Yes You Can – I Am God

On 2020-07-30 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Bold Confidence, Confidence, Godly Confidence, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-07-30
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Jeremiah 1:6-9
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁶Then I said, “But, Lord God, I don’t know how to speak. I am only a boy.”
⁷But the Lord said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am only a boy.’ You must go everywhere I send you and say everything I tell you to say. ⁸Don’t be afraid of anyone. I am with you, and I will protect you.” This message is from the Lord.
⁹Then the Lord reached out with his hand and touched my mouth. He said to me, “Jeremiah, I am putting my words in your mouth.

OBSERVATION: Way too often we throw up an excuse to avoid taking on added responsibility or accepting a challenge for something we have never done before, yet we claim to the world that we serve the all-powerful God of this universe. I am no exception to this, so don’t feel like I am writing this as an outsider. As we study these verses today, I would like for us to be reminded of a time you asked God to give you the boldness to deal with a situation that may have ordinarily intimidated you. If God helped you then, why don’t you always depend on Him?

APPLICATION: I’m sure you will recall the story about David, who could not believe his eyes, when he went to the battle field to take food for his brothers, because a whole army was standing back afraid of the giant. Knowing that his God was with Him, David went forth and slew the giant. Like Jeremiah at a very young age, no doubt you each may have experiences that remind you of times where you also felt very intimidated by an audience you are about to teach, or speak to. Do you ever stop to think about what/who gave you the bravery to complete the task and helped you walk away with a feeling of accomplishment? Jeremiah felt like God was really putting a lot on him at a very young age, so he felt compelled to remind God about this. Some of this may have been because of his lack of exposure and experience with the Master, and therefore questionable on Jeremiah’s part as to whether he could really handle his assignment. And friends, I believe that this is where we need to dwell for a moment and reflect on whose power Jeremiah was looking at. For far too often we tend to look only on our own abilities and self worth to accomplish a God-sized assignment. Let’s be reminded that those two things don’t mix. If God gives us an assignment, then He alone has the wisdom and the power to see us through that assignment. From a human perspective, we see many obstacles that other men and women have tried and failed at. We tend to look at whether we have done anything similar to the task being asked of us, to determine if we think we could accomplish it. But as we concentrate on the words of God here today, please join me in allowing the words spoken to Jeremiah by God, to always echo in our minds as we feel led by God to complete a kingdom task. God said ‘I am putting the words in your mouth’. Now dear friend of God, what possible excuse might we dream up after hearing God say these words? Don’t you know that your biggest obstacle might be to wonder where on earth will you find the right words to win the lost, to convince the unbelievers, to soften the hearts of the bullies? But to be told that Father God has already dealt with that challenge and has given you the right words to speak, wouldn’t that ease the largest burden you could imagine? What if you prayed to God for a job to do around His church that may bring Him glory, then shortly afterwards you were asked to teach in the Children’s Ministry, what do you suppose your response might, or should be? You might be frightened enough to say not, but I was blown away with a verse this morning: Jeremiah 2:5 and in my own words, God said to Jeremiah: what unrighteousness did your ancestors find in me that caused them to wander away from my statutes and characteristics? So as you consider the decisions to make, and you ponder the One from whom you will gain your strength, please be reminded that your God has always been there for you, and As we know from His Word, He was powerful enough to create the world and you and I. Remember also the miracles told in the Bible, now why would you possibly not trust in Him for the knowledge and boldness to accomplish the work He has assigned to You? Yes we can do this Brothers! Of course you have the confidence in knowIng that you can do all things through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Sisters! No excuses friends, if He leads us to it, He will lead us through it!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for who You are, and for all that You have done through our ancestors and even through us in our short lives. In spite of this, yet we tend to be so much like Jeremiah and look for excuses to avoid stepping out of our comfort zone. Lord, I am convinced that there is nothing that You can’t do, and as I place my faith and trust in You, I see absolutely nothing that You can’t do through me, if You have assigned something to me. Please forgive my readers and I for failing to trust in You fully. Please give us a fresh new boldness to trust You in giving us the right assignments and the power, boldness and willingness to accomplish Your work in our churches, our communities, in our families and in everything that You might lead us towards. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Describe How BIG Or Awesome Your God Is

On 2020-05-272020-05-27 By Ed AlgreenIn All-powerful, Almighty, Bold Confidence, Confidence, Faith, Faith, Our Great BIG God, SalvationLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-05-27
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Isaiah 40:12–14
Translation: Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: ¹²Who measured the oceans in the palm of his hand? Who used his hand to measure the sky? Who used a bowl to measure all the dust of the earth? Who used scales to measure the mountains and hills? ¹³Who could know the Lord’s mind? Who could be his teacher or give him advice? ¹⁴Did the Lord ask for anyone’s help? Did anyone teach him to be fair? Did anyone teach him knowledge? Did anyone teach him to be wise?

