Category: Born Again

Is it evident to whom you belong?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Faith, Follow Jesus, Humility, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Power of Prayer, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: 1 John 2 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

1 John 2:3-6 ~ And how can we be sure that we belong to him? By obeying his commandments. If someone says, “I belong to God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God’s word really do love him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did. (NLT)

APPLICATION (How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

John knew that there would be times that we doubt our salvation, as did the saints of his day. Therefore he told us a way that we could be sure that we belong to Him. Friends there is no way that we could belong to Christ and go on living like the devil. Compare this to being married. If we are happily married and trying to live a life totally dedicated to our spouse, we will not wander around or hang out with our old buddies that led us into the places where we met members of the opposite sex. So it is with our relationship with God, we will want to obey all that He tells us – because we know that it is for our own good, and it leads us to an even closer relationship with Him. How then will we learn of His commands? Yes, I know that anyone reading this devotional could also read the Bible, but friends I know from experience that it helps to be around like minded people – we call it “our church family”! Furthermore, I have found that God will not only try and get His point across to me in His Word, but also through other believers and through the preaching or teaching of His Word. He also uses some of these methods to confirm what I have read in His Word. In a marriage we talk to our spouse and they talk back to us. In our Christian relationship, we talk to God in prayer, and He talks back to us through His Word, through preaching, teaching and other believers. How has your communication levels been with God? Are you missing any of these communication links? To know and love Christ, we will want to obey His commands and follow His will for our lives. Are there things in your life that do not line up with God’s Word? In verse 5 the Word says that if we live in Christ we will live as He did! That’s a tall order, but it’s the Word. It seems impossible to us, but that’s when we should realize that God expects us to lean on His strength and not ours alone, so that we may live our lives in a manner pleasing to Him.

PRAYER (With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, I believe that as long as we live on this earth we will find that old Satan tugs away at us each and every day, causing us to stumble. This is our clue that we need to depend on You and seek Your help, Your guidance, Your strength and Your wisdom to live our lives like You intended – sold out to You. Please give me a fresh dose of Your love and direction this day so that I may live according to the path exampled by You. May there be no doubt to whom I belong today. May You rule and reign in and through me today, is my sincere prayer.

Is Your Christianity Real?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Faith, God Reigns, Power, ProtectorLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Acts 25; Acts 26 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

Acts 25:14-16 ~ I admit that their leaders think that the Lord’s Way which I follow is based on wrong beliefs. But I still worship the same God that my ancestors worshiped. And I believe everything written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets. I am just as sure as these people are that God will raise from death everyone who is good or evil. And because I am sure, I try my best to have a clear conscience in whatever I do for God or for people.

Acts 26:1-3 ~ Agrippa told Paul, “You may now speak for yourself.” Paul stretched out his hand and said: King Agrippa, I am glad for this chance to defend myself before you today on all these charges that my own people have brought against me. You know a lot about our religious customs and the beliefs that divide us. So I ask you to listen patiently to me.

APPLICATION (How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

Paul was a very special man who had a dramatic change in his life after his conversion. Much of the New Testament writings evolve around Paul’s work as a follower of Christ, so one may imagine that he was very prepared to answer appropriately when challenged in the court of his day to defend his religion/beliefs. If we stop and think about it, we are promoting and/or defending our Christianity every day, for some of our friends and coworkers are looking to trip us up to see if we are for real (if we are everything that we claim to be for Christ), some are really curious as to why we act the way we do and make the decisions we do, while others are so determined to test the validity of our faith that they will do all within their power to see if they could tempt us to stray or do those things that they know Christians often stay away from. I am convinced that in and of our own strength, we are very weak and can easily cave in to the temptations and challenges just discussed. However, we serve the master of the universe, the Creator of this world, the King of all kings that ever was, the One who performed and indeed still performs miracle after miracle,

Being a ‘Disciple’ of Christ

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follow Jesus, Obedience, Repentance, Righteousness, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Luke 14 

OBSERVATION

Luke 14:25-27 ~ Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said: You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life. You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.

