Be Ready and Be Rewarded

On 2023-03-272023-03-27 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Readiness, Ready, Ready to Go, Recognize God, Rewards, Salvation, State of Readiness, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Monday, 2023-03-27
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 12:37-40
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: ³⁷The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! ³⁸He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. ³⁹“Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. ⁴⁰You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

OBSERVATION: I know of some dads who will leave without you, if you are not ready when he comes to pick you up! Many employers will give you only limited chances if you report to work late. Yet, throughout the Word of God, we are not only told about the return of Christ, but we are warned that He will reject those who have not prepared themselves for heaven. A glorious reward, but will you be blessed with this awesome gift from God?

APPLICATION: Having sold a few personal items via Social Media, I can appreciate the point of being ready and being on the lookout for a buyer when they come to pick up their purchased item! My father-in-law was one who would have his bags packed, and out near the driveway well in advance of the time his ride promised to pick him up! My wife and I felt this was funny, but in meditating on the Scripture at hand this morning, I was reminded that Jesus doesn’t want us to wait until His return to hang up our earthly desires and our careless regard for the promised return of Jesus to collect His saints. Do you suppose that this may be due to stories we have heard about evangelists naming a date or timeframe for the return of Christ, only for us to arrive at that date and not see Him? Remember, the Bible tells us that not even Jesus knows the date of His return, only the Father. When it is reported that a hurricane is headed our way, some will immediately purchase material to protect the windows in their homes, but some will procrastinate by assuming their own inclination that the hurricane will hit places all around them, but they will personally dodge the bullet. In these two scenarios, whose home will be best protected from hurricane force winds? In the Bible, Old Testament prophets foretold it, and in the New Testament we can read about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this Scripture we are reviewing today, and in many other references we are told that Jesus, our Master and Lord, will return to earth to take His bride – the church, home to glory to be with the Lord forever. That’s the saved on earth – the believers in Jesus Christ, we are the church. When will Christ return? According to the Bible, no man knows the day or the hour. Jesus said that only His Father knows the day He will send His Son to collect His bride. The Bible is just as assuring about what will happen with those who have not invited Jesus to be Lord and Master of their life. Unfortunately, they will also receive their just sentence – a one-way trip to Hell where Satan and his demons will punish them with fire and damnation for all eternity. In today’s Scripture, Jesus likens this time of decision to a master and slave scenario. If the slave is ready when their master returns to get them, they will be rewarded. The greatest reward is in knowing your state of readiness. This is not something that anyone else can arrange for you or maintain for you. This is a personal decision you make with Jesus and only you know how honest you were with that commitment or how serious you take the commitment you made to Jesus. To be ready for the return of Jesus, You must have invited Him to be Lord of your life at the time that he returns. If He came today, are you sure of your eternal fate? If not, please call on Jesus today. Because this is a personal decision, you don’t need to wait for the next church service, as Jesus might return before that. Do it now, my friends.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Just as we love to use our credit card with ‘rewards’, so we should be excited to know that we are ready for the return of Jesus Christ and the rewards He has in store for us. Ready, or not, Jesus will return only once to take those who know Him personally into the glories of heaven. For those who miss that, the rewards are nowhere as pleasant, for their master, Satan, is waiting for them in Hell. I’m ready if Jesus should come today, are you?

PRAYER: Oh dear Lord, have mercy on those who try to defy all odds and wait for the last minute to decide on a course of action, whether it be an approaching storm, or Your unannounced return to take Your children home to heaven. Please soften their hearts and once again convince them of their sin, Lord. May all of my readers, listeners and all of our family and friends be ready to meet You if You choose to come today. We all know what needs to be done, but now I pray that You will give them the strength and boldness to believe in and trust You as their personal Savior. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might 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 Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Your Reward From Above

On 2021-09-092021-09-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Rewards, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Thursday, 2021-09-09
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Luke 14:12-14
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹²Then Jesus turned to his host and said, “When you throw a banquet, don’t just invite your friends, relatives, or rich neighbors—for it is likely they will return the favor. ^13–14It is better to invite those who never get an invitation. If you invite the poor to your banquet, along with the outcast, the handicapped, and the blind—those who could never repay you the favor, then you will experience a great blessing in this life, and at the resurrection of the godly you will receive a full reward.”