OBSERVATION: If you were preparing your heart to meet with someone, to encourage them, and to really share the power and the width and the breadth of your God, where would you begin? When you prepare yourself to kneel at the feet of Jesus and place your petitions before Him, how convinced are you that He could handle your needs? In verse 31 of this same chapter, Isaiah shares the following: But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired.

APPLICATION: Friends, this scripture today is intended to remind us that no matter how burdened we are about circumstances, or about our needs, or about our finances, or how needy we or our family members really are, we have a great BIG awesome God who has successfully managed to handle a whole lot more than any ‘mountain’ we may be facing today! There are over 100,000 deaths in the USA from Covid, many are worried as to who will be next. Many of us have relatives in the hospital and we are beside ourselves worrying about how remaining families might survive if that hospitalized individual is never discharged alive. But let me encourage you to stop for a moment, dear friend, and look at the examples given by Isaiah in verses 12-14 above. Let it really sink in, and convince yourself once again of the supernatural God who loves you, who cares for you, who ‘goes to bat’ every day for you, and be reminded that there is nothing too big for Him. Furthermore, I pray that each of you will ask God to illumine your heart and your mind, so that you may be reminded of all that He has done for you already in life; that He loves you individually; and that more than anything God is so looking forward to having you join Him in glory someday soon. Friend of God, I believe that when you are able to look beyond your current problems and challenges, and see the outstretched, loving hands of Jesus ready to welcome you home for all eternity, then you will be able to trust Him in full confidence with everything that is currently before you! You see, no matter what Satan may try to tell us, or frighten us with today, we KNOW in whom we have believed, and we KNOW whose we are, and we KNOW who hold every tomorrow in place for us! We are children of the King and regardless of our current situation, our long range plan outweighs everything we might experience here on earth, because nothing is greater than the love of our Savior for His dear children. So don’t hold back friend, take your needs before God and be ready to praise Him as you evidence His hand at work in miraculous ways. Share that confidence with those who have no hope! Be ready to give good examples of how awesome Your God has been to you, and all that you have to look forward to! He’s just t h a t BIG, dear friend!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we bow before You in adoration of who You are, and for all You have done for us. Though so unworthy, still I’m a child of the King! Praise be to my almighty, all-powerful, ever-loving, incredibly great BIG God! Please continue to bless Your kids again today, especially since we have been reminded of your outstanding power and the magnitude of Your awesome love. Oh that we may see Your power at work in the lives of those that we touch today! We will be eternally grateful dear God, for we ask these things in faith, and through the powerful name of our almighty Savior, AMEN!

Your Assignment From God

On 2020-04-222020-04-22 By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Bold Confidence, Born Again, Celebrate God, Christian, Getting Along, Heaven, Imitator of Christ, Love your Neighbor, ObedienceLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-04-22
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 15:15-16
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 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.

OBSERVATION: While not pointing fingers at anyone, I always find it interesting to listen to a ‘Christian’ audience sharing their personal testimony. While reading this Scripture today, I was forced to reflect on how I might respond to the question of the assignment in life that God has given to me. What’s yours dear friend? Consider being asked to share your response to this question in a group of Christ-followers!

