Category: Heaven

This refers to my new home in glory with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Obligations To Share, Hear, Believe And Ask

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Ask and Receive, Bible Believing, Blood of Jesus, Born Again, Chosen by God, Christian, Evangelism, Faith, Forgiveness, Heaven, Holy Spirit, ObedienceLeave a comment

The Bible – The New Living Translation

 Romans 10:13-14

 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Joel 2:32)

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?

Thoughts:

This is a power-packed couple of verses, for anyone meditating on these words will find themselves obligated in one way or another. Think about where your obligation is today and be obedient to God. For example:

  • Share – I got the impression that for those of us that know the Lord, our involvement in helping a lost person come to a saving knowledge in Jesus Christ, is that we share with them. Now before you try to correct me and tell me that you are not a preacher, I want to remind you that there are many times in God’s Word where we, who already know Him, are told/obligated to share with those who do not. Sharing is not necessarily ‘preaching’, it is telling of the Good News, the Savior that got hold of your life and saved you from your self-destructing, evil trip to Hell. In fact, you are the only one that could share that with a friend who may not know the Lord – it’s your story!
  • Hear, Believe & Ask – I believe that vs 14 is telling the lost person that if the Word of God is explained to them, or if someone shares their story with them, know that it is God-sent and give it your undivided attention, as you are expected to accept/believe in Jesus Christ and ask/receive/invite Him as God’s precious gift of eternal life.

Friends, Paul was careful to explain that God’s gift is offered to all. In his day Paul had to clarify that the gift was offered to both the Jew and the Gentile. In our society today, I believe that we need to be reminded that God’s gift is offered to folk inside of the church worshipping, and to the ones who have never entered the doors of a church before. To the one who is looked up to in the community, or to the murderer. In fact, in another Bible verse, it is clear that God’s gift is available to ALL – whoever calls on His name (John 3:16). That includes you brother and sister! If you hear it, believe it and ask Jesus to come into your heart.

Prayer:

Thank You Father for those who leave our churches and travel overseas to spread the name of the Lord – our missionaries. Also, thank You for our pastors and evangelists who sacrifices hour after hour in sharing the love and saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus. Please be especially encouraging to those of us that cross paths with friends, family and coworkers every day that so desperately need You. Lord, may we never leave an opportunity unattended. May we never have to feel the guilt of disobedience in not sharing Your love and Your Word with those who need You. Father, I especially pray for the unsaved today. You have told us in Your Word that You are coming back soon to take us with You so that we may live with You throughout eternity. In the light of this promise, please help our unsaved ones to grasp the importance of really listening to Your Word, and may they not only hear, but also respond without reservation to Your call on their life. TODAY is the day of salvation! Lord, may it be so for all those I know, love and care about. For I ask all this in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus, believing that it will be done. 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.

Coming Soon – Ready or Not!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Heaven, Reaching the Lost, Resurrection Day, Thank You Jesus, The Book of Life, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

Scripture: Revelation 22.

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Revelation 22:20 (NLT)

20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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

It is exciting to reach the end of a book, and reading the last chapter of Revelation is no exception to the feeling of success that one would feel after reading any book. The difference is that after reading the rest of this book, the Bible, I have seen the consequences of sin (separation from God). Reading verse 20 also tells me that soon could be today! Of course many have tried to say, based on various scripture and timelines when that day will be, and we have seen much hype and publicity over those man-made calculated dates. Friends, just as you have seen these dates come and go without the physical return of Jesus Christ, I want to remind you that scripture is very clear that no one knows the day or the hour when God will send His Son Jesus to come and get us (the saved; the redeemed; Christians; followers of Christ; those who have accepted Him as Lord). Secondly, I want to remind you that ‘soon’ could mean before I stop typing, or today or just sometime soon. If I am preparing for my wife to return home ‘soon’, I will go ahead and get everything ready for dinner now, because she could be just around the corner. This is precisely the way it is with the return of our Lord, He’s coming ‘soon’! Would His sudden appearance catch you off guard? The road to preparation is very clear friend. There’s no excuse for you to be left behind. Why not consider getting with your pastor today, or a trusted and proven Christian brother or sister, or write to me using the email below? Let us help you to be ready, because I am more convinced than ever that Jesus will return soon! I’m ready, and I really want you, my friend, to be ready also!

