Category: Christian

How to Receive from God Whatever You Request of Him!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Ask and Receive, Bible Believing, Bold Confidence, Christian, Faith, Listen to the Word of GodLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: 1 John 3 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

1 John 3:21-22 ~ Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.
(NLT)

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

John had just shared how important it is that we not be selfish. That as God has blessed so wonderfully, we ought to also bless others, otherwise we may end up with a guilty conscience and even realize that may not even belong to Christ as we thought we did. On the contrary, if we have no guilt about such things, we can come to God in confidence and receive whatever we should ask for, because of our obedience. The trouble I see here is that in, and of our own selves we may feel convinced that we have nothing to be guilty of, but when we dig into the Word and actually hear from God, our shortcomings will quickly become evident. Friends, we needn’t fool ourselves. The plumb line is God’s Word, not for us to look at ourselves and determine if we are good enough. God is our judge, let’s let Him always have control and show us the way that is pleasing to Him. Receiving from God whatever we should ask of Him is the ultimate experience we could ever expect of God. Let’s do our part and keep ourselves clear of all guilt and pride. Let’s give God the controls to our lives then watch Him respond and use us in such mighty ways that others will see and believe, and also accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

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

Thank You for providing the way to salvation, dear God. Thank You for working so wonderfully in my life. Please help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and allow Your Word to wash me daily so that I may always be clear of guilt and always free to come before You receiving anything that I may ask of You unselfishly. You are my God. Thank You for looking through my sin, prompting me to surrender my life over to You, accepting me as a born again child, and for directing my path each and every day.

The Way to Not Sin

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Imitator of Christ, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Pleasing to GodLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: 1 John 3 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

1 John 3:2-6 ~ …. we do know that when Christ returns, we will be like him, because we will see him as he truly is. This hope makes us keep ourselves holy, just as Christ is holy. Everyone who sins breaks God’s law, because sin is the same as breaking God’s law. You know that Christ came to take away sins. He isn’t sinful, and people who stay one in their hearts with him won’t keep on sinning. If they do keep on sinning, they don’t know Christ, and they have never seen him. (CEV)

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

I often hear Christians acknowledge that they have sinned, but then they go on to say something like: “but God will forgive me”, or something like: “well as long as I remain on this earth I know that I will sin, so why be concerned about it”. However, this passage brought a whole new meaning to this for me this morning, as I was reminded of two things that John teaches in verse 6 that address the two responses above:

  1. If we stay one with Christ in our hearts (if we live and remain in communion with, and obedience to, God) we will not, deliberately, knowingly and habitually keep on sinning;
  2. If we keep on sinning then we have either: not seen, recognized, perceived or understood Him, or we have not had an experiential acquaintance with Him.

Friends, the positive spin on this is that as we accept Jesus as our Savior, and as we commit our lives to Him – learn His Word and all that it tells us about how Jesus wants us to live, then as we aspire to live like Him, the Word says in verse 6 that “Anyone who continues to live in Him will not sin”.

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

Father You know how challenging it is for us to live in this life of temptation, stress and continuous opposition to You and Your teachings. Thank You for this reminder today that I must put these temporal things aside and keep my mind focused on You and the relationship that I have with You as my Lord and Savior. Your Word declares that as I stay one with You in my heart, I will not sin. It doesn’t say that I will no longer be tempted or challenged by those around me. Therefore, please help me daily to keep my relationship with You in check so that I will not sin – despite the things and people that may also be tugging away at me. I want to be an overcomer, and always victorious over sin so that my relationship with You may never be affected.

So that you may Know

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Eternal Life, Faith, Follow Jesus, Honesty, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Pleasing to God1 Comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: 1 John 2 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

1 John 2:27-29 ~ But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]. And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming. If you know (perceive and are sure) that He [Christ] is [absolutely] righteous [conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action], you may also know (be sure) that everyone who does righteously [and is therefore in like manner conformed to the divine will] is born (begotten) of Him God].
(AMP)

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

I am convinced that God’s Word is very complete and contains answers to all of our questions. I am also convinced that we have a responsibility and are accountable for validating anything that we allow into our minds, and yes this includes what the preacher/pastor/priest/teacher has to say when we attend church. These verses make it very clear how we can know, and be assured whether we are hearing the truth of God. There are so many false teachers around today that we must be responsible Christians and validate what we hear, by referencing and aligning the Word of God. God will hold us accountable for what we learn of Him, and we will not have the opportunity to pass the buck and blame anyone else. I am wholeheartedly in favor of preaching and teaching, but I also know that the ones sharing are mere human and often include a lot of personal understanding and thoughts. The one true source is the Word of God. In verses 28 and 29 we are also being reminded that we are to live our lives in such conformity with God’s Word that we will not hang our heads in shame when Jesus is made visible to us, but that He will find us righteous and conforming to His will. Friend, we are not only responsible for living a righteous life before our brothers and sisters, but also in a manner pleasing to God. By this everyone will know that we are born of God!

