Category: God Cares For Us

Try Starting Your Day Like This!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Celebrate God, Faith, God Cares For Us, Praise, WorshipLeave a comment

The Bible – New Living Translation

Psalm 59:16-17

 16 But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.

17 O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.

Thoughts:

I’ve seen many challenges lately, for example a challenge to find 5 things you are thankful for, or some might challenge friends and themselves to walk for a number of minutes each morning. I believe that God challenged me through these verses, to imitate His servant David and find things to praise God for each morning, and to do it with joy! What type of day do you suppose we would have if we challenged ourselves to do this each morning? Would our churches be stronger if it was made up of more praising Christians? I make every effort to attend church prayer meetings each week, and it is amazing the number of prayer needs that we have to pray about. Now please don’t misunderstand, there is no better place to bring our needs, than to a place of worship where believers have gathered to pray for one another. However, I recall in one prayer meeting we had a visitor who was bubbling over with a praise item, however after hearing all of the needs, our leader was ready to move into prayer. The visitor finally spoke up and asked if there was room for praise items, as she wanted to share an item with the group. Oh my, what an important aspect of prayer we almost ignored that night. Friends, even under extreme circumstances: when we are hurting; or perhaps sad; or perhaps facing extreme challenges; God is still God and throughout all that we feel overwhelmed about, He has blessed us beyond all measure. There is a powerful song out by a popular group call “I will praise You in my storm”, can you do this friend? Can you praise God even in the middle of the storms of your life? How about committing to praise Him in every circumstance, knowing that God has a purpose for your life and that He will not do anything to harm you. It was God that gave you the healthy body to sleep well the previous night, and to awaken with another opportunity to shine for Him. Praise Him friend! Of course He will also hear your prayer for healing, hurt, job search and all other needs, but that will become very evident and easy to ask, after you have thought about and praised God for His wonderful blessings!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I’m sure it must seem like we are an ungrateful bunch of children, because of our lack of praise. You bless us so much that praise should be very prominent in our lives and on our lips. I pray that I may be so filled with thankfulness and praise that as my lips are opened, I may voice Your praises. I can’t think of anything more powerful to an unbeliever than for them to see a thankful, praising child of God. Please give me the strength and the boldness to represent You well, especially in my constant praise for the mighty God that You are. Thank You Lord, for blessing me in such wonderful ways. Please touch Your children that may meditate on this devotional and need to work on this aspect of their Christian walk also. Please use the praises of Your kids to touch the hearts of those that need to know You today so that they may want to know the awesome God that we serve. All this I ask humbly in the precious name of my Savior and Lord, Jesus, 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.

Grace – Free and Undeserved

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Ask and Receive, Bible Believing, Blood of Jesus, Chosen by God, Christian, Faith, God Cares For Us, Grace, Love, Reaching the Lost, Sin, Thank You Jesus, Things Eternal, WitnessingLeave a comment

The Bible – New Living Translation

Romans 11:4-6

 4 And do you remember God’s reply? He said, “No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!”(1 Kings 19:18)

5 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

Thoughts:

I find it interesting how God draws certain things to our attention as we read His Word. I believe this has reiterated the point to me that without staying in His Word, how then will we hear from Him? My reason for the aforesaid, is that my initial reading of the highlighted verses left me wondering why God would have Paul include this Old Testament reference in his talk to the Roman believers and also in His Word for our edification? God quickly drew to my attention something to share with you in today’s devotional. Friends, who are we that God should have ever gotten our attention towards salvation? Now, before we get all holy and self-righteous in thinking that we never killed anyone, like Elijah was referring to in his initial question to God about the Jews, the Bible clearly states that God detests sin. He hates it. But friend, all the same, He valued us/loved us enough to look beyond our sin and rescue us from this life of sin. Yes, He convicted us of our sin and our need for a Savior? That’s where Paul is coming from in this passage, and that’s what we must be diligent to praise God about, and that’s what we must be careful in helping our lost family and friends to understand. God’s grace is beyond anything we can measure or understand. He sacrificed His one and only Son to die a cruel death on a cross so that we might be saved, even while we were deep in sin, uncaring and undeserving of such grace. We just can’t comprehend that kind of grace/love! But just as Paul share with his Roman counterparts, I must remind you today that God’s very nature is love and just as He once put the life of His Son on the line for us, His grace is still sufficient today. Please don’t give up on that lost loved one. To the one that may be reading this today that may never have made a decision to accept Christ as your personal Savior, please don’t think that you are beyond God’s love. The mere fact that you are reading this devotional is an indication that the Holy Spirit is working to show you His love and grace. Be obedient to His call on your life today, won’t you? Please feel free to contact me using the email address below to pray with you and help you in the vital decision.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I praise You today for Your wonderful and unparalleled grace. You loved me enough to speak to me right where I was, in sin, and convince me of the need for my Savior! Although we are tempted to think like Elijah did and question why You would save some folk even after knowing their awful past, I thank You for not being like us humans, for we often think like the world still, and tend to give up on folk because their future seem so hopeless to us. Oh my, where would we have been if You felt the same way about us? Praise God that Your ways are way beyond our very best efforts, for You loved us even while we were still wicked and undeserving. Thank You Lord Jesus for Your love and Your grace. Please help us to see through eyes filled with the grace of Jesus so that we may have a positive, Godly influence in the lives of those that need to accept You as Lord. As Your sons and daughters we need desperately to be more like our Father. Please continue to impress upon us the character and love of our Savior so that the world might see and know, without our hypocritical selves interfering, that they need You in their lives. I ask all this in the precious name of my Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, 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.

Peace in Knowing God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Eternal Life, Faith, God Cares For Us, Holy Spirit, Humility, Love, Love God, PeaceLeave a comment

The Bible –The Message

Romans 8:26-28

 26–28       Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

 Thoughts:

There is such peace in these verses! Actually these verses reminds us of the peace we have in knowing God as our personal Savior! When we accept Jesus as our Savior, He provides His Holy Spirit to live inside of us and to commune with God on our behalf. Paul reminds us that even when we are about to give up (tired of waiting), the Holy Spirit is there praying for us. When we have totally run out of words to pray, the Spirit interprets our moans and our groans before the throne on our behalf. In fact, He knows us so well that He is petitioning the throne of grace on our behalf. He has our best interest at heart, and knowing that we really want to step above our weak sinful selves, He keeps us present before God. Friends, as we live our lives loving God, praising Him and glorifying Him, every aspect of our lives is worked into something good, something beautiful for God! Whom then shall I fear? Why then should I worry or complain? There is no god like this God of ours friend! Know Him today and know the peace that surpasses all human understanding. Experience His love that surpasses all other descriptions of love that you can imagine. Know that everything is under control with God in charge of your life, because these verses so vividly reminds you of that. Are you tired of living life under your own power, and would like to know this Jesus of mine in a personal way? I would be honored to work with, and pray for you, if you would drop me an email using the contact information at the very end of this devotional. I would love for you to know this peace that is ours as children of God!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, how can I say thanks enough for all You do for me? So undeserved, yet You loved me enough that You turned Your world upside down by sacrificing Yourself in humility, all because of Your awesome love, and so that I might have peace in knowing You. Thank You Lord Jesus! Please tender the hearts of those that might read this devotional today and may not have ever invited You to be their Mediator and Lord. Father, I know that they have no control over the time they have left to make such a decision, please may it be today that they allow You to take charge of their life? I humbly ask all this in Your precious and all powerful name, Jesus my Lord and soon coming King, 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.

The Reward for Living Life Led By ‘The Spirit’!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, God Cares For Us, God Reigns, Holy Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Pleasing to God, Praise, Reaching the Lost, Reflecting Christ, Sin, SurrenderLeave a comment

The Bible –Good News Translation

Romans 8:13-14

13For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. 14Those who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s children.

