Category: Praise

A Sinner’s Plea For Restoration

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-08-15

Bible Reference: Psalm 51:10-12
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;
    restore within me a sense of being brand new.
11 Do not throw me far away from Your presence,
    and do not remove Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Give back to me the deep delight of being saved by You;
    let Your willing Spirit sustain me.

OBSERVATION: I trust Christians will meditate on this devotional today even after carefully reading the theme, because the Word of God reminds us that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In fact, throughout God’s Word He teaches that sin separates us from God, for He is holy, and sin is not at all holy. So as we meditate today I want us to be conscious of those times that we have sinned, and what our actions have been, following that experience. How were you restored with the Holy One – Jesus Christ?

APPLICATION: For the Christian onlooker, it is easy to look down our noses and condemn the sin purported by a fellow Christian. For the sinner, it is easy to feel condemned because of your sin. So how then shall we reconcile this problem? For surely a sinner is not condemned forever. It may be easier for us to consider a real life situation. I have heard of incidents where a man has been unfaithful to his wife. I have heard where these scenarios have even led to divorce. But then I have heard of scenarios where that husband later went and confessed his sin to his wife and pleaded for restoration. The two did such a fine job that the couple remarried and are now enjoying many more years for trusting, loving relationship and trust in each other. For some of you, this may sound like an impossible task for you, but I want us to carefully consider what God does for us when we bow at the feet of a holy God – One who has never sinned; One who is righteous and holy in every way, but yet we ask Him to forgive us of our unfaithfulness, our sin, our dirt, and our evil. How awesome it is that in His mercy, and in true grace, our Lord forgives and receives us back whole and truly cleansed. This is the example that helped father of the Prodical Son welcome him back home. Think about it, our Father says welcome back my son/daughter, your sins are forgiven. I paid the price for it all on Calvary – even while you and your unholy bunch were yet sinners, because I love you and I consider you my very sons and daughters. Can’t you hear our Father saying: Of course you are welcomed back into my kingdom; of course I welcome you back as my very own children? The Prodical was welcomed back as a son, not as a slave, like he asked for. So my Brothers and Sisters, if we are made in the likeness of our Father, and He is such a forgiving Father, where on earth do we get off at thinking that we are above anyone that seeks forgiveness from us? Why do we struggle to forgive and welcome back a former prisoner who has been rehabilitated and now looking to find there place among Christian friendship and mentoring? Why do we build such a hate for those who hurt us, is that not sin in itself? When they approach us for forgiveness, is it not like one sinner asking another sinner for restoration? Is it any different to a totally lost, sinner, looking into the face of a Holy God and asking Him for restoration – a clean and holy heart? God met us where we were at on our own, shouldn’t we do the same for others?

PRAYER: Precious Lord, please hold my hand and help me through this difficult and challenging life. My readers and I come across folk each day that are so different to us, and Your Word declares that we are to love them. Oh that we might be reminded by Your Spirit that we were once in that same position when we came to You seeking repentance. As You forgave us and restored us to oneness with You, may we also be understanding of others so that they may see Jesus at work in us. AMEN!

The Necessity of Confession

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-08-14

Bible Reference: Psalm 51:1-4
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 1 Look on me with a heart of mercy, O God,
    according to Your generous love.
According to Your great compassion,
    wipe out every consequence of my shameful crimes.
2 Thoroughly wash me, inside and out, of all my crooked deeds.
    Cleanse me from my sins.
3 For I am fully aware of all I have done wrong,
    and my guilt is there, staring me in the face.
4 It was against You, only You, that I sinned,
    for I have done what You say is wrong, right before Your eyes…..

OBSERVATION: David – a warrior; a king; a woman’s man; a brave leader; yet he saw the need for rightness with God, and therefore confessed his sin, as he prepared to ask for God’s forgiveness. This is a great example for us today, as it teaches us the steps towards oneness with the eternal God. General confession might result in general forgiveness, but will you feel release from the guilt of a specific sin that was ultimately against God? Why not take a few moments to meditate with me on this Scripture today?

