Category: Faith

What Might Jesus Find at our Churches Today

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Ready, Ready to Go, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-04-12

Bible Reference: Mark 1:23-28
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you’ve come to destroy us!” Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!” The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.  Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. “What’s going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!” News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.

OBSERVATION: Jesus had just called 4 disciples to follow Him – to learn about Him and then to be His example, as He gave them power to do so. A good first stop was the Temple, a normal place of worship and teaching. But what Jesus found there, was anything else but normal. I hope to draw our attention into what Jesus might find at our churches today when He walks in. Allow the Spirit to open your spiritual eyes, and remove all prejudices because of your love for your church, as you think about he might find right at your church!

APPLICATION: The first time that you visit a church, hopefully you will find a sweet spirit of corporation, love for each other, and preaching the pure, unadulterated Word of God. Of course, I hope that years after attending that church, you will still find the same thing there. But if we are to be totally honest with ourselves, it really becomes like anywhere else, because we get to know about the attitudes and actions of those that Satan has planted among us to stir up trouble and strife between God’s people. We find those who feel like they could do a much better job in the kitchen, or as a teacher in Sunday School, or even in the pulpit. We find those who are determined to fix the pastor, or the elder, or perhaps a deacon. Those who find fault with everything, and everyone. In fact, it becomes like a fog as we search in earnest for those who are strictly there for the purpose of worshipping God, learning more about Him, and to enjoy a sweet fellowship with the saints, as they search for ways to build one another up. But I wonder what God truly sees? I wonder if He was to send His Son, in person, through the doors of my church this weekend, what might He stop, touch me on the shoulder, and tell me to cleanse my heart of? Friends, we need not look for Him to point out the criminals in the church, or the backbiters, or those who habitually lie, steal or try to distract the saints, although I’m sure He knows each of our weaknesses very well. But may we soberly connect with the Master and hear Him say ‘well done good and faithful servant’, as that should be the desire of every believer. However to achieve that ultimate goal, no doubt there are several things that God might need to point out to us that tend to separate us from His perfect will. So do you suppose that we should look for the one in our midst possessed with a demon, that Jesus might have to call out, or would each of us have a full time job seeking God’s forgiveness for all that lies within us? Oh that we may pray like the psalmist, ‘Cleanse me oh God, and know my heart, my thoughts, my will and my desires’.

PRAYER: May the meditation of our hearts and the praise, worship and words from our lips, be acceptable to You oh Lord, our Rock, our Redeemer and our soon coming King. Please help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, and always conscious of our own weaknesses in trying to imitate You in this life here on earth. This is my personal prayer Oh lord. Help my readers to search their hearts and petition You for their needs, so that we will be found humble, pure and true before Your throne each and every day, especially at the unannounced time of Your return. AMEN!

In The Presence of Jesus, Worship Him

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Know Jesus, Rewards, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-04-10

Bible Reference: Matthew 28:8-9; 16-17
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 8-9  The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. | 16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

OBSERVATION: In these two incidents told about in Matthew 28, we are reminded that when we find ourselves in the presence of Jesus, we will worship Him. In another Scripture we are told that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord – That is ‘Worship’! As we meditate on this, let’s look at today’s opportunities to ‘worship’ the King of all kings and Lord of all lords!