Thoughts:

We live our lives according to two principles: 1). Dedicated to, and led by, God’s Holy Spirit – This means that like me, you have given yourself totally and unreservedly to the Savior of this world – Jesus. And because He lives in You and gives you a desire for His Word and for a life dedicated to serving Him and imitating Him in character, deed and word, then according to vs 14 we are His children, and according to vs 13, we will live – meaning live forever with Him in heaven even after we leave this old world! Principle #2). Is that you do nothing about your sinful condition. In fact, it dominates your life, and every decision you make and every deed and action comes from the mind and life of human nature and not of God. Friends, it is plain in verse 13 that folk living under this principle are destined to ‘die’. For those of you that have resigned yourself to accept this principle must realize that Paul is not just referring to physical death – that we all must go through, but he is referring to everlasting death, and for those of you that refer to daily life as being hell on earth, I need to remind you that you ‘ain’t seen nothin yet’, for eternal damnation in hell after your life on this cruel earth, is one that would sadden God’s heart to see any of His creation become a part of. However, just as loving parents allow their children to make their own choices, God allows us to make a choice between principle (1) and principle (2). What would you wish for your favorite child? Would you consider anything less for yourself? Vs 14 declares that when we choose principle (1), we are considered God’s children. Fact – Jesus is King over all this world. Children of kings are known as Princes and Princesses! Secure your new title today friend, if you have not already made a decision for principle (1).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege of serving You, and for giving me guidance, wisdom, strength and boldness to live my life as detailed in principle (1) above. Although excited about each day and the opportunities available to me, I am overwhelmed and super excited about the expectations of eternal life with You in glory! However, while here on this earth I become very anxious about my family and friends that have defaulted to principle (2) because of their lack of concern for a better life; a richer quality of life; a satisfied life knowing that You have every little thing under control and a praise-worthy life acknowledging that all things come from You, for our good and benefit, and that You have this whole life thing under Your control, with no reason for us to worry. Lord, I’m Yours – everything I am, everything I have! Thank You for taking it (life) from here! These praises, requests and acknowledgments are all presented in Your holy name and for Your glory, oh Lord, AMEN!

 

**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.

Reasons To Praise God!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, God Cares For Us, Our Help comes from God, Praise, WorshipLeave a comment

God’s Word Says….

Psalm 30:11-12 (NCV)

11 You changed my sorrow into dancing. You took away my clothes of sadness, and clothed me in happiness. 12 I will sing to you and not be silent. Lord, my God, I will praise you forever.

My Thoughts…..

I find it amazing how easy it is to pray in times of need or difficulty, for we can quickly drop to our knees pleading our case. However, I have to frequently remind myself to return to my prayer and say thank You, as I receive answers to my prayers. I am also amazed by the beauty of God’s creation, yet we gloat over it like it was something we had anything to do with, or that God had to provide it for us. Friends, I’m sure that you are like me in that we feel good inside when we hear our children say how thankful they are for something we may have done for them, or provided for them. Well, David has shown us in the Psalms that there are so many things that we can be thankful for, and that we should praise God for. Imagine for a moment being in a hospital bed in lots of pain, with a badly broken leg. What then can you praise God for, especially when you see everyone around you walking around on two healthy legs? Perhaps seeing a man pass by without any legs might open your eyes to some praise opportunities? I believe when we truly say like David that God has clothed us in happiness, and that we WILL praise Him forever – without any restrictions, then friend, I believe we will look for ways to praise God and worship Him!

 

Challenge……

Instead of being a needy people, let’s aim to be a praising people. Yes, we will always be a needy people, because we know that God can and will provide our needs, but please join me in always making ‘praise’ our priority. To take this one step further, let’s be a people of ‘praise’ even when our world around us seem to be collapsing upon us. Let’s commit ourselves to always praise God for the things that we know exists only because of His love and His power, and never feel forced into giving credit to ‘mother nature’ or the ‘man upstairs’. Remember, these are terms used by folk not wanting to ruffle the feathers of those that don’t believe in God. We believe in God, so let’s give credit where it belongs and let the chips fall where they may. God designed and made us; He controls the weather; He blesses us with jobs; He’s the One who blessed us with knowledge, so learn to praise Him, praise Him, and praise Him even more!

