Category: Reflecting Christ

How To Handle Evil Against You

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Bible Believing, Disciple, Encourage, Forgiveness, Giving, Grace, Holy Spirit, Love, Love God, Love your Neighbor, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, Power of Prayer, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

The Bible – New Living Translation

Romans 12:17-21

 

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” (Deut. 32:35) says the Lord.

20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” (Proverbs 25:21-22)

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Thoughts:

 

Friends, these words are intended for children of God, because they are not the normal course of action for the person who has no Godly influence, or help to handle situations in just the opposite manner that one would normally expect. The actions mandated in these verses are God-inspired; God-directed; and only possible with God’s help, because in and of our natural selves we would normally lash back at those that misuse and abuse us. This is similar to another command given by God: when your enemy slaps you on one cheek, don’t lash back, turn the other cheek and let them slap you there also. Again, this is not a normal reaction to the natural sinful man. I believe a good question for the Christian would be: “why would God demand something so totally opposite to the norm?” Friends, I believe that God saw His only Son beaten, hung on a cross and crucified, but didn’t send down 10,000 angels to rescue Him, because it was all done for the purpose of showing the world (us) that His love for us extended even to the extent of crucifying His Son. Similarly, when we allow the grace of God to work in our lives and we subsequently behave like Jesus would have, we are showing the world that the grace by which we are driven is one filled with a miraculous love, a divine love. You see, what would the world learn if we reacted just like they would and expect? That we are no different to any other man, right? Now Brothers and Sisters, is this an easy thing? Absolutely not, but for those who are in the Word daily and learning about the ways of God, and constantly being reminded of things like Deuteronomy 32:35 (quoted above), then we know that the love by which we are driven is nothing like the love known by the world. Our actions are totally unexpected by the world, but we are to be obedient servants and follow the commands of Christ, knowing that He will not see His prized possessions taken advantage of. Remember, the last word is God’s, and He will settle the acts against His children. Let’s do our part, knowing full well that God is faithful to His Word and will do His part at the appropriate time. Let’s endeavor to love even in challenging circumstances, not give in and act just like the world expects one of their own to act. Let’s show that God is in control of our lives and our circumstances and we have nothing to fear!

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord Jesus, these are very challenging directions in these verses, but thank You for reminding me that the battle is Yours and that You will revenge, if needed. My job is to love through the good times and through the challenging times, to those that love me and to those that hate me. My obligation is to be obedient, in spite of my circumstances, knowing that You have everything under control and that through my obedience You might have another opportunity to minister to that person who means ill towards me. I must be obedient to You, no matter the circumstances that face me in this world, because it is often through the most difficult, or challenging circumstance that an unsaved person might be challenged to look heavenly and find the source behind this Christian’s strength, wisdom, endurance and love. Lord Jesus, in Your name, I ask for this strength, wisdom, endurance and love to be imparted and available to me, because You have already demonstrated this type of love, and You definitely have the authority and power to give it to me. May this all be used for Your glory and Your honor, AMEN!

 

 

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

The Stain of our Sins

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Bible Believing, Faith, Reflecting Christ, SinLeave a comment

The Bible – The New Living Translation

Psalm 51:1-2

 1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.

2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.

Thoughts:

I believe that David was so sorry for his acts of sin against Bathsheba and her husband that he was not only asking for forgiveness of his sin, but also that God might erase it from his memory – blot out the ‘stain’ of my sin he asked. Friends, although God forgives us of our sin, it seems like the impact of that sin, or its stain, appears to always be in the back of our minds, and will ultimately haunt us from time to time. While this may serve the purpose of reminding us of our sin, or especially to help us appreciate where God has truly brought us from, yet our inner man would just as soon forget the sinful acts. Therefore I can appreciate where David was coming from in this request. However, I believe that the biggest lesson for us to learn from this today is that God is our mediator. He knows what is bugging us, but I believe that He really wants us to seek Him, humble ourselves to ask for help and to seek His help in every aspect of our lives. As we live in this sinful world, we get dirty or stained from its impact, so keeping ourselves before our Maker in prayer is healthy for our spiritual well-being. Our physical bodies become dirty and we take daily showers, how much more should we seek a daily spiritual cleansing of our sin. This will not only help in keeping us clean from guilt, but it will keep the lines of communication open between us and our heavenly Father.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I repeat the words of Your servant David, please wash me clean from my guilt, and purify me from my sin. I want to be used by You in reaching those around me who are lost in sin. Please wash me white as snow so that I may represent You well as I share a witness for You. Please have Your will and way in my life is my humble prayer before the only One who can make a true difference in the hearts of mankind, for I ask this in Your worthy and all powerful name, Lord Jesus, my Savior and King, AMEN!