APPLICATION: Those looking for excuses on why we are not impacted like the women were in verse 8 above, might say that the advantage the women had over us was that they actually saw Jesus physically in all His glory; they saw Him crucified; and they would therefore have reason to be emotionally attached to Him, especially in His risen state. But I really would like for us to examine that excuse carefully, for I could see the glory of God in everything that I see and touch throughout my day; I could follow the evidence of Him being with me as I reflect on protection from a near accident while driving to work, or saving my youngest child – at a time that doctors had given up all hope of survival; I knew it was the power of my Lord that healed my aching body and gave direction to my physician. So my God’s not dead, no, He’s very much alive and evident in all aspects of my life. Therefore I can’t say that the women had one up on me. How then can you and I possibly use any excuse to not lie prostrate before Him in worship and adoration? Let’s look at the second set of verses, and be reminded that those who lived with, and worked alongside, Jesus, had doubt in their hearts and were unable to truly bow at His feet and worship Him. Could it be that we are like those disciples who may have doubted the healing touch of the Master; or perhaps looked at the miraculous experience of Lazarus being raised from the dead – just like the gathered crowd may have whispered – that he really wasn’t dead at all? The crowd doubted because the knew that Jesus was just the son of a local girl Mary, and that carpenter’s son, Joseph. What’s our excuse? Friends, this really brings us to the point of examining our own hearts, and our tendency to worship our Lord, or not. We say that ‘we have met to worship’, when we come together at a church building on weekends. How is that? Do we find a prod at the door that enables us to sing, and/or listen to a messenger of God speak his heart to us? Did we truly find opportunities to ‘worship the King’ since we last met together at church? In these verses, I was touched by the Spirit of God, to believe that when we see Jesus and witness His divine presence among us, particularly those that know Him as ‘Father’, or ‘Lord’, or ‘Master’, or ‘Friend’, or ‘Savior’, and as ‘Creator’ of this whole universe, shouldn’t our very souls immediately, and automatically, burst forth in worship to Him. Out of respect and honor, we may fall to our knees, but I don’t believe that anything could prevent the overflow of excitement and reverence that we experience internally, when we enter into His presence. Please don’t wait for the weekend services for this. Allow God to envelop you, fill you with so much of His holy presence, that praise and worship will burst forth even today! He’s our Lord and soon coming King, my friend, if we expect to worship Him throughout eternity, then let’s not hesitate doing just that even now – today!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord, for making Yourself known to even us – sinners saved by the wonderful grace of Jesus! Our love to Your Son, and our appreciation for all that You have done for us, should be reflected in worship and praise at frequent intervals. May our praise emanate from us in ways that are very obvious to You and to those around us. Oh that my family, friends, coworkers, church members, and all who come into contact with me, see Jesus today, and may they be drawn to accept and worship this same Jesus that I love, honor and look forward to seeing one day in glory! There will be readers of this devotional today whose desire it is to also see, worship and share Jesus with everyone in their circle of influence. Oh that their wishes may become a reality today dear Lord, so that You may be magnified through them. AMEN!

He really is the Son of God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, Salvation, TrustLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-04-08

Bible Reference: Matthew 27:50-53
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 50 Jesus passionately cried out, took his last breath, and gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth shook violently, rocks were split apart, 52 and graves were opened. Then many of the holy ones who had died were brought back to life and came out of their graves. 53 And after Jesus’ resurrection, they were plainly seen by many people walking in Jerusalem. 54 Now, when the Roman military officer and his soldiers witnessed what was happening and felt the powerful earthquake, they were extremely terrified. They said, “There is no doubt, this man was the Son of God!”

OBSERVATION: I find it interesting that in spite of all that the Chief Priests and Pharisees did to mock, accuse, arrest, and force Herod’s hand into the crucifixion of Jesus, now that He is dead, their worries are really beginning. This is proof positive that they believed every word Jesus said, they just couldn’t handle the attention Jesus was receiving from the multitudes who chose to claim Him as their King, Ruler, Miracle Worker, Master and Lord. All doubt was removed at the death of our Lord, when God showed His power once again. How does God get our attention?