APPLICATION: In John 3:6 we are told that humans give birth to humans, but God gives birth to eternal life. David confessed that he was a sinner from birth, and I can boldly remind each of you that you and I are in the same position. This means that God will challenge us to make amends with Him and do exactly like David, confess our sin before Him. In David’s position, he owed no explanation to any man for his actions, however God sent His messenger to David to remind him that there is One who he is answerable to. Friends, let us be reminded that those deep dark secrets (sins) that may keep us up at night, are still blocking God’s view and His awesome touch on our lives. He longs to see the air cleared between us and our pure, holy God. You may have all the reasons in the world that caused you to sin, but please always remember what David said in these verses today – that sin is against God and God alone. Yes, fellow humans may have been hurt or disappointed in you for some sin, but the sin separates you from God and therefore breaks that awesome relationship you could really have with Him. Just as Nathan challenged David, may I challenge you to consider the sin that may be interfering with your relationship with the Master of this Universe – the only One that will love you unconditionally right to the end? God loved us from the time we were born, but we put roadblocks in the way of that love through our sin and disregard of our Savior. It’s time to clear that up my friend, why not get before God in prayer today and say like David – please wash me of my sin; create a right spirit in me; and restore the joy of my salvation, so that I may once again be one in spirit, love and communion with my Savior?

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I am reminded that, for as long as I remain in this world I will be tempted by Satan and often led to sin against You. Please help me to daily reconcile my weakness and my sin before You so that I may be one with You. Please create within me a clean heart and an upright spirit, so that I may live according to Your commands and in the light of Your precious Word. Thank You precious Lord for loving even me, and caring for this child of the King. Many who will read this devotional will be brothers and sisters in the Lord. Please deal mercifully in their hearts I pray. AMEN!

Your Impact on Others

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-08-13

Bible Reference: Luke 14:34-35
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if salt were to lose its flavor, how could it ever be restored? 35 It will never be useful again, not even fit for the soil or the manure pile! If you have ears opened by the Spirit, then hear the meaning of what I have said and apply it to yourselves.”

OBSERVATION: I’m just a humble nobody, so how might I possible have an impact on anyone? I’m sure that may be the response of some when they read the title of today’s devotional, and they may even skip over this and move to another devotional that sounds more applicable to them. But the words shared in the above verses were actually spoken to fishermen; tax collectors (cheaters); and ordinary sons of ordinary men – Jesus’ disciples. Because God saw fit to include this challenge in His Word, then I believe He wants us to consider the same analogy. Meditate with me as we explore this.

APPLICATION: For the person who loves salt in their food while it is cooked, they can’t stand it when a health-conscious person decides to share with them a meal cooked their way – without salt. Most of you have probably already answered ‘disgusting’; ‘awful’; ‘tasteless’; or something similar. In our Scripture today, Jesus had just shared important qualities that he wanted His disciples to know, and to reflect in their lives each day. Jesus ended that dialogue by comparing their impact on the world, to the value of salt in its seasoning effectiveness. In pondering what Jesus might be saying to me on this subject, I believe He made me keenly aware that each of us have an impact on others in some way, and that depends on what type of person we have chosen to be and what things in life impact our lives. Think about it friends, when you walk away from Tom, what are your thoughts? You wish you were as kind hearted and loving as he came across in his dialogue with you? Or was he obnoxious, mean spirited, and a know-it-all that you couldn’t wait to leave his company? What about Susie, perhaps she was warm, caring and showed lots of interest in how you were doing? Perhaps she never once complained about someone else during the whole time you were together? I know, you come across a certain number of each character type in your typical day, but why should that bother you when asked about your day? Don’t miss the point my friend, in the same way that you walked away from Tom and Susie with your own impressions of them, and perhaps you swore to yourself that you would not spend a lot of time around at least one of them, that’s also the way that others are impacted by you. You say that you are a Christian, but do your friends experience Christ-like qualities while you are around them? You may ask, why should you act any special way around them, and I would encourage you to consider that what you do at home and around close family, that will you do when you’re at work, in a mall or anywhere else. Friends, if Jesus lives inside of you, and you are reminded from His Word daily about His qualities and His character, then I believe that you will reflect on that while you interact with others, because you will want to be just like Him at all times. Conversely, if you find yourself being mean spirited and ugly with people, then quickly analyze your relationship with the Lord. Is that an indication that you need more quiet time with Him – perhaps meditating on His Word, and praying for others, and for your character, so that you would reflect His image in all that you say and do? May God open your eyes today to know how you are doing with others, and especially how you are doing with Him. Just as salt is a valuable addition to our food, may you add value to the relationships in which you are a part, because of Jesus!