APPLICATION: It seems like the days of mixing with friends and enjoying time together is becoming a rare thing. Partly due to Covid, but I truly believe that we have become such a spoiled and selfish people with our own entertainment – television, devices, etc. in our comfortable recliners, that we couldn’t care less about mixing with others. My wife and I are full-time RV’ers and way too often we visit a park and hardly see anyone, unless they go out to walk their dog. Camping used to be a time that everyone enjoyed the outdoors and the friendly campers that would pass by. Oh the comforts of home! But think about the parties you pitch, or the ones you attend. Don’t you find the same socio-economic type, and the same group of friends? Have you, or any of your well-off neighbors ever pitch a party for the homeless under the nearby bridge, or the beggars who stand at the corner every day? I know, life is just too fragile, and especially with crime at such a high level, you just don’t want to invite strangers into your home. But have you donated your time to the local food bank, or the kitchen that serves the hungry of your community? What if a few of us decided to volunteer at the kitchen on Thanksgiving day, instead of stuffing ourselves while enjoying yet another day of celebration with our family? I believe that as our eyes could be opened to the sobering thought that there are needy people out there who may have gone to the same school we attended, who used to attend the same church that we now call our home church, they have kids who challenge them just like ours do to us at times. I believe it is then that we might realize that there are people out there, just like us, but they need a hand up for just a short while. Perhaps their employment will return soon, or perhaps their retirement funds will be released soon, or their husband will be released from prison soon, with hopes of employment following very soon. In God’s Word Jesus said that in as much as you have done something helpful for the least of these, you have done it for Me. My friends, the needs are many, and often God will check our heart’s condition by placing a need right in front of us. Open your eyes dear friends, and encourage me to do the same. Jesus may be standing right in front of us wondering if we love Him enough to help Him. What will you do? I want to receive my full reward from Jesus when I see Him face-to-face, don’t you?

BLESSING(S) NOTED: A reward is coming, if only we will be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth and meet the needs that are so obvious, and that are standing right before our eyes!

PRAYER: The needs are many, and You have placed them in very obvious places so that we will be faced with a decision to help, or just pretend that the need could be resolved by someone else. Lord, please open the eyes of each reader and listener, so that we may apply ourselves to the needs and follow your example intently. I am thankful that there are rewards in store for those who see and meet the needs, but Lord I pray that Your children will be so anxious to give in return for all that You did for us on Calvary, that we will do so without any concern for being rewarded again. Please let us be Your hands and feet on the ground, and may we will always be loving and willing servants. AMEN!

How To Have It All

On 2021-06-032021-06-03 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Rewards, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2021-06-03
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 10:29-30
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: ²⁹Jesus told him:
You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or land for me and for the good news ³⁰will be rewarded. In this world they will be given a hundred times as many houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and pieces of land, though they will also be mistreated. And in the world to come, they will have eternal life.

APPLICATION: Take a quick look at the rewards in store for the believer in Jesus Christ, and you might wonder what could possibly be concerning to unbelievers when they use the excuse that they would have to give up everything in order to surrender their lives to Jesus! I must share with you the testimony of an old missionary from our church. He shared with the men’s group how, when he was called on mission by Jesus, he started by giving his home and earthly possessions to a local church. He didn’t sell the house, because that was not a part of God’s calling. God told him that if he agreed to go to the mission field, he would take care of him. The gentleman didn’t want the worries of home and property back in the US, and he wanted to take God at His word about caring for him in a foreign land. He stood before us, after retiring from the mission field, and his life was about as rich as one could every expect to be here on earth. He had successfully completed a lot of work overseas, and now the work continues under his wise counsel. He was well cared for, healthy, blessed and living in a home located in a Missionary Camp in our local area. I now wonder if this Scripture was an inspiration to His life’s commitment and story of success? Friends, God is always true to His commitment to us. If He takes us to a situation, He will see us successfully through it. Just look at the blessings in store for those who commit to give up their life, as they know it today, and follow Him into His mission, wherever needed. He has gifts stored up for us here on earth, and He also has a glorious home prepared for us to spend eternity, when we leave this world! Notice that neither of God’s promises are conditional upon the stock market, as those rich on earth are so concerned about. I am convinced that God not only loves us unconditionally today, but praise the Lord He also has a whole new world prepared for us on the other side!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: There is no distinction in God’s Word that specifies which class, color or creed of people His rewards will be awarded to – just children of the Most High God who have chosen to surrender to His call on their life! That includes me – and you, my faithful readers and podcast listeners! Praise to our Almighty God!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for loving even me, and the plans You have for me! Thank You for my readers and listeners of this devotional, together we praise You and look forward to not only enjoying our heavenly home, but just to see you face-to-face and worship at the feet of You and our Mighty God! Please Lord, use us in Your service while here on earth as we prepare for the glorious day when we will transition from earth to heaven! I am convinced that the best is yet to come! AMEN!

