Category: Salvation

The Lord Is Here To Help

On By Ed AlgreenIn God our Helper, Help, Helper, Our Help comes from God, SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   1 Corinthians 7:23-24 (TLB)

TEXT:  23 You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to him—be free now from all these earthly prides and fears. 24 So, dear brothers, whatever situation a person is in when he becomes a Christian, let him stay there, for now the Lord is there to help him.

OBSERVATION:   Paul had just addressed married individuals where one in the union may have been saved and the other unsaved. While Paul spoke to the challenges this brings to a marriage, he wanted them, and us, to understand that the thing that trumps our circumstances in life, is the condition of our heart before God. We know that God has an unconditional love for us, but do we need to change to receive that love? Let’s examine this…

APPLICATION:   Paul had just emphasized that it was critical, as part of accepting Jesus as our Savior, that we begin to faithfully obey His Word. To obey God’s Word, means that we must read it and meditate on the overall meaning of what God is saying to us. This should bring us to a point of changing the ways that we have looked, reacted and dealt with life’s circumstances. I found it interesting that Paul would remind us that most often these changes will not dictate us changing who we’ve always been, but instead we might do those things in much the same way that Jesus would have done them when He was here on earth. As part of becoming a child of the King, we want to also be more like Him, knowing that He was the only ‘perfect’ One. We would also have a strong desire, and a definite nudge from the Holy Spirit that now lives inside of us, to now imitate Jesus in all that we say and do. There is no doubt, life’s circumstances will come our way. Hopefully we will not really be put to the test like Job was challenged with, but we should be close enough to God that if we were challenged like Job, then like him, we would have the lasting joy of knowing where our help comes from, even in our toughest times.

PRAYER:   Oh Lord our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! A calm assurance to know that You are with us when life around us seems so out of control. Yet You are our strength, our vibrancy, and our reassuring hope when the stresses of this world seems like it is resting right on our shoulders. Thank You Lord for creating us in Your image! Thank You Lord for looking out for us from the very beginning of life, through various walks of our life, and for giving us assurance even while we live, that You have a much better place prepared for us, where there will be no sin but instead the everlasting joy of worshiping You and the Father for all eternity! It – will – be – worth – it – all, friends! Are you ready? Read my Footnote and follow the appropriate link so I might help you KNOW without a doubt where you will spend eternity. 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Tell Everyone What Jesus Did For You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Greatest Need, Personal testimony, Salvation, Share, Share God’s Word, TestimonyLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Thursday, 2018-04-26
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Mark 5:18-20 (TLB)

Text:

 18 So he got back into the boat. The man who had been possessed by the demons begged Jesus to let him go along. 19 But Jesus said no. “Go home to your friends,” he told him, “and tell them what wonderful things God has done for you; and how merciful he has been.”20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to tell everyone about the great things Jesus had done for him; and they were awestruck by his story.
OBSERVATION:
The appointment that Jesus had with the demon possessed man led to a total change in his life. He knew that he would benefit from being around Jesus even more, so he pleaded with Him to allow him to travel with Him. That would have been safe, secure and perhaps filled with ongoing miracles, but Jesus had a much bigger mission in mind for this man – to share his miracle of ‘new life’ with others, so that they too might see and believe – just like our personal witnessing/ministry today!
APPLICATION:
Imagine how small Christendom would be if, when folk went into a place like a church, they found Jesus, accepted Him as Lord and personal Savior, and never came back outside. Not only would the outside world never hear their gripping story, but they would think the worst of what must have become of them. Friends, it is one thing for the world to hear about some of the things that go on inside places of worship, but it is a totally more convincing fact for them to witness what happened in a life that was totally torn by sin, but have since seen a 180 degree change in their conviction, their lifestyle and in their demeanor. So often we hear the saying ‘what’s inside will come out’, and we see that materialize through the various ones that we encounter each day, but I must also share with you that if a change occurred inside of you, and you are not living out that change, then one might question if anything ever truly changed in you. Let’s consider briefly an example – a frequent visitor to the local pub, who most evenings have to be driven home because he would get too intoxicated to walk straight or drive home. This gentleman was introduced to Jesus and he accepted Jesus as Lord of his life. While a total change came about in his life, and he had no more desire to hang out in places where the Holy Spirit would not feel comfortable, he comes across his bar-hoping buddies from time to time. Much like the demon-freed man, this new convert made it a point to get in the way of his buddies, and he openly shared his story with them. Friends, this gentleman didn’t automatically become a preacher, but he had a story about how his life was changed. Sharing your story with others is often more powerful than reading the scriptures to your friends. Imagine, you are sharing a personal experience you had with God, not just about a prophet or healing that took place thousands of years ago that Bible writers told you about. Please don’t misunderstand, the Bible is the Holy Word of God and it always has the power to save and draw people to Christ. However, when you have bathed yourself in the Word, your personal story will be especially important to share with folk who need to know that our Savior lives, and He is active in our lives even today!
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace that saved a wretch like me, who was steeped in sin and had no hope of eternity. Much like the demon possessed man in our story, You accepted my plea for salvation and forgave me of my sin. I am eternally grateful for that dear Jesus. Much like our subject today, I am most comfortable around Your people who think much the same way as I do. But praise be to God, You allow me opportunities to ‘go back home’ and share the Good News of my Savior. Many of you reading this blog may fit into a similar mold as described. Let us pray that as we are taken outside of our comfort zone, that God would provide the opportunities to share Christ and to bring Light into the darkest lives of those who need a change. Out story is super important, please help us to ensure that it becomes very evident to the hearer that it is You who influence our lives each day, and You who saved us from a life destined for Hell and transformed us into a child of the King! Lord, may this be the day that ‘our story’ will lead someone to knowing more about You! 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