PRAYER: Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee. Take my hands and use them, take my feet and make them move in a direction led by You. Take my lips and let them speak kind and loving words, just as You do for me when I need them most. People need the Lord. Oh that they may see Jesus and experience His likeness in their interactions with me. May today’s Scripture, and my humble thoughts inspire my readers to love You more today, and desire a deeper walk with You, so that through their lives You may impact everyone they come into contact with. Go being our help, our strength and our director. AMEN!

Standing in the Way of Blessing?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Honor, Needs, Obedience, Obedient, Praise, Recognize God, Worship2 Comments

Monday, 2019-08-12

Bible Reference: Joshua 7:10-12
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 10 Get up. What are you doing in the dirt? 11 There’s a simple explanation: Israel has sinned. They have lied and have violated the covenant I gave them by stealing some of the property that should have been destroyed along with the rest of Jericho and by hiding it among their own belongings.
12 That is why the Israelites can no longer resist their enemies. They run from their foes because they are under a curse and doomed to destruction. I will not be with you or fight for you unless these things devoted to destruction are truly destroyed.

OBSERVATION: The Israelites had the task of taking over town after town, that existed on all the land given to them by God, and they had been very successful with Jericho. However, in their attempt with Ai, they encountered some loss of life. For God was not willing to go on blessing them while there was sin in their camp. Because of one man’s sin, others loss their lives, while thousands upon thousands suffered because of the withdrawal of God’s hand of blessing. I wonder, has God’s hand of blessing upon our families, our churches, our cities and our country been impacted because of the sin or one reading this devotional today?

APPLICATION: There seems to be increased tolerance by people and churches to accept almost any condition of society, so that we can fit into their view of what Christ’s church should look like. Fortunately for some countries, including my country, churches are not yet being forced by government to accept certain societal groups who may have beliefs that differ to our interpretation of the Bible’s standards and teachings. However, putting all this aside, I was keenly aware, and reminded, of the importance that God places on obeying Him and honoring His Word. In our story, one man decided that it was OK for him to withhold some of the loot from their raid of Jericho, which was in direct disobedience of God’s instructions. Because of this, God withdrew His power (His blessings) on their (the Israelites) next raid, as they tried to take over Ai. I believe the main takeaway for us in this passage today is that God will not bless sin. He will not bless where sin abides. He will not bless where people, or even a single person decides, apart from God, that it’s OK for them to do their own thing. Please know that this has nothing to do with creativity, for God created us to be creative and think for ourselves, however when He sets boundaries for us, and when He establishes rules and commandments for us, it’s for our own good, our own protection, and for His glory. I believe that God has designed us to be like Him, and I believe that He established guardrails to help us live, work, love, and act more like Him while here on this earth. Friends, if others never recognize Jesus in us, do you really feel like you are honestly being led/guided by Him and living according to His will and purpose? God will not tolerate sin, and since He is the same God who did not tolerate the sin of Achan (the man in our story), I have every reason to believe that He will withdraw His blessing on us when sin abides within. Will you intentionally deny the blessing of God on others because of your selfish desires and stubborn will? I pray that is not the case with any reading this devotional today.

PRAYER: Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the many blessings that You bestow on my family, my church, my city, my state and my country, please, please, please give me strength each day to faithfully honor You, for You alone are worthy of my honor, my obedience and my praise. Because of my son-ship, please help me to always desire and aim to live a sinless life because of a deep desire to please You. Please help me to never forget that in order to receive Your rich blessings poured out daily on myself and those I love and associate with, I must do my part in honoring You and my commitment to be Your follower. Oh that we may live like You today, is my deepest desire today oh Lord. AMEN!

A Memorial

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Memorial, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-08-09

Bible Reference: Joshua 4:5-7
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: Go back into the Jordan riverbed to the covenant chest of the Eternal your God, and each carry a stone upon your shoulder, (twelve stones for the twelve tribes of the Israelites) 6 so that we may build a memorial of this day. Someday when your children ask you, “Why are these stones piled up here?” 7 you will tell them how the waters of the Jordan parted as the covenant chest of the Eternal One crossed the river, and these stones will fix that memory for the Israelites forever.

OBSERVATION: Most children will hear the word ‘Memorial’ used more in connection with a ‘Memorial’ service for a relative or family friend who died, and yes, we could glorify God in services like that. But how often do we build a memorial when there is a miraculous move of God in our community, or in the life of our church, so that we might be reminded of the power of God at a point in time? A few years ago our church celebrated a milestone – it’s 45th anniversary, and we learned from our founding pastor how miraculous God worked in providing for the beginnings of what is now an awesome church that is reaching hundreds of people every week. Meditate with me today as we consider God’s awesome work in our midst, and how we might erect a memorial to remind us and our future generations of the power of God!