APPLICATION: Isn’t it interesting how Christians might share with friends about their first hand experiences with Jesus, and tell them about the awesome power of the holy Son of God and, too often, friends will look on with a smirk on their faces, wondering if we may have also lost other areas of our realistic view of life here on this earth. However, in a time of need, these same friends will call on these same Christian friends for advice, comfort, prayers, good thoughts, etc. It’s just like the Chief Priests and the Pharisees. They looked on, seeing what was happening right in front of their very eyes, yet they knew that they couldn’t believe what they saw, because of popular belief, and the traditional teachings of their ancestors. Jesus and His disciples were mocked at every opportunity, yet the mockers saw a man who was blind, get up and walk and talk and see everything that was around him. They sorrowed with Jairus over the untimely death of his daughter, yet they saw Jesus use powerful, yet very simple words, to order the resurrection of this young lady. So how is it with you my friend? You are probably in a circle of friends where a Christian keeps sharing the love, the power, the wisdom and the promise of eternal life in heaven, and while you can’t seem to find a way to prove that friend wrong, it all sounds so foreign, compared to the average leader, or friend that you know today. But something keeps tugging at your heart’s door about this awesome God that your friend keeps on about. What do you do with that? My friend, let me suggest to you today, that anytime something totally foreign (to your normal way of thinking) is coming up in your mind like this, take time and have a conversation with the Holy Son of God that you keep hearing about. Others are probably praying for you and for your salvation, and Jesus will speak to you in ways that you may not recognize at first. However, just as the Chief Priests and Pharisees finally acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God, may I encourage you to also acknowledge that still small voice that speaks powerfully to you, and may you be prompted to say like the profit Samuel said as a very young man – “speak Lord, for your servant hears You”. I’m sure that you’ve never being taught to disregard someone when they are speaking to you. Please don’t begin that now, especially as it pertains to the Son of God. For He holds the keys to eternal life in heaven with He and His Father. I believe that He longs for your decision to turn to Him, my friend. Don’t disappoint Him, for He truly is – the Son of God.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please speak to the hearts of those who are running from You today. Please remind them of Your love and Your awesome power. Please show them the joys of heaven and life eternally with You. May there be decisions to follow You today dear Lord, especially in the case of those that will hear Your voice again today through the Scriptures, or through personal friends. May Your perfect will be done today, and may the miracle of new birth be realized by many, is my humble prayer dear Lord, AMEN!

Life-Paths Led By God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Lead me, Leadership of the Holy Spirit, Let go and let God, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-04-05

Bible Reference: Psalm 25:4-7
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 
4 Lord, direct me throughout my journey
so I can experience your plans for my life.
Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you.
5 Escort me along the way; take me by the hand and teach me.
For you are the God of my increasing salvation;
I have wrapped my heart into yours!b
6–7 Forgive my failures as a young man,
and overlook the sins of my immaturity.
Give me grace, Lord! Always look at me
through your eyes of love—
your forgiving eyes of mercy and compassion.
When you think of me, see me as one you love and care for.
How good you are to me!

OBSERVATION: David shows us in this passage that he was fully dependent on God for direction, and on seeing him for who he truly was. Often we fail so badly in our decisions and life-choices that we may tend to think that there is no way that God would forgive us and accept us as His very own adopted son or daughter. David shares with us how this miracle works. Let’s stop and meditate on this for a little while.

APPLICATION: On many occasions we come to a fork in the road and deliberate on which way we should go. No matter how hard we try, and how hard we try to weigh out the pros and cons, our sight is limited and often our decision making is marred by selfishness. Consider the fact that when we make decisions based on the weather, we might look into the skies and observe the current weather, or we might listen to a meteorologist, for their profession is to study the weather patterns and predict future conditions. But how often have you found them to be correct? So our planning is often based on chance, backed up with a plan ‘B’! But I want us to use this Scripture today to reflect on the God of this universe. Remember, He’s the one who put this whole earth together; the One who formed you and I; the One who sets the stage each day for rain, or sunshine, for heat or cold, for miracles to stump the meteorologist who thought they had the weather patterns all figured out! Yes, He’s the one that will cause us to lift our eyes unto the hills and exclaim ‘Only our God is capable of such miracles’. Friends, I want to share a real life experience with you, so that we might be reminded of the power of our God in our life-paths: In the summer of 1987 I had the daunting task of sharing with my parents, located in Eleuthera, Bahamas, that after much prayer and a miraculous turnaround and approval by US Immigration, my wife and I had been accepted as permanent residents of the United States, and that we would move in a few months. In an expression of shock and disappointment, my dad said ‘now that we’re getting older, you are moving further away’. Those words burned into my memory, as I always strived to please my parents, and never cause them hurt or grief. However, fast forward to roughly a year after being told those words by my dad, as my siblings and I saw the need to have my dad flown to the US for medical help. This led to the discovery that he had experienced a heart attack, and needed immediate medical attention. Even without medical insurance, yet we were able to secure the attention and correction needed for my dad. About a month later while father and son were sitting in our Florida home, my dad looked at me and said ‘Now I understand what God was doing in getting you moved to Florida’! Friends, that was not one of the reasons I gave God for wanting to move to the US, but my awesome God knew exactly the life-path that I needed to be on, in order to save my dad’s life! In fact, just months after that, a similar story occurred with Him saving my sister-in-law’s life. May I be the first one to tell you today that there is no god like Our God! Our responsibility is to know Him, trust in Him, love Him and follow Him in obedience, for He cares for us and He will direct our paths – our life-path! Please read my ‘Footnote’ carefully and follow the link ‘To Know Jesus’ make your connection with this same awesome God that I shared about in this devotional. He loves you as well my friend!