APPLICATION: Some churches take time to strategize the work that they feel God has given them to do. Sometimes this is good, because it helps church leaders to evaluate where they are currently at in achieving God’s plan for their community. At times it helps individual church leaders to analyze how effective they feel like they have been in achieving all that God has called them individually to do while leading His church forward, and while reaching into a lost community. Paul was convinced of the primary goal he felt God had called him to do, and in these verses today, he is reaching out for help from anyone who would dare step forward in faith, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul knew the work was God-sized, and that it would take dependence on God to achieve the awesome task assigned to him. I wonder how much differently our individual ministry would look like, if we were to focus on our assignment, like Paul did. Might this mean that folk would regret seeking us out in a crowd, because they know that we would share with them only what we are focused on? Might this mean that our spare time would be spent on seeking God for our next action that we should take in order to achieve our goal? Might this mean that our teaching and our preaching would always be brighter, because our passion for the work assigned to us will be evident in the words that we speak? I have always heard that one could look at your checkbook and see where your heart is, based on where your income is spent. I wonder if it works the same way in being able to see your passion in the words that you speak and through your actions? What if your passion was strictly driven by the assignment God has given to you while here on earth? Don’t you see where we will have a reason for everything we do, and how determined we will be in seeking God’s help to achieve our utmost for His kingdom? Consider joining me in our quest to accomplish all that God could ask of us, and that our passion would drive us to always reach for pleasing our Master. God gave His very best for us, how much more could we possibly give in trying to honor Him through completing our assignment here on earth, to His heavenly standards?

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for giving to us, Thy great salvation so rich and free! Lord, I believe that You have placed us here on earth as Your servants, with assignments to stay focused on. Paul’s assignment was to love and preach to the Gentiles, who often felt left out and unloved. I believe that there are many just like that today in our world – they feel out of place and unloved, especially by the church. Deep inside I believe that each of us have a passion for that one thing that You have assigned for us to do. Please work on us Lord. Please redirect us to seek Your will and follow Your commands, as we seek to accomplish Your assignment. Based on our Word, I can only believe thatYou would have us to win the lost, and mature the saved, until the day You call us home to glory. Please fill us with wisdom and a newfound passion as we strive to accomplish the work You set out for us to do. AMEN!

The Glistening Purity of Jesus Christ

On 2019-03-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Commitment, How to Live, Pure, PurityLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-03-11

Bible Reference: 1 John 3:1–3
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.

OBSERVATION: When last have you recognized a child of God? Do you suppose that the world sees a difference in you, versus the rest of the world? Do you feel like the love and character of Christ glows through you in every word or action that comes from you? I find it reassuring that in these verses we are told that when we see Christ, we will become like Him – the glistening purity of the Holy One! I believe that also reaffirms that the things of this world, and the evil one, will no longer have a hold on us! What a day that will be!!

APPLICATION: I see such a sweet assurance in the beginning verse of how much my heavenly Father loves me, and how He calls us His children. My eyes were also opened to the reminder that the world may very well dislike us, because they do not have an appreciation for the things, or character of God. But then I realize that if we do not conform to the ways of the world, then they would hate us anyway, per Romans 12:2. In fact that verse tells us that God will change us from the inside out, so of course we will be different to anything we, or they have ever witnessed before. But friends, the captioned verses today reminds us that our God will come one day to take us home to be with Him. Now that’s a day that we all look forward to, amen? But what about the here and now, what are we to be doing – how then shall we be living? Thankfully John covers this in verse 3, for he advised that we should aim to live like Jesus. I found it interesting that the Message chose to use such an awesome description of the life we are to live: ‘Glistening purity of Jesus’. That makes me think that we are to live squeaky clean lives, just as Christ was perfectly clean/pure. Friends, I believe that the bottom line is that we live the changed life that we have committed ourselves to. If we don’t, imagine how confusing it must be for nonbelievers to hear us preaching the goodness of the Lord from our mouths, yet living like the Devil in our actions and all of our practices. Jesus was pure in every way, and that’s what we are called to do, and be, as children of God. Are you willing to commit to living the pure life exampled by Jesus Christ? We can do that with the sole help of the only pure and holy One – Jesus, the Christ! Let us therefore place our faith and trust in Him to live our lives pleasing to Him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You lived a perfect life amidst lots of evil. We also are called to live the kind of pure life that You lived, even when our world seems more corrupt and sinful today than anytime in history. For those of us willing to live the example You have set before us, may You endow us with power, wisdom, determination and total surrender, so that the enemy might see Jesus in all that we do and say. We need You precious Savior. Please work miraculously through us so that Your work might be done, for Your glory only. AMEN!

Who’s the Culprit?

