Category: Evangelism

How Moses Became a More Effective Leader

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, Humility, Leader, MosesLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (The New Living Translation – Exodus 18:18-23): 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. 20 Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

THOUGHTS: I believe that these verses today are especially directed to help those of us who lead in God’s work. I have found in my short lifetime that it is very easy to agree to more and more responsibility and leadership in God’s work, probably because we feel like the more we do the more pleased God might be with us as individuals/leaders. There are many problems with this philosophy though, for we tend to:

  • Wear ourselves out, and therefore not energetic and enthused about the work we need to do;
  • Feel like if we don’t do the work, it won’t get done – as if God has only one person qualified to do His magnificent work among so many;
  • Not train others to take over from us, so we short them of opportunities – at our expense;
  • Ignore, or fall way short in our personal responsibilities to our family;
  • Not complete tasks with quality and care, because in our minds we have moved on to the next task that is often already running behind schedule;
  • Not spend quality time with the Lord, because our minds are so busy worry about all that must be accomplished.

I trust that we can learn to share the load, resume our rightful place, and watch God be Himself in our lives and in the lives we touch! Friends, I believe that we must quickly realize that God’s work is of super importance, and it is huge. We must do our best to make sure that we don’t become another Moses, where God’s work is thwarted by our capacity to achieve something. While we may have the skill set to handle many tasks, we must learn to train others and rejoice in their successes. Teamwork promotes growth among team members, and helps the overall work reach so many more, because each team member will be especially effective among those within their realm of influence. Friends, There are no other gods, so let’s allow God to be God, as we humbly take our stand as His humble servants, and allow Him to accomplish His work through us as part of a team of servants, not as little gods. Let’s help folk see God for who He truly is, not see us for something we can never be.

PRAYER: Lord, please touch Your leaders today and help us to be better servants, so that we might improve our submission and leadership skills. Help us to follow the example of Moses and listen to criticism and/or suggestions from others, especially those whom we feel, are led by Your Holy Spirit. There is so much work to be done among our family and friends that we may tend to feel like it will be ineffective if we don’t jump in there and take control. Lord, please help us to always remember that it can only be Your job to actually impact hearts towards recognizing You and allowing You to become a part of their life. Please forgive us for trying to take control. May we serve You with every ounce of our being, but never cross the line of taking Your role as our Master and our Lord. We need You dear Lord, for only You can save the souls of mankind. May Your will be accomplished through me today – one of Your humble servants. For I ask this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely 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, Sebring, FL! 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!

Invitation and Rewards

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, Humility, WitnessingLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (Easy-To-Read Version – Revelation 22:12-13; 17): 12 “Listen, I am coming soon! I will bring rewards with me. I will repay everyone for what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Everyone who hears this should also say, “Come!” All who are thirsty may come; they can have the water of life as a free gift if they want it.

THOUGHTS: Depending on who’s pitching a party it could be well attended, because invitees look forward to the eats, drinks and favors that normally abound. In other words, the rewards. Our scripture today is very comforting in many respects and I want us to be encouraged in several ways by what it reveals to us. Through John, God reassures us that He is coming back soon, and that He is bringing rewards with Him. I don’t believe that this is intended to bribe, because throughout the Bible we are told about the hope, the everlasting life, the worship around the throne and the joy that believers in Christ can look forward to when Jesus returns to take His bride with Him. So I believe that this is just reassurance of the promises already given to us in the Word. Now in verses 14 thru 16 we are shown how God will recognize and accept those who claim Him as Lord, but in verse 17 we are encouraged to spread the Word (invite) at every opportunity, for it says that if we hear this call of God to come, we are encouraged to spread this word to those that we come into contact with. The invitation is extended to everyone (ALL) – even those who are parched by the lack of love and understanding from this world, for they will receive refreshment – water that provides life like never experienced before. Friends, notice that there are no conditions or special classes qualified in either of these types mentioned. The Word says that for everyone who hears, they should invite others to come. We tend to feel like that’s the preacher’s job. If you received a gift of money, you wouldn’t wait for the bank to tell everyone, you would be telling everyone how blessed you are financially. Look also at who are filtered from the list of those who can come to satisfy their thirst. The Word specifically reaffirms what was said in John 3:16 – ALL may come to the fountain of life to satisfy their thirst, or as relayed in John “that whosoever believes on Him may have eternal life”. To the Christian, we dare not limit to whom we will share the gospel. To the uncommitted, unsaved, non-believer, be encouraged that this invitation in opened to you. Lay aside the weights (sin) that might be holding you down, and accept the invitation from my Master today, is my humble plea to you. You deserve the best from the King of all kings, and God wants you to have it!