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I’m sorry if I appear ungrateful at times, because I may not have found reason enough to praise You. I am so aware that it is You who made me and You who provide the ability for me to arise and enjoy each beautiful day. When You find reason to give us rain, who am I question or complain? When things seem so out of hand here on this earth, please help me to always look to You as the creator and designer of it all, therefore very capable of handling all that mere man may attempt to interfere in, or try to destroy. Lord, I praise You for just being my divine Savior and Lord, for being my God, my resurrected King and my Deliverer. I pray like David, that I will always find reasons to praise You forever! Please remind folk that may meditate on this devotional today the importance of praising You, even in their storms of life! I praise You and yet ask all this in Your most praise-worthy name, Jesus, my Lord, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP

Peace With God!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Fruit of the Spirit, God Cares For Us, Holy Spirit, Love, Peace, Pleasing to GodLeave a comment

God’s Word Says….

Romans 5:1-5 (GNT)

Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2He has brought us by faith into this experience of God’s grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory! 3We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates hope. 5This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.

My Thoughts…..

These verses are so packed with good stuff, that it would take a long discourse to celebrate it all. For just a short devotional, I wanted to share a few words with you that I highlighted: a). “Put Right” – please notice that it didn’t say earned, or resulted from any good deed we did. We are put right because of our faith in God. I would highly recommend that we each examine ourselves and recall the day and place that we surrendered our heart to Jesus and placed our faith in Him alone. This is the ONLY WAY friend to be put right with God. b). “Peace” – when we have been ‘put right’ with God there will be an unexplained peace in our lives – peace in, and with God! c). “God’s grace” – can you even imagine that a sinner, filled with enmity towards God, could ever be allowed into His Grace. Friend, this is through ultimate, unselfish, immeasurable love of the Father for His children. I pray that you are experiencing that ‘Grace’ today! d). “The Hope” – as children of God we can boast of that ‘Hope’ that is ours to one day be with Jesus in glory at the right hand of the Father! Praise the name of Jesus! e). “Endurance” – it is so easy to praise the Lord when everything is going good for us, but often we struggle with this characteristic, especially when it seems like the world is against us. I was excited to note that this type of ‘endurance’ or ‘patience’ actually brings “God’s Approval” and this alone is worth the struggles and challenges we endure here on this earth. f). “His love” and “His Gift” – Think about this real good friend: because of our sin God had to send His Son to redeem us. Yet, when we accept Him as Lord, He pours out His love through the precious gift of His Holy Spirit. Wow, who has ever known such a love as that?

Challenge……

Don’t know about you friend, but there is much to celebrate in these verses today! My greatest caution to you is that you not fall into the temptation of wanting to do good, thinking that because you are not an evil person, then you must be a Christian. Friend, to enjoy the peace of God, you must be one of His children. To become a child of His involves a deliberate step by you. For you must humble yourself before Jesus and ask His forgiveness of your sin, and to accept you as His dearly beloved son/daughter. The life that follows is one of peace with God – everlasting peace! Jesus loves you a lot friend! Won’t you consider accepting Him as your Lord and Savior today? Please feel free to drop me a note by email if there is anything I can pray with you about. Jesus loves you, and so do I, friend!

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, thank You for providing the ultimate for us – the ways and means for us to know You as our Lord and Savior, and the promise of eternal life with You in heaven! You are awesome dear God! As I celebrate this today, I am concerned for several of my family members who do not reflect evidence of having accepted You as Lord. Father, I pray that Your Holy Spirit will convict them today, and that they would make a decision for You. I pray asking all this in Your wonderful and majestic name, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

How To Deal With Your Enemies!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Ask and Receive, Bible Believing, Christian, Defense against the enemy, Faith, God Cares For Us, God our Helper, God our Provider, God’s Word, Helper, Our Help comes from God, Power, Power of Prayer, Protector, The enemy4 Comments

God’s Word Says….