PRAYER: Dear Father in heaven, thank You for reminding us yet again how awesome and powerful You are. You helped my ancestor, David; You also helped my dad and sister-in-law, and answered the prayers of my family about their health. I know You are still God, because I still experience You even today. I know that You also love my friends who will read this devotional today, and who need a special touch from You, or to know that You are in total control of their life-path. Please draw them unto Yourself dear God. Cement their relationship with You and encourage them daily along their life-path ordained by Your miraculous touch. Lord, may You reign supremely in all aspects of our lives. AMEN!

More Than Enough

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, gifts, Giving, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-04-04

Bible Reference: Exodus 36:3-5
Translation: GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Bible Text: 3 Moses turned over to them all the contributions the Israelites had brought for the work of constructing the holy place. But the people still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning. 4 Finally, all the skilled craftsmen who were working on the holy place stopped what they were doing. They all came to Moses. 5 They said, “The people are bringing much more than we need for doing the work the Lord commanded us to do.”

OBSERVATION: Moses obviously had the secret for encouraging his people to give towards projects ordained by God. Think about the difference between the challenges we face today, and the overflow that Moses experienced. What’s the difference? Let us meditate on that today!

APPLICATION: What are you finding are the greatest financial challenges at your church, and in your own life? Are you and your church convinced that God has you on a mission for Him? Are you just as convinced when you feel collectively that He is wanting to see you continue expanding your ministry for the purpose of ministering to more in your community who need to know Him as Lord? What are some of the first obstacles that you think of? Provisions are probably right at the top of the list, because I believe that we take our eyes off the ministry needs that God prompted us towards, and we begin looking inward towards how will we provide the buildings and people to accomplish the associated growth that God calls us to. For you see, when God calls us to a mission that He ordains, He knows exactly what we will need to pull that ministry off. We suddenly see certain people showing up, that may later become helpers, and we may even see giving increase. We may see miracles increase, as God draws us closer to the Miracle Worker, and grows our faith to lean on Him rather than the limited resources that we often see through the limitations of mere man. Friends, wouldn’t it be awesome to hear your pastor say one morning at church, that it’s OK that you limit your giving, as the church has been extremely blessed financially and currently not only meeting its own budget, but have been helping many other needs that it is aware of! I believe that Moses showed us that if we believe in the Lord, our God, to direct our path, reach the lost in our community, and grow the church for His glory, then let’s not think for a moment that He will call us to increased ministry without having a well defined plan on how we will accomplish the housing of that ministry and the workers to accomplish the work. Is it not a simple act of faith, in knowing that if He calls us to it, He will see us through it? How’s your faith my friend? Do you have to see it to believe, or do you actually have faith to believe in our awesome God?

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for Your blessings on me. Thank You Lord for blessing the ministries of Your local churches in my area. Oh that we would always keep our eyes fixed on You, and not allow the distractions of this world to hold us back in accomplishing all that You call us to do. Lord, we are Yours, and we want You to accomplish Your work in our midst. We humble ourselves before You and ask that You use even us in Your ministry to reach the lost in our communities. AMEN!

Your Heart Determines The Course of Your Life

On By Ed AlgreenIn Determination, Determined, Faith, Heart, Priority, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-04-02

Bible Reference: Proverbs 4:20-22
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: ^20 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

OBSERVATION: From deep within our heart, words spew from our mouths, and actions that may either make us proud, or ashamed, when we stand before the Master of this universe. God knew this would happen, so in His Word He warned us to be careful of what we allow into our lives. With so much emphasis on the things of this world bombarding us every day, we must stop and analyze how we are doing in this critical aspect of our lives.