PRAYER: Thank You Father for Your precious and holy Word. Thank You that even right up to the end of the Book Your promise is still there and Your desire to see us in heaven with You is still very real! Thank You for once again reminding Christians to share the Good News, and to be a light in this dark world of sin. A light that represents the Light of the World. Thank You for sharing a message of hope for the lost right up to the end of this great Book. There is hope for us all, and I thank You for thinking of us all. I pray that I might be the messenger of hope that You expect of Your children, so that those that I rub up against might know that my Redeemer lives and is available to them. We are blessed with Your Word, now may we be a blessing to others, is my humble prayer that I ask in the precious name of Jesus, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely 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, Sebring, FL! 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 You Might Know

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

THE HOLY BIBLE (Living Bible – 1 John 5:9-13): 9 We believe men who witness in our courts, and so surely we can believe whatever God declares. And God declares that Jesus is his Son. 10 All who believe this know in their hearts that it is true. If anyone doesn’t believe this, he is actually calling God a liar because he doesn’t believe what God has said about his Son. 11 And what is it that God has said? That he has given us eternal life and that this life is in his Son. 12 So whoever has God’s Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life. 13 I have written this to you who believe in the Son of God so that you may know you have eternal life.

THOUGHTS: Through our court systems, many are convicted of crimes because of the testimony of witnesses. Often unrelated parties will pass judgment on those witnesses wondering if what they testified to, could possibly be true. Yet men and women are convicted of crimes based on what the witnesses testified. I wonder if we would feel better about sentences if we knew without a shadow of a doubt that the witnesses were 100% correct in their testimony. Well, our scripture today talks about a witness that we can absolutely place our faith and trust in. For God Himself is bearing witness to His Son, Jesus, whom He sent into the world so that through Him we might have the assurance of our heavenly home in glory, when life as we know it today, comes to an end here on this earth. So the question for each of my readers today is: do you believe this witness (God)? If not, the scripture says that we are calling God a liar. If we do believe, the scripture declares that We Have A Hope, a promise, a very bright future to look forward to! John wrote this scripture so that we might know where we stand, and what our future holds, based on what we believe and accept today. How is it with you, friend? I can hardly believe that any of you would call God a liar, but have you truly accepted the truth that He has revealed to us in His Word? Based on this one fact only, will you know that heaven is your future home and that you will see Jesus face to face. Nothing else. Being good enough, or thinking that you are pleasing God will not do it. The Bible says that this precious gift of eternal life is for those who have humbled themselves, surrendered their life to the Son of God, invited Him to be their Savior, and committed to live life totally surrendered to Him alone. Please don’t ‘play’ with religion in hopes that it will save you from the pits of hell. What John iterates today is THE only way, based on the truth of God’s Word, and all other supporting scripture that leads to the same fact. Get it straight today friend, SO THAT YOU MAY KNOW! Please feel free to use the information in the Footnote to receive help towards this awesome decision.

PRAYER: Father, we humans purchase life insurance so that we might know that our surviving relatives would survive should we predecease them. I pray that my readers would accept Your Word and Your requirements about what would pave their way to heaven with You, so that they might know even today that their eternity is secured. Thank You for looking out for us, providing the means for us to one day be with You in glory, and for loving us enough to show us the way through Your saints who penned the words in Your Book – the Bible. May souls be touched by this word today and subsequently make things right in their lives, so that they might know what their future holds in store for them. What a comfort to know how to prepare for that very special reunion day with You! I praise You, honor You, and ask all this in the precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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 nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely 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, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

A Glorious Life – Promised By God!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, ForgivenessLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (The New Living Translation – Titus 1:1-2): 1 ….I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.

