Category: Dependence on God

Spiritual Exercise

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dependence on God, Meditate, Spiritual FitnessLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2022-08-21
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 7 Don’t waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths and legends. Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. 8 Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too.

APPLICATION: I believe we all may have given some thought as to why we want to stay physically fit. For some, it may ease certain aches and pains; For some it may help their breathing; For some it may help avoid certain medications by keeping the heart healthy; For some, it prepares them for a huge competition that’s coming up; and a plethora of other reasons, I’m sure. So then, why do you suppose that God, through His servant Paul, found it necessary to get our attention in staying spiritually fit? Let’s first look at the pitfalls when we are not spiritually fit. I believe that this is where we are easily provoked into sin, for we have no real, current, depth and/or communication with the Master. There are really two parts to this, first of all we must know what to do and what’s expected of us. This means that we have to learn what’s expected of us by our Lord. As in the business world, this means that we not only learn the Word, but we also keep on learning and refreshing our knowledge of the Word. Secondly, we must put into action all that we learn. Imagine in the business world where you might tell an auditor that your books, practices and overall processes are in order because you read about what’s required? That will absolutely not protect you against exceptions, since your auditor will compare what you are actually doing, against what written regulations say that you must be doing. Our Christianity is much the same. God has set forth a wonderful book that details His commands, and it shows us how our Savior lived perfectly while here on earth by following the commands of His Father. For us to do the same, we must know those commands, we must be in the Bible daily so that our minds might be spiritually fit for battle against the Evil One at every opportunity that he aims to challenge us. Yes, I know that some are fast studies and therefore only need to read through the Bible once but let me assure you that the Word of God is very real and it is pointed to help us each and every day, no matter what we are facing today for the very first time in history. To practice what we learn, we must be diligent to apply God’s rules and commands in every aspect of our lives, with the Master’s help. In fact, if we aim at perfection in all our ways, then we might be mistaken frequently for the One that we are imitating. Has that happened to you recently? Friends, when we hit our finger with a hammer, our immediate response will often reflect what’s inside of us. Likewise, when we are hit with life’s challenges and the temptations of Satan, our immediate response will reflect what has filled our heart, and how close we are to the Savior – how fit we are spiritually. How are you doing friend? Seek the Lord while He may be found, and allow Him to guide your steps, your actions and your speech. May it be known to God, and obvious to all those you meet, that the blood of Jesus as washed your sins away and that Jesus lives within every fiber of your being!

PRAYER: This is a very challenging passage of Scripture Lord Jesus. One in which we are reminded that we don’t have all the answers, and we desperately need You in every aspect of our lives, every day. We are reminded that without You we can truly do nothing of value for the Kingdom. Please open our hearts and draw us to a closer walk with You and a life truly dependent on the power of Your sweet Holy Spirit. Lord, You know all too well how weak we are, but thank God You also know that You created us to be like You. So Lord, again today we beg of You to forgive us for those evil things that we do, and the awkward things that we say – our spiritual weaknesses. Please draw us close to You and melt our hearts to closely depend on You in all walks of life, so that You may be glorified in every aspect of our lives. 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!

The Importance of Exercise

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dependence on God, Meditate, Spiritual FitnessLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-08-20
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 7 Don’t waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths and legends. Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. 8 Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too.

OBSERVATION: I find it amazing how Paul found ways to explain his points, and how they fit so good with what is going on around us – even today! Staying fit – most people will tell you that they are going to the gym, or they have an exercise regiment, or they are on some sort of diet, so that they could try and stay physically fit. With that in mind, wouldn’t it also make sense for us to exercise ways to stay spiritually fit? Let’s study this some more as we look into this Scripture today……