APPLICATION: It is challenging to erect a memorial without giving a person praise for accomplishing, leading or directing the work we recognize as an awesome achievement. However, our Scripture today displays the awesome work of God, and God alone. Yes, individuals were a part of the work, but only as humble, obedient servants of the great High Priest. But I believe that God is drawing us to consider the awesome works He has done in our own lives, and in the life of our church and our community. Without a doubt, you are probably digging deeply into the archives of your memory trying to evaluate what sorts of things I might be talking about. Friends, when something occurred that you prayed for, and felt compelled by God to participate in, and it overcame multiple worldly obstacles, then I believe it is time to recognize that as God’s almighty hand at work. Did you ever feel so compelled somewhere along in the project to take your shoes off, because you knew that you must be walking on holy ground, for the power of God was so evident? A spot in time, a location, where you could only attribute the moment and/or the location to the miraculous works of God? A time where you felt so overwhelmed by the presence of God, and His direction to move forward, that you knew without a doubt that you were standing in His presence and experiencing His mighty works? May I suggest that God surely did not do that just for you, even though I believe that each of us are very special in God’s eyes and heart, but I want to suggest that you follow the story of Moses and Joshua and be reminded of how God was glorified because of His great works. Friends, it’s all about God and nothing to be accredited to self. However, notice that Joshua did not stand and beat on his chest about all that he had done, instead he built a memorial at the point where the miraculous hand of God shone forth, and at the point where the Israelites were able to look back in awesome wonder at all God had done for them – yes, a humble people who didn’t leave Egypt as princes and princesses, but as slaves. The memorials were erected so that future generations that would ask about them, would hear about the awesome work of God Almighty. What type of memorials do we have to go back on and celebrate God’s awesome work? What might cause our children to question our faith, or how God moved in our day?

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for working miraculously in my life each and every day! Thank You for touching the hearts and lives of my readers! Lord, we are thankful for Your mighty works in the lives of our ancestors – how you brought them through floods, and through rivers of waters, and won battles for them against armies multiple times their size. You brought the dead back to life, the blind to see and the deaf to hear. Why, in my life I have seen You work miraculously and I love to share of those experiences. Please help us to be sure and pass these miraculous works along to our future generations, for while they would appreciate hearing about Moses, Joshua, Noah, Peter and others, I believe their hearts would be renewed in You, if they could hear of how you worked, and are working, in the lives of believers today. Perhaps a memorial erected as a reminded of Your great works, might invoke others to ask, and give us more opportunities to share of Your goodness! Oh Lord, You are so good! AMEN!

Be Strong and Courageous – The Lord is with You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, direction, Lead me, Leadership, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-08-06

Bible Reference: Joshua 1:8-9
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

OBSERVATION: I believe that often we are challenged with a BIG point of indecision, similar to what Joshua must have been facing in the story from which I chose these two verses today. It is so awesome to reflect on how God worked in the past and to know that He is still the same today as He was back then. Spend a few moments with me today as we meditate on this Scripture and apply it to our lives.