THOUGHTS: In this Bible translation, it appears like these verses place emphasis on the importance of us (I) proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to an unsaved world. However, while that may be a real expectation of each of us, the first person used in verse 1 is actually Paul sharing with Titus about what he felt God had impressed upon his heart. But friends, in support of other similar scriptural references, I really want us to read this verse in the first person, for it is our responsibility to share the extremely Good News that is ours, with all those that we care about. In fact, what kind of a dad would not share such great news with his children? What kind of a friend would hold back telling his friends about the joy that is his in belonging to the King of all kings, Jesus Christ? Imagine, a truth that not only leads a person to Jesus Christ, but also gives the hearer confidence of everlasting life with Him in heaven! This is glorious news friend! However, it is only valuable to our loved ones, if we take our roles seriously and tell them how it’s available to even them, and that through acceptance of God’s love (Jesus) they would not just become a Christian, but they have the promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father! To the friend who feels like this was just happen-chance that you found this devotional, may I disagree with you please? You see, John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much that He sent a Son into the world so that ALL who believe on Him might be saved, and have eternal life! This includes you Brother! This verse was intended just for you Sister! God sent His precious Son to die at Calvary to forgive sinners, and would have done that even if it was just for you alone! Scripture tells us that God would prefer that none of His creation is excluded, so He sent His Son as a sacrifice, to facilitate the forgiveness of our sin. Our responsibility is to accept that gift! Are you willing to accept that Gift today? Simply Accept Jesus as Lord and Believe on Him for all things, including everlasting life; and Confess your sin to Him and ask His forgiveness. You will baste in His glory, live a glorious life rejoicing and worshipping Him, and enjoy sharing His love with all you know! Friends, Our God is an Awesome God, and I love and adore Him! I trust that you will do the same! I have included guidance for you in the ‘Footnote’, should you want additional help in understanding more about God, or just prefer chatting with someone about the decision you just made. Friend, God loves you, and so do I!

PRAYER: Lord God, there is so much going on in this old world today, that folk are desperately looking for the hope You promised to them from the very beginning of time. I sincerely pray for any that You might direct to this devotional, that they might recognize that truth and accept it personally, so that You may begin a great work within them! Thank You again for the tremendous sacrifice You made so that we might ultimately live forever with You in Heaven! While I look towards that day in great expectation, I also pray that You will be my guide, my strength, my encouragement and my Lord, each and every day, so that I might not only be encouraged to serve You wholeheartedly here below, but that I might be filled with Your grace and a bold faith that will enable me to share Jesus with all that I come into contact with. Please touch Your people today dear Lord, for this world needs You so badly. I ask all these things in the precious, and all powerful name of Jesus, the One sacrificed for the redemption of my sin, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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 blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely 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, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

The Extent To Which You Will Go

On By Ed AlgreenIn Endure, Evangelism, SacrificeLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (New Living Translation – 2 Timothy 2:8-10): 8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

