Category: Peace

Ready For A New Life?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Peace, SurrenderLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them.

(Bible Translation and Location: The Message – 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

Thoughts:
I’m sure at the end of our day we look back and reflect on the things we said that we regret; the things that we should have said, but didn’t; the attitude that should have been better when talking to an associate; the family relations that should have been superior to what actually transpired, and on and on. Life is filled with these types of disappointments, especially when we try to handle it alone and bear the full burden. God’s Word clearly states that He came to this earth, was crucified and rose again, so that we might have life (now and forever), and if we surrender our life to Him and allow Him to guide us each day, we will experience life more abundant, secure, protected and loved. Therefore, we should gladly surrender our burdens and disappointments to Him for direction and help in resolving. Furthermore, the only way for our ‘old life’ to be considered gone, is if we surrender it to God. Friends, our life in Jesus takes on a whole new outlook. For we then live by faith and under God’s direction, in ways that He has taught us in His Word and through various means throughout our day where He sends roadblocks or open doors for us. For those meditating on this today but do not identify with what I have shared, may I suggest that you have a conversation with my Lord? You see, it is only through faith in Jesus that you will experience the kind of life of which I speak. If you have never taken this step, I would humbly suggest that you follow the steps in my footnote. To my Christian friends reading this but who are still experiencing the days of tumult and battles that you’ve always faced, I would humbly suggest that you quickly put time aside to speak with our Lord and Savior, for you may not have surrendered as much of your life to Him as you once thought. In a fully surrendered life, you are able, with God’s power, strength and direction, to help others. You will really confuse them if you are still experiencing the same issues that they are facing. Fully surrender your life to God and experience the life in Him that He promised, so that you may bless others for Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, please forgive me for often hanging on to parts of my life that I should have already surrendered over to You. This lack of trust and faith hinders my walk and witness for You. Please work in my heart so that I may be one with You. I want to be all that I can be because of Your mighty hand guiding me and using me for Your complete glory. May I be used of You to impact the lives of my family and friends who need You, and to be Your hand outstretched to the stranger in need of a Savior. Please be especially close to my Christian friends who need this same experience today so that Your glory may shine brightly throughout our realm of influence. Please impact the life of an unbeliever with this message today. May they find reasons to seek You and know You while there is still time for them to do so. I ask this in Your precious and holy name dear Jesus, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day‘s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL!

WARNING! – Seven things that God Hates

On By Ed AlgreenIn Obedience, Peace, ReconciliationLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion:

    • eyes that are arrogant,
    • a tongue that lies,
    • hands that murder the innocent,
    • a heart that hatches evil plots,
    • feet that race down a wicked track,
    • a mouth that lies under oath,
    • a troublemaker in the family.

(Bible Translation and Location: The Message – Proverbs 6:16-19)

Thoughts:

As a young child, we learn that obedience to our parents results in their happiness with us, and often brings rewards. On the other hand, disobedience make them unhappy with us, disappointed in us, and often brings punishment. We also quickly learn that their instruction is filled with the wisdom of years of experience filled with tested and proven actions. They lovingly try to help us avoid and repeat the same mistakes that they made. God’s Word is also filled with experience after experience that teach us what is pleasing to God and what is not. In the highlighted verses today we can clearly see that there are some obvious things that God hates, with one of them being one that He hates with a passion. These seven practices deal with attitude (pride); thought (a heart that plots evil), speech (lying), action (murder, crime), and influence (a person that sows discord in his family). In learning and/or being reminded of these things, I believe there are at least a couple things that we need to be aware of: 1). When we (Christians) reflect on our day and find ourselves guilty of any of these actions, we should humble ourselves like a child, and go to our Father in repentance, asking for His forgiveness, and for His strength to correct our ways to avoid repeating the same sin; 2). When we see others committing these offenses, we should not be silent. For we can either help the Christian (in love) to see their weakness, or in the case of the non-Christian, love them into a relationship with our Savior who can eradicate their sin and guide them in the right path, as Solomon is doing in this scripture. I would especially like to point our attention to the one sin that God hates with a passion: the troublemaker in the family. Friends, I believe this is referring to our blood family and our church family. Over recent months I believe that I have heard more about family hurts than ever before. Family members not talking to each other, in some cases for years. Church splits because of hurt between ‘Christian’ families. Wow, Brothers and Sisters, this is awful because the end result is that God’s work is minimized at a time when we know that His second coming is near. Like any good family member would feel, we are devastated that some will be left behind, and in many cases this means some of our very family members. Perhaps a day of mourning and fasting is due so that we may deeply concentrate and present ourselves to God as living sacrifices for the betterment of His children – our families. Let’s stop pointing fingers at the ones we feel are at fault. We have a lot to do ourselves. Love will bring us together with a common goal of better connecting with God and obeying His commands. Let us seek His face and present ourselves to Him for correction, and a clearer mind on what we can do to enhance the work of the Lord in our blood families and in our churches. Jesus is coming soon friends, let’s not be ashamed of the effort we have given to obedience and to loving our families!

Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven. This morning I personally come before you ashamed of all the disharmony that I am aware of in my extended family, and in church families that I know of. Please give me a new boldness to do my part in reconciliation. Please help me to help others that need reconciliation, by being a God-like mentor to them. Other than the opportunities You might give me to help and/or minister to them, please help me to stay clear of any deceiver out to destroy an individual or a family. I’m sorry that I am a part of a family that is torn apart by things You taught through Your wise servant, Solomon. I’m also sorry for not being bold in my witness, that might ultimately lead to unity among Your believing children. I know that we must be united and looking more like You, before we can be a witness to an unbeliever. So Father, I ask that You pour out a sweet spirit of love and revival among Your believers. Help us to mend our ways and our relationships from inside our homes, and inside our churches, so that we can be the witnesses that You would proudly allow to represent You among our non-believing family, friends, neighbors and community. I humbly ask all this believing that Your children are in need of revival so that we might be reacquainted with Your power and love for us, and for the unsaved. I also ask that You might challenge the heart of any that might meditate on this devotional today, to deeply consider their relationship with You and their families, and to also seek Your face for ways they might be better witnesses for You, while there is still time. I ask this in the name of the only One with power to bring this about, Jesus my wonderful Savior. Amen!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day‘s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL!

24/7/365 Availability

On By Ed AlgreenIn PeaceLeave a comment

The Holy Bible

 


1 I look up to the mountains—

does my help come from there?


2  My help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth!


3  He will not let you stumble;

the one who watches over you will not slumber.

 

(New Living Translation: Psalm 121:1–3)

 

Thoughts:

 

There are so many help aids available to us via books, or Google or any of the other online search engines that we can easily become a bunch of do-it-yourself professionals. However friends, I don’t know of any cases where someone may have called for prayer, and they indicated that they have searched every online search engine for help and they have failed, so now they are turning to God for help! This may sound humorous friends, but way too often we try everything else before we finally look to God for help. David asked a rhetorical question about whether he should look to the hills/mountains for help, but like David, we must always look way beyond the hills for our help, for our help can only come from the Lord, the One who makes all earthly things. Now one thing that we must be cautious about, is that when we ask our parents for something, most of the time we don’t receive it immediately. This God that we serve, knows exactly what is best for us and the best timing for us to receive those things. Sometimes the response may be immediate while other times delayed to a more appropriate time. This Psalm teaches us to be comforted in always knowing where our help comes from in its perfect form and timing. Unlike times when we go to the internet for help where we might find it down, our God is always available to us! This is an exciting reminder friends! This is reassuring to Christians, and although this may sound strange to those who have not yet placed their faith in our God, it is vital that we share our experiences with them so that they too might have a desire to meet our Jesus, know Him personally, and experience the comfort of knowing that He is always available and comforting to us in every circumstance.