APPLICATION: I believe we all may have given some thought as to why we want to stay physically fit. For some, it may ease certain aches and pains; For some it may help their breathing; For some it may help avoid certain medications by keeping the heart healthy; For some, it prepares them for a huge competition that’s coming up; and a plethora of other reasons, I’m sure. So then, why do you suppose that God, through His servant Paul, found it necessary to Gain our attention about staying spiritually fit? Let’s first look at the pitfalls when we are not spiritually fit. I believe that this is where we are easily provoked into sin, for we have no real, current, depth and/or communication with the Master. There are really two parts to this, first of all we must know what to do and what’s expected of us. This means that we have to learn what’s expected of us by our Lord. As in the business world, this means that we not only learn the Word, but we also keep on learning and refreshing our knowledge of the Word. Secondly, we must put into action all that we learn. Imagine in the business world where you might tell an auditor that your books, practices and overall processes are in order because you read about what’s required? That will absolutely not protect you against exceptions, since your auditor will compare what you are actually doing, against what your written regulations say that you must be doing. Our Christianity is much the same. God has set forth a wonderful book that details His commands, and it shows us how our Savior lived while here on earth perfectly following the commands of His Father. For us to know those commands, we must be in the Bible daily, so that our minds might be spiritually fit for battle against the Evil One at every opportunity that he aims to challenge us. Yes, I know that some are fast studies and therefore only need to read through the Bible once, but let me assure you that the Word of God is very real and it is pointed to help us each and every day, no matter what we are facing today for the very first time in history. To practice what we learn, we must be diligent to apply God’s rules and commands in every aspect of our lives, with the Master’s help. In fact, if we aim at perfection in all our ways, then we might be mistaken frequently for the One that we are imitating. Has that happened to you recently? Friends, when we are hit with a hammer, the immediate response will often result from whatever is inside of us. Likewise, when we are hit with life’s challenges and the temptations of Satan, our immediate response will dictate how close we are to the Savior, and how fit we are spiritually. How are you doing friend? Seek the Lord while He may be found, and allow Him to guide your steps, your actions and your speech. May others see Jesus in you!

PRAYER: This is a very challenging passage of Scripture Lord Jesus. One in which we are reminded that we don’t have all the answers, and we desperately need You in every aspect of our lives. We are reminded that without You we can truly do nothing of value for the Kingdom. Please open our hearts and draw us to a closer walk with You and a life truly dependent on the power of Your sweet Holy Spirit. Lord, You know all too well how weak we are, but thank God You also know that You created us to be like You. So Lord, again today we beg with You to forgive us for those things that we do and the awkward things that we say – our spiritual weaknesses. Please draw us close to You and melt our hearts to closely depend on You in all walks of life, so that You may be glorified in every aspect of our lives. 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!

A Love Test

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Dependable, Dependence on God, Love, Love God, Loving God, Loyalty, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-11-21

Bible Reference: John 14:15
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: 15 “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

OBSERVATION: Ever heard a parent say to a young child: ‘Now, if you really loved me you wouldn’t do that’? To another adult, that sounds funny, but in my reading in John 14 today, the words of Jesus, as shown in our Bible Text, really got my attention. Let this penetrate your heart also as we meditate on these words today. Join me, won’t you?

APPLICATION: I believe that each and every day many of us drift back into the ways of the world, and allow its principles to overrule our beliefs that we were convinced God had embedded into our hearts. Peer pressure and our deep desires to impress our spouse, or other loved ones, will often cause us to do or say those things that we feel will elevate us in their eyes. Take for example the idea of being the only one in a group of friends that feel an obligation to stay for church on a Sunday, instead of heading out to the beach. Deep within, you may feel a deep obligation to be at church to welcome those friends you invited to join you on a given Lord’s Day. But your other friends that you hang out with for games and fun times, are mindless to the things of Christ, and they want you to join them on a trip to the beach. It’s their only day off, and they need to unwind from their busy week. What will you do? Your coworkers brag about never having to purchase rubber bands, paperclips, pens and pencils at home, because there is an abundant supply at work that just sits in their desk drawer. You work for the same company, and you see the same availability of supplies, so what will you do? These are just a few simple examples, but for the man/woman of God, who knows God’s Word, your conscience is being severely impacted about doing what you feel God has commanded you to do. You remember Scripture around teh subject of: Assembling yourselves together with other believers; Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel; Those who know Christ will see heaven, vs those who don’t is headed to a dreadful Hell; Thou shalt not steal; etc, etc. In our Scripture today, Jesus said that if we love Him, we would honor His commands; be obedient to His Word; show our love for Him, or prove that we love Him, by doing what He says. These are just a few examples I used to help you think more about the things that you do and what God may say to you either directly or indirectly about your actions. But as His sons and daughters, I believe the question for our consideration today is: Do I truly love God? Would He know that I love Him, based on my actions and my words? Will the world, who I am trying to witness to, know that I love my Lord? As a son, is it evident to my Father that I really love Him? What choices would we truly make in the above scenarios, and the many other similar scenarios that are presented to us every day? If our love for Him will be judged based on our obedience to His Word, will God know that we truly love Him? Once again, the scripture today says: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments”.