THOUGHTS: I remember in growing up I would hear my parents remark how surprised they were about the extent I would go to, in order to please my friends. We also hear this phrase used in our workplaces, as we observe some folk who are willing to do just about anything to keep the favor of their boss, or advance their position in the company. Paul basically used this same phrase in verse 10, but he included the term ‘endure’. This gives the impression that Paul was willing, and committed, to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, or the gospel, under every circumstance, even if it led to him being beaten, imprisoned, laughed at, spit on, or whatever. In other words he was willing to do whatever it took, if it would bring salvation to some, and eternal glory to Christ Jesus. So how does this speak to us today? I believe that we should be willing to cross cultural and or racial borders if it would lead to introducing an individual to our Lord Jesus and possibly leading them to the foot of the cross for forgiveness of their sin. I believe that we should not let our church/religious affiliation, or worship preference stop us from attending another Bible teaching church with a nonbeliever, if it would lead to getting them connected in a church of their liking and subsequently hearing the Word of God, that might possibly lead to them accepting Him as Lord. I’m about to embark on a missions trip, and a fellow missionary encouraged us to openly invite others to partner with us on our journey, but without putting them in a box. What she meant was that way too often we have predetermined ideas of what we believe a person will do or say or accept. What we must remember is that Jesus called some of the most unlikely people to follow Him – Tax Collectors; Doctors; Fishermen, etc. and they went on to become His lead men – disciples. Also be reminded about who we were when Jesus spoke to us. If He was willing to save even us, why would we dare exclude some from hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ? How much more then should we be willing to go the extra mile; accept another culture or race; attend church with an unbeliever at a Bible teaching church of their choice; share the Word of God with someone in a public place; pray with someone in a public place; or share the beauty of God’s love, that has enveloped us, with someone who is searching for that kind of love? Friends, remember that someone went out of their way to lead us to the Savior, and so should we be willing to endure all things and do the same. If this speaks to the heart of one who is searching for the unconditional love of Jesus, please use the information in the ‘Footnote’ to receive the help you need. Jesus loves you way too much to see you excluded from His kingdom. He died just for you, please let Him love you by asking Him to come into your very heart and lead you each and every day.

PRAYER: I am very thankful Lord, that Paul showed a great example of determination to spread the gospel in spite of hardships, imprisonment, beatings and the like. I am also thankful that even today we see Christian leaders who sacrifice so much of their lives to minister to so many. I pray that You might open the eyes of blinded Christians whose eyes are still fixed inside their small box of self-motivation and possibilities, rather than the huge opportunity that is available to us today thru You. People Need The Lord, and how will they know about You if we don’t share the Word of God with them, and show the love of God to them? I believe that we are to be equally as unselfish as Paul was, but I’m sure that You know what a major move is needed for that to occur in most Christians today. However, I am convinced that nothing is beyond Your reach and Your power dear God, so I ask that You humble the hearts of Your children and open our eyes to the needs around us. May we be busy about Your work and stop looking at the obstacles and excuses why we feel we shouldn’t do something, but learn to Lean on the Everlasting Arms of Jesus for our strength and guidance. Your love is amazing, and Your power is beyond our wildest imagination. Please help us to see and understand the awesome God that leads us! We depend on You Lord, and we need You every hour, bless us this day with Your mercy and Your grace, and hear the plea of our hearts, for I ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, with thanksgiving, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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 blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely 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, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

God’s Desire For His People

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, God's Chosen People4 Comments

THE HOLY BIBLE (The Contemporary English Version – Jeremiah 13:11): …. That’s how tightly I held onto the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. I wanted them to be my people. I wanted to make them famous, so that other nations would praise and honor me, but they refused to obey me.

THOUGHTS: This verse reminds me of the desire of most parents to see the very best for their children, yet we often see our children go on living their own life and doing their own thing. Sometimes this aligns with our desire for their success and/or their future, and sometimes not. There are times that we put aside certain gifts for our children and wait for the right opportunity to bless them with it, but there are times our children become so independent that they run off and do their own thing without wanting anything from their humble parents. So if we, as weak and humble parents plan for such good things for our children, imagine how much more our heavenly Father has in store for us? As it is, I am personally blessed beyond my wildest imagination – health, family, job, friends, church home and family, and a Savior who loves me enough to have sacrificed His very life so that I might have access to heaven through His sacrifice! Wow!! But friends, more than all of this we should truly recognize the evidence of God’s love for us. Can you even imagine that He would think of us like He did Israel and Judah? Can you imagine that He wants to be able to have non-believers look up to us for spiritual life and hope? Can you even imagine us being praised by non-believers for reflecting the light and love of Jesus to them so that their eyes might be opened to His forgiveness and His offer of salvation for them? Can you allow your mind to wander off and think about other nations looking to us, then accepting Jesus as their Lord, praising His dear name and honoring Him as He demands? I know this is mind boggling friends, but I believe that God can do what appears to be impossible to us. I believe that He can, and will, use His children who will surrender all to Him, and use us for His ultimate glory. Time is running short for the unsaved to find Truth and Hope and Eternal Salvation. Under no circumstances are we needed by God, but I believe that His Word is clear in proclaiming that He wants to use us in His service while still here on this old earth. Oh that He might have unhindered access to us today! Just let go of the evil hold of this old earth, and allow God control of a fully surrendered life to Him. Will you do that today? Read the footnote for help in doing this friend!

