Category: Imitator of Christ

Sorry?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Discerning, Forgiveness, Getting Along, Imitator of Christ, Love, Pleasing to God, Reflecting Christ, RepentanceLeave a comment

Scripture: Numbers 4-5.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Numbers 5:6-8 (NLT)

6 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people—men or women—betray the Lord by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty.

7 They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged.

8 But if the person who was wronged is dead, and there are no near relatives to whom restitution can be made, the payment belongs to the Lord and must be given to the priest. Those who are guilty must also bring a ram as a sacrifice, and they will be purified and made right with the Lord.

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

I believe that today we use the word ‘Sorry’ way too lightly. We find this very easy to say when we have wronged someone. We find this very easy to say to God when we have disobeyed Him. It’s just seems like we say this word thinking that the action will be an automatic forgiveness by the other person and that in and of itself it can easily erase all that we have done, or not done. I was impressed with the way that God had the Israelites seek forgiveness, where they not only asked the word, but they also paid restitution. While I realize that paying restitution can also be another action that can be taken lightly, in addition to taking the word ‘sorry’ lightly, I just feel like when it costs us something to apologize for something or some way that we have wronged someone, it may impose greater emphasis on the action being taken by the one seeking forgiveness. This is similar to jail time, where a prisoner may go to jail to pay for the wrong he has done to someone. Often there is a lot of pain, anger, regret, hurt, loss of confidence and disappointment when someone is wronged. Saying something as simple as ‘sorry’ seems way too insignificant to help overcome the affect that this may have caused to another. Let us be reminded that we should do all we can to restore the love between us and the person we have wronged. If it still means paying restitution to them, then I see nothing in scripture that says we shouldn’t. The other thing I liked in this passage is that God’s representative, the priest, was also involved in the process of seeking forgiveness. I believe that today we as Christian leaders have taken the responsibility given to us by God way too lightly, and this has caused the people to lose confidence in us. I also believe that we, as people of God, have taken our responsibility of praying for, respecting, and honoring those whom God has placed in Godly responsibility over us. If God has truly constructed the leadership hierarchy of the church, who are we to question that? Let’s let God be God and we, in turn, be His obedient children.

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

Father, I know that I have wronged You in numerous ways by not being obedient to Your commands and biblical direction. Please help me to not only seek Your forgiveness, but to also seek help in being stronger through more consistency in Your Word and on my knees. As I seek to serve and honor You, I believe I can then do a better job of sincerely apologizing to a brother or a sister. Please help me to follow Your ways and be more like You in every way. May I represent You well, especially when I have wronged anyone. May Your love shine through me in such a way, that others will know that You are guiding me and working through me.

 

àI 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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As You Go, Tell the Good News!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Follow Jesus, Fruit of the Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

Scripture: Mark 5.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Mark 5:18-20 (NLT)

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him.

19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.”

20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

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

Often we want to be in the limelight, or we want to be identified with a popular evangelist, or we want to be recognized by our church members for what we could do on the mission field or in an area outside of our church. This man who had been demon possessed, but since healed by Jesus, wanted to be with Jesus and minister alongside Him. Just as Jesus told this man, I believe that He would quickly say to us today: friend, get your own house in order first. Before we should talk about going on a mission trip, have we practiced ministering in our own home, or in our neighborhood? How about ministering to those in need right inside our church family? As we share our faith with others we are expanding the ministry of Jesus and the church. As we share our faith with others we are really witnessing to them, and the Bible repeatedly tells us to be bold in our witnessing and sharing of our faith so that we can truly minister to those with little, or no faith. Let us have a renewed commitment to share our faith with those that we come in contact with today. As we go, let us tell!

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

Lord Jesus, I am thankful for all You have done in my life, and I can very easily tell You that. Today, please help me to share that news with others that I come in contact with. May others know that the joy I have, comes from You and You alone. May they have a desire to know the One from whom I gain my joy, so that they too may share in this wonderful joy and endless flow of blessings. Thank You Father for Your joy in my heart today!

 

àI 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

Make God First in Your Life

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Imitator of Christ, Love God, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Pleasing to God, RighteousnessLeave a comment

Scripture: Leviticus 26.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Leviticus 26:1-12 (NLT)

1 “Do not make idols or set up carved images, or sacred pillars, or sculptured stones in your land so you may worship them. I am the Lord your God.