Nehemiah 4:13–14 (The Message)

So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows. After looking things over I stood up and spoke to the nobles, officials, and everyone else: “Don’t be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

My Thoughts…

From the subject, I know that you probably thought that I was referring to that person that really dislikes you, or the person you can’t stand to be around because you just know that they are like a ‘snake in the grass’, looking for ways to harm you! Well, you are right to a certain extent, the examples that I gave might be classified as enemies. But how about a different type of enemy, what about the enemy of cancer, or heart disease, or aids? My take on these verses that God got my attention on, is that this can apply to anything or anyone in our lives that may serve to harm us or oppose us, or give the appearance of hating us. In these verses Nehemiah prayed that he might find ways to stabilize situations over which he was leading, and the first thing he found to help was to tell his people/army to think on the power of God – remember, remember, remember what He has done, and what He is capable of doing.

Challenge…

What if we took this advice when told about cancer in our bodies, or when we know that we are about to battle with someone who really hates us? Friends, we know that we will have enemies because any attempt to fulfill God’s desires will almost certainly draw opposition from the world. But here is a word of advice for us from a noted scholar ‘Breneman’: “God’s people should always regard prayer not as a last resort but as our primary weapon against opposition”. So friends, here is the word from God today: a). Always remember the power of the God that we serve. Deliberately reflect on the times that His power has helped us through situations, and of times that He has helped our forefathers in the Word through miraculous times. He is still the same God that we serve today, so let’s depend on Him! b). Let us be quick to pray and slow to react in anger and thoughtlessness when faced with opposition, or by those who may naturally offend us because of their lack of faith, The Bible tells us to fervently pray for those that despitefully use us. Let’s obey the Word friend!

Prayer….

Lord Jesus, You showed the example in that You went aside and prayed when burdened with everything that was about to happen in Your life or to Your followers. Please help us to also do this, instead of hitting back, instead of getting angry and saying things that we might later regret. Lord, we want to be more like You, so strengthen us to do Your will, and to follow Your example to always bathe our battles in prayer. Please also encourage us to always remember the many miracles of our powerful Lord, and remind us of Your ongoing power to do the same for us. We are so weak Lord, and it is only with Your power and Your strength, that we can look at heaven’s glory when old Satan is hitting at us from every side. Thank You for loving us anyway and being there for us through every circumstance! For I thank You, and I ask these favors, in the precious and all powerful name of Jesus, my Lord and soon coming King!

God Is faithful and Just

On By Ed AlgreenIn God Cares For UsLeave a comment

Scripture: Ruth 1-2.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Ruth 2:8-10 (NLT)

8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”

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

After the death of her husband, Ruth could have easily left her mother-in-law Naomi to fend for herself, while she go and fend for herself – but she didn’t. When Naomi decided to return to her homeland, Ruth had every reason to stay in her own land and be near to her family and her place of worship – but she didn’t. Ruth felt a God-given responsibility to care for her mother-in-law, and God blessed her immensely for that. Did God owe her anything? No, not really. However, because of her kindness and deliberate attempts to extend the hand of God in this way, God showered blessings on her. For it was no coincidence that she wound up in the field of Boaz. It was very much God’s direction to Boaz in accepting this woman in his fields and then providing her need for food for her and Naomi. We have these same forms of blessings each and every day friends. It is unfortunate that we attribute this to good luck, or happen chance. Instead of doing like Ruth did to Boaz, that we bow at the feet of Jesus and give Him thanks for each and every thing that He does for us. God knows our heart and our intentions and He will reward us in due time. Let’s be on the lookout for those blessings and be very careful to give God the glory for His faithfulness to us.