PRAYER: With a guilty conscience, I can honestly come before the Master today and ask for forgiveness. Dear Lord, You know my weaknesses and You know my coward desire to please others, instead of always standing strong in my faith and truly committed to my Savior in all decisions. Please forgive me. As I recognize my weakness, I am humbled to once again ask for Your strength when I am weak; Your boldness when I am meek and cowardly in my approach to sharing my King with an impossible sinner; Your insight, when I approach situations awkwardly blinded by the desires of those whose aim is to please Satan alone. Lord, I need more of You each and every day, so that my love for You will be evident in the easy things of life and when the challenging times present themselves. In the event that my readers are similar in their personal analysis, I pray that You might humble their hearts to seek Your face and pray for a closer walk with You. Lord, please bless them with a deep desire to obey You, and that through this effort it will be very evident to You that their love for You is sincere and very determined. Please bless those who are carefree and choose to do their own thing. Draw them close to You, flood them with Your Word, and show them Your love in ways that will impress upon them a desire to please You. Oh that Your kingdom may be enriched today, because of our commitment to be better, and more dependable servants. AMEN!

Answers To Your Search For God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dependence on God, Encounter with God, Forgiveness, God Cares For Us, SacrificeLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Hebrews 1:1-3 (TLB)

TEXT: 1 Long ago God spoke in many different ways to our fathers through the prophets, in visions, dreams, and even face to face, telling them little by little about his plans. 2 But now in these days he has spoken to us through his Son to whom he has given everything and through whom he made the world and everything there is. 3 God’s Son shines out with God’s glory, and all that God’s Son is and does marks him as God. He regulates the universe by the mighty power of his command. He is the one who died to cleanse us and clear our record of all sin, and then sat down in highest honor beside the great God of heaven.

OBSERVATION:   It appears like through the writer of Hebrews, God may be saying to us that in spite of the many ways that we seek God, and in spite of the evidence often used to identify God’s presence and existence, yet we need look no further than His Son to understand who God is, where God is, and how badly God wants us to see clearly the path of salvation that leads His children to eternity with Him in glory. The big question for us today is ‘Do we know God’s Son’? ‘Have we met Jesus personally and have an intimate, personal relationship with Him’?

APPLICATION:   I find it interesting how doubt often develops about the existence of God when:

  • Our prayers are not answered the way we told God that we wanted them answered; or
  • We rush to call on God when we are especially going through desperate times, but we are met with silence; or
  • Those that we hold in high esteem, such as a pastor or other church leader, falls because of sin in their lives;

I’m sure that there are other scenarios that you may think of, but as you ponder over these things please also consider how your personal relationship is with God. For friends, although it may have been one of the above scenarios yesterday, Satan has an eye on you and I as he looks for a weak moment to bash in on our relationship with God. The good news is that God knew all about the temptations that would come our way, and all about the nature of sinful man, and yet He loved us anyway! In fact, He loved us more than we could ever imagine, for He went beyond anything we could ever imagine, by sending His only Son to live among us. Then to resolve the sin issue for us, God allowed Jesus to be crucified on a cruel cross at Calvary, so that through that one sacrifice, each of us that ask, in sincerity, to be saved from our sin, could do so by accepting the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus’ sacrifice. If you are still searching for God, then you are either ignoring the path set out before us through Jesus Christ, or you are calling God a liar and a fake. There is more evidence than we could begin to list, that our God is alive! The Word today shows us how God continues to work through His Son, Jesus, and how this was all orchestrated for one purpose, that we could have forgiveness of sin and a glorious home to which we could look forward to being with our Savior and our God! Do you know Jesus today, friend? Is this news not just exciting for you, but also very personal for you because you are already a son or daughter of the most high God? 

PRAYER:   Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, and let me stand physically in Your presence on whatever day you decide to call me home. For my friends and I, You have prepared our eternal home; You’ve provided the means for us to get there; and You’ve given us Your Word so that we might know how to be right with You. Lord, may this be the day that You once again touch hardened hearts that we’ve been praying for, and may this also be the day that You reach in and convict the heart of the one who might stumble across this devotional in their search for everlasting peace and satisfaction. Thank You for loving us so much to not just leave us in our sin, but to open the doors of heaven for even us. 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!

 

Be Spiritually Fit

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dependence on God, Spiritual FitnessLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   1 Timothy 4:7-8 (TLB)

TEXT:  7 Don’t waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths and legends. Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. 8 Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too.