 

Prayer:

 

What a comfort it is to know You as my Lord and Savior, dear Jesus! Thank You for being there for me at all times and in every circumstance. May I learn to always depend in, and trust You during the good times in my life and especially in the challenging times. Thank You for hearing my cry and answering my prayers. I appreciate Your perfect timing as I have become so impatient in this instantaneous world that I live in. Please touch the hearts of those that will be led to this devotional today. May they too find comfort and peace in knowing You, or a deep desire to accept You as their Lord and Savior so that they may experience this peace of which I speak about. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus, my wonderful Lord and Savior, AMEN!

 

 

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

In Jesus I Trust – I Will Not Be Afraid!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Our Help comes from God, Peace, Trust, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

The Bible – The Good News Translation

 Psalm 56:9b-11

 9 …………I know this: God is on my side-

10          the Lord, whose promises I praise.

11          In him I trust, and I will not be afraid.

What can a mere human being do to me?

 Thoughts:

I love what Matthew Henry had to say in his commentary on these verses: Every true believer may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and then I will not fear what man shall do unto me; for man has no power but what is given him from above. I believe that this is such a great reminder to those of us that place our faith in Jesus Christ, for we know that He had the power to raise the dead back to life, and that He Himself was raised from the dead. Really, whom then shall we fear when we have Jesus as our Guide, our Protector, our Healer, our Deliverer, our Sanctifier and our eternal Savior? Friends, we have it all! So why worry and why be afraid of life’s circumstances? Another scripture reminds us that to be present with the Lord in heaven is actually gain, or a big advantage for the Christian. But let me remind you dear friend, that as long as we are allowed to stay on this earth, we are to confidently represent Jesus and allow Him to faithfully work in and through us so that the world might know that Jesus is alive, because they came into contact with Him through His representative – through us! To my friends reading this who may have never committed your life to my Savior, please acknowledge to yourself that there is no one on this earth who can satisfy your daily hurts and needs, or convince you of your eternal future, like this Jesus of mine. In acknowledging your need for a Savior, won’t you follow through in committing your life totally to Him today? Contact me at the email noted below and allow me to pray with you and give you some guidance in this important decision. I would love to introduce you to my Lord!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me enough to die on Calvary’s cruel cross just for me. So undeserved, yet You showed Your love for me through ultimate sacrifice. Thank You Jesus! You are by my side daily through all of life’s circumstances, thank You for reminding me in this scripture this morning that I have nothing to fear while living on this earth, because those who oppose me or who may not treat me lovingly, they have no power other than that given to them by You, so of course You have power over them and can stop them at will! What a Mighty God I Serve!!!! Thank You Lord Jesus for accepting me as Your very own when I invited You to be Lord of my life! Please tender the hearts of my friends reading this devotional so that they too may have that same assurance! You are Lord, and above You there is no other! Thank You Jesus for being my Protector, Deliverer and everlasting Savior, and for hearing the cry of this, Your servant, 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.

Your Actions Reveal Who You are Controlled By!

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Bible Believing, Born Again, Christian, Eternal Life, Faith, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Listen to the Word of God, Obedience, Peace, Victorious LifeLeave a comment

The Bible –Good News Translation

Romans 8:5-6

5Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants. 6To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace.

