Category: Rewards

What to Expect From The Greatest One Among You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, Servants of God, Serve, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-03-15

Bible Reference: Matthew 23:8-11
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: 8 You must not be called ‘Teacher,’ because you are all equal and have only one Teacher. 9 And you must not call anyone here on earth ‘Father,’ because you have only the one Father in heaven. 10 Nor should you be called ‘Leader,’ because your one and only leader is the Messiah.11 The greatest one among you must be your servant.

OBSERVATION: These verses really impacted me. Because in our ‘dog-eat-dog’ world, where everyone is greedy after the position just above them, so that they could earn more money, and be looked up to. Imagine how we would feel if the further up we went, the more servanthood was expected of us? That doesn’t even sound right in our world today, and in the work atmosphere in which we find ourselves, right? Then let’s dig into the Word by meditating on this for a while today.

APPLICATION: A new hire will most often start out in the lowest position of an organization, so that they might learn that position and hopefully everything else above that position, as they progress along in their employment. Imagine if, at the beginning of year three, they were told by their employer that they want them to take on more servanthood, along with added responsibility in the organization. Do you suppose they would be just a little confused? I believe in our employment world today, that individuals feel honored to move up, because finally they could have others do all the piddly jobs for them, to help them look good and move up even more. In some environments, supervisors are encouraged to not mix with their employees, because they would lose their respect. But what about the child of God that studies the practices of Jesus, God’s Son, and tries to follow the concepts taught in His Word? Is it not unimaginable to think of a ‘leader’, or a ‘manager’ to lift up their workers and praise them for helping the department achieve their goals? Wouldn’t that leader or manager feel less than adequate before their boss? What about in the church? I hope that you are not seeing your pastors, or elders, or deacons, or teachers, placing themselves on such pedestals that they wait to be served by others. For if we are truly to imitate our Lord and Savior, we would see our main ‘servants’ scrubbing the floor, washing the feet of others, serving food to the hungry and showing the love of Jesus to all they come into contact with. Jesus encouraged us to not even assume titles by which He or His Father were known, for we would never want others to assume for a moment that we are to be looked up to as another ‘Jesus’. For there is none like Him, and we are never to try and assume His place among those with whom we worship, work or mix with. Friends, we are on this earth to promote Jesus, not to be His equal, because we would never succeed in that. While we should strive to imitate His goodness as a sign of obeying His teachings, we must be careful to pass all praises on to Him. For it’s Jesus that we live for; It’s Jesus that we represent; It’s Jesus who loved us enough that He died on a cruel cross to save us eternally; and it’s Jesus who is coming back to gather His chosen ones to accompany Him in glory before the Father. Friends, we are servants of a great BIG God! Let’s remember our role, and His, each day of our lives, and seek to follow His instructions regarding our servant role while here on earth.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Greater than all others, yet You demonstrated servanthood while here on earth, and because You want us to live our life as an example of Yours, I believe that You are commanding that we also be servants to those around us, including those that we may have supervisory charge. In humility You came to this world, in humility You lived, and in humility You were crucified. Therefore to imitate You, we must also be humble. Please continue to work on us, mold us and direct us, so that others will recognize You and want to know You as Lord. AMEN!

That They May See The Power of God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Praise, Praise-worthy, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-03-13

Bible Reference: Exodus 14:24-25; 31
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 24 But just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion. 25 He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”……….31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

OBSERVATION: I’m sure that many Egyptians had heard about God, and through the plagues had even seen the power of God, but in verse 25 they recognized that the power of God was fighting against them. After the Red Sea incident, the Israelites were able to look back in awe and see the power of God in action to save them. Not only were their eyes opened, but they gained a new, stronger faith in God and in His servant chosen to lead them. I am fascinated with the ways that God chooses to get the attention of His children!