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

Father, thank You for the gift of salvation! Thank You for Your Word and the multiple ways that it has spoken to me over the past two years. Thank You for my friends. Lord, I really don’t want them to be left behind, but unfortunately I can only share with them what they need to do. Please soften the hearts of my friends, that as they read this devotional, or Your Word today, that they will see the need for salvation and that they will surrender their total lives to You. There are many in my sphere of influence that already know You as Lord. Unfortunately there are many that have not made this important decision and if You came today they would wind up in Hell. Each of my friends are super important to me Lord, please deal in their hearts today and speak to them like never before, is my humble plea.

**Words 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
**

Obey God’s Commands

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Heaven, Imitator of Christ, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Resurrection DayLeave a comment

Scripture: Deuteronomy 12-13.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Deuteronomy 12:28 (NLT)

28 Be careful to obey all my commands, so that all will go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and pleasing to the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 12:32 (NLT)

32 “So be careful to obey all the commands I give you. You must not add anything to them or subtract anything from them.
Deuteronomy 13:4 (NLT)

4 Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.

Deuteronomy 13:18 (NLT)

18 “The Lord your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands that I am giving you today, doing what pleases him.

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

It is interesting how God has been emphasizing ‘Obedience’ over the past three devotions! In reading these two chapters this morning I noticed where the Israelites were being warned several times how important it was for them to honor God through their obedience. It was also interesting to note how a reward of some sort was being offered or promised to them in response to their obedience. It definitely was emphasized how important it is to God when His children loves Him enough to be obedient to His commands and teachings. This speaks to me, because I know that this is the same God that I serve today. God’s Word is loaded with ‘nuggets’ that we are expected to follow in obedience to the God that we love and in showing proof to God that we love Him so much that we are willing to obey Him, regardless if it may be contrary to the desires of our own heart or in line with what our peers around us. It is obvious that our obedience pleases God and it is obvious throughout God’s Word that He will honor our obedience with rewards that come only from a loving God. I’m looking forward to my reward of being present with the Lord some day in Heaven and I long for the voice of God to say individually to me, “well done good and faithful servant – Ed, you have been obedient to my Word and my commands, welcome into my presence”. Wow, ‘What A Day that Will Be‘! Wow, ‘Oh that will be Glory for Me’!, Wow, ‘Oh I want to see Him, Look Upon His Face, There to Sing Forever‘!

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

Father, just to look upon Your face and sing glories to You forever in Your heavenly home is something worth the journey each and every day while walking this daily, challenging road here on earth. You have emphasized how important obedience is to that ultimate journey. I pray that my life will be so dedicated to obeying You and my mind so fixed on Your Word and obeying it, that someday, when You see fit to call me out of this world, that I shall see You face to face and worship You eternally in heaven. I look forward to that day! I feel like it will be the prize rewarded to me for being obedient, patient and exemplifying You in every way while here on this earth. Thank You for preparing a home for me! While left here on this earth, I beg Your power to overcome evil and be a living, loving example of You to all that I come into contact with.