Thoughts:

I believe that anyone thinking straight and reflecting on their life would probably say that they have made a lot of decisions based on what they want; to make themselves happier; richer or more comfortable. Now, to switch gears and truly respond to the question of whether you are a Christian or not, I believe would depend on whether you can ultimately respond that your life is so aligned with your Lord and Savior that you make decisions based on what His Holy Spirit leads you to do. Some might respond that they must be a Christian because they were told by their parents about a time in their life when, as a child, they raised their hand with all the other children in Bible school (that they were forced to attend every week) and they accepted Jesus as their Lord! Friends, if my marriage was only as good as the day, 39 years ago, when I said I do, would you say that I truly make decisions for the benefit of my wife and I? Because I have totally committed my whole self to that relationship and I work on it daily, I make decisions that first of all please my wife, then perhaps that might please myself. Likewise, if you have personally invited Jesus into your heart, and you daily work on that relationship with Him through prayer (your conversation with God), digging into His Word (so that you may learn His will and character and listen to His responses to your prayers) and, make your decisions based on what you discern from God and that would please Him, then I believe that you have a real, active, living relationship with Jesus, and one that will lead to life and peace, as indicated in verse 6. If you do not have this latter type relationship that I spoke of, then you may very well fall under the first option mentioned in verse 6 – you are controlled by your human nature that results in eternal death. There is no middle ground friend. The Bible is clear – you either know Him personally and you have the promise of eternal life with Him and peace forevermore; or you are convinced that you are in control of your life – knowing that you will face eternal death in Hell with Satan and his angels. Given the options, I believe that the choice is easy and very clear, friend. Why not meet with a local, Bible Teaching pastor or church leader today, or contact me using the email address below, so that we may work, and pray with you and help you make the most important decision of your life?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You have declared in Your Word that Your choice would be that none should perish, but that all Your children are precious in Your sight. And because You sacrificed Your life for the redemption of our sin, You would really like to see us make wise decisions and accept the gift of eternal life that is offered through accepting You as our Lord and personal Savior. Dear Jesus, there are family and friends that I know that have not yet made the wise decision to accept Your love and Your offering of eternal life and peace. Please tender their hardened hearts and convict them of the need to make this vital decision today, as they have no assurance of future opportunities. May my friends who read this today be especially convicted by Your Holy Spirit, and may these words inspire them to not delay such important decisions any longer. I ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, the only One with power to convict the hearts of the lost, 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.

Search for Peace and Work at It!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Humility, Love, Peace, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

God’s Word Says….

Psalm 34:14 (NCV)

Stop doing evil and do good.

Look for peace and work for it.

Thoughts…..

If we are not careful, this could be a Psalm that we would hold out for the new Christian, because it tells what must be done to keep a good/open/honest relationship with God. While I believe that all this is true, I also believe that this particular verse is one of those that we should print out and paste it on our computer screens or on our refrigerators – somewhere that we look often and might therefore be reminded often. For this verse tells me that in any scenario, I must look for the ‘peaceful’ solution, and not the solution that might bring hurt, or strife, or division, or revenge, for these are traits of an unsaved person. Have I, or have you been perfect at this? I would be the first to give a resounding, unfortunate, negative response. Way too often we are so hung up on pleasing a brother, or sister or companion, so we do things to please them, instead of following what is being taught here by David. We are to search for and work hard at finding a peaceful resolution – one that pleases God. Friend, I believe that if we follow this teaching alone, we would find more peace in our families, our friendships, our churches and in our workplaces. Imagine at the end of the day you reflect on the evil you did to please a friend, but then you have God upset at you? Please know that no one is perfect, but God. So as we contemplate this thought today, we will realize that there is fault in those that we will deal with today. But before we get too critical of them, consider what they will be dealing with in you – another imperfect person! Friends, let us seek God and allow Him to show us the way that He would have us resolve our differences. I can assure you that He who led David to pen words for our ongoing enrichment and teaching, will direct us towards a peaceful resolution and one that pleases Him. Take a moment and read this short Psalm, I highlighted a lot of it, because God dealt in my life as I read it. I believe that He too will lead you to all truth through His powerful, exciting and revealing Word!