OBSERVATION:   I find it amazing how Paul found ways to explain his points, and how they fit so good with what is going on around us – even today! Staying fit – most people will tell you that they are going to the gym, or they have an exercise regiment, or they are on some sort of diet, so that they could try and stay physically fit. With that in mind, wouldn’t it also make sense for us to seek ways to stay spiritually fit? Let’s study this some more as we look into this Scripture today……

APPLICATION:   I believe we all may have given some thought as to why we want to stay physically fit. For some, it may ease certain aches and pains; For some it may help their breathing; For some it may help avoid certain medications by keeping the heart healthy; For some, it prepares them for a huge competition that’s coming up; and a plethora of other reasons, I’m sure. So then, why do you suppose that God, through His servant Paul, found it necessary to have us realize that we should also stay spiritually fit? Let’s first look at the pitfalls when we are not spiritually fit. I believe that this is where we are easily provoked into sin, for we have no real, current, depth and/or communication with the Master. There are really two parts to this, first of all we must know what to do and what’s expected of us. This means that we have to learn what’s expected of us by our Heavenly Lord. As in the business world, this means that we not only learn the Word, but we also keep on learning and refreshing our knowledge of the Word. Secondly, we must put into action all that we learn. Imagine in the business world that you tell an auditor that your books, practices and overall processes are in order because you read about what’s required? That will absolutely not protect you against exceptions, since your auditor will compare what you are actually doing, against what your regulations say that you must be doing. Our Christianity is much the same. God has set forth a wonderful book that details His commands, and it shows us how our Savior lived while here on earth and perfectly followed those same commands of His Father. To know those commands, we should be in the Bible daily, so that our minds might be spiritually fit for battle against the Evil One at every opportunity that he aims to challenge us. To practice what we learn, we must work diligently, with the Master’s help, to display what we learn from the Word, in every word and in every action. Really, if we are to be perfect in our ways, then we should be mistaken frequently for the One that we are imitating. Has that happened to you recently? Friends, when we are hit with a hammer, the immediate response will often result from whatever is inside of us. Likewise, when we are hit with life’s challenges and the temptations of Satan, our immediate response will dictate how close we are to the Savior, and how fit we are spiritually. How are you doing friend? Seek the Lord while He may be found, and allow Him to guide your steps, your actions and your speech. May others see Jesus in you!

PRAYER:   This is a very challenging passage of Scripture Lord Jesus. One in which we are reminded that we desperately need You in every aspect of our lives. We are reminded that without You we can truly do nothing of value for the Kingdom. Please open our hearts and draw us to a closer walk with You and a life truly dependent on the power of Your sweet Holy Spirit. Lord, You know all too well how weak we are, but thank God You also know that You created us to be like You. So Lord, again today we beg with You to forgive us for those things that we do and the awkward things that we say – our spiritual weaknesses. Please draw us close to You and depend wholeheartedly on You in all walks of life, so that You may be glorified in every aspect of our lives. 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!

 

Overcoming Stagnant Ministry

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dependable, Dependence on God, Effective Ministry, HumilityLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Jeremiah 15:19-20 (NET)

TEXT: 19 Because of this, the Lord said,

“You must repent of such words and thoughts!
If you do, I will restore you to the privilege of serving me.
If you say what is worthwhile instead of what is worthless,
I will again allow you to be my spokesman.
They must become as you have been.
You must not become like them.
20 I will make you as strong as a wall to these people,
a fortified wall of bronze…..

 

OBSERVATION:   I believe that there are times that we all face what seems to appear like stagnancy in our respective ministries. Of course, we question God as to why He left us ‘hanging’, or why have those we minister to become so arrogant and hateful to us, but how often do we imitate Jeremiah and actually seek God out to help us see inside of our sinful selves for the actual problem? Let’s look closer at this…..