APPLICATION

We quite often use the word ‘disciple’, so this morning I did some research to understand fully what it means. The dictionary defines it as a follower of Christ. A theologian goes into more detail and describes the term by giving us 7 qualities of a mature, reproducing disciple of Jesus Christ:

Reflects Christ
What am I doing to be more like Christ?
Eph. 4:15, 2 Cor. 3:18, Gal. 5:22–23, Matt. 22:37–39

Fellowships with Believers
How can I develop relationships with God’s family?
Heb. 10:24–25, Eph. 2:19

Lives Biblically

What am I doing to know and put into practice
the teachings of the Bible?
2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Peter 1:3–8

Gives Sacrificially

How am I handling the resources God has
entrusted to me?
2 Cor. 9:6–9, Prov. 11:24–25

Serves Others

How can I further develop/discover my SHAPE
for ministry?
Eph. 4:11–13, Rom. 12:3–8, 1 Cor. 12

Worships Daily

How can I surrender my whole heart/life as worship?
Rom. 12:1–2, Psalm 27:6, 95:6–7

Shares Faith

What am I doing to actively fulfill my life mission
of sharing Christ?
Acts 20:24, 1:8, Matt. 18:18–20

As I reflected on this passage I thought how important it was when I got married for my wife to leave her family and give me her full devotion. Similarly I believe that Jesus is teaching that if we are to truly be His disciple, that we must dedicate ourselves fully to the task. When we give something our full undivided attention and dedication, we will succeed at it. When we decide to follow Jesus, it should not be because this is the only means into Heaven, although that is true. It should not be due to the fact that our mom or dad have always wanted that for their child, although that may be true also, but we should be willing to follow Jesus and be excited about what He has in store for us as individual children of the King. I think it is exciting to believe that Jesus has a personal desire for each of us individually, not because of anything that mom or dad may have done but because He loves me so much, and yes He loves you so much as well. Won’t you accept Him today and get to know Him personally, mature in Him daily through the qualities described to the left, then look for the blessings that He will give to you each and every day. He is an awesome Savior! He loves us so much and wants to show His love to us personally in ways that we will recognize and appreciate. He’s my King. Make Him yours today! Don’t know how?

My Name’s in the Book!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Born Again, Eternal Life, Faith, Praise, Resurrection Day, Thank You Jesus, The Book of LifeLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Revelation 20  

OBSERVATION

Revelation 20:12 ~ I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done.

APPLICATION

In John 3:16 I am told in part “…so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” So it is with faith this morning that I celebrate that my name is in the Book of Life and I will live eternally with God when He calls me home. Praise God that I can celebrate that truth today, and not have to wait until the Book is opened to be told “Go away for I never knew you”. I cannot be proud of all the things I have done, but glory to God I have a mediator who stands in the gap for me and who guides my every step, speaks to the Father on my behalf, encourages me and leads me in a path of righteousness every day. In fact He is looking so forward to the day when I will join Him, that even today He is preparing a home for me. My earthly father took such good care of me here on this earth, but I believe that this was only a glimpse of the loving care that my heavenly Father will take care of me (and my earthly dad) when I am called away from this old earth.

A Force to Reckon With

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Eternal Life, Faith, Humility, Obedience, Peace, Worry no more1 Comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Revelation 12  

OBSERVATION

Revelation 12:7-9 ~ Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

APPLICATION

I am reminded here that old Satan was a force to reckon with in heaven, so who am I to be so naive and think that he is of no consequence in my life, or in my world? I believe that the main thing that I must concentrate on is that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!! Praise be to God, I serve the One who overcame the temptations of Satan and won the battle. The one who conquered death and the grave, and won the battle, yes even today I can sing – “

No Worries, Be Happy Christian!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Heaven, Peace, Resurrection Day, Righteousness, Worry no more, WorshipLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Revelation 7 

OBSERVATION

Revelation 7:14-17 ~ …  Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

APPLICATION

Wow, wow, wow! Here are some exciting notes about what will happen to Christians after this life is over on earth:

  • We will stand in front of God’s throne – imagine how awe inspiring that will be;
  • We will serve Him day and night – To be in the presence of the Almighty will be breathtaking! To serve Him non-stop will be our heart’s desire, truly multiplied many times over the joy we receive from serving Him here on this old earth!
  • We will be protected by the living God! – We rest so much more comfortably when we are sheltered; imagine the peace in knowing that much like a chicken that protects her chicks under her wing, so will it be when God spreads His arms of love and protection over us. That’s ultimate love and protection!
  • We will never be hungry or thirsty! – Now the Word doesn’t say that we will gorge ourselves with food day and night, but rather we will never huger or thirst again. With the wellness program that I am blessed to be a part of right now, I have learned how much less food we really need when we only eat when hungry. I don’t think for a moment that we will be starved, I just believe that our minds will be so centered on loving, serving and worshipping our Lord and Savior, that food will not be a concern.
  • We will never be scorched by the heat of the sun! – Praise God! Because I suffer so much in the heat from today’s outdoor work and activities. The Word says in another place that Jesus will be the light, not the sun, so this is exciting to be reminded that our environment will be much more inviting and comfortable.
  • The Lamb, Jesus Christ, will be our shepherd! – No worries like today when a loved one loses a husband, dad or life leader, for our Shepherd will be Jesus!
  • He will lead us to springs of life-giving water! – Jesus said that He gives us water that will cause us to never thirst again. This is the water that some today will charge thousands of dollars per ounce for, because they could advertise that it produces ‘Life’! This is the water that Jesus will lead us to daily!
  • God will wipe away every tear! – Today we may cry over death in our family, disappointments over certain acts by loved ones, mourning with a friend because they hurt. Whatever it is, there will be no need to worry any longer because God will be in control and He will give us such assurances and love that we will have nothing to mourn over. Oh, Happy Day!!

PRAYER

Wow, what power-packed verses, Lord Jesus. Thank You for giving me a hope! Thank You for providing such a home for me to look forward to! Thank You for providing a means today that gives me assurance of a place in glory with You! Thank You for forgiveness of sin! Please continue to speak to my family and friends so that they too may all join me around Your throne when You see fit to call us home.

Our Personal Responsibility.

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Faith, Heaven, Love, RighteousnessLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Ezekiel 18

OBSERVATION

Ezekiel 18:4 ~ For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die.

APPLICATION

So often we hear folk talk about how a child is suffering because of the sin of their parent(s), and like in this chapter, we often use scripture to try and support us in thinking that a child will be punished for the sin of their parent(s). However, in this chapter God, through Ezekiel, goes into a lot of detail explaining how we each stand alone before God and will be judged for our own sin. In fact as I meditate on this I realize that I probably have so much on my own slate to be judged for that I can only hope and trust that God will not look back on previous generations and hold me accountable for their deeds also. The neatest thing with this passage that I am reminded of today is that in and of our own selves we are so weak and sinful that there is every reason why God would not allow us into His kingdom, HOWEVER, praise God that He realized this and did something about that. He brought His one and only son into the world in a very miraculous way for a specific reason, so that He would not only have opportunity to demonstrate while on earth how we should love, act, speak, care for and sacrifice for others, but that through His death on the cross God ultimately demonstrated His love for all those who accept Him as Lord, that they would have opportunity to live eternally with Him in heaven. No conditions, just plain love for us that caused Him to find a way, the only way, for us to know that we would have eternal life in heaven. I don’t know about anyone else, but I have never seen love like that demonstrated in any similar fashion here on this earth. Only a God like mine would be so loving, so kind, so thoughtful, so sacrificial to create a being, provide and care for the beings, see them turn from the source of their life and support and follow another god yet, because of His undying love for mankind, provide another means for us to return to Him and gather around His throne in glory.