APPLICATION: There are sayings that we hear from time to time that are aligned with this Scripture today: ‘from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks’; ‘garbage in, garbage out’; ‘actions speak louder than words’; etc. Each of these sayings indicate that you could expect no better from a person than what is bottled up inside of their heart. So from where is the heart ‘fed’? Allow me to suggest that hanging around a bar will feed your mind, soul and heart with things that the frequent attenders say; the way they act; and the priorities they display while in your presence. Spending 8+ hours per day around your coworkers, will influence your life with certain attributes of theirs, and you will find yourself with some of their words and/or behavior. Spending many hours around God’s people at church or church events, will do the same as already shared. Studying God’s Word and allowing it to saturate your mind and your heart, will draw you closer to God, and will energize you to follow His instructions and share His goodness that becomes more and more obvious as you learn more about Him. Friends, it is very obvious that we are influenced by those we spend time with, or have a desire to imitate. So I believe the key takeaway in this devotional today, is that we evaluate what our priorities are. That we stop making excuses and strive for the image of God to be displayed through us. Never fool yourself into telling someone the lie that you just didn’t have time for something that really should take a precedence in your day. Try replacing the words ‘I didn’t have time’ with ‘it just wasn’t a priority for me’. Consider time with the Lord – imagine telling God at the end of the day that you are very sorry, but spending time in His Word, and in prayer to Him, just was not a priority. Friends, we choose what we will do. You may have chosen to sleep in, or go to the gym, or have breakfast with the guys during the time that you had set aside for a devotional time with God. However, if it was really a priority in your life, imagine how you would have moved things around to accommodate. So let me encourage you today to prioritize what goes into your heart. Fill it with the goodness of the Lord, and the awesome promise of His return. Can you imagine what will come out of you in words and actions? Can you imagine how God will be glorified? It’s all up to you my friend!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, may our hearts be so filled with You and Your goodness, that our whole outlook on life will change, and others who cross our paths will be infected by Your love being extended through us. Oh that You might be lifted up because of all that You will accomplish through us today, for this is my humble prayer and sincere plea, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. AMEN!

Never Lonely, For God is Present

On By Ed AlgreenIn Confidence, Faith, Fear, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-03-30

Bible Reference: Psalm 23:4
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.

OBSERVATION: Psalm 23 is probably one of the best known, most often read psalms, but I wonder how often we stop to really meditate on the words of this wonderful Psalm of David. It is still very applicable to us today, especially in the words of verse 4. For we constantly stand in fear of something, or someone. Yet if we could only assume the confidence of David and talk to our Master about our concerns, and remind ourselves of His ever present help in our time of need, imagine how comforting that would be! Let’s look deeper into this today….

APPLICATION: Not sure if anyone lives without fear today, but in the world I know and experience, there’s a great fear factor in every aspect of life. Think about it friends, we arise each morning and check our surroundings to see if anyone came around during the night to break-in or steal anything. We head off to work and we are in super vigilant mode to make sure that other drivers on the road are being careful and will not hit us. We arrived at work and carefully survey the area before attempting to enter our place of business, for fear that someone might be lurking to follow us in. Throughout the day we are in fear of an armed robbery, or perhaps afraid that the boss might have a plant in our area reporting our activity to try and have us fired. OK, you are probably wondering why am I so paranoid, but hopefully you got my point and understand that we would have to be in a very desolate place or marooned on an island for us to possibly be free of fear in some way throughout our day. David had even greater reasons to fear, for he was chased and forced into battle on many occasions through his reign as king. But I want our key verse to remind us, just as David found, that regardless of what is going on around us, or no matter who might be out to get us, if we have Jesus we have everything. For He is a constant friend, who has no ulterior motives in loving us passionately and in spite of our failures. In another translation, 4b reads: ‘Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.’ Is it interesting how we tend to think of a rod as a punishment tool, yet with reference to the ‘rod’ we are told that God uses it to protect us and to guide us! How reassuring is that? When you feel like you know not where to turn next, or who to trust in seeking help with that, imagine and remember that we have an ultimate friend – a constant guide; One who sticks closer than a brother; One who knows what the future holds, and as we trust in Him, He will guide us through the circumstances that make up tomorrow. He’s my friend, and I hope and pray that you have also placed your faith and trust in Him. We are reassured of His endless love and His ongoing guidance right until the very end!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for the reassurance that You will protect, guide and love us until the end of time. Please speak to those who fear about things in this life, convince them of Your power and Your desire to guide us through all aspects of this life. Lord speak to the hearts of those who are hopeless, because they don’t know You personally. May this be the day of decision for them. AMEN!