 

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.
ß

A Covenant Relationship

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Ask and Receive, Bible Believing, Bold Confidence, Born Again, Celebrate God, Chosen by God, Christian, Encourage, Eternal Life, Evangelism, Faith, Follow Jesus, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, Heaven, Hope, Humility, Imitator of Christ, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Pleasing to God, Reaching the Lost, Reflecting Christ, Repentance, Righteousness, Surrender, The Book of Life, Things Eternal, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

Scripture: Genesis 17

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.”3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him,4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations!5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.6 I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them! Gen 17:1-6 (NLT)

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

Much is said in God’s Work about covenant relationships. In this particular chapter there were several covenant relationships made with Abram (Abraham) and they all were similar in form. God made a covenant that He would do certain things and this was either preceded, or followed by, certain things that would be required by Abram and/or his people. In this particular covenant God told his servant who was once fatherless, that he would become the father of countless descendants and of many nations, and to mark this his name would be changed to reflect the new him, because Abraham actually means ‘Father of Many’. Now prior to all this being revealed, God demanded of Abram that he vow to serve Him faithfully and live a blameless life. Throughout God’s Word He makes many promises to us, the greatest of which was the gift of His Son Jesus. In this particular covenant, God sent His Son so that those of us that believe on, and accept Him as Lord of our life, would have eternal life. At Christmas time we celebrate the gift that was presented to us. I trust that for all who may read this devotional, You would truly accept this gift and complete the covenant presented by God, for I guarantee you that He will live up to His part of the covenant by opening heaven’s gates and receiving us into eternity with Him. Friend I pray that your eyes will be opened to this invitation, because the alternative is not very bright for those who refuse to accept Jesus. An eternal life of damnation and the unpleasentries of Hell is not anything that I can imagine anyone wanting to set as a goal in their life.

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

Father I thank You for the greatest gift ever given – Your Son. I thank You also for touching my life and encouraging me to accept Your gift some 35 years ago. I am concerned about the numerous number of family and/or friends and/or co-workers that have chosen to ignore Your gift and the covenant You have offered to us. I pray that this will be an important Christmas weekend in the lives of those that You have touched my life through, because I pray that You will once again overly sensitize their hearts so that they will understand how hopeless life is without You. May they experience the real meaning of the reason that we celebrate Christmas as they surrender and submit their lives to You this week.

God is still God!

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Allegiance to the Lamb, Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Eternal Life, Faith, Follow Jesus, God Cares For Us, God our Helper, God our Provider, God Reigns, God’s Word, Heaven, Listen to the Word of God, Righteousness, Things Eternal, Victorious Life, Worry no moreLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE Studied: Genesis 12

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants. ” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him.8 After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord.9 Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev. 10 At that time a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where he lived as a foreigner. Gen 12:7-10 (NLT)

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

At the beginning of this chapter it is so amazing to see God at work in Abram’s life, and also Abram being so obedient to leave his hometown and all the people that he knew, to move to a foreign land far away. In these verses, it is also interesting to note that during Abram’s journey everything was not rosy, no, everything did not go without a hitch and/or challenges. In fact, while passing through Canaan there was a great famine that hit the area. Now in a perfect world, most of us would say that if this was a journey destined by God, led and directed by Him, then why would there be obstacles. Friends this is the same way it is today. Just because we surrender our hearts to the Lord, we are not exempted from all the trials and tribulations of this world – at least as long as we live in this world! Often challenges will come our way – the question, or challenge for us is to determine is, which way will we go? A life totally surrendered to God will always do like Abram did, we will wait for further instructions, while during the interim challenge, looking to God for direction and depending on Him for strength to overcome. I believe that often our faith is determined by how we handle trials, not just on how well we do during the times of blessings and riches. God is still God during the highs, and during the lows of our lives. We must insure that our faith holds strong daily, because we don’t know what may be in store for us each day. Let’s think in terms of a partnership, we don’t jump ship on our partner on a day when things are rough, nor do we when our partnership celebrates its highs. A true partnership stays in tact during both good and bad times. So should our relationship with God. What are you facing today? Trust only in God and never lean on your own understanding, for only He knows what lies ahead for us. I love the words of that gospel song “God of the Mountain”, listen to it and be blessed as you reflect on the words of this Bible passage.