On 2018-11-26 By Ed AlgreenIn Accountability, Acknowledge God, Ashamed, Assurance, Awesome God, Blinded by Sin, Bold ConfidenceLeave a comment

Monday, 2018-11-26

Scripture

Bible Reference: Genesis 3:6–8

Bible Text: 6 The woman stared at the fruit. It looked beautiful and tasty. She wanted the wisdom that it would give her, and she ate some of the fruit. Her husband was there with her, so she gave some to him, and he ate it too. 7 Right away they saw what they had done, and they realized they were naked. Then they sewed fig leaves together to make something to cover themselves.
8 Late in the afternoon a breeze began to blow, and the man and woman heard the LORD God walking in the garden. They were frightened and hid behind some trees.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

On reading the title, you might conclude that I am about to introduce an old TV show by the same title! That’s not my intention, so no need to close the blog without reading today’s devotional!!! This scripture got my attention though, because we see in the three examples in this story how each party, Adam, Eve and the serpent, all found excuses for the cause of this very first sin that we read about in the Bible. In each case they quickly threw the blame, or cause of their action, on someone or something else. Unfortunately, in spite of all that transpired in this story, added to the enormous blessings that God has showered on us, I am amazed how little mankind has changed. I wonder today how much of our prayer time is spent on explaining to God who may have caused us to sin, or how it was possible for the infraction? Look at how Adam even went to the extent of trying to pass the responsibility of this sin to God Himself, for had God not sent the woman to Adam in the first place, then Adam thought that he would not have sinned! eeeennnk! I don’t believe so Adam! Think about our many excuses, men blame their distractions at work or even at church, on the pretty lady who wears very short dresses or very tight pants, for leading them to infidelity. I wonder when God looks at the deepest part of man’s heart what He must find is really happening, to cause such sin to erupt in a man’s heart? Yes friend, you read that right. God considers even our wicked thoughts when He judges us! Men, may I plead with you to join me in fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith? May I suggest that we commit ourselves more to the idea of drawing closer to God and being obedient to His Word, then perhaps our minds would be more focused on eternal matters than on the sinful things of this world? Ladies, I know you are not exempt from this condition, so please consider the gist of what I just shared and apply it to the challenges you face. God in His mighty wisdom actually distracted me on to the thoughts I just shared, because my initial intent was to actually introduce the Advent season into my blog over the next 24 days. Friends, we are introduced in this scripture today, to the very first sin – also known as the fall of mankind. You will quickly recognize that it was from the very beginning of time that God saw the need to send our Savior into the world to save fallen man. This ‘Savior’ of which I am referring is God’s very own Son that He sent – Jesus. It is the miraculous birth of Jesus that we celebrate each and every Christmas. Perhaps this should be the season of Thanksgiving when we consider the precious gift given for our benefit, even though we are personally embellished by the weakness of sin!

Prayer

Father, from the time of our very first ancestor, sin has been a problem – a challenge for mankind. We are weak, and very gullible to sin, but then we are so quick to deflect the cause of that sin onto anything, or anyone else that we could think of. Please open our hearts to the awesome reminder of how You not only saw our sin, but You did everything to help us seek forgiveness of that sin in preparation for standing before a holy, sinless God. You alone are God in heaven, and yet You loved us enough to make the way clear for us to be with You! Thank You Heavenly Father, thank You Jesus, and thank You Holy Spirit. We are truly a blessed people. May Your kingdom come oh Lord, and may each person meditating on this thought today be ready to see You face-to-face on resurrection morning, all because 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!

Showing You Are God’s Servant

On 2018-06-132018-06-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Confidence, Dependence on God, Godly Confidence, Servants of GodLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Corinthians 6:6-7 (ERV)

TEXT: ⁶We show that we are God’s servants by our pure lives, by our understanding, by our patience, and by our kindness. We show it by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love, ⁷by speaking the truth, and by depending on God’s power. This right way of living has prepared us to defend ourselves against every kind of attack.

OBSERVATION: Paul declared at the very beginning of this chapter that THE most important thing for his people, is their salvation, and that the day of salvation is NOW. For we are not promised the next day, hour or minute. Therefore he wanted his hearers (including us) to know that we need not wait for any event in life for us to start speaking, acting and loving like our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. This will speak volumes to us, read on…..