APPLICATION: Don’t you find it interesting how we pray for God to touch our neighbor, or our coworker, or our fellow worshipper (often because we see so much going on in their lives), yet when we see God move, He touches their life and ours? You might beg God to give you strength and wisdom to call and encourage a friend who has been given a death sentence by their doctor, yet as you walk out of their door from your visit, you feel so much better in your own heart because of how God used them to bless you! In each of our lives, we may feel like there is so much opposition around us that it seems virtually impossible to survive as a child of God. However, I want you to think with me today about the scenario in which our focal verses come from. The Israelites were blessed of God, and He basically shook the foundation of the earth to show His might and His protection over His people. There were plagues upon plagues as God demonstrated His power before Pharaoh, but can’t you see that the whole Egyptian population also suffered through and witnessed God’s awesome power through all of that? However, the Egyptians were loyal to their king, and therefore obeyed his orders to take off after the Israelites, even though they left with the full permission of Pharaoh. In the short clips of the chase that ensued, we could see where, in verse 25, the Egyptians recognized God. For they could clearly see that only God could open the waters so that His chosen people could march through on dry land. Only God could place so many obstacles in the way of the Egyptians to slow them down and keep them away from His people, the Israelites. But also look at the Israelites for a moment. In verse 31 they were able to look back at the struggling Egyptians and they realized that they contributed absolutely nothing to their demise, and that there was no other explanation but the hand of God working on their behalf to save them. Friends, our God loves us, His children that He sacrificed His only Son for, in much the same way. In saving the Israelites, He showed them that they were worth the world to Him. In saving us, we can clearly see that although we were placed on this earth to face all of its trials and temptations, yet God in all of His tender mercy and grace, reached down and showed us His forgiveness and His unrelenting love in a way that we were compelled to accept Him as Lord of our life. In doing this, we now can stand in awe like the Israelites, and marvel at the goodness of our God, and offer our daily sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to Him tirelessly. Oh friend, What A Mighty God We Serve!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, I may never know why You loved the Israelites so much that You saved them from the Egyptian army, nor how or why You would sacrifice Your one and only Son so that I might live eternally in heaven with You. But like the Israelites, I want to reflect on the love You have shown towards me in so many ways and at so many times, and Lord I offer up my sacrifices of endless praise and unending words of affirmation and thanksgiving. Father, I pray that as each reader makes contact with this devotional today, and I ask that You would deliberately place it obviously in the face of those who need this word today, that they may lift up holy hands in praise, thanksgiving and adoration to our one Lord, one Savior and one eternal King! AMEN!

Let The Glory of God Be Displayed Through You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Glory of God, Proof-positive, Relationship, Rewards, Sincerity, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-03-09

Bible Reference: Psalm 19:1-4
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.]
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

OBSERVATION: Isn’t it really calming to look into the skies and marvel over the deep blue colors, or the night sky filled with twinkling stars, or even the deep dark clouds as they barrel in before a heavy rain? Isn’t it cool to look at the white passing clouds and the various shapes that they create? What do you suppose God is saying to His children through each of these scenarios? What do others think of us as they examine our lives and our words? Remember, if you’re a child of the King, you should resemble Him in all your ways!

APPLICATION: I find it disturbing that we fill our minds with so much ‘junk’ fed to us by television, movies, clubs, etc, instead of using the creativity that God blessed us with that would draw us to Himself and His creation. I believe that in the life of most of us reading this devotional, our typical evening might consist of arriving home from work, watching the evening news while we eat supper, then perhaps a movie or a gameshow, then off to bed for rest, in preparation for repeating another day of much the same. Where do we find time for creativity, or for reflecting on the goodness of God in all of that, dear friends? Some might convince themselves that because they went to a church meeting/event, that they saturated themselves with God. Did you, my friend? Or did you go through the motions of tradition in being present, and doing everything requested by the leader? I am a leader in my church, so I am definitely not discouraging you from attending church meetings and opportunities to learn about God’s Word, but what I am saying is that there must be time for us to develop, and enhance a personal, one-on-one relationship with our Maker. I often compare the relationship with my wife, to the relationship with my Savior. What if, each afternoon I went to the gym that she attends so I could learn about how she did that day, then go out with the guys and, at some point decide whether I will go home that night, or not? That would do absolutely nothing for the relationship between she and I. But isn’t that what happens all too often in the relationship we have with God? We listen to a devotional where someone shares about their relationship with God, instead of faithfully reading God’s Word and allowing Him to speak to us personally. We might watch a church worship service on television in order to check off the box that we worshipped God this week. Friends, if others are to see God all over us and through our very lives, it will be because He is oozing out of every fiber of our being. Our Scripture today points us to the purity of the heavens, where they are untouched by mankind or the world’s leader, Satan. We look at the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the clouds in all of their glory and we see God. I believe it is that kind of purity that we should strive for in our lives, if we want others to see Christ. Remember, it’s all about Him my friend. They don’t need to see your nice haircut, grooming, or anything else. They need to see what flows out of you? Let it be Christ, my friend!

PRAYER: May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable to You oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. May my life be a true reflection of You in every way, so that others will be drawn to You, and so that You may be glorified in every way. Please ignite a desire within each reader to strive for a similar goal, as this is my deepest, and sincere plea today oh Lord. AMEN!