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

Father I could very easily see all that Ruth did to show her love for her mother-in-law, and how she deserved your love and reward in return. I would only ask that You open my eyes to the needs around me, and give me the wisdom of how to best show Your love to those in need so that You may receive honor and glory. Thank You for Your faithfulness towards me in so many ways. Like Ruth, I can very easily ask “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” However, in spite of my question, I must say thank You for all that You do for me and provide for me. You are indeed my faithful and just Master!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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Heavenly Celebrations!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Celebrate God, Encourage, God Cares For UsLeave a comment

Scripture: Luke 15.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Luke 15:3-7 (NLT)

3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’

7
In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’

10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

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

For those that we invest our interest in, through prayer, caring and/or some other tangible way, we tend to rejoice over their successes in life! This is because we have a vested interest in them. God’s Word says that there is rejoicing in heaven also when one sinner repents and returns to God. I love that word ‘RETURNS’ because it is an indication that we were God’s, but strayed away and now seen the error of our ways and have come back to God. I believe that if our churches today did a better job of investing ourselves in the lives of those that we say we are ministering to, then there would be a big party or celebration every time someone walks the isle and announces to the church that they are ‘returning’ to the God who loves them and have always cared for them. I don’t know about everyone else, but I need to get busy about the work of the Lord, and I don’t mean another committee, but rather busy about ministering to those who have strayed away from God and need to return to Him. While I am not a big party person, I would love to join in the heavenly celebration every service time as sinners return to God, especially if I had a small part in encouraging, or praying for that person. Christians, let’s re-focus on the main purpose of the church – a people drawing closer to God through personal development in the Word, and in encouraging others to ‘return’ to God so that they too can join the party! We have a Savior who loves us so much that He gave His very life for us – talking about a vested interest in us?

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

Lord Jesus, I know that I could spend all day just finding ways that I need to draw closer to You, but additionally I feel such a burden for those that need to ‘return’ to You and surrender their lives to You. Please give me the boldness to share words of encouragement with someone today. Please burden my heart with individuals that I may specifically pray for and encourage so that Your work may be accomplished. Thank You for loving me so much that You encouraged me back to You and away from a world that has no desire to see me succeed or live eternally with You. I rejoice in that today, and I look forward to rejoicing next Lord’s Day as I see others ‘return’ to You!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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Whose Side Are You On?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Eternal Life, Evangelism, God Cares For Us, God our Provider, Obedience, SurrenderLeave a comment

Scripture: Luke 11.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Luke 11:23 (NLT)

23 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.

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

In chapter 9 vs 50 Jesus said something similar, when he told His disciples that if someone is casting out demons they are on the same side as them. In this passage Jesus is actually illustrating how there is no middle ground. A person, you or I, are either committed to and actually serving God daily/on the Lord’s side, or we are on Satan’s side and living a life separated from God. Ouch! God has already won the battle, so why would anyone opt for the losing side? I don’t think that anyone in their right mind would do such a thing, but friend, we must not straddle the fence. We are either totally sold out, practicing our faith, and following God’s commands, or if we are not, then we are children of Satan. Is it clear whose side you are on, friend? We might fool some of the people some of the time, but God knows ALL things – we can’t fool Him. If we are not actively serving Christ, then we are against Him. I not only prefer always being on the winning side, but I am one who is dedicated to the one that I love and have committed my life to. Jesus laid His life down for me, I will do all within me to serve Him faithfully until the day He calls me home to be with Him. How about you? Please contact me if I can pray with You for strength and commitment to serve Christ daily, of if you don’t know the One who I love, adore and am committed to. Please allow me to introduce you to Him. He’s the best friend you will ever have, and He will never leave you alone. He loves you unconditionally!

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

Lord Jesus, my King, my Savior and my Lord, thank You for giving Your life so that I may live eternally with You. Thank You for being by my side day in and day out. I pray that You will continue to give me strength for life’s daily journey, to overcome Satan’s darts, temptations and distractions, for my desire is to serve You faithfully each and every day. I want it to be evident to You and to this world, whose I am, and who it is that I serve. May that evidence lead to someone coming to know You today. May I represent You in such a way that others will want to know the source of joy that exudes from me!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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