APPLICATION: At this point in the journey by the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, they are just across the river from their final destination. However, Joshua is faced with a huge challenge, much like we might feel at certain times in our lives. I’m sure in his mind Joshua sees a river that is way too deep to ever cross over, and he can’t see enough of the other side to know if it’s something that he should even struggle to find a way to get over to it. You know those kinds of challenges, for you’ve had a few of those yourself during your short lifetime! For example, I’m faced with retirement – it will be the first time in my lifetime that I will enter such an awesome change in my life’s journey! I’ve dreamed about it, and I’ve asked God to help me attain it, especially after so many years of working relentless hours. But I needed these verses today to tell me how my future will be successful. Oh the comforting words whispered by God Himself, that I just need to stand tall and be courageous, for He will be with me, just like He was with my ancestors Moses and Joshua. So ‘HOW’ will my decision be successful? God said in His Word that if Joshua meditated on His Word day and night, and be sure to obey what is written in His Word then, and only then, will he succeed in what he does. I have every reason to believe that God demands the same thing of me as I ask Him to guide me successfully through the unknown that lies ahead in retirement. Further, I take great courage in the words that follow in today’s Scripture, for I believe that my God looks on me like He did with Joshua, and says ‘take courage my son, and be strong, for the Lord God Almighty is with you wherever you go’. The interesting thing is that there are several other huge decisions that I needed to be encouraged in through this promise today, and I sincerely thank God for drawing me to these verses today for this awesome encouragement. But for my dear readers, I believe that God led you to read this devotional today because you may have some possible mountains ahead that seem uncrossable to you also. Take courage my friend, be of good cheer, be strong in the knowledge and comfort of the One who loves you enough to give up His life as a sacrifice for you – HE will be by your side, HE will lead you through the fog of the unclear future you might see ahead of you. Let’s remember, HE is our Father and HE will see us through every walk of life as we head towards the Promised Land that He went on ahead to prepare for us in Heaven. Those that know Jesus as their Savior will have this wonderful assurance today. Those who have not accepted Jesus as Lord, will have no idea what I am joyfully referring to today, but I hope that I have peeked your interest enough to read my Footnote and the pages hyperlinked in my Footnote. Jesus wants you to surrender your all to Him also my friend. Do it today, for you have no promise of tomorrow.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on to the end…. In the words of that old song Lord, I need You more than ever to take my hand and lead me on every day. Oh that my readers will take courage from Your promises in Your Word today that You will lead them on also, just as You promised Moses and Joshua. Oh that the unsaved who may stumble across this devotional today, oh that they may be in such a position of uncertainty in life, that they might be encouraged to reach out and accept you as their Lord, their Savior, their Director in life and their Encourager for making good decisions, in confidence, knowing that the King of kings and Lord of lords, is right by their side. Have Your will and way today oh Lord, as you lead and direct our paths. AMEN!

Telling The World To Whom You Belong

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Ashamed, Boldness, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-08-02

Bible Reference: Luke12:8-9
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 8 “I can assure you of this: If you don’t hold back, but freely declare in public that I am the Son of Man, the Messiah, I will freely declare to all the angels of God that you are mine. 9 But if you publicly pretend that you don’t know me, I will deny you before the angels of God.

OBSERVATION: Today people that you come into contact with will know who guides your life. But I’m a boisterous type person who openly speaks my mind on every subject, you might say, and you know how to hide your private feelings, so your audience will never figure you out. Another might respond, but I’m a very quiet and reserved type person, so they will never figure me out. As we meditate today, let us consider what we say to friends every day regarding our faith and the one who has a lasting impression on our lives.

APPLICATION: Isn’t it interesting how God covered all types of individuals in the two Scripture verses chosen today, even the two mentioned in my Observation? Yes, for the one who is hyper and keeps talking endlessly, they may have a weak self image, so in their attempt to be seen or heard, they look for ways to be recognized. Often, this is a self image they are trying to develop, or make up for, and often this individual will tend to speak first and think afterwards. They might ask a lot of questions about their new found Savior, and eventually they may be some of the first to speak up in a Bible study class, or perhaps one of the first to pray in a prayer meeting. Friends might recognize a change has occurred in their lives, but I feel like they will quickly learn more about that change as they interact with this individual. Most individuals live to please others, and not to ‘rock the boat’ in their relationships with others. Therefore most will tend to hide their relationship with Christ as a private matter, if they suspect that talking about it would hinder relationships. Friends, if we’re not careful, this type of undercover Christian might easily be the type that Jesus speaks of in verse 9 – for these individuals may go along with the flow so often that friends will not even recognize that a ‘Christian’ is in their midst. Does this equal being ashamed of Christ? Or pretending to not even know Jesus as Lord? Let me encourage you to answer these questions. But consider this: If you were carrying around a 9″ cross as a witnessing tool, would there be situations and/or places and/or people groups where you would either hide that cross, or leave it at home? By chance, are you a little ashamed of the Christ who once hung on that cross to save the world when you are around certain people? Would you prefer that the world not know your association with Christ in certain crowds or situations? How then would you feel when Jesus tells the Father, I never knew this one? He said that He would do that if we pretend that we don’t know Him. Friends, I don’t believe for a minute that Jesus expects us to walk around with a huge Bible that we would bang over the heads of unbelievers. However, in much the same way that you would unashamedly associate yourself with your spouse, or parents, in any crowd or company, I believe that a man/woman/child should just as freely claim their submission to, dependence on, and allegiance to, their Savior and Lord – their Almighty God. Think on these things today child of God. Are you for Him, or against Him? Are you willing to tell the world that you love Him and claim Him as Lord of your life?

