceptable in Your sight oh Lord, all for Your glory alone, AMEN!

Footnote

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. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Fix Your Eyes on Heaven

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Heaven, Jesus Loves you, Know JesusLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-09-03

Scripture

Bible Reference: Proverbs 4:25–27

Bible Text: 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I have always marveled over the straight lines that farmers use to plant their crops – orange trees; strawberries; etc. I once heard that the way to accomplish that straight line is to keep your eyes fixed on a point at the end of the row, rather than any short term distances, while plowing or planting. I believe we are being directed in the proverbs today to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and the reward He has promised those of us who believe – to be with Him in His heavenly home at the end of our journey here on earth! Like the farmer though, we are to keep our eyes fixed on our Savior and the home He has gone to prepare for us – heaven. Friends, when we stay focused; when we have an endpoint in mind; when we have a purpose in life; we will be less apt to stray or allow side distractions that tend to take our eyes off our goal. The big problem with distractions, is that some of us may never get back on the right track again. Satan may distract us, knowing that we will probably like that, and in turn, he will win the battle of destroying one more soul. Ever noticed that some who have been on track for the Lord and who have been distracted, become almost unrecognizable by humans as ever being a child of the King? Imagine how sad and disappointing this is for Jesus? Remember, He loved you (us) enough that He suffered and died on the cross at Calvary so that we might be able to enjoy the freedom of knowing Him personally and entering into His kingdom. For us to then say thanks, but no thanks to that expression of love and sacrifice, must crush the very heart of Christ. What can you do about that friend? Is all well with your walk? Are you staying on track and ideally lined up for your eternal home? For those who may read this and have not accepted Jesus as Lord, with all the love I can muster up, let me just say that this goal of heaven is not something you can add to your wish list with hopes that Santa will bring it for you. This involves a personal commitment from you with your Savior, and a daily walk with Him, always with your eternal home as your goal. Please read my Footnote for more information on how to achieve the assurance of your salvation and Heaven as your eternal destination.

Prayer

Lord God, You created the heavens, and You sacrificed Your one and only Son so that we might believe on Him and have the assurance of being with You in heaven. What more can we ask for? However, knowing the provisions You made for us, yet we are so easily distracted from our walk and therefore from our goal of being with You in glory one day. Please forgive us Lord, and please strengthen us each and every day to stay focused on what lies ahead – our goal of being with You in heaven one day! Oh that will be, glory for me, glory for me, glory for me, when by His grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory, be glory for me! So Lord, for as long as you see fit to leave me here on earth, please help me to stay focused on You, and may my goal be seen as something my readers, my family and my friends will also catch hold of and want for their life. For I ask these things in the precious name of Jesus, and for Your glory alone, AMEN!

Footnote

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. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

God Will Give Us What We Deserve

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Choices, SurrenderLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-07-16

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 2:23

Bible Text:  Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I would encourage you to click on the Scripture Reference and read the related verses to the one published. You will realize that there is good and bad that results from such a statement as the one I used as my title for this devotional. It’s the same as every other aspect of life, for when you are called to the principal’s office, or to the boss’s office, you could receive a pat on the back for the fine job you are doing, or you May have been called in to be disciplined for the bad you have done. What then shall we do? Some find it ‘fun’ to continue living in sin, in spite of knowing about the end result. For others, we acknowledge the love of our Father and His awesome goodness to us, so we surrendered all that the world offered for all that God offered through the sacrifice of His precious Son. The change that resulted when Jesus moved in, has caused us to gain the desire to love, live, talk and act like the Savior who took up residence in our lives. Because Jesus showed such love and concern for us, we too should have a strong desire to pray for and encourage our friends who have chosen to accept the mediocre life that this world has to offer them, as it leads to eternal punishment and separation from God. Friends, this should keep us on our knees for our lost ones. Yes, we have good news and bad news in this passage today. On which side of the ‘fence’ are you? This is not based on a lotto as to who will gain this precious life filled with God’s Holy Spirit. You have made your decision. Fortunately, as long as you are alive you still have the option of changing your decision to receive eternal damnation, for a life forgiven by God and alive in Him. May I encourage you to use your good judgment and make decisions today that will guarantee your eternity? Make it count friend, meet my Savior and surrender to Him. This is THE only way to guarantee your eternity in Heaven – according to the Bible. I’m looking forward to seeing each of you there!! Drop me a note using the below email link and let me know that you’re in! Let’s rejoice together today!

Prayer

Father, I know it must hurt You to know that You have sacrificed right down to Your very own Son so that we may have peace on earth and eternity with You, yet some are satisfied to go on living without accepting Your precious gift. Please touch hearts today. I really would like to see all reading this devotional today be sure in their own heart that they have surrendered to You and are living according to Your Word. May it be so, please dear Jesus? For I ask this in Your most worthy name, AMEN!

Footnote

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. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

The WARNING Signs

On By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Decisions, Don't Procrastinate, signsLeave a comment

May I encourage you to get your spiritual ‘Nuggets’ to start your day off right? Pretty amazing that our awesome God would consider feeding even us with His Word! May I encourage you to read the whole devotional, and look for a blessing, friend!………

Today’s Bible Reference: Luke 21:25–28
Today’s Bible Text: 25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
The Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take Away: I am not a meteorologist, but it seems like there are computers that are constantly analyzing the weather events of the past, so that based on certain wind flows and other conditions today, our favorite weather announcer could be prized with being the first to warn us about a predicted upcoming event, for our safety and security. Jesus shared with us in these verses today about various (obvious) WARNING signs that the Holy Spirit will cause us to stand to our feet and look up in full awe and anticipation to welcome our King, our Savior, our Messiah as He comes to take us with Him! Friends, when events such as this occur, there are often some folk who are waiting for the moment and are ready to go with their Master. However, there will unfortunately be those who have procrastinated, or refused, to surrender their life to our Savior. Please consider me your biblical ‘meteorologist’ today, as based on God’s Holy Word, it is written that the first group mentioned above will be taken with Jesus to reside with His Father, our Almighty Father, to live and reign with Him, to worship and adore Him throughout all eternity. This same good book also tells me to warn you that the second group will cry aloud for the Savior at this time, but because the decision was not made prior to His coming, He will have no choice but to disclaim them at that time and leave them behind with their earthly master, Satan. Friends, until the actual return of the Savior, you still have time to surrender your life to Him. However, because His return could be any minute now, you could very easily be totally out of time. May I encourage you to not tarry; please do not procrastinate, but instead make this a priority over anything else you have planned for today. Not sure how to handle this? Please read my ‘footnote’ for further instructions, or respond to me and I will personally give you guidance. This is way too important to procrastinate friend, please heed the WARNING!

Prayer: Father, I am grateful that Your Holy Spirit visited with me and prompted me of the warning signs regarding my eternal destiny. Thank You for convicting me of my sin, and convincing me of my need for a Savior. I hurt today because of the multitude of friends and family that are playing with their commitment because they are not convinced of the warning signs. Lord, Your Word has been so clear and proven so true in so many ways. Please tender the hearts of my readers and those that are near and dear to each one of us today. May this devotional lead to a time of decision making by many as they listen to Your still small voice regarding your return and the certainty of eternity. We can only depend on You oh Lord, our Master and King, AMEN!

Footnote: 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. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

2016