Do It Again, Lord

On 2021-04-182021-04-18 By Ed AlgreenIn encouragement, Faith, Repentance, Rewards, Surrender, TrustLeave a comment

Sunday, 2021-04-18

Bible Reference: Psalm 27:13-14
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: Yet I totally trust you to rescue me one more time, so that I can see once again how good you are while I’m still alive! Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!

OBSERVATION: David had witnessed the power of God in His life many times, yet he didn’t take that for granted. We see in this Scripture today, that David is asking God to intervene – one more time. The powerful thing about these verses is that David is not approaching God as a stranger, for he shares with us lessons that he had previously learned. Hopefully we can approach God with that same confidence today!

APPLICATION: Hopefully we all can remember a time that God was especially real to us. It may have been a time when we couldn’t figure out where to turn next, or who to turn to for help, when suddenly we sensed the power of God intervening in our life and giving us purpose to go on. At some point we may have learned that someone was praying especially hard and persistent for us, and that convinced us even more that it was the hand of God that touched us in our time of need. Friends, I believe that God especially gives us times of refreshment like that, so that we might have a memorial to refer back to and be encouraged by. For He saw our need and responded to our prayers when times were really challenging for us. The glorious truth is, that He could very easily ‘do it again’, if only we would seek Him and depend on Him. While I believe that these very special times might be refreshing times for us individually, I also believe that they sometimes serve as a tool that we may use to encourage others that may encounter similar challenges. Another real purpose that these special experiences might serve, is to encourage our own selves when challenges come our way. Have you ever experienced a time when you sat down and almost cried, because the burden seemed so heavy? The need for power, or for encouragement, or perhaps healing may have been overwhelming. You may not have known which way to turn next – until the Holy Spirit suddenly brought to remembrance a time where God clearly responded to a similar need in your life. It was times like this, that you regained purpose in your relationship with the Master, and you were able to return humbly before the Lord and seek His forgiveness as you acknowledged your need and your weakness before the Creator of this universe, the Master of the land, sea, and every living thing. Friends, it is unfortunate, but way too often we try to assume control over our circumstances for which we have no power. And it’s not until we humble ourselves and rededicate ourselves completely to the lordship of Jesus Christ in total surrender, that we make room for Him and His awesome power to move mightily in our lives. I believe that God is waiting for us to surrender, or re-surrender ourselves to His will, so that He might move in our lives personally, and corporately, one more time. I need that, friends. I hope and pray that you will also see the need to be totally surrendered to Jesus – yes, especially today!

PRAYER: In Your awesome expression of love, humility and power, You reached down and touched my life, and I thank You for loving even me that much. Oh that I may be reminded of whose I am, every time that Satan tries to discourage and pull me down. Lord, I believe that many who will read this devotional may have experienced similar times of discouragement, and may honestly desire a touch from You once again. May this reminder from David be something that may return peace and encouragement to many who allow Your Word to penetrate their hearts today. Oh that they may be reminded of the mighty work You have already accomplished in their life, and may they be encouraged to seek You yet again, even in their current circumstances, knowing that You could just as easily ‘do it all again’! May You be glorified because of our surrender today dear Lord! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

A Treasured People

On 2021-03-152021-03-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Love, Love of God, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Monday, 2021-03-15

Bible Reference: Exodus 19:5-6
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: ⁵Now if you will hear My voice, obey what I say, and keep My covenant, then you—out of all the nations of the world—will be My treasured people. After all, the earth belongs to Me. ⁶You will be My kingdom of priests, a nation holy and set apart.”