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for loving me enough to overwhelm me with Your love! That’s about how I feel today after meditating on this verse of Scripture! To think that You would love me enough to entrust me with Your message to share with the unsaved world, is nothing short of miraculous. Please help me to surrender the parts of my life that is hindering You from working completely through me. Lord, I have family and friends that show no evidence of having accepted You as Lord. Please forgive me if I have been a hindrance to them. Please give me boldness and tenacity to show them Your love, and express the awesome impact that You have been in my life. Lord, I want them to see You and accept You as their Lord and Savior. I pray that I might be used by you to be a positive influence in their life as a child of the King, and a life so filled with Your love and example that they will be drawn to You. I know that time is getting short before Your return for Your church. Please impact the lives of all readers of this devotional today in such a way that we might all be re-energized to constant expressions of Your love towards all that we might come into contact with today. Thank You for being such a loving God to us, Your children. May we be acceptable in Your sight oh Lord, and worthy of impacting another life for You, Savior Divine, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE:
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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 blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely 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, Sebring, FL! 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 Passionate In Ministry

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, PassionateLeave a comment

The Holy Bible   (New Living Translation – 1Timothy 4:7-10): 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle (or continue to suffer), for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

Thoughts:   In our everyday conversations we often find ourselves ‘chasing rabbits’ – getting off the subject at hand. Often, if we are not careful, our little side-tracked conversations could actually turn into a total distraction from what we intended to say. I believe that Satan works exactly like that friends. I believe that he is most upset when he is losing the battle and we are succeeding in sharing the gospel with a non-believer, so he gets us off on to something irrelevant. Paul saw where this was challenging Timothy, so he warned him to not get caught up in it. Instead, he wanted Timothy to become proficient in his faith and to work steadily and faithfully to be godly in every way. Doesn’t the various distractions, which tend to side-track Bible studies or other Christian based enhancement studies, amaze you? Let’s be cautioned about the originator of the distractions, and instead be steadfast in declaring the Word of God as He intended for us to do. Remember also that this is not restricted to studies taking place at our churches. This will happen when you are determined to witness to a friend or loved one. But let’s keep in mind that through our passion for the Lord and/or leading the unsaved to Him, that there is no greater purpose. Be reminded of what Paul said in verse 8, the benefits will bless us in this world, and in the next. So be prepared and determined to prevent distractions from getting in your way of sharing the gospel today. There is a greater purpose, and there are great rewards for those of us who believe, and are willing to share the joy with others! Be passionate and determined, and ask God to be your guide as you work for Him. Remember, it is for His glory that you share His name, not yours.

Prayer:   Lord, You are good and Your mercies endureth forever! Whom then shall I fear? Why should I doubt when I see distraction occurring? Please help me to stay focused and passionate towards the work that You have assigned to me. Please help me to be careful not to distract those trying to share the gospel, instead please teach me to pray in all earnest that You may speak through the words of mere man to reach a soul for You. Please encourage us today, and give us boldness to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through all that we may say or do with all that we may come into contact with. Please teach us to stay focused on the goal – spending eternity with You, and give us a deep desire to do everything possible to encourage those we love to be present on that day when You will gather us around Your throne. Lord, You are good and Your mercies endureth forever! Praise the name of the Lord! Thank You for being so good! Thank You for hearing the cry of Your humble servant today, for I ask all this in the precious and holy name of Jesus, all for You sake and Your glory, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE:   If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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 blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely 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, Sebring, FL! 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!