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

Father, I am concerned how many go on living in a manner pleasing to the church, pleasing to the pastor and perhaps please to a brother or sister, but yet still not right with God. You know our deepest thoughts and it is Your will that I desire to follow. Please redirect me when I am tempted to stray or not follow Your will closely. I want to be recognized by You as following Your will and living in accordance with Your Holy Word. I know that only what’s done for You will last, so please help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, and may my actions and interaction with others be pleasing in Your sight. May they know and be convinced of the One that I serve and follow, so that You may receive honor and glory, and may they be encouraged to do the same.

Please God and Live Forever!

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Bible Believing, Christian, Imitator of Christ, Listen to the Word of God, Pleasing to GodLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: 1 John 2 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

1 John 2:15-17 ~ Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (NLT)

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

I believe that we can see from the beginning of this short passage that we are easily pulled into thinking and feeling very much like the world, as John warns. However, I believe that we can easily see how temporal this is, and how easily we are brushed aside by the world when they are finished with us. Alternatively, I am overjoyed to see where God is always happy and proud of His children, no matter what status in life we have attained, or age, or physical condition or otherwise different to what we see in others around us. We are His chosen people, we were created by Him, He sent His Son to die on a cruel cross so that we may have eternal life with Him, and none of this was done because we were good enough or young enough, or rich enough, or achieving as much as some, it was simply because He loved us so much, just because of whose we are. As we (saints of God) strive daily to do what God desires of us, and in accordance with His Word and His will, we are promised that we will one day be with Him in glory, because we will live forever! What a wonderful day that will be brother, sister, friend! Let us seek His face daily, let us do His will while in this world. I am reminded of that old hymn, “

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.

What do you want me to do for you?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Bible Believing, Christian, Faith, Healing, Power of Prayer, Thank You Jesus, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Mark 10 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

Mark 10:49-52 ~ When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road. (NLT)

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

We attend church and expect to see God answer prayer and/or move in our midst because of all that we read in His Word and have heard about Him. In this scripture, Bartimeus was the same way, only I get the impression that he would not have been considered a very religious person that perhaps many of us may consider ourselves, for he was a beggar along the roadside, and because of the reaction of the crowd, he may have made a pest of himself. However, like in the story of the children coming to Jesus, Bartimeus was calling out to Jesus for specific help/healing and in sincere faith. Too often we come to Jesus in such general terms and in such a way that we give the impression that yes it would be nice if Jesus would do this or that, but if not – well, we understand, and we will try again later on. This blind man had a very specific need that he didn’t have to think very hard about when asked by Jesus what He could do for him. In other words, I believe that Bartimeus was there at that time for the specific reason of having Jesus restore his sight, not because he thought that his begging to such a large crowd passing, may be financially beneficial to him. Jesus knows our most intimate thoughts and desires, so we could cut the chase and verbalize to Him specifically what it is that we desire in our hearts. It’s ok to share this with a friend so that they could join us in prayer and share our burden, but it is much more important that we stop, acknowledge Jesus for who He is, share our deepest thoughts with Him and ask Him for help and/or healing in specific terms, and in faith expecting His hand to be outreached to respond in a way that He knows is best for us. Let’s remember, we are His children, and He desires His very best for His kids. We just need to have the faith and ask for it!

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

Wow, what a lesson this is today! A time when it seems like more and more of us attend church out of tradition and because of habit. A time when we come to Jesus in prayer asking in such general terms about our group, our family or our friends. This scripture has reminded me that when I come to pray, I need to come prepared with the very thing that bears on my mind, ask specifically for that need, and ask with such assurance knowing that I am asking the Master of this universe, the Healer of the blind, the restorer of life, the King of all kings, the only one that has the power to respond to my requests. With that kind of faith and assurance, I can come boldly to the cross expecting God to respond in bold and marvelous ways. Thank you Jesus for being my healer, defender, provider and my salvation!