Things That Cause Us To Deny Christ

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-03-28

Bible Reference: Matthew 26:33-35
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: ^33 Then Peter spoke up and said, “Even if all the rest lose their faith and fall away, I will still be beside you, Jesus!”34 “Are you sure, Peter?” Jesus said. “In fact, before the rooster crows a few hours from now, you will have denied me three times.”35 Peter replied, “I absolutely will never deny you, even if I have to die with you!” And all the others said the same thing.

OBSERVATION: Many will read the theme/subject and immediately answer ‘Nothing, of course’. However, in our Scripture today Jesus actually told Peter and his fellow disciples that they would deny Him. These guys had some very intimate and powerful times with Jesus, and still, under pressure, they denied Him. I wonder what would cause us to deny Jesus?

APPLICATION: Standing before Jesus, Peter was sure that he would never lose his faith in him, nor turn his back on Him. In fact, Peter was convinced that he would always be true to his Master. Now, imagine us standing within the 4 walls of our respective churches. It may have been an exciting service, where we may have heard testimonies of the active, healing power of God in a son’s life, or the saving grace of that daughter that never wanted anything to do with God. The singing led by the praise team may have been heart warming and really served to draw you close to the Savior. You are on ‘cloud nine’ spiritually, and there is nothing that you wouldn’t consider doing ,or saying, in the name of your personal, relational Savior and Lord. Then the moment of truth arrives, you walk outside the doors of the church and into a world that is torn apart by the advisory. Some might tease, or mock, you for attending church, instead of joining them at the baseball game. Some might try to help you understand why your financial resources are limited, seeing that you give so much towards the expenses of your already flourishing church. Some might get in your face about the number of times last week that you chose to attend yet another church service, instead of joining your ‘real’ friends at the pub. Knowing how real most of these circumstance are, do you suppose that’s why we often keep our mouths shut about the exciting church service we attended, or the sweet answers to prayer that blessed our souls, or the sweet personal relationship that we have with the Creator of this universe? Do you suppose these types of intimidation might contribute to the lack of sharing with our friends, or the bragging about the relational highs that we encountered with our Lord? But what would you say to God when He tells you that because of missed opportunities, those friends of yours went to Hell, because no one cared enough to tell them of a better place, or a loyal and faithful Friend who loved them enough to die a cruel death – for the sake of their salvation? What would you say to the spouse or child of that friend who was just murdered at one of his drinking parties by someone he thought was a good friend? After all, you had the keys to a better life. You had experienced the Master, and His awesome love, that reaches beyond all earthly boundaries that we seem to find ourselves entrapped by, yet you never shared that with your friend. Child of God, let me encourage you today to make the most of every possible moment you have, to share the love of Christ with those that you encounter. It doesn’t matter if you’re at school, at work, in the grocery store or at home. If you know Jesus, and you have experienced the love of Christ, and are being blessed by the joy of your salvation, then ask God to help you share that with the one that He appoints for you to meet with today. It may be their last opportunity to learn about God from a real friend who cares about them. And it may be your last opportunity to share with them before they are snatched away from this earth. With Jesus as their Savior, their eternal destination would be secured in heaven. Without Jesus, they are destined for the pit of Hell where Satan will be their eternal destroyer with endless sadness, pain, hatred, and unending damnation. You and I could make a difference in their lives today, God being our helper.

PRAYER: Just as You sent a messenger of hope to help lead us to You oh Lord, I pray that today You will point out those that we need to encourage; those that need to see the love of Jesus in and through our lives; those who need to know that Jesus died for them also, and those who are entrenched in sin. Lord, I am convinced that they need Jesus. Oh that they would surrender their lives to be cleansed and accepted by the Holy and precious Son of God. Father, we have no assurance of tomorrow here on this earth, so please work a miracle in lives today, so that others may actually see Jesus in our words and actions, and that their hearts my feel the desperation of needing to surrender their lives to You. May Your will be done today oh Lord, and if You can use us to help facilitate evidence of that to our friends and coworkers, we would be eternally grateful. AMEN!