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

Like in the case of Abram, You bless me beyond measure each day oh God, and this morning I want to say thank You with all of my heart. Please forgive me when I worry about the challenges I see in life from the small perspective of my personal abilities. Please help me to stay so focused on You that I will always look through Your eyes and therefore face life’s challenges with the benefit of Your unlimited power and Your everlasting love for me. I believe that as I place my faith totally in You, I will always receive Your protection and You will bring me through life’s challenges in ways that will bring You glory. I know that this may not always come in the way that I may personally desire, but Lord I pray that You will help me to hide behind the cross and allow Your glory to shine through in all that I do or say. Self is insignificant in the whole scheme of things, for only those things that are done for Christ will last. May Your love shine through in all that is done in Your name this Christmas time! Thank You for sending Your Son as a babe, so that we may ultimately be re-born into life with You, and accepted into Your kingdom!

The Reward of Thankfulness and Appreciation to God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Celebrate God, Christian, Faith, God Cares For Us, God our Helper, God our Provider, God Reigns, God’s Word, Heaven, Hope, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Righteousness, Testify, Thank You JesusLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE Studied: Genesis 8

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. 21 And the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things.22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Gen 8:20-22 (NLT)

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

Noah could very easily have complained while on the ark about how long he had to be penned up in tight quarters with the stench of animals, and he could have been so relieved after exiting the ark that he could have left everything behind him and went on to the joys of everything he saw in front of him. However, he took time to stop and offer a praise and thanksgiving offering to God immediately after getting off the ark, and before indulging in anything else. Are we careful to do this every time we recognize God at work in our lives? Do we stop and thank God for all He has done? Do we give Him credit for the things accomplished in our everyday lives, or do we attribute the successes to luck, or our personal achievement? God was so please with what He saw in Noah, until He made a few promises that Noah never even thought, or knew to asked for. I believe that God has way more good in store for us than we could ever imagine. He’s just waiting for us to let Him, and to do our part in recognizing Him and thanking Him for all that He does. there’s a song that I like to sing along with, “God of Wonders” that comes through in expressing how awe struck I am as I consider all that God does for me each and every day, and how special His children must be to Him. I want to always be mindful of all that my God does for me and those that I call ‘Brother’ or ‘Sister’. Thank You Father!

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

Father, You loved us so much that You gave it all for us. You created us, and everything around us to enjoy while here on this earth. You provided the ultimate sacrifice so that we may have a means to enjoy the ultimate prize of worshipping You in heaven one day. Thank You Father for loving me so much and providing for me every day. Please forgive me when I am selfish and whine about things that really don’t count towards my ultimate journey in being with You.

A Promise To The Righteous

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Ask and Receive, Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Eternal Life, Faith, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, God Cares For Us, God’s Word, Heaven, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Peace, Reflecting Christ, Righteousness, Surrender, Things that make God angry, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE Studied: Genesis 5 – 7 

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

17 “Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die.18 But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives.19 Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood.20 Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive.21 And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals.” Gen 6:17-21 (NLT)

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

Although I have heard and read the story of Noah many times before, I was touched by this again today. God made man in His own image and in these chapters studied I found where men were still having sons well over 100 years of age, plus living in excess of 900 years. However God became very upset over the increasing evil that He saw in man and vowed to maximize his life to 120. Still, evil continued to the extent that it angered God into wiping out all living things made by Him on this earth. However, He was able to find one righteous man, Noah. The covenant He made with Noah is similar to the one that he makes with those of us that accept Him as Lord and then strive to live righteous lives. Throughout all the destruction of all living things – water on this earth of more than 22 feet above the highest mountain, yet He kept Noah and his family plus a limited number of animals, safe. Later in God’s Word He provides another covenant for those of us that accepts His Son as Lord of our lives, and this covenant is that we may live eternally with Him in glory! I don’t know about you, but to have the love of the Father – our creator, poured out on me as a child of His here on this earth, plus to also be assured of eternity with Him in glory is enough to make this life tolerable and  worth every moment of every day facing the everyday challenges of this temporary world. Noah was saved, together with his family, because He followed the will of God and lived a righteous life in the eyes of God. We can do the same today if only we will follow the plan outlined by God. Do you know this Savior of whom I speak of here? The invitation is open to ALL who believe and accept Jesus as Lord of your life. Read John 3:16 to understand the full depth of God’s promise. Won’t you covenant with God today friend? Read though this help page for directions, or contact me by responding to this post. Jesus loves you, and so do I!