That All May Know

On By Ed AlgreenIn Ask and Receive, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Romans 11:25-26; 33-34 (TLB)

TEXT: 25 I want you to know about this truth from God, dear brothers, so that you will not feel proud and start bragging. Yes, it is true that some of the Jews have set themselves against the Gospel now, but this will last only until all of you Gentiles have come to Christ—those of you who will. 26 And then all Israel will be saved…..

33 Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his wisdom and knowledge and riches! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! 34 For who among us can know the mind of the Lord? ……

OBSERVATION:   In our first few verses, Paul showed the people how God had turned some of the Jews off from the Gospel, so that the Gentiles would have a better opportunity of accepting Him. And although that was only temporary, it served the specific intention of God. In the latter verses Paul is celebrating the wisdom of God as he reflects back. Could this be what God is doing to the church today?

APPLICATION:   As I meditate on the Word of God, it never ceases to amaze me on His great wisdom, and His awesome power to fulfill His Godly purpose. This particular Scripture has reminded me of a sad story that brought awesome results. Many years ago, my cousin, a young man about 35 years old, was electrocuted and fell to his death from a roadside electric pole. The mourning of that mother, my aunt, could be heard over most of the small town. However, before the sun set the following day, my dad (brother to the grieving mother) had surrendered his heart to Jesus! He then became a Godly influence to his five children until the day he died. What happened in this Scripture today, also reminds me an awful lot of America today, for it almost seems like the movement of Christ has been slowed down and possibly even dwindled some, and I wonder if it is not God dealing more intensely in the hearts of so many that are totally lost. I know, it doesn’t seem to make sense to you, right? Well friend, I hate to say it, but our wisdom is nothing compared to the wisdom of our awesome God. The Bible reminds us that His ways and thoughts are way beyond our own, so that tells me that I can’t possibly understand all that He is up to. However, I know from the Word that God made us all to worship and adore Him, yet we hate to look at the evening news for all of the crime and acts of hatred that fills our news portals, while churches are closing their doors because of non-attendance, lack of giving and leadership. Friends, we know that Jesus is coming back soon to collect His church. Can you even fathom how few will be taken up to glory with Him, compared to the huge population of earth? To the church, I would say with great urgency that people need the Lord. The Gentile population has grown, and unless we who are Christian, stand firm in our faith, lift up the banner of God so that the lost may recognize God in His greatness and accept Him as Lord, then there will be a massive divide on the day that Christ returns to take His bride away with Him. I have family and friends that I believe will be left behind if they remain unchanged. Assuming that many of you are in a similar position, I would encourage you to join me in praying to the God of this universe for a great movement upon our land. Oh that Jesus may rule and reign in our personal lives, our families, our churches, our communities and in our nations around the world. May the God of this universe become known as Everlasting King of this universe!

PRAYER:   Lord You are good and Your mercies endureth forever! In our Scripture today, we are reminded that although You created us to worship You, there are few who meet to worship You. You created us in Your likeness hoping that we would live in similar fashion to Your example while here on earth, yet there are many who mock and scorn You and Your children, much like what occurred in times past. Lord, all of these denials are evident in spite of the many warning signs that were left as reminders for us of Your great power. Heavenly Father, please soften the hearts of Your children this weekend, so that Your churches may be filled to capacity with worshipers longing to draw close to their Creator, our Everlasting God. 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

 

‘Faith’ Is The Answer

On By Ed AlgreenIn Believe, Know and Believe, SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Romans 9:30-32 (TLB)

TEXT:  30 ….. God has given the Gentiles the opportunity to be acquitted by faith, even though they had not been really seeking God. 31 But the Jews, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping his laws, never succeeded. 32 Why not? Because they were trying to be saved by keeping the law and being good instead of by depending on faith….