 

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

The Purpose of Church

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Giving, Reflecting Christ, Tithing, Truthful, Witnessing, WorshipLeave a comment

The Bible – Good News Translation

 Psalm 8:9-11

 9           Inside your Temple, O God, we think of your constant love.

10          You are praised by people everywhere, and your fame extends over all the earth.

You rule with justice; 11   let the people of Zion be glad!

 Thoughts:

Many people dress and head out to church on Saturday or Sunday. I wonder what some of the responses would be, if a news reporter stood on a street corner and interviewed folk as they were on their way to church! I bet there would be some interesting responses! In the Bible we read a lot about people going up to the temple to pray, or to offer up sacrifices. In our day, I believe the number one response would be that people go to church to worship God. The challenge is that most church goers feel like ‘worship’ is the worship and praise (singing) part of the service. What about the aspect of giving and Bible teaching and/or preaching? Also, is this ‘worship’ only once per week for no more than an hour? Is this commitment you have made to ‘worship’ strictly led by a praise and worship team for your entertainment, and a preacher who shouts at you for about 30 minutes to challenge you in your wrong doings? Friends, without the appearance of judging, I see these things that I questioned you on, as a description of our churches today. On the contrary, I love the description given by the Psalmist! Wouldn’t it be neat for us to awaken about an hour earlier before rushing out to weekend services, and instead of turning the television on, or getting on to Facebook to catch up on the gossip, if we gathered around the table over a cup of coffee and reflected back over the blessings of the week, brought back to reflection the highlights of our Bible studies (devotionals) from the week and said a prayer for the preacher and other worship leaders before we head out the door to go and worship God? Don’t you suppose that we would position ourselves for, and find reason to, truly worship God and to truly open our hearts to the spoken Word so that we might be filled with the Spirit and His reinforcing power for the week ahead? Can you see where we may then feel more like the Psalmist reflected on in vs 9, where we would then open our minds to think about God’s love and His wonderful power in our heart over the past week? I truly believe that we could then open our hearts in worship and be so filled with God’s wonder and His love that His fame would be evident in and through us wherever we went after that, in similar ways to what the Psalmist described in vs 10 & 11. We serve an awesome God, who is so good to us. Let’s not hold back the praises, and let’s be very open to instruction from His Word so that our lives might be guided accordingly.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You made us so that we may worship you. I’m sorry for the poor excuses we give for not attending worship services, and even when we do – the little input that You receive from us. Our minds wonder, and we depend so heavily on the Praise and Worship team, that it is probably very obvious to You that we enjoy the entertainment more than the opportunity to lift up our praises and words of affirmation to You. We listen to Your Word read and expounded on, and it is often the only time that week that our Bibles have been opened. Oh how You must shake Your head in dismay and question why You ever made us. Thankfully, I know You are a God of love, and in looking at our hearts You know what we really are and what we would really like to be. I pray for mercy and Your continued grace dear Lord, because although You know our inward beings, how will the world know about You if they can’t see You reflected in and through our lives? Please don’t give up on me, and on us – Your servants. We need You more today than we ever did before. We need Your power and the extreme boldness to be Your witnesses. Touch me Lord and work with my friends and I so that we may be more like You in every way. My humble prayer I am asking in the Your holy name, dear Jesus, AMEN

 

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

Our Witness Should Lead Others To Christ

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Follow Jesus, Holy Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Marriage, Our Help comes from God, Praise, Reaching the Lost, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

The Bible –New Century Version

Psalm 40:2-3

2           He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and made my feet steady.

3           He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord.

 Thoughts:

 We can easily identify a single man by his playfulness with no one girl. We can generally identify a married man by his devotion to his wife and his unselfish attitude in doing everything to make her happy. We can generally identify a sinner by the unconcern for anything spiritual; their ungodly character; their ungodly, and often disrespectful speech and of course their lack of interest in trying to be in the presence of Christian believers. What is often confusing is when we hear folk that meet most of the criteria just stated, yet they will tell someone that they are a ‘Christian’ or they attend church regularly. As a follower of Christ, we must often return to the cross and, like David, thank God for what He brought us through and where He brought us from. If we don’t do this we may tend to boast about what we did to achieve our rightness with God. While at the foot of the cross we should remind ourselves of the joyful song that we exuded at the time of our conversion, and ask God to refresh that song in our heart so that we may glow with His presence and His glory. When others see Jesus, yes even His qualities in us, they will burst in to worship to God! For those who have only heard of Jesus, they will trust in Him and seek His favor. So I guess my challenge to believers today is: Does others see enough difference in us that they would want any part of what incents us, what drives us or what motivates us? Are we singing the praises of a King’s kid, or are we portrayed to others as a beggar with lots of needs and having never been lovingly and spiritually touched by the Master? We will exude what is prominent inside of us. Why not put more of Jesus in, through daily time in the Word, prayer and communion with God?