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

Father, You have shown in Your Word how important it is for Your creations to dedicate themselves to their creator. Thank You for the awesome job You did in wonderfully making me and then providing a means for me to have life eternally with You. I pray that everyone that reads this post today will be convinced of Your love, and that their hearts will be troubled enough to not let the sun set today before making a commitment to accept You as their Lord and Savior and to live a righteous life in Your sight, during the time they have left here on this earth. May You rule and reign in every aspect of our lives today!

Be One Who Shares His/Her Faith

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Disciple, Evangelism, Heaven, Obedience, Share God’s Word, Work Til Jesus Comes1 Comment

A Quality of a Mature, Reproducing Disciple of Jesus Christ

What am I doing to actively fulfill my life mission of sharing Christ?

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Acts 20:24, 1:8, Matt. 18:18–20

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

  1. Acts 20:24 ~ But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
  2. Acts 1:8 ~ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
  3. Matthew 18:18-20 ~ Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven. Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them.

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

  1. Each of us are given gifts, and an assignment by God to use those gifts for His glory. Oh that I may be like Paul and dedicate myself so much towards the assignment that God has given to me so that His work may be accomplished through me in my realm of influence. To God be the glory for all that He might accomplish through even me. I know that God don’t need any of us to do His work, but knowing that He placed me here for a purpose, I pray that He could use me constructively so that His kingdom would benefit.
  2. In this verse I can see clearly where the power comes from that will help me to accomplish the work that God has placed me here to do.
  3. These verses are an excellent reminder about how important it is for God’s people to be of one mind and one purpose, both with each other and with God’s Book of Instruction, because we are told that it is important for us to know if those things that we agree on are already approved by Him. Conversely, if we find something unlawful or improper, then there must be evidence in God’s Word that the matter is improper or unlawful in heaven. If followers of the same God and the same Book of Instructions (the Bible) were of the same mind, we would obviously see fewer denominations, fewer arguments over religious things, and a body of believers who are truly on fire for God, winning the lost like never before. Disagreements among us in the church has an unfortunate effect on the lost, as they want to see and be a part of something different to what they are seeing in their corner of the world. They want to see folk who are Christ-like. They want to be a part of a church on fire for God, not busy arguing over every little thing, like so many churches today. Let us be of one mind and one purpose. Get self out of the way and let God rule and win the credit for all that is accomplished!

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

Father I thank You for the gifts that You have blessed me with. I know that often I might say that I am of little value to the kingdom, but I am reminded that You have placed me here for a purpose. Please help me to allow Your work to be accomplished through me. Please help me to be a clean vessel through which You can work. Being reminded of the need for unity and oneness in purpose, please help me to do my part in working with other believers so that together we may be an influence to those in need of a Savior, and not a hindrance or a stumbling block. May You receive honor and glory out of all that I may say or do and may the lost see You in all that I might say or do. Please bless my efforts today to be a true and living representative of Yours. Please bless our efforts this week through Noah’s Fall Festival. May there be opportunities for us to witness for You so that others may come to know You as Lord and Savior. May Your kingdom be richer from the results of our efforts this week.