2 You must keep my Sabbath days of rest and show reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.

3 “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit. 5 Your threshing season will overlap with the grape harvest, and your grape harvest will overlap with the season of planting grain. You will eat your fill and live securely in your own land.

6 “I will give you peace in the land, and you will be able to sleep with no cause for fear. I will rid the land of wild animals and keep your enemies out of your land. 7 In fact, you will chase down your enemies and slaughter them with your swords. 8 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath your sword.

9 “I will look favorably upon you, making you fertile and multiplying your people. And I will fulfill my covenant with you. 10 You will have such a surplus of crops that you will need to clear out the old grain to make room for the new harvest! 11 I will live among you, and I will not despise you. 12 I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people.

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

This chapter presents the two paths of obedience and disobedience that God set before the people. The people of the Old Testament were warned over and over against worshiping idols. We might wonder how they could deceive themselves with these objects of wood and stone. Yet God could well give us the same warning, for we are prone to put idols before him. Idolatry is making anything more important than God, and our lives are full of that temptation. Money, entertainment, sporting activities, looks, success, reputation, security—these are some of today’s idols. As you look at these false gods that promise everything you want but nothing you need, does idolatry seem so far removed from our lives today? I feel like the Word is speaking directly to us. While I only copied the scripture for the results of obedience that God promised to His people, there are equally the number of disastrous things that would result if they disobeyed His decrees and commands. I have a saying that I try to follow in my life, and it is that instead of saying I don’t have time for something, say that it was not a priority to me at the time. If you follow this little rule, I believe that it will help you keep things/gods in perspective. For as we look the idols in our lives, we have basically said that it is OK to do those things because God will still be there when we need Him. Friend, remember that God must be first in your life. I believe that you will see from this passage that as we take care of our relationship with Him, He will take care of our needs. What are idols today may still be important in our Christian walk, but we must put them in perspective. God first! Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.

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

Father, I am reminded again this morning that I must make you first in my life. I must make sure that there are no other gods/idols that interfere with my relationship with You. Please forgive me for the times that I have allowed other things to interfere. Please help me today to begin anew by placing You first in my life. To allow everything else to be secondary, so that I may give particular attention to Your will and Your work and the needs of Your church to reach, and minister to the lost. On judgment day nothing else will matter. Even during my earthly walk, nothing else matters when I think about the many ways that You are looking to bless those that are obedient to Your decrees and commands. Thank You for loving me enough to remind me of this Nugget from Your Word this morning!

 

àI 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

Let Your ‘Light’ Shine

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Imitator of Christ, Obedience, Pleasing to God, Share God’s WordLeave a comment

Scripture: Mark 4.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Mark 4:21-23 (NLT)

21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.

22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.

23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

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

Many Christians today are hidden from sight, reluctant to be identified as Christians. This sounds a lot like a beautiful lamp that I might buy from Walmart, but leave it in the box at home. It does nothing at all for the dark room that I wanted to light up. If that lamp isn’t used for the intended purpose, to be light in the dark room I bought it for, or to help me see while working or reading in that dark room, what good is it to me? What about us as Christians, do we let our ‘Jesus’ light shine so that others may know the light of Jesus, or that they may know that they need not continue to live in this dark world of sin? If not, I believe that we should re-examine our relationship with Jesus, because there are some serious ‘baskets’ that are preventing us. Let’s think about what those ‘baskets’ might be: how about disobedience, or embarrassment, or resentment, or stubbornness of heart or even complacency? Around our home we use a ‘snuffer’ to shut out burning candles, to shut out its light. Let’s examine our hearts and ask the Holy Spirit that dwells within us to help us determine what the ‘snuffers’ are in our Christian walk. Could Jesus possibly be proud of the way that we represent Him or promote Him in everything that we say or do? If not, we need to solicit His help and His guidance to remove the ‘snuffers’ from our lives and help us shine like never before, especially in the presence of our friends that have not accepted Jesus personally.

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

Father there is so much that we can say about the ‘Light’ that shines in our lives since we met You and accepted You into our lives. May I remove any ‘snuffer’ that may block me from letting Your light shine through me. Without being boastful or prideful, may others see Your light shine in and through me in my everyday walk. People need the Lord. May You so shine through me that they may see You and want to accept You as their Lord and Savior so that Your light may shine through them. Please forgive me for any obstacles that I have allowed to block Your light from shining through me. May I example the true light of Jesus today, is my humble prayer.