APPLICATION: Ever heard a spouse warn you to go easy on their partner, because they are trying to get over what someone said to them, or embarrassed over what they said to someone, or they got told off by a friend and they are trying to calm their nerves before they would otherwise explode? Does this sound very much like you, friend, because you have been there and done that? So what impression of Christ did the ‘world’ around that believer just receive? Was it a convincing act that helped them finalize their decision to follow Christ? Was it an outpouring of love, like Christ showed even at His most difficult time – hanging on the cross? Did it remind you of anything that you had seen even in the ‘world’? Are you convinced that you need to be more like that friend because he says that he is just like Jesus? Friends, Paul knew that the ‘world’ was watching him very closely, and just waiting for him to mess up so they could either poke fun at him or use it against his witness. I believe that Christians today, who live among the ‘world’, also knows that things have not changed. So the big question is: What have we (Christians) done to prepare ourselves to face the world’s: temptations, deceitful ‘friends’, the opposition’, etc? I believe that we should be as much like Jesus Christ in our workplace, in our social clubs, in the restaurants, at the football game, and anywhere else that we go each day, as we are in church or in the safety and security of our homes. If the character of Christ is in us, it will show through us in our actions and in our words. If we struggle with that, then the formula for success rests on our knees. For only Jesus can help us face the uncertainties of the day through a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit each morning that we ask for it. Are you ready for the day – not personally, but confident that you and Jesus could face anything that Satan may send your way.

PRAYER: Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on each of us today. May we be so filled with Your power, Your grace, and Your love, that we could face any giant that may pose a threat to our representation of our Savior today. Please prepare us, and be our Guide through every circumstance today. For I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus, my Lord, my Savior and my everlasting King! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 Sebring, 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!

A New Dimension in Praying For One Another

On 2018-04-19 By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Boldness, Confidence, Godly Confidence, WitnessLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Job 1:4-5 (CEV)

TEXT: ⁴Job’s sons took turns having feasts in their homes, and they always invited their three sisters to join in the eating and drinking. ⁵After each feast, Job would send for his children and perform a ceremony, as a way of asking God to forgive them of any wrongs they may have done. He would get up early the next morning and offer a sacrifice for each of them, just in case they had sinned or silently cursed God.

OBSERVATION: The first three verses of this book introduces Job as an honest and upright man of God, then immediately goes into these two verses. I would say that this is a strong indication of the special kind of man that Job was. When we say that we are followers of the Word of God, wouldn’t it be awesome if we took to heart some of the great things spoken of by precious saints of God in the Bible? What a better world this would be….

APPLICATION: I’ve heard people say that they would attend church with, or listen to one preach, if this certain old gentleman was speaking, but if it was going to be this other person, whom they classified as a ‘hypocrite’, then they will stay far enough away from that church. So what is it that turns a man’s head toward you, and willing to listen to your testimony, or turn away from you because of the stench of deceit, sin and disregard? Well, I wouldn’t dare say that there are many of us that could live up to the qualities of Job, but I am convinced that each of us could quickly size up an individual in the first few minutes of speaking with them, or being around them. After all, think about Job and try to place yourself in his shoes. Try inviting your kids over each morning after their late night of partying the night before, and have you a good old prayer meeting over those kids! There is no indication that Job criticized his children, nor accused them of any wrongdoings, for anything they may have said or done, but he simply took them before the throne of God and asked Him for forgiveness for his kids, in case they did anything that displeased God the night before. Friends, what if we cared for our neighbors like that, instead of cursing them for all the noise they made the night before? What if we called over that disrespectful teen and showed some godly interest in him, rather than constantly putting him down before our kids? What if we duplicated some of the things that Jesus did, instead of allowing our anger to build up inside because they may act, or speak differently to our kids? Do you suppose that we may eventually get the opportunity to pray with the neighbors, or possibly share the Good News of Jesus with them? Dear ones, this concept of ‘neighbor’ carries over to our ‘neighbor’ at the restaurant, or at work, or while camping, etc. May I encourage you to read the first chapter of Job to see how highly God thought of him? I believe this would give you new strength for your Christian walk!

PRAYER: Often we feel like no one ever had it quite as challenging as we do Lord, but as we read Your Word, we could see where many had it a whole lot worse. Please Lord, with the same power and grace that You gave to saints we read about in Your Word, please give us the grace, boldness, determination and encouragement that we need each day, to be a living example of You. People need the Lord, may they see You in every phase of our life today precious Lord, AMEN!