OBSERVATION: Often we will ask God for things, and expect a whole lot from Him, but how often do we dig into His Word, learn about His commands and obediently follow His instructions? Let’s meditate on how this compares to God’s conditional promise to the Israelites that is detailed in Exodus 19:5.

APPLICATION: I wonder how many of us would pass up on a good deal, that we knew depended only on a few provisions that were within our ability to achieve? Here’s an example, or a scenario that some might quickly jump to: If you move from Florida to Georgia, you will become rich from working the soil there (farming) because of the natural minerals and nutrients, and you will enjoy much cooler weather in which to farm! Wouldn’t you think that some of our Floridians would pack up and begin the move to Georgia, to enjoy the new life that would include the riches of the land there? So let’s consider what we would do if God said to us something similar to what He told the Israelites: (a) ‘If you hear my voice’ and I believe this means that we would be required to not just say that we hear God’s voice, but that we would allow His words to penetrate our very being and have an impact on our lives; and (b) ‘If you obey what I say’ and I believe this means that we would be prepared to stop assuming that the Word is for our wicked neighbor, or for that unfriendly guy down the street, but rather that we, personally, would be prepared to respond to God’s Word by obeying what He tells us to do; and (c) ‘Keep my covenants’ – I believe that this means that we stop pretending that we are obedient to His written Word, but instead decide to truly obey His covenant that God set forth for us. All three of these things sound simple enough, but God added a reward for the Israelites, and I believe that He would do the same for us, if we truly follow His conditions – we would be His treasured people. Yes among all the people of the world, He would choose to honor and treasure us. Friends, this scenario is very much aligned with what God did for us on Calvary, by sacrificing His very own Son. He made such a sacrifice as a reward for us, if we accept His Son as Lord and Savior. The reward is that we would spend eternity with the Father and the Son in heaven, singing praises to the King of all kings and Lord of all lords For all eternity. This is not just a reward dear one, but in comparison to the alternative – eternal damnation under the leadership of Satan, our choice/offer by God is the only one that anyone of sound mind would deliberately choose. Friends, think about this and be blessed today. For those who will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and surrender lordship of your life over to Him, you will be considered a ‘Treasured People’ by the Creator, and you will join with the angels around the throne singing sweet hallelujahs to the King forever and forever. My prayerful desire today is that all who will read or listen to this devotional today will be among those treasured by God. If you have not accepted Jesus as lord of your life yet, let me encourage you to read my Footnote carefully and follow the steps that will lead you to find Him and accept Him as Lord!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for providing the means for us to find eternal peace, and eternal salvation through Your precious Son, Jesus. May all who read this devotional today be reminded of the importance of making peace with You so that Your eternal reward may fill their heart with joy and everlasting hope. Please soften the hearts of those who will read this, but have yet to agree to the simple plan of salvation. To know You is to have peace everlasting! AMEN!

Your Efforts Could Be Crowned with Success

On 2021-02-222021-02-21 By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Monday, 2021-02-22

Bible Reference: Proverbs 3:4-6
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ^4-5If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. ⁶In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

OBSERVATION: God’s Word amazes me in every way! Think about what mankind desires – primarily that he may be acceptable to God and his fellow man! Wouldn’t you say that pretty much sums it up in a nutshell? Our Scripture today has solid truth for us on how we could be most successful in setting this as a goal for ourselves, so let’s spend a few moments to truly meditate on God’s instructions to us.