Set Apart to Be ‘Holy’

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Imitator of Christ, Obedience, RighteousnessLeave a comment

Scripture: Leviticus 20.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Leviticus 20:6-8 (NLT)

6 “I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community.

7
So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God.

8 Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy.

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

Although God had proven Himself to the Israelites for a number of years while on their journey to the Promised Land, in this passage He is still coaching them to live a life pleasing to Him. In fact He is helping them rid the land of folk that have turned against Him, and who have caused a stench in His nostrils, so He is working with the Israelites to insure that they don’t become just like them. I am convinced that everything is placed in God’s Word with a purpose in mind. I am also convinced that just because we live in what some may consider a ‘Christian’ nation, God has reason to be very angry with us because of our disobedience to His commands and disregard for His leadership. In fact, He may even accuse us of ‘spiritual prostitution’, as He did in verse 6, because we cater to other gods rather than our Father, God. My favorite part of this passage is where God commands that we set ourselves apart to be holy, for He is holy, and if we are His and committed to following Him, then we are to be holy. ‘Holy’ people will make a ‘holy’ nation. We will then be looked upon as a ‘holy’ nation! In the meantime, I believe that God has as much work to do with us, as He did with the Israelites. Verse 8 tells us how we are to be a ‘holy’ people – we are to get back to the basics and keep God’s commands, decrees, commandments, laws. These things were not established to restrict us, but to help us identify with the Creator of this universe. In other words, He meant for us to live under certain rules and guidelines so that we might represent Him well and do the Father’s will. He provided the rule book and guide book to help us do just that. Let’s turn our eyes away from the television long enough to see and hear what’s in the Book so that we may follow the commands of our Savior, be more like Him, represent Him well before a lost world, and be the ‘holy’ people that He chose us to be. This is a deliberate act by us, so let’s go ahead and make the move by setting ourselves apart from this world, and seek God’s face as we journey towards a life of holiness, even as our God is holy.

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

Father, we may look at ourselves and wonder if we could ever be considered ‘holy’, especially by a Savior who epitomized the meaning of holiness to us. But because You have demanded this of us here in Your Word, I have no reason to doubt that You can direct me and lead me to a life of holiness. In other words, a life that exemplifies You in every way. Father, please teach me Your ways. Teach me, and lead me in a life of holiness. Not that I may impress anyone here on this earth, but that I may follow Your will for my life, and allow my life to be pleasing to You. I believe that most people have heard of You and probably long to see someone like You here on this earth. You have demanded that we be holy, even as You are. May others see this holiness in me each day, all for Your glory, and to draw them to the cross where they too may know true divine holiness.

Holiness in Personal Conduct

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, God’s Word, Imitator of Christ, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Pleasing to God, Reflecting Christ, Righteousness1 Comment

Scripture: Leviticus 19.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Leviticus 19:1-2 (NLT)

1 The Lord also said to Moses,

2 “Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

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

The very first words I read in this chapter this morning caught my immediate attention. Let me set the stage and compare this to how applicable I see this to our lives today. God had just rescued the Israelites from the abuse of the Egyptians. He brought over 1,000,000 people through days, weeks, months and years of challenges through a wilderness travel experience. He kept them safe from theirs enemies, healed their sick, provided food and water in miraculous ways, and while not just proving Himself holy before these people, He provided many ways of showing them how they should live. Does this not sound like the way that our God still loves, protects and directs us today? In the verses observed here though, we can see how God seemed to have said to Moses: look, I want you to share with my people that they are set apart as my chosen people, they have seen my hand at work among them and they have seen that I am a holy God. I want them to live their lives imitating me, so they must be holy also. Wow, in applying this to our lives today, I believe that we can see that God is saying that we should leave the dirt and filth of our old lives behind us, and as taught in our decision to accept Jesus, we are to make a 180 and turn the other way, for we no longer follow the ways of Satan, the world and sin, but now serve a wonderful Savior that has shown us the way to finally be holy, loving, kind and destined for heaven. The rest of this chapter goes on to explain various principles that Moses was to bring to the attention of the Israelites, and these are still applicable to us today, because we have fallen into the same bad habits. Here are a few of the highlights that I feel are still applicable to us today:

  • Respect for our parents;
  • Observing a day of rest and worship – Son worship, not ‘sun’ worship!!
  • Helping the poor and needy;
  • Honesty in our dealings with others;
  • Careful in our speech – may others know whose we are through our speech and mannerisms;
  • Respect and help those who are handicapped – blind, deaf, etc;
  • Be a Christian boss and/or employer;
  • Don’t gossip – lift up, don’t tear down someone else;
  • Love your neighbor as yourself – physical neighbor, relative, anyone we spend time around;

Instead of highlighting the whole chapter, I hope that I have given you enough to encourage you to get into the Word and follow its teachings. As a practicing professional you would follow the guidelines and rules of the profession so that there will not be grounds for a suit. In Christianity, we follow the ways of God and His written Word (the Bible) so that we may honor God and look forward to His future rewards in heaven!