PRAYER: Oh Lord Jesus, we are grateful for our salvation and the awesome sacrifice that You made at Calvary. As our Creator, we are also grateful for the precious gifts You give to us each and every day to enjoy here on this earth. We thank You for all that You have done, and continue to do, so unselfishly just for us. Please fill us with a deep commitment to serve You, and to honor You, and to share about Your goodness in every circumstance of life. Please encourage us to not only be mouthpieces for You here on this earth, but may we also express Your love for us, through every action, regardless of the audience we might find ourselves in. AMEN!

Choose Life

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-07-31

Bible Reference: Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long……

OBSERVATION: From a heart of love and deep concern, Moses explained to the Israelites that their decisions and actions from that point forward would direct their future chances of survival, and that of their children. Doesn’t it seem like a very clear-cut, simple decision for the Israelites? I believe that in meditating on this today, our eyes will be opened on how challenging it is for us to make similar decisions.

APPLICATION: For a kid ridding down a path, that you know leads to a dangerous cliff, I believe that you will shout, run after, and call friends to help you stop that kid before it is too late. Agreed? That’s similar to the dilemma that Moses faced. God made it obvious to Moses that He had two choices on how He would handle the multitude of people, whose ancestors started on a 40-year journey with Him towards a Promised Land filled with milk and honey. Each promise came with predetermined results. 1). If they would simply follow the commands that Moses shared with them, and stayed true to the Living God, then they and their future generations would remain under the care and protection of God, who would continue to provide for them. 2). If they chose otherwise, in verses 17-18, Moses was very clear that they would not live a long, good life in the land, and they would be destroyed. However, this provided a choice that the people had to make for themselves. Now if I was to stop right at this point and ask you what should their choice be, I’m sure you would quickly respond that the people should choose life over the serious, dangerous, critical, ludicrous second choice that would lead to certain misery, harm, hurt and certain death. Seeing that Moses pleaded with his people to make the same choice, I would say that your answer was probably the only choice in the matter. HOWEVER, just like many who live all around you, and who sit all around you in church, the Israelites made the same decision as your friends do each time a pastor or teacher gives the invitation to accept Jesus as Lord. Unspoken responses will vary, but they probably sound something like: ‘I need to live my (worldly) life out before tying myself down to Christ only’; or ‘I heard there are beautiful ladies, or handsome men, in the town I am moving to and I must enjoy some time with them first’; or ‘Wow, let me list the fun things I will miss if I make this serious commitment’; etc, etc. Friends, is it not obvious that the Israelites must have had their minds centered on the many pleasures awaiting them in the Promised Land, that they didn’t want to commit until they saw if there was something better, or if there was going to be a need for God? Is it not very similar thoughts that our unsaved friends must ponder when faced with the same choice in our churches? Please allow me to suggest to you that only prayer will break the barriers that Satan presents to his followers, so if you love, and are concerned about a loved one or a friend standing next to you in church, pray, pray, pray. For God has the power to overcome Satan in every battle that he starts! For my unsaved friends reading this devotional today, allow me to plead with you to ‘choose life’ my friend!

PRAYER: Thank You Father for leading me to ‘Choose Life’. I have relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors, blog readers and even church attendees that are faced with this same choice today. Please, oh God, soften their hearts and draw them unto yourself. Please open their eyes to the truth of Your Word and to the love and promises that You offer. Oh that they may accept You as Lord and Savior today is my humble plea. I pray that my Christian readers will take priority in going before God today on behalf of all those in their circle of influence who are headed for Hell, begging with God for their salvation, and that they may ‘Choose Life’. AMEN!

Key Responsibilities for the Christian

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Evangelize, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, Serve, Service, Share, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-07-30

Bible Reference: Hebrews 12:14-15
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 14 Try to stay out of all quarrels, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.

OBSERVATION: We hear a lot about family divisions, church splits, and of course divorces, but in God’s Word He tells us that we are to stay away from quarrels and always seek to live holy lives before the Lord. Oh, and while aiming for that perfection, make sure that no one in your group wanders away from God’s best blessing, and creates a point of bitterness, envy, distrust, that may therefore cause others to avoid the rich blessings of the Lord.