APPLICATION: From the moment we are born, our mother and father begins drilling into us those things that we should, or shouldn’t do, if we want to please them, make them happy and/or proud of us. The more independent we become, we realize that there is a lot more to life than just making our parents happy, although that is at the very top of our list of priorities. Think about the idea of attending a school where no one really cares about us, because of our selfish or rotten attitude. Shouldn’t we strive to improve that? Then we start our career path and we can’t keep a job because no one could get along with us, or there might be some character flaws that the boss decides that they will not allow us to poison the other workers with. Wouldn’t we want to seek help on ways to correct those issues so that we could fit in and get along with everyone? Friends, I believe that our Scripture today has some answers for these issues that plague many today. For we are a people who strive to be independent, and do life our own way. However, in doing this, we tend to multiply our issues rather than solve them. Solomon is telling us that before we could gain the trust, respect and love of others, we must first allow the God of this universe to have an impact on our lives. In other words, acknowledge that we don’t have all of the answers, and then align ourselves with the only One who not only knows about today, but also has control of what tomorrow holds. Friends, our God created these complicated bodies in which we live, and He has a plan for each and every one of us, with the end goal of us living in such a way that He might be glorified through us. A reward is already established also – that whosoever believes in Him, then we will spend eternity in Heaven with He and His Father (God). So think about this as a resolution to the above dilemma: God created us; He established a plan for our lives here on earth that will glorify Him; And He has prepared a place for us to go when we pass on from this world to the next. This sounds like an awesome plan that is perfectly designed for our complete happiness and peace of mind, so why would we seek to do life on our own without any foreknowledge of tomorrow? Let’s follow God’s design for us and our wonderful life here on earth! Remember, if you want favor with God and with your fellow man, then trust in God and not in yourself. Put God first in everything you do, and He will direct your path and crown you with success! What an awesome God we serve!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are more wonderful than anything we could even imagine. Your Word today has reminded us of the plan You established for our happiness here on earth and in Heaven. Please humble us to the point of understanding Your plan, and grant us willing hearts to obediently follow Your plan. You designed us, and You sacrificed Your one and only Son for our eternal salvation. We are convinced that You have our best interest at heart, so please help us to accept the fact that mortal man will only fall deeper and deeper into the trap of Satan and his eternal destination of Hell. Please touch my readers and myself with Your marvelous love, and draw us to Yourself precious Lord, so that together we might all rejoice when we see You face to face. Oh what a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see! AMEN!

Easily Distracted

On 2021-02-142021-02-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Distraction, Distractions, Faith, Faithfulness, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Sunday, 2021-02-14

Bible Reference: Matthew 14:29-33
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: ²⁹“Come and join me,” Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he cried out. ³¹Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?” ³²And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased. ³³Then all the disciples crouched down before him and worshiped Jesus. They said in adoration, “You are truly the Son of God!”

OBSERVATION: In Hebrews 11:1 we are reminded that faith is confidence in what we hope for, and complete assurance of something that we cannot see. Perhaps with that in mind, we could better evaluate the faith that Peter had in jumping out of that boat, and also the faith that we have in taking our petitions before a holy and miraculously working God. May our faith increase today as we meditate on this story of ‘faith’ by Peter!

APPLICATION: There are so many things we could learn from this story of Peter. I believe that most of us will share the reflection that this story shows us the faith of a man as he attempted something that defies nature, and that he had never thought possible before. Of his own power, perhaps the disciples expected Peter to jump out of the boat in the middle of the sea, as he prepared himself for the intake of water through the nose and mouth, or if he could swim, perhaps he would quickly assume the swimming position! However, things were a bit different with Peter, for: a). He had already experienced the power of the Almighty, and he knew that Jesus had the same power to do even those things that are impossible in the eyes of the world; b). He paid attention to what Jesus was doing, and knew that if Jesus could walk on the water, He had power and authority to empower him (Peter) to do the same; and c). Peter heard the command by Jesus, and in spite of the yelling from his fellow disciples, he obeyed Jesus. So what happened? Why does Peter’s effort seemed to have failed? I am convinced that Jesus already knew how quickly Peter would become cocky about being given this special power, so Jesus demonstrated to Peter, and to us, that faith requires that we keep our eyes fixed on the author of our faith – Jesus, and His Father God, lest we fall into the trap of bragging about our own power. I had a friend dying of cancer, and she traveled hundreds of miles to be prayed over by a TV evangelist who showed on public television that he had powers to heal. WRONG. Stop right there. Friends, as demonstrated in this story with Peter, and as we already know about healing powers – it is God, through His Son Jesus that spoke the word for Peter to walk on water, and it was Jesus who rescued him as he began to sink; it is God alone who heals a body that He created from dust, and restores it to perfect health so that He may be glorified. Our responsibility is to look to Him for all things and keep our eyes fixed on the author and creator of life itself, knowing that through His power, lives might be healed, souls might be restored to the Kingdom, and that the unsaved may recognize the grace and power of our God. It’s all about ‘God’, my friend. We are just instruments of His love and servants of our majestic King. The Master deserves all the praise for all that He does, for nothing of our own is merited, or worthy of praise, but only what He has done. Please be careful of the distractions that Satan will place before us. For Peter, it was the wind, the rough waters and perhaps self-confidence, that caused him to take his eyes off the Master. For us, unfortunately we live in a world that is totally filled with distractions that Satan places before us. Think about our pride; trying to impress our peers; being called names (like Jesus freak, etc); believing in things that defy nature; eccentric for believing in someone we can note see, etc. Remember that our distractions are often forces that draw us away from God – our primary power source. Don’t let Satan win over you my friend. In verse 31 we are reminded to not let ‘doubt’ win in our battle to ‘believe’. Trust in God, and all of this, plus a whole lot more could be yours, child of God!