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

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my God. Thank You for showing me how to live my life pleasing to You. Help me to brush aside the ways of this world and stay focused on serving You, and practicing my everyday living in accordance with Your directions that are spelled out in Your guide/rule book, the Bible. Please may I be holy, even as You are holy!

We Will Act Like Our Master

On By Ed AlgreenIn Allegiance to the Lamb, Bible Believing, Christian, Fruit of the Spirit, God our Helper, God’s Word, Imitator of Christ, Obedience, Reflecting Christ, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

Scripture: Leviticus 17-18.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Leviticus 18:2-5 (NLT)

2
“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. I am the Lord your God.

3
So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life.

4 You must obey all my regulations and be careful to obey my decrees, for I am the Lord your God.

5 If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord.

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

God delivered the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. He took care of them in some miraculous ways each day while in the wilderness and yet He found it an ongoing opportunity to see them overcome their worldly weaknesses each day. Friends, this is exactly how I see our situation today. God received us as a forgiven people when we accepted Him as Lord and Savior, yet we struggle through life each day facing very serious temptations and subsequently very challenging decisions on which master we will follow. Jesus is reminding me through His word today, that He alone is God and considering that I have accepted His as Lord and Ruler of my life, I must act like Him, obey His decrees/laws/written Word and follow His will and way every day. I must act so much like He did when He walked this earth that folk will take me for a ‘Jesus kid’ or a Christian or a child of God. In growing up I remember my parents saying that I was not to act like my unruly friends, but in a manner like they had taught me and brought me up. I feel like God is reminding me here to do the same. Some key ways of doing this are included in the verses observed above:

  1. Do not act like the people that do not know God;
  2. Do not imitate our old way of life;
  3. Obey God’s regulations and decrees;

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

I am a blessed man, and I feel like I can say that because although I may not have been looked down on as an awful person, yet God accepted me as His child when I invited Him to rule and reign in my life. As part of my commitment to Him I promised to follow His will and way every day. Thank You for reminding me in the above of the areas that I must emphasize on to truly declare You Lord each day. Thank You for Your Word to guide me each day. Thank You for Your love that surrounds me every day. Thank You for the hope that is mine in knowing that one day I will be with You in heaven. While here on this earth, I humbly ask that You guide my every step, my every decision, my every word and every action so that I may declare who is Lord of my life. Without ever saying a word, may others recognize to whom I belong.

In Need of a Doctor today?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Eternal Life, Evangelism, Humility, Imitator of Christ, Love your NeighborLeave a comment

Scripture: Mark 2.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Mark 2:15-17 (NLT)

15 Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.)

16 But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”

17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

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

It is so easy for Christians to hang out with Christians because we have so much in common, and we feel comfortable that no one will question us if seen associating with folk of the same belief. Praise God, Jesus was different in this respect. He shows us that if we are to reach the unsaved, and if we are to truly show God’s love to all people, then we had better make ourselves friendly to all. When we look down our noses at folk, we must remember that they have a very hard time looking up to us and accepting anything that we may have to say to them. Jesus came so that sinners might recognize their need for a Savior and feel welcomed in coming to Him for forgiveness of their sins. As Christians, we are to be Christ followers and therefore follow the lead that He displayed while here on this earth. How are we doing? Do we show love to the sometimes unlovable? Are we humble enough to sit and listen to the deep struggles and concerns of someone that may be deep in sin? Unless we do this, how will they know Jesus?

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

Father, I pray that You will open my heart today and make me aware of those that need You as Savior. Make me very aware that although they may not look like me, or they may not follow the same guidelines of living that I follow, and they may not even attend or ever attended church, please help me to see them and You see them. Please allow me to present myself in way that they will see Your love, acceptance and willingness to listen and help them to overcome their shortcomings and see a better way – a way that leads to Jesus! Help me to set my selfish desires and ideals aside so that You may shine through me today!