How To Handle Your Giant

On 2017-10-092017-10-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Confidence, Godly Confidence, Miracles, TrustLeave a comment

Post Date:	Monday, 2017-10-09
SCRIPTURE
From:	1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NET)
Text:	⁴⁵But David replied to the Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have defied! ⁴⁶This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand! I will strike you down and cut off your head. This day I will give the corpses of the Philistine army to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land. Then all the land will realize that Israel has a God ⁴⁷and all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves! For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will deliver you into our hand.”
OBSERVATION:
David’s father sent him to the battlefield to check on his older brothers, or shall I say that God prompted Jesse to send David, because He had a great work for him to do. As a shepherd boy, David had been dependent on God whenever large vicious animals threatened the flock of sheep under his care. To arrive on the battlefield and see an army of trained men standing back from the Philistine giant as he mocked their God, seemed unbearable to David, so he volunteered to take on the giant. Understanding the power of the almighty God that he served. There was absolutely no giant too big for his God!
APPLICATION:
When facing ‘giants’ in our lives, we often worry because we can’t see how we personally can overcome that ‘giant’. Sometimes we may have faced other ‘giants’ before, so we have some experience to go on. For those of us that have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we may have experienced a test of our faith before so we may start praying that God would ‘do it again’. Perhaps we heard a testimony of another saint who faced similar ‘giants’ to what we are facing, so we might call them for comfort and, knowing that their prayers worked for them, perhaps we might ask them to pray for us. Friends, it is evident that David was very close to God. I believe he had an intimate relationship with God, and through various tests and proven miracles that he witnessed out in the hillsides minding his sheep, he knew that there was nothing too big for his God. One of the quickest ways to get a man upset, is to talk bad about something, or someone that he holds close to his heart. When David arrived on the battle field, this is exactly what he found Goliath doing – obnoxiously bad mouthing the God that David served, revered, trusted, and dearly loved. Today, this happens around our workplaces, restaurants and other meeting places, I wonder if it irritates us into action like David did? In David’s story, look at the number of doubters that tried to discourage David from taking on the giant. Please note that you will face the same, or similar doubters who will try to hold you back from allowing God to perform miracles through or for you, so in addition to taking on your ‘giant’ you may have to also take on the friends, pastors, elders and even praying friends who try to distract your confidence in God to handle your ‘giant’. Let’s always keep in mind that our giants were created by God, or may have been placed in our way to build our strength and our confidence. God might rather build our faith in Him by facing our ‘giants’, rather than eliminating them at our request, without impacting our lives at all. Talk to God about that one ‘giant’ that challenges your walk with the Lord every day, and be ready to learn, trust and obey, for there may be no other way.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for satisfying the biggest ‘giant’ in the lives of Your children, the forgiveness of our sin that burdened us more than any giant like Goliath could ever manage to do. Oh what a Savior! Lord, please give us confidence to always trust in You when faced with those ‘giants’ that tend to overwhelm us and unnecessarily overburden us. You are bigger than any giant, so I place my faith and trust in You Lord, and ask that You touch the lives of my readers and I today, to help us to always look to You, regardless of what may come our way – whether a mustard seed, or a huge mountain. You are our Lord, and we love and adore You today Lord. AMEN
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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!

Proud To Be A Christian?

On 2017-09-022017-09-02 By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Boldness, Obedience, Obedient, True witnesses, Witness, WitnessingLeave a comment

Post Date:	Saturday, 2017-09-02
SCRIPTURE
From:	Judges 6:27 (Voice)
Text:	27 So Gideon took 10 of his servants and did as the Eternal had told him; but since he was worried about what his family and the people of the town might think, he did it at night while they all slept.
OBSERVATION:
Gideon was an interesting character. He asked for God to clearly prove Himself when He first spoke to Gideon. Now when asked to prove his allegiance to God by completing an order to destroy the idols of his dad and his town, he agreed, but he completed the task in his own time, to be the least possible conspicuous. Do we try to hide behind something when we serve God, so that we are not faced with challenging questions about our belief? We will discuss this further….
APPLICATION:
Do your family and friends know that you’re a Christian? Do you know if they are? They are perfect as a practice target! If you can’t speak with them about their faith, how will you manage with a complete stranger? You might remember that Peter, one of the close disciples of Christ, was challenged about his relationship with Jesus, and he did exactly what he had earlier told Jesus that he would not do, he denied being associated with Jesus or even knowing Him. Gideon never said anything, but what do you suppose that his actions said? Perhaps: I value my life way too much than to be killed by my own people for tearing down their gods; or what will these people, that I’ve known all my life, think of me when I rebel against them by replacing their gods with my own altar of the living God? What does your words and actions say to others about your faith? One of the most challenging things in living a life pleasing to God, is that the ways of the world is often totally opposite. Are you bold enough to ‘go against the grain’ and show that you are different because of Jesus? Another challenge is that you show that you are different, in complete humility. Not to show the other person up. You never put down an unbeliever so that you might look better in your beliefs. Simply live the life that God expects from you and allow Him to do His work in the lives that you are impacting. Words of encouragement and trying to be available for an unbeliever might be a start. Following the example of Christ is the best witness. Friends, Gideon did what he was asked to do, but he also wanted to stay on the good side of his family and townspeople. In being willing to obey God, we may have to obey God’s commands in spite of any sort of compromise. Are you willing to try that today?
PRAYER:
Lord, we are challenged every day with all that we should do, but way too often we allow our pride to override, or our desire to keep all parties happy. Please help us to be so committed to You Lord, that we will be willing whatsoever You ask of us. We need Your power, strength and boldness every day. Please help us to be images of our God who loves us beyond everything else. AMEN!
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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!