PRAYER: Oh Lord, You are my God! The same God that created this wonderful world, and also created all of creation. I acknowledge again today that there is nothing that You can’t do. Please forgive me for my doubt and my lack of faith. Thank You for the reminder in today’s Scripture that You had the power to walk on water to get over to Your disciples. I wonder what You must travel over, or through, at times to get to my readers and I, and the trouble we find ourselves in at times. But I am assured that just as we saw where the water didn’t stop You from getting to Your followers, we need not let anything hinder our requests today, for many things will appear to be impossible to us, but with renewed assurance today, we KNOW that we can come before the throne of God and plead our case before an all-knowing, all-powerful, forever-loving God who says that ALL things are possible with God! You are our King, and we adore You and worship You today oh Lord, not just for what You can do for us, but for who You are! AMEN!

Analyzing For entry into God’s Kingdom

On 2021-02-122021-02-12 By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2021-02-12

Bible Reference: Matthew 13:41-43
Translation: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Bible Text: ⁴¹The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom everyone who does wrong or causes others to sin. ⁴²Then he will throw them into a flaming furnace, where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain. ⁴³But everyone who has done right will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. If you have ears, pay attention!

OBSERVATION: The Holy Spirit impacted me as I read through these verses today and caused something to really pop out to get my attention. Jesus said in verse 41 that His angels will gather from HIS kingdom – meaning HIS children, in other words – those who claimed to belong to the Master, and they would be taken out and thrown into the flaming furnace. I believe it is important for us to really meditate on, and understand, this Scripture lesson today.

APPLICATION: To read that there are thorns among the wheat, and that these thorns will stunt the growth of the wheat, if left there during the growing period, is mind boggling. Yet we are told that the thorns should remain there. What do we make of this? I believe we would understand it very clearly if the Scripture said that those thorn bushes must be removed and burned, so that the wheat would mature without hindrance from the weeds. But that’s not exactly what Jesus said, is it? In my studies, I found out that back in verse 24 and following, Jesus told His audience that these weeds were planted to look just like the wheat, as they grew together. But let us consider this idea in its proper context. For example, in our beautiful, plush and proper churches today. Wouldn’t it be extremely challenging to look out over our congregation, or even rub shoulders with many of them, and try to imagine that some will produce fruit (wheat) during their lifetime, while others are uncommitted and are their as decoys (known as ‘weeds’ in this Scripture). However, Jesus reminds us that because everyone walking through our doors are dressed just like us, look just like us, sing just like us, and may even give to the ministry just like us, we must not conclude that they are children of the kingdom. In Psalm 1:5, we are told that “sinners will have no place among the saved” on Judgment Day. Therefore let us pay close attention to what Jesus is teaching here. Friends, I believe that way too often we look at what our coworker is succeeding at, or how happy that new Sunday School member seems to be in their life, and we start emulating their lifestyle, or we join them in the things that seem to successfully bring joy in their life. But Jesus is teaching us today that we have only one role model, only one Savior and only one Lord. He tells us throughout His Word how we are to seek His righteousness, and the things of this world will grow strangely dim. I believe that when we start desiring what another person has – whether it’s happiness, a great spouse, wonderful children, a healthy lifestyle, an expensive car, etc., then we are permitting ourselves to seek our happiness and pleasure in another person (wheat or thorns), rather than in the joy, peace and wisdom of our almighty God, who proved His love for us on Calvary. In our times of meeting at church, or any gathering, with fellow believers, or those we assume are fellow believers, we tend to lift up and encourage each other. But let us always remember that we are there for one purpose only – to corporately lift up the name of Jesus and worship Him from the very depths of our heart. It’s a given fact that some fellow church members may have more knowledge than us about the teachings of God, and some may even have experienced miracles from God, but if you miss your one-on-one encounter with your Maker, and if you confuse His direction that He has planned for your life, by following the lead of your fellow worshipper, then you are missing out on the importance of corporate worship. Remember, He has laid out a plan for you, and that plan will involve experiences that you may totally miss, if you receive your guidance and leadership from a friend. We all must accept Jesus individually, and we all must seek His perfect will for our individual lives, if we are to live the perfect life He has in store for us. How are you doing with this dear friend? Do you have a really intimate relationship with Jesus, and listening to His every command for your life? If not, let me encourage you to seek Him while He may be found. Draw near to Him, my friend, and He will draw near to you. You are the apple of His eye. He loves You and would like nothing better than to welcome you through the gates of Heaven when He calls you out of this world. Sure things up today, won’t you?