The Purpose of the Church

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Disciple, Evangelism, Faith, Imitator of Christ, Listen to the Word of God, ObedienceLeave a comment

Scripture: Matthew 28.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

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

I am touched by several things in these verses and observed several things commanded by Jesus for His disciples today, the church, even as He commanded His first disciples:

  1. Jesus is in charge – many times we try so hard to push our own agendas, and this could either be the pastor or the leaders or even some of the influential members of a local church. However, we can see from Jesus’ statement in verse 18 that He has been given all authority not just in heaven, but also here on earth. This means that as a church, or a people, aiming to do God’s work, we had better keep our ears to the ground listening very closely to what Jesus commands, then follow His instructions, so that our efforts will not be in vain;
  2. Make Disciples and Baptize Them – As we succeed in the above we are to encourage and make more just like us. In today’s vocabulary we call that ‘evangelizing’. Christianity is not a selfish act. We are to convince others to also accept and follow Jesus. We are then to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptize people because baptism unites believers with Jesus Christ in their death to sin and their resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, a willingness to live God’s way, and identification with God’s covenant people.
  3. Teach them to obey God’s commands – Although I read this verse many times before, I though the verbiage here is interesting. ‘Teach them to obey’ tells me that these folk already know what to do, we just need to teach them to obey what they know – the commands of God. We call this ‘discipleship’ as we are to teach Christians what the Word says, and convince them to obey the Word. I believe it is evident that the Christian faith is not one where disciples/Christians sit and sour, but actively share the joy – both the Word and the witness of all that Jesus has done, and is doing in our lives.
  4. God is with us as we go – what an awesome reassurance this is! Knowing that as we do these things commanded of us, He will be there with us ‘ALWAYS’. Praise be to God!

What an awesome reminder of the Great Commission of the church in this passage!

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

Thank You for this awesome reminder this morning dear God. So often we, as Your church, lose sight of what You have ordered us to do, and we lose sight of who is in charge. I pray that we will always follow Your command here in this Great Commission for it clearly defines the work of the church. Thank You for Your direction and also Your assurance that You will be with us every step of the way. Thank You for reminding me that our Christian walk is very much an active role, and not one of just survival. I must share my faith and not just sit and let it soak in.

Be Alert and Pray

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Discerning, Imitator of Christ, Power of Prayer, Righteousness, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Matthew 26:40-41 (GW)

40 When he went back to the disciples, he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you stay awake with me for one hour?

41 Stay awake, and pray that you won’t be tempted. You want to do what’s right, but you’re weak.”

 

Matthew 26:74-75 (GW)

74
Then Peter began to curse and swear with an oath, “I don’t know the man!” Just then a rooster crowed.
75 Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” Then Peter went outside and cried bitterly.

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

When Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane on the night He was betrayed, He asked the contingent of disciples that followed Him there, to stay at a given point while He went on a little further to pray. As in any prayer meeting, you would think that the disciples would have also entered into a time of prayer seeing that Jesus was so burdened about something that He went in to pray privately. Instead, the disciples fell asleep. On Jesus’ return He shared with the disciples His disappointment and reiterated to them that it was important that they stay alert and pray while He went to…. Friend, likewise Jesus has left us to be alert and pray until His return. Alert for what you might ask? This means that we are to be aware of the possibilities of temptation (look at verse 74 to see what Peter faced shortly after Jesus’ warning that they be alert and pray), and we are to be sensitive to the subtleties that will occur if we are unprepared and unequipped to deal with them spiritually. Temptation will come when we are most vulnerable and most often we can’t resist it alone. Prayer is the key to seek God’s strength and presence, and it is only with these essentials that we can be assured of our defenses and equipped to deal with the power of Satan. Imagine if our military was as unprepared as we are at times; imagine if they were as ill equipped as we are times. Friends, we must be alert, always seeking God’s presence to defend us against the enemy.

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

Lord Jesus, please help me to always be in a state of readiness to defeat the vileness of Satan. Please help me to obey Your Word so that I will be closely in tuned with You and empowered by You to defend against the temptation and/or subtleties of Satan that may directed at me each day. I need Your power in my life to stay strong and ready for Your return. Only in You can I find that power, and the peace in knowing that I am safe and secure. Please forgive me for seeking this through any other means. Thank You for reminding me of where my true strength comes from, especially at those times that I’m tempted to do otherwise.