Jesus, Moved With Compassion About Us

On By Ed AlgreenIn Ask and Receive, Faith, Near to God, Needs, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-03-08

Bible Reference: Matthew 20:31-34
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 31 Those in the crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet. But the blind men screamed out even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, show us mercy, Lord!” 32 So Jesus stopped and had them brought to him. He asked them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said, “Lord, we want to see! Heal us!” 34 Jesus was deeply moved with compassion toward them. So he touched their eyes, and instantly they could see! Jesus said to them, “Your faith has healed you.” And all the people praised God because of this miracle.[n And the two men became his followers from that day onward.

OBSERVATION: In this story we see a few things: First is the determination of the blind men to get Jesus’ attention. Although told by the disciples to be quiet, they shouted all the louder; Secondly, I am always shocked how Jesus would ask two blind men what he could do for them! He didn’t assume that they were there to have their sight restored, for they may have had much deeper needs that only the Master could resolve for them. And thirdly, their miracle led to them becoming followers of Christ!

APPLICATION: Throughout the gospels we can read story after story about the extremes that some folk went to in order to see, touch, or plead with Jesus about their situation. I am saddened by our current day believers who either wait until their very last option to seek Jesus and ask Him for help in their respective scenario, or because they have listened to Satan and the world, and have chosen to not follow Christ, they therefore might opt to not ‘bother’ Him in their time of need. Notice that the blind men did not let pride get in their way of getting close to Jesus and asking Him for a miracle. They weren’t concerned about friends trying to turn them away because their unconcern for Jesus. I want you to also notice that although these men were not followers of Christ, He stopped, listened to their plea, and delivered them from their blindness. Friends, this is another reminder of how deep the love of God is for His children. Remember that He went to the cross at Calvary for the sake of ‘sinners’ – those unconcerned about the love of God for them. Notice also that Jesus teaches us to never assume what the needs of another person might be. Wouldn’t you have thought that two blind men waiting to see Jesus, were probably there to ask for restoration of their sight? However, Jesus still asked what they wanted from Him. Friends, let’s learn from this that (1) We are to be specific in our asking of God, and (2) Let us always, always ask about the needs of someone we are going to pray for, and not assume what their needs might be. I believe the important question that Jesus might have for us today is: What is your greatest need that you would have me attend to for you? This should be the item that you are daily pleading to God for, and is first and foremost on your mind. Be determined as the two blind guys, knowing that the same Jesus that they called out to for mercy and healing, is still available, able and ready to also hear our cry for help and meet our needs.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we serve the awesome Creator of this world, and You have proven yourself over and over again, yet You are often the very last person that we call on in our times of trouble and despair. As we were reminded in this Scripture today, please teach us to be persistent in asking, knowing that You are ruler over all things and that Your awesome power is just as prevalent today as it was when You gave the command to restore eyesight to the two blind men. Lord, please touch the hearts and lives of all who might read this devotional today, and please especially touch the lives of my family at this time so that we all might be reminded of the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, and Your awesome love and power. For I ask these things in Your wonderful and matchless name, AMEN!

Acting on the Word of God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Acknowledge God, Actions, Faith, Obedience, Obedient, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-03-07

Bible Reference: Exodus 9:20-21
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 20-21 All of Pharaoh’s servants who had respect for God’s word got their workers and animals under cover as fast as they could, but those who didn’t take God’s word seriously left their workers and animals out in the field.

OBSERVATION: Through Moses, God told Pharaoh what would occur next in His ongoing testing, to gain the attention of Pharaoh and his people. Just like in the decisions we make each day, we commit to being a faithful, obedient servant of the King of kings, or not. The servants of Pharaoh had a similar choice. In each case we, and they, know in advance what the outcome of our choice will be. Are you satisfied with the choices you make, and your allegiance to God, dear one?