A Glimpse of Heaven!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Eternal Life, Forgiveness, HeavenLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Revelation 4

OBSERVATION

Revelation 4:8-11 ~ … Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty — the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

APPLICATION

In the Revelation given to John that is described in this chapter, a description is given of what things look like around the throne of God, and among the descriptions, in verse three it was described as “The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow”. Additionally there is an image of living beings constantly worshipping the King of Kings and chanting as described at the beginning of the passage above. With this the 24 elders humbly laid their crowns at the foot of the throne and simply worshipped the King. I don’t know about anyone else, but as a child of the King, and as one saved by His grace, and as one who feels very watched-over/protected and loved by my Lord and my King, this excites me beyond words, as this is exactly what I look forward to whenever Jesus calls me home to be with Him. However, while here on this earth this thought is almost bitter sweet, because even though I can look forward to this day, I know that I have loved ones who have rejected my Savior, and will be turned away from this wonderful experience in the world to come, for Jesus will no longer deal in convicting hearts to follow Him then, for we would have ‘arrived’ (praise be to God!). Therefore my challenge today is to do my part in representing Christ well in all that I do and say, so that others may be influenced by the Christ that lives within me, for my aim is to never be a stumbling block to any work of Christ as He deals with the unsaved, but instead to be a living witness and reinforce the love of Jesus that others need, God being my helper.

PRAYER

Father I am reminded today of the wonderful place that You have gone to prepare for me and other Christians. With this reminder, I am also made very aware that time could be very short for my loved ones who have not yet accepted You, for You have taught throughout Your Word that TODAY is the day of salvation. You know my relatives and friends in a very personal way, as You know me. Please tender their hearts again today and speak warmly, but sternly to them about the condition of their soul and where their life is headed. Selfishly I am asking that they join me in heaven at the foot of Your throne. Personally I know that this seems impossible at this time for some, as I know their stubborn personality and the grip that Satan has on them, but Father I know that I serve the God Almighty, who specializes in what appears to be impossibilities for Your kids like me. Thank You for always hearing my prayer. Thank You for wisely wading through my wishes and answering those that You see fit, and that is in accordance with Your will. Based on Your Word, I believe that Your wish is that all may be saved, so I believe that I am asking this within the confines of Your will. Thank You for answered prayer and thank You for listening to my cry today. Please show me what I might do to help my brother or my sister to make this life-changing decision. Thank You for providing a way for us to one day transition from this world of sin, to a home briefly described by John in this passage today!

Then, and Only Then, Will I….

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Faith, Humility, Love, Obedience, Things that make God angryLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Ezekiel 11

OBSERVATION

Ezekiel 11:18-21 ~ When that happens, I want you to clear the land of all disgusting idols. Then I will take away your stubbornness and make you eager to be completely faithful to me. You will want to obey me and all my laws and teachings. You will be my people, and I will be your God. But those who worship idols will be punished and get what they deserve. I, the LORD God, have spoken.

APPLICATION

I am finding the book of Ezekiel almost as interesting as the book of Revelation, as God really spoke to Ezekiel through a vision, including showing him how He would follow through with all that needed to be done to effectively open the eyes of the sinful nation of Jerusalem. I have highlighted in ‘red‘ one of the very key words in these verses, ‘Then’. So often we talk about/preach about/think about our loving God who will do everything for us, and often saying this while continuing to do the sinful, prideful things that God abhors. In the verses preceding these, God told Ezekiel all that He demanded of the people of Jerusalem, and only AFTER those things were done, THEN He would do His part. In other words God is saying that His good work among them will be conditional upon them doing their part. He had given so many opportunities for them to straighten up their act, but each time they miserably failed to follow through in obedience, even after He wiped out several of their towns. Fast forwarding this to apply this to life today: God still expects us to do our part. He developed us with enough intelligence to understand the written Word of God, to communicate effectively with Him in prayer; example after example of how we should separate ourselves from this sinful world and instead be light to a dark and dying world. In other words, to be an example of Him to others so that they might dedicate themselves to Him and follow His commands. Unless we straighten up our act and follow the Christ that we profess that we personally know, we could find ourselves in the same predicament as the people of Jerusalem, we could be wiped out so that God could raise up new warriors who will obey Him and sincerely do His work. Our excuse today is that I can’t do a whole lot for the large city/state/country in which I live, much less this whole wide world. Remember that this is a very true analysis of the situation, because that will be God’s job. However, I truly believe that He wants us to concentrate first on our own personal relationship with Him. Then as we example Him to our family, friends, co-workers and world He will work through our witness to reach into their hearts.