No Worries, Be Happy Christian!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Heaven, Peace, Resurrection Day, Righteousness, Worry no more, WorshipLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Revelation 7 

OBSERVATION

Revelation 7:14-17 ~ …  Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

APPLICATION

Wow, wow, wow! Here are some exciting notes about what will happen to Christians after this life is over on earth:

  • We will stand in front of God’s throne – imagine how awe inspiring that will be;
  • We will serve Him day and night – To be in the presence of the Almighty will be breathtaking! To serve Him non-stop will be our heart’s desire, truly multiplied many times over the joy we receive from serving Him here on this old earth!
  • We will be protected by the living God! – We rest so much more comfortably when we are sheltered; imagine the peace in knowing that much like a chicken that protects her chicks under her wing, so will it be when God spreads His arms of love and protection over us. That’s ultimate love and protection!
  • We will never be hungry or thirsty! – Now the Word doesn’t say that we will gorge ourselves with food day and night, but rather we will never huger or thirst again. With the wellness program that I am blessed to be a part of right now, I have learned how much less food we really need when we only eat when hungry. I don’t think for a moment that we will be starved, I just believe that our minds will be so centered on loving, serving and worshipping our Lord and Savior, that food will not be a concern.
  • We will never be scorched by the heat of the sun! – Praise God! Because I suffer so much in the heat from today’s outdoor work and activities. The Word says in another place that Jesus will be the light, not the sun, so this is exciting to be reminded that our environment will be much more inviting and comfortable.
  • The Lamb, Jesus Christ, will be our shepherd! – No worries like today when a loved one loses a husband, dad or life leader, for our Shepherd will be Jesus!
  • He will lead us to springs of life-giving water! – Jesus said that He gives us water that will cause us to never thirst again. This is the water that some today will charge thousands of dollars per ounce for, because they could advertise that it produces ‘Life’! This is the water that Jesus will lead us to daily!
  • God will wipe away every tear! – Today we may cry over death in our family, disappointments over certain acts by loved ones, mourning with a friend because they hurt. Whatever it is, there will be no need to worry any longer because God will be in control and He will give us such assurances and love that we will have nothing to mourn over. Oh, Happy Day!!

PRAYER

Wow, what power-packed verses, Lord Jesus. Thank You for giving me a hope! Thank You for providing such a home for me to look forward to! Thank You for providing a means today that gives me assurance of a place in glory with You! Thank You for forgiveness of sin! Please continue to speak to my family and friends so that they too may all join me around Your throne when You see fit to call us home.

Our Personal Responsibility.

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Faith, Heaven, Love, RighteousnessLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Ezekiel 18

OBSERVATION

Ezekiel 18:4 ~ For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die.

APPLICATION

So often we hear folk talk about how a child is suffering because of the sin of their parent(s), and like in this chapter, we often use scripture to try and support us in thinking that a child will be punished for the sin of their parent(s). However, in this chapter God, through Ezekiel, goes into a lot of detail explaining how we each stand alone before God and will be judged for our own sin. In fact as I meditate on this I realize that I probably have so much on my own slate to be judged for that I can only hope and trust that God will not look back on previous generations and hold me accountable for their deeds also. The neatest thing with this passage that I am reminded of today is that in and of our own selves we are so weak and sinful that there is every reason why God would not allow us into His kingdom, HOWEVER, praise God that He realized this and did something about that. He brought His one and only son into the world in a very miraculous way for a specific reason, so that He would not only have opportunity to demonstrate while on earth how we should love, act, speak, care for and sacrifice for others, but that through His death on the cross God ultimately demonstrated His love for all those who accept Him as Lord, that they would have opportunity to live eternally with Him in heaven. No conditions, just plain love for us that caused Him to find a way, the only way, for us to know that we would have eternal life in heaven. I don’t know about anyone else, but I have never seen love like that demonstrated in any similar fashion here on this earth. Only a God like mine would be so loving, so kind, so thoughtful, so sacrificial to create a being, provide and care for the beings, see them turn from the source of their life and support and follow another god yet, because of His undying love for mankind, provide another means for us to return to Him and gather around His throne in glory.