What Will You Do With Jesus?

On 2017-06-06 By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Boldness, True witnesses, WitnessLeave a comment

Post Date:	Tuesday, 2017-06-06
SCRIPTURE
From:	Mark 15:12-14 (Voice)
Text:	Pilate: 12 Then what do you want me to do with the King of the Jews? Crowd: 13 Crucify Him, crucify Him! 14 But now he called to them. Pilate: Why? What has He done to deserve such a sentence? Crowd (crying all the louder): Crucify Him, crucify Him!
OBSERVATION:
Barabbas is an active and a militant Jewish leader. In one sense, the choice that the crowd is offered—to have either Jesus or Barabbas released—can be seen as a choice between two types of revolutions. Do they want a revolution of power, a revolution that is easily visible, a revolution that will conquer their enemies in a way they can understand? Or do they want a revolution of healing, a revolution of love, a revolution that will bring the kingdom of God to earth in a mystical, transcendental way? It’s no wonder they make the choice they do. Who wants a gentle revolution in a time of war?
APPLICATION:
I would like for you to assume that you were in the public square of your town, and that a local judge, accompanied by military police on each side of him, with automatic rifles in plain view, is about to take the stage. Having been coached by your pastor and church leaders about what all of this involves, you stand as part of a large crowd before the judge. Now the question is posed to you, what will you have me do with your King – Jesus? The crowd all around you is shouting “Electric Chair”; “Hang Him”; and you see the smile come across the faces of the Military Police as they point their rifles over the crowd. No response is the same as agreeing with the crowd. However, remember that He’s the same Jesus that healed your mother; made your uncle to see again and raised cousin Lazarus from the grave. But what will you do with Jesus under these circumstances? I know, I made that choice extremely challenging for most of you, but allow me to challenge you with very lightly ways that could easily happen to you today. You arrive at work and immediately hear of a meeting that the president of your company has called with all employees. He comes onto the stage and in an obviously angered tone, lashes out about the reports he has received about these, so called ‘Christian’ workers who keep Bibles on their desks and use one of the board rooms at lunchtime to conduct a prayer meeting. You realize that Satan is making a dig at you and your fellow Christian workers, but what will you do? The 8 hours per day you are being paid for is expected to be worked for the company, and not evangelizing. However, you are convinced that you can’t leave Jesus at the door until you knock off. Friends, the Holy Spirit resides inside of you to guide you, protect you, give you wisdom, tip you off to digs from the evil one, love on you when you feel all alone and encourage you when you feel like you’re losing the battle in testifying for your Master. May I remind you that what’s inside of you will come out in the words you speak, your mannerisms and in the actions you take. I love a recent verse God placed before me, and it read something like this: when placed in situations where you don’t know what to say, simply open your mouth and speak what’s on your mind, as the Holy Spirit who lives inside of you will give you the right words! Wow! Let’s learn to stand up for Jesus, knowing that He’s got our back and will lead us in ways that will glorify Him! Glory to God on high!!
PRAYER:
Lord God, thank You for being my Savior, Lord and soon coming King! You were mocked, beaten and suffered pain and embarrassment on a cross for my benefit. You already know the limits that each of us can take before we ‘break’, or cave in to the opposition. Thank You Father for filling us with Your sweet Holy Spirit as our strength, our guide and our deliverer. Please help us to be bold in our witness, and give us the strength to endure all things, for Your name’s sake. May You be glorified in all things that we do, all places that we visit, and all things that we say, AMEN!
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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!

Nuggets From God's Word

Category: Bold Confidence