APPLICATION: Let me encourage you to click on the above Scripture reference, and at the very least, read from verse 13 through the end of the chapter, to get the backdrop of what we are looking at today. God got my attention in a very real way, because I could see a very vivid comparison to what is going on today. You see, God sent many plagues on Pharaoh and the Egyptians under his charge, yet we could see in our focal verses that some chose to pay no attention to the warning that God gave through Moses about the impending plague. Please stop to realize that God’s Word is filled with similar warnings to us today, yet it seems like increasing numbers of our population have decided to ignore the warnings and accept the Word of God about His love and awesome sacrifice that He made for the redemption of our sin. Notice that the servants of Pharaoh had two choices: (1) Do nothing and leave their cattle and slaves out to weather the storm, should one actually occur like God said; or (2) Listen to and respect God’s word, because of His previous warnings and actions already taken by Him to prove His power and His word. I believe that a vast majority of our world today have read the warnings from the Bible, or have witnessed current-day warnings to individuals, churches and countries and we also have made choices. Do we believe in this God who said in His Word that He sacrificed His Son, so that we might have the means of forgiveness for our disobedience to His commands and ordinances (sin)? It is clear in God’s Word that, in similar comparison to Pharaoh’s servants, we know that a choice to accept the word of God, believe in His one and only Son, confess that we are a sinner in need of a Savior, will lead to the eternal safety of the believer with the God of this universe! A different choice would result in eternal damnation with the evil one in the pit of Hell. My sincere prayer for every reader of this devotional is that we would imitate the servants who brought their cattle and slaves in – under cover, and secure our position with our Master by accepting the gracious gift of His Son. Notice that the choice made by the servants affected those under their care and control. We also have tremendous impact on those under our care and who look up to us. Are you helping them see God in all His glory, so that they may desire to know Him personally, or are you more of a stumbling block to them achieving this goal? Oh that Christ may be glorified in us today!

PRAYER: Oh that You may be glorified in all Your saints today, dear Lord. May You begin a new work in myself and each one that will stop by to read this blog. Some of Pharaoh’s servants listened, obeyed, and showed their slaves the power of God. Oh that others may see that same power in and through us in every word and action today, is my sincere prayer for each one who believes on the name of the Lord, AMEN!

With Faith, All things are Possible

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-03-06

Bible Reference: Matthew 21:20-22
Translation: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Bible Text: 20 The disciples were shocked when they saw how quickly the tree had dried up. 21 But Jesus said to them, “If you have faith and don’t doubt, I promise that you can do what I did to this tree. And you will be able to do even more. You can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. 22 If you have faith when you pray, you will be given whatever you ask for.”

OBSERVATION: We still use a lot of the same language, that Jesus used, in some of our business logic today – if….then…. This was used multiple times in these verses today, because Jesus emphasized that while our dependence on Him is vital, things are only accomplished because of our faith in Him. So let’s meditate on this subject for a while today.

APPLICATION: If you have faith, you will sit in the worse looking chair, believing that the legs and seat will hold you up. If you have faith in your car’s gas gauge, you will travel across the desert knowing that no gas station exist for miles and miles, but confident that you could make it across. Because Peter had faith, he got out of the boat and walked on water at Jesus’ command. In our Scripture today, Jesus told His disciples, and I believe He is telling you and I, that if we have faith in the power of the Almighty God, and we believe that He alone is God, with power and might to do all things, then we too can say to a mountain, or to a serious illness that exists in our life, to move aside so that I could finish the work of my Father. Friends, we are so accustomed to having our own way, that this kind of power could easily be misused, so I believe that we must take time to evaluate the individual that this might pertain to. For you see, the disciples, even though none were perfect, yet they left everything behind them to follow Jesus. They endured the mockery of being a follower of Christ, just as Jesus himself endured, yet because they had gained insight into the heart of Christ, and His awesome power, grace and love, they wanted to be just like Him, and I believe they longed to represent Him even to the extent of performing the miracles that He did. I believe it is so important for us today to seek God’s will into what must be changed in our lives so that we might look like Him, sound like Him, act like Him, and to be His hands and feet in our homes, in our job places, in our churches and everywhere we find ourselves. Can’t you see that until this happens, we would make a mockery of God if He allowed us to represent Him in performing miracles? Jesus challenged us in our Scripture today to have faith, for He said that if we do, then we can do miraculous things, and we will be more fruitful in our prayer lives. So the challenge presented to us today is: How’s you faith? Have you attained perfect, and immovable faith yet? I believe that as we gain a closer walk with God, and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to His perfect will for our lives, then perhaps our faith might be strengthened to believe in Him more perfectly, and our faith enhanced to do the things of the Lord, knowing that in Him, we can do ALL things!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, You alone are all powerful, and worthy of our praise in every aspect of life. Please work in miraculous ways today, so that our faith may mature to a state that we will pray believing that You will do whatever we ask. Yes, I understand that can be a dangerous wish if our hearts are not totally synchronized with Your heart, for until that is true, we will ask arie. Please touch the hearts of all those who will read this devotional today Lord, for I would ask nothing more than to know that hearts are being blessed and drawn closer to You, because of my meager efforts with this blog. It’s all because of You Lord. Please have Your perfect way, and be glorified in my life, and in the hearts of all those who will read this devotional. AMEN!