How Are You Doing?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, MissionsLeave a comment

The Holy Bible (The Contemporary English Version – Isaiah 42:6-7): 6 I chose you to bring justice, and I am here at your side. I selected and sent you to bring light and my promise of hope to the nations. 7 You will give sight to the blind; you will set prisoners free from dark dungeons.

Thoughts: The words used in the subject of this study today, is widely used by many folk today as we address each other, and although we answer that question very flippantly, I want us to closely examine that question in light of God’s words through the prophet Isaiah in the highlighted verses. How are you doing at bringing justice? It appears like more often we bring judgment on friends rather than making every effort to bring justice. How can we turn that around so that our God might be happy with our actions and reactions, especially considering the tag where God says that He will be at our side guiding and protecting us? Does our lives produce enough ‘light’ – glory of God, or a witness of the King of all kings and Lord of all lords? Do we reflect enough of Christ that others living in the darkness of this world will see the real light of Christ shining through us, and desire that light? Can you even imagine that God would use His children to reflect His image in such powerful ways that the lives of others might be impacted? It’s not something we can or should publicize, for it is God working in and through us that reflects Himself through us, and He is not a puppet that we can turn on at will. So let us fill ourselves with so much of His love and His character that our actions and our words will reveal the ‘Light’ that lives inside of us. A Light that can impact and change the lives of others.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my Light – according to Your Word, and as evident in the hope that I see in knowing and serving You. Thank You for revealing Yourself to even me. Thank You for using even me as You impact the lives of my family and friends that I come into contact with. Please help me to stay so attuned to You through daily communication in prayer and meditation on Your precious Word, that my life might be a living documentary of You and Your love for mankind. Lord, some will read this devotional today and be reminded of this same assurance and promise shared by Isaiah. Please use this time to draw them closer to You for use in Your ongoing service here on earth. For the ones who will read these words and want to know this ‘Light’ of whom I have shared, please touch their very hearts and direct them to a relationship with You. In Your Word You have shown where You have impacted the lives of the vilest of sinners, and turned their lives around to sincere ministry for You. Please help me to come boldly before You with great expectations of being used by You. Please also touch my life and help me to never judge a child of Your for whom You died. Instead, please help me to simply allow Your love and Your light to shine through me so that You may impact their lives. Lord, You are precious to me. May I be used for Your glory is my humble prayer that I ask in Your precious and holy name, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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 blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely 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, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

What Is Your Role In The Local Church?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Christian, Disciple, Encourage, Evangelism, Imitator of ChristLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

     The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.

The Message:1 Corinthians 12:25–26

Thoughts:

I am constantly amazed by folk who attend church and would normally answer the question posed in my title by saying “O I’m just a visitor” or “I’m just a regular attendee”! Friends, in light of this passage, Paul likens the church to our human bodies. So for a moment, imagine with me if the hand said to the brain “hey, I’m just here for show, as I wanted Mr. XYZ to see that you had a hand also, but you go right ahead and pick that food up by yourself”, how would that work for you? I know the example sounds silly, but in the context of these verses, and in light of the reasons given by some for church attendance or involvement, I believe you might get a better understanding of my illustration. I will give another very real illustration to you. My dad had injury to a kidney after having a heart stint installed. The doctors decided not to operate, as they relayed to my dad that the non-functioning kidney would just dry up like a prune and remain in his body. Unfortunately, I believe this is what happens to those who ‘just attend’ church and never become, or feel like, a functioning part of the church. However, based on our study in this chapter, I feel like there are two aspects worthy of attention here. First, is the visiting, or regular attendee who just shows up, sits in a very inconspicuous place hoping that no one will see them or come to trouble them. Perhaps, although God prompted them to attend church, Satan may still be working powerfully in their lives to stop them from getting anything out of attending, so I would strongly encourage this person to please do your part as a vital part of the body. I recently had a tooth implant and it was amazing how the body quickly accepted that foreign piece of metal and starting knitting to it! Likewise, I believe that an individual such as described, will be quickly received if they do their part in being loveable and showing interest in wanting to be a part. Secondly, I believe that the existing church members have a responsible to fight hard in making all attendees feel welcomed, loved and encouraged. Remember, this is like a foreign body to the human body, so they need extra care and attention. If God sends someone to a church, then those Christian members who are already a vital part of that ministry must do their part in response to God. Friends, you are in one of the roles mentioned, are you doing your part to further the kingdom of God? Will you commit to being more conscious of your role in growing the spiritual lives of all that worship with you?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for creating us and forming us into a body of believers for corporate worship. May I be more conscious in my daily life about the needs of others and respond in a manner that will be pleasing to You. For those that attend my church, I pray that although I may have no official role in church terms, I will respond to the key role you have made evident to me through the study of Your Word today. Sharing the love of Jesus through the spoken word, or just in a friendly smile or encouragement of some sort, is something that any of us can do. Please give me the boldness to do my part dear Lord. Friends meditating on this devotional today might also need help in this regard, please give us Your strength and Your vision to be the hands, feet and words of Jesus in all that we do and say. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus, my Savior, AMEN!    