APPLICATION:   I understand that studies will show that more ministers of the gospel resign on a Monday than any other day of the week. Primarily because of their inside view of failure the day before in the pulpit, or in what was communicated between themselves and a parishioner. This is very indicative of what Jeremiah did, for he felt like he was in a ‘dead zone’ with no positive results outwardly or inwardly. Based on what God had to say to Jeremiah, it is apparent that Jeremiah was communicating negatively and portraying a negative attitude about the God who rescued him from a burning hell and promoted him to the heights of glory. I know, you would NEVER do anything like that, right? Unfortunately, it seems like we easily degrade ourselves into grumbling about things that didn’t go just like we had planned, or at least projected. We are quick to find fault, when we are just as vulnerable to sin and failure as the other person. Unlike the case of Jeremiah, we have one more thing that we would try today when trying to ‘fix’ everyone else, or every situation, for we have ‘Google’ where we could research the problem, and find hundreds of ideas on corrective measures! Friends, I trust that we will learn from Jeremiah, for when he came to his wits end, he went to God and asked for help and understanding for the situations at hand, especially the challenge of him feeling like God had forsaken him. I believe it would behoove us to ofen do a reality check with God, asking Him to open our eyes, our hearts, our emotions and our innermost feelings, so that we could receive an answer from the only One that we trust as having all of the answers. There is a saying that we use a lot in Christian circles: ‘we are sinners saved by grace’. Please let’s remind ourselves that the order of what is said in that clause remains true. We ARE sinners who sin. Praise God, many of us have surrendered our hearts to Jesus, and we are saved by His marvelous grace, but as long as we remain here on this earth, we will cave in to sin. Let’s be quick to seek the face of Jesus so that He might hear our regrets and disappointments about our sin and, in turn, help us to overcome our weaknesses so that we might glory in the cross of Jesus. Like in the case of Jeremiah, when God has cleaned us up and returned us to His glory, then He is able to use us again for His ultimate glory. Be encouraged friend, for when it seems like our ministry has become stagnant, we need to look no further than inside our own heart as we seek the face of the only One who could help us to overcome the challenges of this world and assume our rightful place with the Master.

PRAYER:   Lord Jesus, we come humbly at Your feet and seek Your holy presence in our lives. We need You to direct our every thought, word and deed, and we need Your constant reminder to always come to the cross when things seem out of control all around us. We need You, because we want to see You worshipped and adored by everyone all around us, and we personally tend to mess that up way too often. Please be our guide, our strength and our provider, so that You may be glorified in everything we do or 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 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!

 

Showing You Are God’s Servant

On 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:  6 We 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, 7 by 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!

 

Careful to Pass on God’s Judgments

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dependence, Dependence on God, Judgment, The Mind of ChristLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (MSG)

TEXT:   “This is serious work; do it carefully. You are not merely judging between men and women; these are God’s judgments that you are passing on. Live in the fear of God—be most careful, for God hates dishonesty, partiality, and bribery.”

OBSERVATION:   King Jehoshaphat appointed judges, and issued them the decree quoted in our text today. While we have judges today, and yes, we could easily ask our congress to apply this standard to their job description and court rooms, but I believe that God wanted me to apply this to all jobs that may bring along with it a sense of judging.

APPLICATION:   Never having been a judge, I believe it would be easy to study the law, compare it to the offense brought before you, that has been confirmed by witnesses and attorneys, and then pass judgment based on the variances. I realize that it is not as simple as it appears, because I believe that a judge will also take into account all that he/she has been told about the individual, to help determine if the offense was habitual, premeditated, etc. But what I want us to think about today, is that we make judgment calls in our home, at work, in church leadership and even in our every day walk of life. We may tend to believe that most daily decisions, or every day judgment calls, are just a necessity in life that requires little thought. However, I would like for us to think for a moment about the parts of our being that’s responsible for making these calls – our bodies, our soul and our mind. Can you see where many other conflicting ideas muddy the waters for us? I believe that our decisions might be more sound, and appropriate for the kingdom, if we take today’s Scripture to heart. Think about it. If we fill our hearts with so much of God’s Word, don’t you know that our decisions and our judgment calls will be made based on what the Word of God teaches? Think about how others will look to God and question why He just passed certain judgment on their friend(s), instead of allowing them to live the rest of their lives being mad at the message deliverer, perhaps the judge, or even one of us. I’m afraid that when we stray, and when we are not saturated in the Word, we are way more apt to make decisions based on our own biases, prejudices, bribery, partiality or just plain dishonesty. May I encourage you friends, to seek God’s face daily, because you have no idea what sorts of decisions you will be forced to make today. Ask for the guidance and wisdom needed to be God’s representative today. Allow those decisions and judgment calls to be His, and not your human, selfish, sometimes twisted decisions that may be impacted by a number of personal biases.

PRAYER:   Lord God, we are quick to look at others and the decisions they make, but seldom do we reflect on the decisions we made personally, without involving You. Lord, if we are to represent You in every way in our lives, then it is important that we place our daily decision making before You and ask for Your wisdom, guidance and direction. You know the right answers and You can direct us to making right decisions, but Lord we need You daily to humble us so that we would be more dependent on You. I know that works totally opposite to our normal tendencies to be independent, but Lord we want You involved, and we want You to receive the honor and glory from Your people for all that You do. We surrender today to You Lord. May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer! 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!