The Word of God is Powerful and Profitable

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-03-26

Bible Reference: Isaiah 55:10-11
Translation: GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Bible Text: 10 “Rain and snow come down from the sky. They do not go back again until they water the earth. They make it sprout and grow so that it produces seed for farmers and food for people to eat. 11 My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do.”

OBSERVATION: Many of us may be more like the servant who buried the talent entrusted to him, instead of investing it. For some of us are not prepared to take the risk of investing gifts given to us – be it monetary, physical, or even special abilities, because we tend to dwell on the negative possibilities instead of the benefits. In our Scripture, God showed us how beneficial the rain and snow is, and then goes on to compare that to His Word and how it will always come back with positive results. Are you willing to risk sharing God’s Word, after knowing its power to how profitable it is?

APPLICATION: Investors will tell you that there are certain investments where your savings will double over time, because of the excellent history of returns and their future prospects. To illustrate the awesome return on sharing His Word, God chose to use the example of snow and rain. We often hear of the devastation of too much rain or snow, and way too often we tend to get hung up on that. However, God illustrated the wonderful advantages of these two elements, for the earth is watered and the plants are given this pure, natural element that they need in order to grow. I thought of another advantage also, because during a visit to Arizona some years ago, I was told about the years of drought often encountered there in the dessert. However, that has never really an issue, because they always had enough water – in fact a river that flows through the middle of Scottsdale, always has plenty of water! Now get this: it’s a manmade river that gets its supply of water from melting snow from the surrounding mountains! People tend to grumble when snow interferes with their daily responsibilities, but God is saying just wait a few days or weeks, I’m providing something very necessary for my people in the towns down-stream! God likened this to His fertile words. He foreknew how many of us will mess up so badly by sharing our own, empty, words with hopes of impressing someone about our Lord. So God gave us His own words in the form of a book – the Bible. I believe He showed us that these words are not only powerful and profitable, but they have already been proven. Think about it friends, there is no other reasonable explanation why simple words from the mouth of a pastor, or fellow Christian could impact the hardened criminal in prison who, in spite of his evil deeds, suddenly sees and understands that Jesus died, so that he might have eternal life and join us fellow believers around the throne as ones cleansed by the blood of Jesus. There’s no need to recreate the words necessary to present to the sinner, for God’s Word is perfect, it is powerful, and it will not return to Him void. May I encourage you to read the Word of God daily; allow it to wash your soul first and foremost, before trying to apply it to all those around you; then share it with others. There is a gospel song with words like this: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Click the link and allow the words of this song to bathe your soul, while drawing you closer to the Master. Soak in the Word friends, so that it might overflow from your lips at just the right times, for the benefit of the Kingdom!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, Your Word is a light unto my path, for it directs me daily and warms my heart with encouragement from a Savior who loves me enough that You sacrificed Your very life so that I might see heaven one day. I am convinced that people need the Lord – those in my neighborhood; in my church; in my city; my state and yes, especially in my country. Use me Lord to not only be an example in their midst, but fill me with Your Word so that Your words might flow freely from my heart through my lips. Oh that You may rule and reign in my town today dear Lord. Please humble each and every reader today, so that they may desire more of You. May we all be filled to overflowing, so that the words of our mouths and the fellowship of our hearts may be acceptable to You, our Lord and our Redeemer. AMEN!

From The Abundance of the Heart, The Mouth Speaks

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Humble, Humbleness, Humility, Rewards, Trust, UnselfishLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-03-23

Bible Reference: Matthew 25:42-43
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 42 For when you saw me hungry, you refused to give me food, and when you saw me thirsty, you refused to give me something to drink.43 I had no place to stay, and you refused to take me in as your guest. When you saw me poorly clothed, you closed your hearts and would not cover me. When you saw that I was sick, you didn’t lift a finger to help me, and when I was imprisoned, you never came to visit me.’

OBSERVATION: I’m sure that most of my readers will read the above, and if they don’t know the scriptures, they are probably wondering which local church, or group of people, might Jesus be referring to. I wonder what forms of testing (in our minds) might we look for when we observe others who claim to be ‘Christian’. What if we used the same methodology as Jesus did, will anyone make it to heaven in our judgment of them today? How do you suppose you and I might fear in His eyes, would we make it?