PRAYER

Father, may You find a willing and prepared saint through which You can work today as You look deep into my heart. Forgive me for my selfish motives, my personal desires and the times that I could have been way more proactive in sharing Your message with others. Please help me, through Your love and strength, to rid myself of anything that stands in the way of You using me to do Your work. Help me to represent You perfectly in all that I say or do so that others may see Jesus, and gain a desire to want to know You personally. May You have Your will and way this day, dear God.

Know that You Have Life Eternal

On By Ed AlgreenIn Born Again, Christian, Eternal Life, Faith, Forgiveness, Heaven, Humility, Love, Obedience, SinLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: 1 John 5

 

OBSERVATION

1 John 5:13-15 ~ I write this letter to you who believe in the Son of God so you will know you have eternal life. And this is the boldness we have in God’s presence: that if we ask God for anything that agrees with what he wants, he hears us. If we know he hears us every time we ask him, we know we have what we ask from him.

APPLICATION

Here are some words of encouragement for us today, some key points on which we can build our faith in Jesus Christ and reassurance for us as Christians to know that our living, powerful Savior is actively involved in our lives, as we give Him room and permission to. Here are the key points that really encouraged me:

  • Through God’s leading, with His direction, and through His grace, I accepted Jesus as my Savior back in 1976. God, through John is assuring me here that I have eternal life, therefore one day when life shall leave my earthly body, I will be taken away to forever be with my Savior in heaven! Although I already knew this, every time I am reminded of this it bring such a peace, reassurance and excitement to me. I can’t imagine why the Master of this universe would consider even me to one day join Him in glory, but I am satisfied that it will happen, praise be to God! As a side note, what is also exciting is that while this is an exclusive group that will get to join Jesus Christ at His right hand, the invitation to join the group is open to ALL who will accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life. This is something that no one should refuse. I constantly pray that I will see all of my family and loved ones there, so I am praying that they will accept Jesus today, while they are still able to. Why don’t you consider doing the same thing friend?
  • As a child of the King, we have the boldness while in God’s presence to ask for anything, that He agrees with, and we can be assured that He hears us. As the last sentence in theses verses says, if God hears our prayer and it is in accordance with His will for our lives, then we can consider it done. The verse actually says that we know that we already have it! While this is super exciting, one might ask well how will I know if it is God’s will for me? For those that ask arbitrarily without any type of relationship with God, this will probably be extremely difficult. After all, think about a marriage relationship – if after leaving the altar where you said your vows, the husband goes one way and the wife another, not only is there a lack of relationship between them (although they are ‘married’), but one of them will have no idea what pleases the other in three months when they get together for dinner! Likewise, to know God’s will we must be constant in prayer and Bible Study so that we may learn His heart’s desire for us. There is a group study called ‘The Mind of Christ’. This is something that you cannot discern from a distance, this requires an intimate relationship with Christ. One of the huge ways that one can be helped with this is by connecting with a body of believers (a bible believing/teaching church). Not only will you hear the Word of God preached and taught, but to network with others of like faith brings an enormous sense of love, accountability, boldness and strength that could help both you and them through daily challenges with life here in this wicked world in which we now live. If you are not connected already friend, I encourage you to give this a try. Believe me, it works!

PRAYER

  1. Lord Jesus, You are so awesome. You have provided the means for us to have eternal life. You hear our prayers, even though we tend to stray away from Your teaching so much. I often feel so undeserved of such love, but again today I want to thank You for that love. I feel especially blessed, loved and cared for by You and can easily say thank You for all that You do in my life. Forgive me for sometimes asking for things that may not fit within your will for my life at the present time, but thank you for redirecting me towards a right path pleasing to You. Please be my guide each and every day, for