 Prayer:

 I’m Yours Lord. May others see and be blessed in recognizing that You are mine also. May Your will, Your love and Your character be prominent in me so that You may be lifted up and that others may be drawn to You. Touch hardened hearts today so that they may not shy away from recognizing and accepting You. Touch the hearts of Your kids so that your glory may shine through every fiber of our lives and influence this world for You. Lord, may You be glorified today in all things that we do or say, for it is in Your precious and worthy name that I ask, AMEN!

 

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

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

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

The Bible –Good News Translation

Romans 8:13-14

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

Thoughts:

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

Prayer:

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

 

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

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.

Do you influence for good or evil?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Christian, God our Helper, Imitator of Christ, Our Help comes from God, Pleasing to God, Reflecting Christ2 Comments

Scripture: Judges 15-16.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Judges 16:18-21 (NLT)

18 Delilah realized he had finally told her the truth, so she sent for the Philistine rulers. “Come back one more time,” she said, “for he has finally told me his secret.” So the Philistine rulers returned with the money in their hands.

19 Delilah lulled Samson to sleep with his head in her lap, and then she called in a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. In this way she began to bring him down, and his strength left him. 20 Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him.

21 So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison.

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

Delilah was a deceitful woman with honey on her lips and poison in her heart. Cold and calculating, she toyed with Samson, pretending to love him while looking for personal gain. How could Samson be so foolish? Four times Delilah took advantage of him. If he didn’t realize what was happening after the first or second experience, surely he should have understood the situation by the fourth time! We think Samson is foolish, but how many times do we allow ourselves to be deceived by flattery and give in to temptation and wrong beliefs? Avoid falling prey to deceit by asking God to help you distinguish between deception and truth.

A person’s greatest accomplishment may well be helping others accomplish great things. Likewise, a person’s greatest failure may be preventing others from achieving greatness. Delilah played a minor role in Samson’s life, but her effect was devastating, for she influenced him to betray his special calling from God. Motivated by greed, Delilah used her persistence to wear down Samson. His infatuation with her made Samson a vulnerable target. For all his physical strength, he was no match for her nagging, and he paid a great price for giving in to her. Delilah is never mentioned again in the Bible. Her unfaithfulness to Samson brought ruin to him and to her people.

Are people helped by knowing you? Do they find that knowing you challenges them to be the best they can be? Even more important, does knowing you help their relationship with God? What do your demands for their time and attention tell them about your real care for them? Are you willing to be God’s instrument in the lives of others?

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

Father, You have placed me here on this earth for a specific reason. As I go about my daily walk, may I be so filled with Your Spirit that others will be influenced by those things that You have influenced me with in Your Word. May others see so much of Jesus in me that their eyes will be opened to the truths of Your Word and the nature of Your very character. I place my faith and trust in You oh Lord, praying that Your will may be accomplished in and through me each and every day. Please help me to stay strong, especially in every temptation, every trial and every circumstance of life where others may be out to deceive me or to bring dishonor to Your name. It’s You I live for oh Lord, every day!

 

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

On By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Humility, Listen to the Word of God, Our Help comes from God, Reaching the Lost, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

Scripture: Joshua 7-8.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Joshua 7:12-13 (NLT)

12 That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.

13 “Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.

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

Instructions were given to Joshua about what to not remove from the city of Ai, because the things actually belonged to God. Like us many times, Achan saw something he liked so he took it, and knowing that it was wrong he hid it (buried it under his tent). This sounds so much like us when we do something that we know is not pleasing to God. We cover it up, or hide it from other smart humans! Evidently no one in Joshua’s camp knew about Achan’s sin, because God had to single him out when everyone was presented before the Lord. Bottom line is that innocent people were killed, an army defeated, leaders totally discouraged (because they thought that they had failed in God’s command for their direction), all because of the sin of one man in their camp. Friends, we see individuals struggle in life and we sometimes wonder why Lord. We see families go through more than we could ever imagine and we wonder why are they so unlucky Lord. We see churches – yes churches, fail and are often defeated in their mission to win the lost and disciple the saved, and we question what God must be saying to the church. After meditating on this passage this morning and being reminded that God expects us to be obedient to Him and His commands, He expects us to be holy as He is holy and He expects us to look just like Him if we consider ourselves to be ‘Christian’. When we’re not, then I believe that we should expect no better than what God did to Joshua and the Israelites, for He will withdraw from us and He will destroy us. In verse 12 God said that He would not remain with them unless they rid themselves of the sin in their midst. In verse 13 God told the Israelites that they would never be victorious until they remove the sin from their midst. In our world today I believe that God is still saying to us that He will not work among us until we come clean before Him – get rid of the sin from our personal lives, our families, our churches and our towns. God desires a clean and contrite heart in which to live and work through. Let’s seek His forgiveness today. Let’s rid ourselves of those sins that we think no one else knows about and let’s pray that God will return His favor on us to reach our lost family members, neighbors, church members, coworkers and acquaintances.