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, Your Word is powerful. Thank You for working in the life of David. A servant who had many challenges and issues, yet You used Him to write so many words of wisdom for even us to follow. Lord, You are so aware of our wicked minds. Yes even us who call You Lord and look to You for direction and wisdom. Thank You for providing these words to redirect us towards living peaceful and loving lives – lives that will exemplify You in every way. We often see how kids’ minds are swayed by television programs, but seldom do we stop and reflect on how we (Your children) allow the evil of this world to sway our decisions and our actions. Please help us to always look for peace, and strive to achieve it in our everyday decisions and actions. People need to see You reflected in us, not more of the same as they see in the world around them. Please give me strength and power to overcome the things of this world and to strive for peace – Godly peace, in all my decisions and actions. May I represent You well, is my humble prayer. And although I need much help personally, I also pray that You would humble the hearts of Your children that may look to You today after meditating on this devotional. May we all dedicate ourselves to be more like You. I ask all this in Your wonderful and majestic name, the Divine Peacemaker, 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.

It Will Be Worth It All

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Bold Confidence, Celebrate God, Christian, Encourage, Faith, God Cares For Us, God Reigns, Hope, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Peace, ProtectorLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 39-40.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Exodus 40:38 (NLT)

38 The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.

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

This last verse of Exodus sums up how the people of Israel had maintained their faith in spite of all the challenges they faced during their stint in the wilderness. In fact, the book begins by telling us of their slavery in Egypt, but as we can see from this verse, it ends in glory by telling of God’s presence being evident during the day and the comfort of knowing that His presence was there during the night. During our Christian walk we encounter ups and downs like the Israelites encountered. I know that our challenges have been, and probably will be much different to anything we read in Exodus, and depending on how we look at those challenges, many of us will probably even say that ours were a lot greater than anything the Israelites faced. Friend, if we truly know and trust God then we will agree that we are on the winning side, the victorious team, with a bright future ahead of us, regardless of the circumstances we have come through or find ourselves in the middle of at this time. I love that song, “It Will be Worth It All“, for whatever I may go through here on this earth, it will be worth it all when I see the face of my Jesus, and live forever in His presence singing praises to Him. While here on this earth, I must learn to look beyond my challenges and see what victories will result for Jesus because of my circumstances. It’s all about Him friend of God! My challenges, or even what I may see as my setbacks, are all for His glory. What am I learning from these circumstances and how am I being made stronger because of these, should be my points to ponder, not crying the blues because of what appears to be heartaches and trials to challenge me. Thank You Father for being by my side and holding my hand each and every day!

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

Father, please help me to look at each day as a victory for You. Many days may appear to be normal and filled with challenges that may make me question if You were even there with me, but as a child of God, I know that You love me and that You hold my hand through all of life’s ups and downs. Please help me to not lose sight of Your presence and your promises to hold my hand each and every day. Please help me to be Your obedient servant by placing my hand in Yours each day so that I may stay connected to the power source and the source of encouragement, strength, guidance, protection and love that I need every day. I am on the winning side, and I have You as my Savior, Lord and soon coming King. There is nothing more that I need dear Lord! Thank You!

God’s Wonderful Protection

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Bible Believing, Bold Confidence, Christian, Faith, God our Helper, God our Provider, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Peace, Protector, Victorious Life1 Comment

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 15.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

The power of your arm makes them lifeless as stone until your people pass by, O Lord, until the people you purchased pass by. Ex 15:16 (NLT)

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

So often we look at the trials and temptations around us that seem impossible to overcome. Child of God, we must remember that the same God that saved the Israelites, the same God that they sang about making the Egyptians lifeless as stone, the same God that opened up the waters so His people could march through, this is the God we serve, this is the God that we can depend on to see us through each and every day and all that comes along our way. We are victorious as children of the King of kings, for He is our Protector and He has a proven track record to back that up!

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

Father, please help me to keep focused on You regardless of the ‘walls’ that may seem to surround me at times. Thank You for being my ‘Protector’ at all times, even those times when I don’t see imminent danger ahead. You are my God, and I thank You for accepting me as Your child, and watching over me and protecting me, even as You did with the Israelites. Whom then shall I fear?