Unless We Become Like Children

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Humility, Listen to the Word of God, ObedienceLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Mark 10 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

Mark 10:13-16 ~ One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. (NLT)

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

I believe that it is good for us to be reminded of some of the qualities of a child that should influence us in our relationship with our Father:

  • Their innocence – When we tell them something, they believe us and, if we are telling them something that will occur, they will expect it to happen just like we said. God has told us so much in His Word. In fact, we can find answers to all of our questions and/or struggles. However really tend to struggle with believing Him that it will happen just like He said. In fact we sometimes question if God really understands the uniqueness of our situation. There’s another verse where Jesus told the disciples, “O ye of little faith”, and that would be very appropriate to us in this scenario, because we should always be aware that God is our Father, and He knows everything about us and the struggles that we face, and only He has the solution, praise be to God!
  • Their imagination – If you have ever encountered a time that a child came in and told you about an event to come, you will realize that they just accepted the wild imagination of a performer or perhaps built on a situation with their own imagination and developed a story that anyone will believe. As we grow older we tend to question every little thing and doubt everything that we have not seen or experienced ourselves. Friend, it is extremely difficult for us to imagine or believe the power of God, but let’s be reminded from this passage this morning that we must retain some of the qualities that we had as a child. When our Father tells us through His Word that we should follow Him, listen to Him, obey Him and do what He says – we need to just do it. Remember, we are talking here about the Maker of the universe, the One who rose from the dead after three days, the One who turned water into wine and raised the dead, He is greater than anyone or anything we can imagine…. unless we take on child-like qualities and simply place our faith in Him.
  • Their willingness – I believe that at times kids kind of look at us and say to themselves, are you kidding me with what you just said, because perhaps it sounded far out compared to anything they had heard so far. However, I also believe that they are way more willing to accept what they are told and act upon it than what we often give them credit for. Jesus wants us to be like little children and be willing to accept Him at His word. There is lots of evidence in the Bible that prove the power, trustworthiness and dependability of our God. We should be willing to accept Him at His word. We should be ready to obey His commands.

Jesus will one day return to collect those that have been innocent like little children; accepted Him at His Word; followed His commands; built a relationship with Him like we would do with our earthly father; and shared His love with the world. Remember, “anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it”

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

Father I pray that You will be patient with me. I pray that You will grant me the strength and determination to believe on You like a little child. Thank You for leading me to the cross and convicting me of my sin, but most of all thank You for forgiving me of my sin when I surrendered my life to You, and each day as I surrender my weaknesses over to You. Please help to be in such a close relationship with You that I will be mindful of all that You would have me do and say.

‘Til Death Do Us Part!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Christian, Divorce, Listen to the Word of God, Love, Marriage, Our Help comes from God, Righteousness, SeparationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Mark 10

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

Mark 10:1-12 ~ After Jesus left, he went to Judea and then on to the other side of the Jordan River. Once again large crowds came to him, and as usual, he taught them. Some Pharisees wanted to test Jesus. So they came up to him and asked if it was right for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus asked them, “What does the Law of Moses say about that?” They answered, “Moses allows a man to write out divorce papers and send his wife away.” Jesus replied, “Moses gave you this law because you are so heartless. But in the beginning God made a man and a woman. That’s why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife. Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple that God has joined together.” When Jesus and his disciples were back in the house, they asked him about what he had said. He told them, “A man who divorces his wife and marries someone else is unfaithful to his wife. A woman who divorces her husband and marries again is also unfaithful.” (CEV)

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

I believe that most of us have encountered divorce in some part of our family, either directly or indirectly through a family member. I don’t believe that it is ever pretty, or mutually agreeable, because someone often gets hurt, in fact I would dare say that many times many people get hurt. I am not here to judge anyone who makes such a decision, but I feel like this is something that perhaps someone who may be considering divorce today may need to hear. In fact, if I skip over this ‘Nugget’ in Mark 10 I believe that I could be considered like the folk that Moses dealt with in his day, I could be accused of being heartless. To those that are struggling in their marital relationship today I would ask that you consider the following tips that I discerned from God’s Word, and the sensitivity of this was heightened this morning when I read this passage:

  • God made us in His own image – I don’t believe that this pertains only to bodily form, or not just in character like Him, but in whole I believe that He made us to be imitators of Him in every way. For instance, He is known as ‘love’. He taught us to love like He does. He loved us so much that He sacrificed His one and only Son so that we may have…. If we are to be imitators of Him, why would we turn our heads on a spouse that God has blessed us with? God never faltered in His love for us, why would we falter in our love for our spouse?
  • Is your marriage in trouble because you believe that you found someone else better looking? Remember that beauty comes from within, not outward beauty.
  • Is your marriage in trouble because your spouse is cheating on you? Look deep inside and try to determine why you have allowed this. Is it because of Neglect? Not showing your love? Not praising them when appropriate?
  • Is your marriage in trouble because you have been distracted with someone else of the opposite sex in your circle of friends or coworkers? In your marriage vows you promised to pledge your allegiance and love to only your spouse. Don’t put yourself in the position of allowing someone else to interfere in your vow and in your marital relationship.
  • Is your marriage in trouble because you never included God in your union with each other? It is not too late. Go to God in prayer, with your spouse, asking God to be a part of your union and to help you maintain a strong, loving and happy relationship with Him and with each other. Remember, God is bigger than all of our troubles and when you welcome Him to be a part of your life, He can work miracles in your situation. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.

As your relationships are mended you will find much less stress in your life. In fact, with a happy and loving relationship with each other and God, you will find that you can deal with everything else! Let God be a part, won’t you?

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

Lord Jesus, I thank You for being a part of my marriage. I thank You for holding our hands and helping us to overcome those times when we struggled and when we doubted Your presence. You have truly been an inspiration in our lives and in our marriage and I pray that You will continue to bless our marriage, because I know that old Satan could easily interfere if we let our guards down or if we exclude You, our source of power and strength. May we be a blessing to others that may be struggling in their marriage? May Your love and Your light shine so brightly in us that others may be touched and encouraged? May You receive honor and glory for anything and everything accomplished as a result of our union. Please continue to be instrumental in our individual lives and in our marriage. Thank You Lord Jesus!

Are You Building Up, or Tearing Down?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Getting Along, Love God, Love your Neighbor, MotivateLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Mark 9 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

Mark 9:42 ~ It will be terrible for people who cause even one of my little followers to sin. Those people would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their necks.
(CEV)

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

I am convinced that God hates sin. After all, He sent His only Son so that we may seek forgiveness of our sin and therefore be one with Him. In other words, without the forgiveness of sin we cannot be one with God. Now seeing how important this is to God in our own relationship with Him, we can imagine how much this verse really speaks of the mind of God when He sees anyone doing things to entice a child of His (a Christian) to sin. Each of us should examine ourselves and determine what we are doing to build up the kingdom of God, to enhance a Christian’s relationship with Jesus. Moreover, we should examine ourselves, and always seek God’s guidance for anything we might be doing that would lead a Christian to stray/sin. The Bible says that it would be better for us to hang a heavy stone around our necks and be thrown into the ocean/water, than to cause one of His children to sin. Let’s remember today and everyday that we are to build up each other. When we are not doing that, we are either tearing down, causing someone to sin, or facilitating the weak environment for someone else to tear that brother or sister down. Remember, God knows our hearts. We may hide our intentions from our spouse, our friends, or our church, but God knows and sees all things. When we say that we will just stand on the sideline and watch for someone to do the ungodly/sin, we are hoping that they will, not doing everything we can to help them not sin. Let us then love one another and lift one another up so that we all may be more like Christ each and every day.

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

Father, I believe that this is a very challenging thing for any of us to recognize in ourselves, because we would never say that we are facilitating the opportunity for someone to sin. Please then, help me to always lift my brother up. Please help me to love that sister enough to want to see her succeed and do her level best in living a life pleasing to You. I would fight to stop anyone from hurting my child or leading her to sin, so I understand how it would hurt You to see anyone hurt Your children or not help lead them on a right path towards You. I believe that You love us too much to see us go to Hell. Please help us to love our brothers and sisters that much. Help us to promote good instead of evil, love instead of hatred, good works instead of those things that lead others away from You. I believe that Your Word teaches us to love one another like we love ourselves. When we do that we will want them to be as successful as we would like to be. Please help me to help someone overcome sin today.