 

So That Nothing Worse Will Happen to You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Control, Dependence, Dependence on God, HealingLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Tuesday, 2017-10-11
SCRIPTURE

From:

 John 5:14 (NCV)

Text:

  14 Later, Jesus found the man at the Temple and said to him, “See, you are well now. Stop
sinning so that something worse does not happen to you.”
OBSERVATION:
Jesus had healed a man who had been crippled for 38 years. He went away walking and had an encounter with the town leaders who questioned him about how he became well. The man eventually found his way to the temple, and it is there that This Scripture picks up the encounter Jesus had with him. Jesus didn’t question the man too much but simply said the words recorded in verse 14.
APPLICATION:
 I found this interesting, although it is very much in line with what we find throughout the Bible. For Jesus spoke often about ill coming to those who are evil, or have total disregard for His commands. Friends, I know this in no way implies that Christians don’t encounter health challenges, but at least we have a Master to pray to about our maladies and in whom we could petition for healing. Unbelievers have not acknowledged Jesus enough to accept Him as Lord, therefore they would have no reason to turn to Him when challenges abound. With all my heart, I would humbly plead with unbelievers to seek out the One who loved you so much that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins, if we surrender our lives to Him. May I encourage you friends to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Allow Him to control your life and your health. Know that you have a Savior who cares about you and will care for you whether you are well enough to serve Him, or whether you are patiently waiting for His healing touch. To my fellow Christians, be encouraged that we serve such a great big God. Praise Him for who He is and for how He blesses your life everyday. Share that love with others so that they may have a greater desire to know our Savior and allow Him control of their lives. He wants to love, protect and heal them also, if they will let Him.
PRAYER:
Precious Lord, please take control of our lives and allow Your healing hand to carefully rest upon our lives. Many are hurting today with many strange illnesses that doctors seem to struggle with understanding, or have the ability to help them. Our biggest illness is that of sin, so we need You to touch our hearts most of all and draw us ever close to You. We need You Lord. May You receive glory and honor from every aspect of Your touch on our lives, and we’ll be ready to praise You. 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!

Our Awesome Lord!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dependence on God, Envy, God's Work, Trust, TruthLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Monday, 2017-06-05
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Psalm 37:3-7 (NCV)

Text:

3 Trust the Lord and do good.
    Live in the land and feed on truth.
4 Enjoy serving the Lord,
    and he will give you what you want.
5 Depend on the Lord;
    trust him, and he will take care of you.
6 Then your goodness will shine like the sun,
    and your fairness like the noonday sun.

7 Wait and trust the Lord.
    Don’t be upset when others get rich
    or when someone else’s plans succeed.
OBSERVATION:
This is a very positive Psalm where David gives those of us who trust in the Lord some very positive actions: Do good; Feed on the truth; Enjoy serving the Lord; Depend on the Lord; Trust in the Lord; Wait on the Lord; Don’t envy others who get rich or succeed. In concentrating on these things, our goodness and fairness will shine like the sun!
APPLICATION:
I found that some of these very things that David mentioned, are some of the very things that Christians struggle with today. So I believe that it is important that we take note of key points that David teaches us on how to achieve favor with God and be happy in our life experiences:

  • Trust in the Lord and follow His ways – always do good;
  • While living here on earth aim at filling your mind with truth. Ultimate truth is from God almighty, so feed on His Word daily. News reports are so twisted and slanted anymore until listening to their reports will give you impartial truths, and often untruths. Look for truth and don’t be so quick to accept what the world says;
  • Seek out work that benefits the Kingdom, and enjoy what you do for the Lord. Churches are always looking for volunteers, and often it is so challenging to get that help. God attaches a reward to this point, that He will give you all you want!
  • Another point with a promised reward, is that when you Depend on the Lord and trust in Him, He has promised to take care of you!
  • Don’t be so quick to look at the riches in others or their ability to succeed, God has a reward for you that is ‘out of this world’!

Friends, verse 6 sums up our rewards in ways that this world cannot understand or appreciate: our goodness will become obvious, and our fairness will be recognized just as the noonday sun! In other words, our efforts to be like Jesus and show His goodness to the world will please God and ultimately bless us in return! Glory to God for His goodness to us, His humble servants!
PRAYER:
Dear Father, thank You for using Your servant David to encourage us to live our lives pleasing You and blessing others. Lord, You bless us in so many ways and we are eternally thankful. May we be encouraged through Your Word today to be Your hands extended to those in need, and may we love and encourage just as You have done for us, so that You may be glorified in all that we do and 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!