APPLICATION: In life, we hear a lot about how people look out for themselves – how they earn as much money as they possibly could, so that they could have everything they desire, and go places that others barely think of. This may prove to be a successful path for some, while for others the same path may lead them into selfish attitudes, who may think that they worked so hard, so that they could make it to the top, and they deserve everything that they have, so that they could enjoy travel and the other joys of life that they have dreamed of over the years. Very successful people, you might say, for they set their goals and worked hard to achieve them. I will not try to disagree with how you might feel about your friends that you identified in my description above, but as a Brother in Christ I feel compelled to draw your attention to what the Scripture demands of us individually, in hopes that we will never find ourselves in that ‘selfish’ corner. I believe that God created us to be successful, but first and foremost, I believe that God created us in His own image, so that we might never lose sight of our creator. In fact, I believe that He has built into us a deep desire to obey and imitate Him, and to even worship Him as our Creator. These things will cause us to always remember Him as our Father. When we place ourselves in the position of the created one, the worshiper and the obedient servant, why do you suppose that we would desire anything that displeases our Master and Lord? Friends, this whole devotional can be summed up in short by admonishing you to: Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior; worship Him in humility as your Lord; Obey His every command; follow in His footsteps, guided by His Word, so that you may act, look and sound just like Him to a lost and dying world. When you do this my friend, you are bound to avoid the things He avoided, live the way He lived, and desire the ‘good life’ for others around you, just the way that He chose you and called you unto Himself. I love the way that verse 15 admonishes us to feel secure in our relationship with the Lord, and to show proof of our oneness with God by looking out for our neighbor – those around us, just like He did with us. If our neighbors neglect the Lord, or if Satan tempts them in ways that affect their good standing, then we had best look at supporting them and encouraging them, before their negativity, hatred or other hideous actions start to affect us. Furthermore, when that neighbor hurts, we should also hurt and we should be drawn to help them turn their life around. So yes, we must stay in close relationship with God so that we might mirror His goodness here on this earth, BUT we also have a responsibility to look on and help our neighbor as well. I trust that you will make every effort to help your neighbor along this tough road of life, just like God held out His hand and pulled you up from the sin that held you back.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for saving my soul, thank You Lord for making me whole. Thank You Lord for giving to me, thy great salvation so rich and free! Now I beg You Lord, to help my readers and I to not only boast in that oneness with You, but to share that love, and Your salvation, with all those around us – our neighbors. People need the Lord, amen? May they see our Savior so prevalent in our lives that they will want to know Him, accept Him and serve Him the rest of their lives. AMEN!

Whose Side Are You On?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-07-29

Bible Reference: Luke 11:23
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: 23 “Anyone who is not for me is really against me; anyone who does not help me gather is really scattering.

OBSERVATION: In response to the question ‘Whose side are you on?’ most Christians will quickly respond ‘well of course, I’m on God’s side’. But I wonder how the response will change if asked ‘whose side will the world say that you’re on, based on your words and actions?’. Come, meditate on this small verse for a few moments with me today.

APPLICATION: Some will quickly argue that it doesn’t matter what the world thinks, you know what you believe and in whom you have placed your trust. But I want to remind all readers today, that if the world looks on and observes attitudes and outward expressions of a proclaiming Christian and they are made to question whose side we’re on, how much more will God know based on our heart, our desires, our actions behind closed doors, and our actions and words with unsaved friends? I believe that it is important that we remind ourselves that the God of this universe, is One who is everywhere and who knows everything. He is well aware of our thoughts, not just our actions and what might be shared through our lips. In this verse, Jesus reminds us that if we are not with Him in every sense of the word, then we are actually working against Him and scattering the sheep that He is trying to encourage and draw unto Himself. May I suggest that we take this opportunity to consider how badly it turns people off when we call ourselves followers of Christ, yet our lives display worldly actions, and every indication of the unsaved? When the world sees that sort of confusion, they run away from us, and from anything that we associate ourselves with. When that happens, we have scattered the sheep in a different direction than if they were following Christ. I can conclude with another Scripture where Jesus said that He wished that we would be either hot or cold. Meaning that we should be honest with ourselves and with Him, regarding who our Master is. God promised the Israelites a land filled with milk and honey – a Promised Land, if they would be obedient to Him and follow Him. Heaven is our Promised Land for those who are faithful and true to the One they have surrendered their lives to – Jesus Christ. Are you with me friend?

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, we have invited You to be our Lord and Savior, but having been left in this world, we are constantly battling the temptations and tugging by the world and all followers of the evil one. Please dear God, give us strength to stand firm in our faith so that the world might see, know and believe on the One True God. We need You desperately Heavenly Father. AMEN!