PRAYER: A challenging parable, but a much needed message for each of us today, dear God. Thank You for speaking to us in such unexpected, but important ways throughout Your Word. Thank You for drawing our attention to the real source of revival in our land. It’s not my brother, or my sister, but it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer and needing to draw even closer to You. Please speak to the hearts and souls of Your people today. Draw us to yourself, so that all doubt will be removed whether we are Yours – redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Lord, may those who are considered ‘weeds’ in our midst be reminded of the One in whose name they’re are known. Encourage them to grow in their relationship with You and cement their decision to follow You until Your return. People still need the Lord – yes especially those who feel comfortable in church, even without ever having experiencing You in their lives. May today be the day that they are introduced to the Master, and may they surrender their whole being to You and to Your will for their life. AMEN!

For Christ or Against Him?

On 2021-02-062021-02-05 By Ed AlgreenIn Dedication, Determination, Faith, For His Glory, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2021-02-06

Bible Reference: Matthew 12:30
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: ^30 ……he who is not with Me is against Me, and he who is not doing the Father’s work of gathering up the flock may as well be scattering the flock.

OBSERVATION: This verse is taken from a section of the New Testament where Jesus was clarifying for the Pharisees that His miracles were not of the devil. However, Jesus challenged them to consider their actions and attitudes as something that might be tearing down the Kingdom, not building it up. Let’s apply this valuation to our lives today, are we doing something to build up the Kingdom, or are we causing deterioration in Kingdom strength in our families and in our churches? Unfortunately, it is very evident to our Lord, and to our lost community.

APPLICATION: A piece of advice given by my wife and I several times over the years is ‘be careful, blood is thicker than water’. This applied to situations where the individual was talking to a family member about one of their relatives. That family member might be upset with their relative, and they may gossip about it to another relative, but they refuse to hear an outsider say something derogatory about them! Jesus witnessed the spiritual leaders of the day (the Pharisees) looking for every opportunity to entrap Him and/or imprison Him. He heard them speak evil about the good that He was doing in their community, yet they walked around pretending to be more holy than anyone else. Aren’t you glad that with our advanced education system, and our many computers and smart people, that we have learned to overcome this weakness in the church today? Ha, hopefully I received no ‘Amens’ to that statement, because it was really meant to highlight that even after all these years; after having the Word of God to show us the errors of our past generations, yet churches today are torn apart by the same wickedness. Imagine with me for a moment what might happen if Jesus walked down the isles of our churches next weekend and pointed out the folk who are promoting Kingdom growth, and then asked those to leave who were destroying His work here on earth. How’s your confidence level on whether you will be allowed to stay and continue your work for the Kingdom? Will the church grow after such a separation, or will it dwindle in numbers? Friends, please allow me to remind each one reading this blog, that when God is working inside of us and using us for His purpose and the good of His kingdom, then no matter what position we hold in church, or in our community, we would work together with other believers to promote the awesome love, power, wisdom and saving grace of the one true God – our Lord, and our Savior. When you are for Him, you will pray for those who open their mouths to speak for Him; you will lift up and encourage those who sing His praises; you will renounce evil and promote the goodness of God. There will be no need to look around to see who’s nearby when you speak of, or to your neighbor, because your words will be intended to lift up, and not tear down. Friends, there are many in my community who need the Lord, and I bet your community is very similar. They may be looking at the proof of God’s work in our midst, before they listen to our teaching or our preaching, or even watch for the sincerity of our walk, before they show interest in knowing Christ personally. They are probably tired of hearing the talk, but not seeing the walk of a child of the Kingdom. I believe that our takeaway today is that if we are for God, then let’s be extremely dedicated to living like He taught us, and like He exampled for us while here on earth. Jesus made it clear that we live out our beliefs, because when we don’t, it becomes clear that we are against Him. Talk with God today and allow Him to open your spiritual eyes to discern whose side you’re really on, both in words and in your actions.