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

Father, You know my inmost thoughts, my desires and my every action. Thank You for reminding me of this this morning so that I may be sensitive to following Your commands and being transparent before a God that knows it all. As I worshipped through the song “Change My Heart oh God” I am also reminded that You are the One who could unlock the hardened heart of sin, You alone can reveal the sin that prevents me from being a clean and holy vessel in Your service. Today Lord, please change my heart and make it ever true – pure as snow, so that I may be blessed into perfect service for You, and that I may not be a hindrance to Your work that You would like to do through me, my family, my church or my town.

 

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

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Imitator of Christ, Reflecting Christ, WorshipLeave a comment

Scripture: Luke 10.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

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

There is such a fine line between not doing enough for the kingdom, and on the flip side, doing so much that we don’t have time to really concentrate on worship or time alone with God or slowing down enough to let God minister to us. Many of us are like Martha, where it is our nature to serve, and unless we are serving/working/slaving over all the things that must be done, then we are not happy with ourselves or feel like we have accomplished anything for the Lord. I believe that the difference here is that anytime we are doing things to make ourselves feel better, look better, because no one else will do the work, or feel like what we do is to impress God or others, then we are doing too much, because we are doing busy work. When we truly make time to be with the Lord in prayer and in His Word and in worship to Him, then we will see needs like He saw and we will work like He teaches us – to be a loving servant, because we represent the greatest servant of all times, we will do it because of the needs of others and not for any self-fulfillment. I believe that anytime we get to the stage that we look around us and feel like we are the only one doing anything, then we should stop and ponder why are we doing it – why are we alone? Let us never neglect our time with the Lord. Let us never neglect the time to look at the needs of others and ponder what would Jesus do to help them, and what could we then do to help them. Sometimes it is merely listening to them, while sometimes it is just showing them that we care, or sometimes just a visit to lift them up. The very one that we sit at their feet and spend time with, might be like Jesus where Mary just sat at His feet and just listened. Taking time to listen to someone shows that there is nothing more important to you at the time, than what they have to say. That makes them feel pretty important! Let’s be busy about the work that Jesus would do, not what we feel we must do for recognition, or obligated to do. As we look deep into His wonderful face, the things of this earth will grow strangely dim.

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

Father, this passage has ministered to me in an awesome way this morning, because I often make myself so busy that I don’t know that I truly take time to stop and listen, or worship You from the stillness of my heart, and be quiet enough to truly listen to Your voice and learn Your will for my life. I seem to have a lot of ‘busy-work’. Please forgive me, and show me daily what to do where I might best represent You, and how to do things so that I might not only show my love and devotion to You, but that I may reflect Your love to others in all that I do or say. It’s all about You, Lord. Please help me to never lose sight of that.

 

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

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Obedience, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

Obedience

Deuteronomy 8:1 tells us to obey God’s commandments. We do this by obeying God with…

OUR HEART

By loving him more than any relationship, activity, achievement, or possession

OUR WILL

By committing ourselves completely to him

OUR MIND

By seeking to know him and his Word, so his principles and values form the foundation of all we think and do

OUR BODY

By recognizing that our strengths, talents, and sexuality are given to us by God to be used for pleasure and fulfillment according to his rules, not ours

OUR FINANCES

By deciding that all of the resources we have ultimately come from God, and that we are to be managers of them and not owners

OUR FUTURE

By deciding to make service to God and man the main purpose of our life’s work

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

Father God, I am convinced again today that there is nothing more important than reading Your Word and obeying it, for You alone are God , and it is You that will lead us out of our world of sin and into Your path of righteousness that leads to heaven and life eternally with You. Please help me to stay constant in Your Word, constant in obeying Your commands and constant in my witness to a lost and dying world. Thank You for all that You provide for me each day and all that You help me through in overcoming evil and living a life worthy of Your calling.

 

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