APPLICATION: There is an old saying that has long been quoted based on what we hear words come from an honest man’s mouth: ‘from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks’. I believe that Jesus is saying that there are attributes about our life that are strong indicators about whose we are. It’s a very sobering and frightful thought, because it seems like we are part of a world where most of us look to meet our own needs, our own wants, our own timelines, our fast-paced, very programmed, full scheduled, selfish world, where helping others are often excluded. All too often we tend to leave it up to the government, or the church, or the pastor, or perhaps family to care for those who are broken, or in need of a hand-up. But did you notice how Jesus never referred to the fact that we should give, so our church could help those in need, or we should vote, so we could make sure that our government helps, even though these are two areas in most countries that will help those in need? Friends, I believe that the intent of Jesus here, is to help us to understand that these are ways that a heart filled with Jesus, would express itself. Look again at the ways that Jesus illustrated this to us: (a) Feed those that are hungry – I heard of someone who took a team to serve meals to the hungry who had come in off the street looking for food. They were so humbled, that it had a serious impact on their lives. When last have we stopped to even chat with a person who hadn’t eaten in 24 hours, or perhaps turned around and purchased a meal to take back for them? Do you suppose that Jesus would do something like that? (b) Those that are thirsty – although similar to (a), yet slightly different. You find yourself thirsty, yet you pass by someone along the road waiting for food or a ride to somewhere. You see their lips parched, but still you drive on by after making many judgment calls on why they are in that position. Would Jesus have gone the extra mile to get them a drink? (c) In need of shelter – you have several rooms that are now unused in your home, but isn’t it virtually impossible to apply the brakes on your car and invite a homeless person to spend the night at your place? I believe that we have even become too selfish to house visiting preachers or evangelists. After all, why should I do that when no one else even considers it? What do you suppose Jesus would do in either of these circumstances? (d) In need of clothes – Many thrift stores will sell pieces of clothing for a quarter most days, because so much has been donated to relieve overcrowding in the closets of the ‘rich and famous’. But I wonder if perhaps Jesus was pointing out that a heart that looks like His would actually see a need, and humbly meet that need for clothing. Yes, you could send them, or take them to the Thrift store, but when last have you passed by someone in need and actually went out of your way to fulfill that need without being asked to? (e) Sick and in need of help – A Christian’s mind is relieved by saying that he would pray for that sick one. And that is commendable, if indeed we remember that promise to pray, after walking away. But carefully notice that Jesus mentioned that we saw the need and didn’t come to help. Do you remember how challenging it was to get around that time as you stayed at home recovering from your surgery, or that time while you were so weak as you dealt with recovery from a serious illness? Didn’t you wish that God would send one of His precious angels to cook a meal for you, or take you to the doctors? Wouldn’t Jesus have been all over that situation? (f) In prison, but totally forgotten by family, friends, the church and society as a whole. Yes that Brother made a mistake, but are they not still your friend? You wouldn’t be able to socialize around church, but don’t you know that there’s a void for that prisoner when you are unable to show that you care? Jesus met us where we were, shouldn’t we do the same for those we care about? Jesus separated the ‘sheep’ from the ‘goats’ based on these principles. What do you suppose would be your sentence, friend?

PRAYER: Father in heaven, we are such a spoiled bunch, You have blessed us with so much, yet we hold it tight to ourselves and often feel like we have earned our blessings and therefore can easily choose what we should do with them. This has hardened us to look on others in need without it impacting our hearts, and for this I humbly ask for your forgiveness, Lord. Christians often ask, and mostly strive to be more like You every day, but I pray today that change would come from impacted hearts, touched by Your ministry, Your character and Your words. Help us to set self aside and assume soft, moldable, usable hearts directed by the Master alone. Those in need, are really in need of Jesus more than anything else, and we all fit into that. Oh that we may constantly be aware of the need for our Savior, and may our hearts be humbled to not only seek Your face for our needs, but for ways to help others. Lord grant us wisdom to move and/or speak just like You demonstrated, so that others might truly see Jesus. AMEN!