To What Extent Will You Obey God?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-02-27

Bible Reference: Exodus 1:16-17
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text:  16 “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.[c If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

OBSERVATION: In God’s Word we are reminded of the great love the Creator of this world has for His subjects. However, to align ourselves with His desires for His children, and His commands, we will often run into cases of opposition by world leaders, family and friends. I wonder how far we are prepared to go in our mission towards true obedience to our Father. Let’s consider that for a few moments today.

APPLICATION:  The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, had a decision to make. Will they stand in fear of the king of Egypt and obey him by killing all baby boys that they delivered for the Israelites, or would they stand in obedience to the King of all kings, and let the baby boys and girls live? They had a choice to make, and it was one that could have brought dire consequences to them, up to and including death. It just doesn’t get more serious than that my friend. But Daniel and his two partners had the same choice when it came to the choices they faced with the food demanded by the king, and the command to worship only the king. In both cases, these individuals stood firm in their faith, and trusted God to take care of them because of their obedience. Friends, today you and I will face decisions that will challenge our stance on many aspects of our life – the laws of our country – speed limits, valid driver’s license, obedience to authorities, etc.; our jobs – being upright and truthful in all that we say, obedient to those in authority over us, etc. It would be good at this very moment to decide what will be the overriding factor in our decision making – total obedience to God, even if it conflicts with something the boss is asking you to do? Whom will you serve my friend? It sounds like an easy and insignificant matter, and compared to the ultimate threat to the midwives, we may never face that type of threat. However, disobedience of man’s laws, and choosing to do our own thing at work, could lead to some serious consequences for us also. Will God truly reign in every decision we make today? I believe that if we are truly dependent on God and have totally dedicated ourselves to Him, then there should be no conditions placed on that. It would be good to remind ourselves even now, that if God takes us to the test, then He will help us through it. Satan will work through his earthly agents to test us in every way, and to try and created doubt in the power of our Maker, but we already know that ‘greater is He than is in us, than he that is in the world’. Amen and amen!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for holding our hand yesterday. Please continue to guide, protect and embolden us again today, so that we may stand firm in our faith and be a living sacrifice to You in every aspect of life here on this earth. May our witness be strong and uncompromising to all those who will come into contact with us today, so that they may be attracted to You and want a relationship with the same God that we adore and worship. To God be the Glory! AMEN!

Who Is God To You?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Honest Relationship, Relationship, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-02-23

Bible Reference: Psalm 18:1-3
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text:  1 Lord, I passionately love you and I’m bonded to you, for now you’ve become my power! 2 You’re as real to me as bedrock beneath my feet, like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress, my mountain of hiding, my pathway of escape, my tower of rescue where none can reach me. My secret strength and shield around me, you are salvation’s ray of brightness shining on the hillside, always the champion of my cause. 3 All I need to do is to call to you, singing to you, the praiseworthy God. When I do, I’m safe and sound in you.

OBSERVATION: As I read the words of the Psalmist, I could feel how important God was to him. It made me ponder what my three verses might look like as I described who God is to me. Let us ponder that for a few moments today.

APPLICATION: I wonder how well we do at recognizing God in everything, rather than the tendency to whine and complain about everything. For it is easy to sit and demand our own advantages and require our own selfish desires, but imagine the blessings we lose out on in doing that. It is so easy to totally miss God’s blessings and God’s careful direction for our lives when we selfishly demand our own way and limit our vision to only our own capabilities or imagination. For we must always be reminded that the ways of our God is far greater than anything we could even imagine! His power far exceeds our wildest imagination, so we need not place Him in a box the size of something we construct in our minds. So, as we stop and reflect on His handiwork, shouldn’t we recognize His awesome power, His careful instruction and His guidance through all of the uncertainties of this life? Friends, as we do, and I’m sure we will, let’s stop the crazy busyness of our lives and just spend some time expressing our gratitude to Him, and thank Him for loving us enough that He would select us for our participation in His marvelous and miraculous work. Please allow me to suggest that you read our focal verses several times to make sure that you allow the heart of David to saturate your very mind and allow you to identify with the sincerity of this great man of God. I bolded the number of times David emphasized his personal, heartfelt feelings towards his God, his Deliverer, his Savior, his Strength, his Rock, etc. Friends, if we gather nothing else from this Scripture today, may it be enough that we recognize, and be reminded of, the personal relationship that is encouraged with the God of this universe. If you have surrendered your life to my God today my friend, let me encourage you to join me in a deep desire to meet with Him often and not only recognize His goodness and His special love for us, but be sure to recognize God at work, and stop attributing the wonderful blessings sent our way as mere luck, or perhaps things that we deserve. For those who may have only heard of God, but haven’t personalized that relationship with Him, please read my Footnote and follow the directions on how to know my Savior personally. There is nothing He would desire more, than to have His creation – His child, return to Him in obedience and with a desire to know Him personally. He truly loves you dear friend! Allow Him to shower His love on you in miraculous and amazing ways!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for loving this mere sinful man enough that You were willing to sacrifice the life of Your one and only Son, for the forgiveness of my sin, and the promise of eternal life in heaven with You and Your Father. Being reminded of my personal blessings and the awesome relationship with my heavenly King, I am forever grateful that You loved even me dear Lord. Please touch the heart of all those who will read this devotional today, Jesus. May it be a life changing event for them, and not just another chore that they could check off their to-do list. Knowing You is to have a real, honest and sincere relationship with You. May You be glorified in everything You accomplish through us today dear Lord. AMEN!