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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.

Who Are You Able to Trust with Your Affairs?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Bold Confidence, Christian, Evangelism, Our Help comes from God, Stregth, Trust, WitnessingLeave a comment

The Bible – The Good News Translation

Psalm 91:1–2

1   Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,

2   can say to him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.”

Thoughts:

Friends, from the time I read the first word this morning, I felt a strong leaning from the Holy Spirit to remind us of the importance of our witness. In life, you’ve heard after an encounter with an individual, where someone might refer to the individual as “brash”; “selfish”; “different”; “unique”; “rude”; “Satan’s angel”; or any other description. Often this reference comes with “and they remind me of ?????”. Now this is not always bad, because I have also heard people say “surely that lady that helped me at XYZ Store today is a Christian, because they were ……”. I believe that our character, including the way we act and what we say under difficult situations, says volumes compared to the words that we might express on an evangelistic mission, or witnessing opportunity. The reason for this is that folk would rather see our faith in action, rather than hear about a Bible story that seems very fictional to them. So then, this leads to another important point, does God still work in our midst today as much as He did in the biblical stories that we read? To answer “No” to that question is to acknowledge that you believe that God is dead and that His interaction with His people only took place in biblical times. Friends, I will be the first to respond that my God is not dead, and that He lives in me, acts supernaturally through every circumstance in my life, and guides me in to right decisions daily that are in line with His will for my life. Christians must get to a stage in their relationship with God that they can say like David did, “You are my God, and in You I trust”. As we live that truth out, we will express the fullness it through our decisions, through our actions, through our words, and most importantly, we will become a bold witness for the One who saved us, guides us, protects us, and loves us through every circumstance of life. We serve a living, active God who is just as present in our relationship today as He was with Moses when all the great miracles were wrought during the exodus of thousands that followed Moses in route to the Promised Land! We can confidently place our trust in Him, dear friend!

Prayer:

What an awesome God we serve! Thank You Lord Jesus for who You are to me today, yes, way more amazing than I could ever imagine! Please continue to show Your miraculous work in and through me, but more importantly, please open my eyes so that I might recognize Your awesome grace, power, guidance and love. We have become a people who find it easy to say what our parents did for us, or our spouse, or our boss, but yet we ‘clam up’ when it comes to bragging on all that You do for us each day. Please forgive us dear Lord. Please give us a fresh boldness to not only recognize Your mighty hand at work in our lives, but also to freely volunteer praise for every little, or large, thing that You bless us with. Lord, I want to share Your gracious love with all those that I come into contact with, because You are so good to me. Please help me to give credit where it is due, and not attribute it to chance, good luck, Mother Nature, or any such commonly used ‘power’ today. You are still God, and God alone. In You I place my trust! Thank You for accepting this humble servant as Your very own. Bless all those that might meditate on this devotional and are in need of this word from You. I ask all this believing, and in Your precious and Holy name, AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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.