PRAYER: Lord, may others see so much of Jesus in my speech and in my actions, that there will be no reason to question who guides me, who teaches me, who directs my path, and the direction in which I am headed for eternity! May all those meditating on this blog today be of the same mind and spirit, and may our dedication and commitment to you be contagious for all to see and subsequently follow. May we say like Paul did, if you want to see Jesus, follow me! AMEN!

It Will Be Worth It All

On 2021-01-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Rewards, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2021-01-10
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 5:11-12
TRANSLATION: New Century Version (NCV)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹¹“People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do, you will be blessed. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.

OBSERVATION: There’s a saying, that if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you will likely see the same results. I believe this also means that if you do what others have done, you should expect the same results as they did. The Bible says that prophets of old were condemned and had to deal with various forms of evil, because they stood for, represented, and boldly spoke the words of God. If we do the same thing as our Christian ancestors, we should not be surprised about the way we are treated in this world. Although our Scripture today prepares us for the outcome, God is smiling, because He has a great reward awaiting for us when we arrive in heaven! Are you preparing for your reward?

APPLICATION: I believe that faith is doing what you know will give you the ultimate prize, in spite of very challenging times accomplishing the work that will be judged. Fellow Christians, we are told that people will insult us, they will hurt us, they will lie about us, and they will say all kinds of evil things about us. The natural man will immediately ask, so what must I do to avoid that, because that sounds like anything but fun, or enjoyable times. But today we stand boldly with the Word of God in hand, and our Father says that if we truly stand up for Him and the things of God, we will experience the acts aforementioned. Why is that? I believe that the world acts in ways so opposing to the Word of God, and their actions so different to Godly actions, that they tend to look at us as the odd ball. We are looked at as the group that thinks differently; acts differently; stands for everything opposite to what the world enjoys; opposes some of the funnest times that the world enjoys; or as in my case, accused of being too black and white. In fact, the world may look at us and refuse to associate with us because we are simply no fun to be around. But the great news of Jesus Christ is that there is no reason for us to go to our corner and pout when we are looked down on, or not worth hanging around, but instead rest assured in knowing that because we are bold enough to do the right thing, our Father is smiling in heaven knowing that the prize He has set aside for us is merely gaining more jewels until we arrive safely at His feet. It’s worth it dear friend. Commit yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ, honor Him in all your ways, and all these things will be given unto you! Heaven is a glorious place, and I would be thrilled to have you join me at the feet of the Master one day very soon!

PRAYER: Praise the name of Jesus, we have a future that includes praise, worship and prayer at Your feet forevermore! But we need You badly while we remain on this old earth, dear Lord, for we live as a prince among thieves. Please continue to give us strength and boldness to encourage and love those who despitefully use us, for we would love to see them surrender their lives to Your lordship and rule. Oh that they may accept You as Lord and use their energies for promoting the Kingdom of God instead of their evil agenda to discourage and hold back the children of God. You are bigger than all our troubles Lord, so we trust in You, and depend on You, to help us deal with, and overcome this wicked world. AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Category: Rewards