How to Be Crowned with Success

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-02-21

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

Bible Text:  4-5 If 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. 6 In 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 – that we may be acceptable to God and our 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 for 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 all 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. The Psalmist 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! Won’t you join me dear friend?

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, then be willing 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!

It Originates in the Heart

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Heart, Heart Knowledge, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-02-18

Bible Reference: Matthew 15:17-20
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text:  17 Is it hard to understand that whatever you eat enters the stomach only to pass out into the sewer? 18 But what comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart. Words can pollute, not food. 19 You will find living within an impure heart evil ideas, murderous thoughts, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lies, and slander. 20 That’s what pollutes a person…..

OBSERVATION: Jesus overheard arguments from certain religious leaders who were criticizing his disciples for not following every little detail about their rules regarding ceremonial hand washing and food choices that conflicted with the restrictions of their religious beliefs. However this criticizing was coming from the hearts of those who were truly burdened by multiple other issues that were a lot more serious. Sounds a lot like some of the issues believers still face today? Let’s look deeper into this.

APPLICATION:  A lot of money is generated from diets, and pills and procedures that help people reduce the effects of what they put into their mouths. Many doctors, and some religions are convinced that certain foods are just not good for a human diet, and they try to work diligently with patients, and/or followers, to develop alternate diets. Some religions base this on Scripture, and therefore try to enforce the idea based on the Word of God. I find it interesting that Jesus never told the Pharisees they were untruthful, or inaccurate, but what He did tell them was that they should strive for removing the boards from their own eyes before pointing out the small specks in the lives of others. In fact, I am convinced that this Scripture was God breathed for each of us reading this today also. For just as the Pharisees saw the challenges the disciples had, we might be very apt to look at the Pharisees and denounce their faults. But I believe that what God is truly trying to say to His children today, is that we have a full time job in trying to stay focused on the issues that derive from our wicked hearts, and in seeking to correct our own issues first and foremost. I believe that only then, do we have the audacity to approach someone else and show them up for their apparent weaknesses. Friends, we are not God, and while we may find ways to try and help others to overcome challenges they fight with, we are far from having the authority to act like God and try to straighten out their sin. Jesus points out to us that we have a huge responsibility to ensure that our hearts are filled with His grace, His goodness, His perfect love for mankind, and His forgiveness. For unless we are, then we might easily tend to judge others, or even be prone to many more acts that might be even more serious than those of the Pharisees, the disciples or anyone else we feel may be failing. I love that old spiritual that includes the words: “It’s not my brother or my sister, but it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer”. Yes, I believe that we personally have so much need in the sight of God, that I’m not sure how or when we will ever find the time for correcting a neighbor who is in need, or may be failing in some walk of life.

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. Precious Lord, You are merciful and You looked down in love and saved even me, thank You! I am also grateful that You saved many of my friends who will read this devotional today that have also accepted You as Lord. We have such a huge job of minding our intake of worldly issues, bad attitudes and habits, that we’re not sure how we will ever get around to helping a Brother or a Sister, but Lord we need You to help us through every circumstance of life. Please draw us to Yourself daily, so that our hearts will overflow with the love and attitude of Christ. We want others to see enough of Christ in us, that they would have a strong desire to know You in a personal and meaningful way. I am convinced that You will return to take us home with You very soon, oh Lord, may we be found faithful until the end of time. AMEN!