OBSERVATION:   There was a wide divide between the Jews and the Gentiles in Paul’s day, and he made an effort to not only correct that divide, but also to help the Jews in truly understanding the Scriptures, even though they often boasted about how studious they were in the Scriptures. Because these were faithful men in obeying the law of God, I am often concerned for those who obey God’s command today by attending church, but never seeking God’s face and committing to a personal relationship with Him. Let’s dig deeper into this, because we can’t afford to be misguided in the truths of God’s Word.

APPLICATION:   I once heard of a skilled acrobat that walked across the Niagara Falls on a tight rope/cable. On his returned trip, he pushed an empty wheelbarrow across the cable. No sooner than he hit solid ground, he was congratulated on how well he did and how skilled he truly was. So he felt compelled to offer one of his well wishers the opportunity to ride in the wheelbarrow for another trip across. But, of course, he quickly rejected the offer! Perhaps because his faith in the professional was not enough to trust his life in the hands of the acrobat! Is that why many have refused to invite Jesus into their lives, because they don’t have faith to believe that He would do what He promised in His Word? Friends, we are really backed into a corner on this. God says in His Word that there is only one way to be saved, or get to heaven, and that’s through surrendering your life over to His Son, Jesus Christ. God says that whoever believes in the Son of God will have life eternally with He and His Father. Conversely, if you don’t do this, and feel like you are good enough by not killing, nor stealing, nor breaking any of the other commandments, oh and you actually attend church at least once a month, then you should be allowed into heaven. NO, in man’s eyes you might be considered a good person, but in God’s eyes, unfortunately, you are just as loss as any other sinner on earth. Men would use the above illustrations as an indicator on whether we are dealing with a good man, or with a man you possibly may question. According to the Word of God, He looks at the redeemed of God and those without the Savior. In which group do you belong dear friend? Can you point to a time in your life where you knelt before the King of kings and Lord of lords, asked for forgiveness of your sin, and invited Jesus into your life to rule and reign until He returns to take us home to glory? If not, why not? Life could end for you today, just like it did for many yesterday – what will Jesus say to you, welcome home my child, or go away for I do not know you? Please use the link ‘To Know Jesus’ below in my Footnote, for more information on this, if need be.

PRAYER:   Precious Lord, please don’t give up on us. You created us, You sent Your one and only Son to die a cruel death on a cross, so that through Him we might be saved from the sin and strife of planet earth. Yet we stand and proclaim that we know better than You. In fact, some teach that they can choose any part of Your Word and make your stand on it, then perhaps they would be saved. What a chance Your children are taking, for it would seem like it is much better to follow Your total Word completely; know for sure that you are saved; and that heaven is your eternal home with the Father Son and Holy Ghost. The alternative is like taking a chance to look good before men, knowing that your eternal home will be with Satan and his never ending lake of fire. The choice seems obvious dear friend, will you decide today to follow Jesus? I really want to see each of you in Heaven whenever God calls us home to Himself! Please don’t disappoint me, nor God, 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

 

Free Gift!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Easter, Gift, Ressurrection, SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Romans 6:20-23 (NLT)

TEXT:  20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. 21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

OBSERVATION:   Paul relays to the church that there is a different mindset and a different lifestyle when one is transformed from the kingdom of darkness. Old values fade away, and a new life in Christ begins, with new values such as holiness that causes you to be ashamed of the old life that you once lived. There is a freedom that comes with your new life, that causes you to become slaves of God, as you quickly realize that He offers the free gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.

APPLICATION:   Paul found in his day that believers needed reminding of the world from which they came, and this was such a key point to them that he assured them that they don’t even want to think about it, because it makes them ashamed. This however, reminds the Christian of where our neighbors, family and friends might be at in their lives, and therefore give us a deeper yearning to share the Word of God with them. Friends, in verse 21 we are told that the end for the unbeliever is eternal doom. Is that what we want for those we love? I pray that this lesson today may be a reminder that time is short before the Lord returns to take His church home to glory. We have friends and family who are destined for hell – eternal doom; are we OK with that? As we celebrate this Easter, and the new life we have in our risen Lord, may we be careful to pray for those who are still deeply involved in sin and struggling to see the light and hope that we have in the glory of Easter and our risen Lord. This is a great time to encourage our loved ones to attend church with us, so let’s show them that we care, and pray earnestly for them that God will open their hearts to hear the truths of His Word this weekend.

PRAYER:   Lord, in the same way that we would be seriously upset over a neighbor or some other friend perishing in a fire, please make us just as upset in knowing that they have not accepted You as their Lord and Savior, for both brings death. Easter celebrations is all about You, our risen Lord. But please make us ever mindful of the new life the sinner might have in knowing You as their personal Lord and Savior. May this truly be a Resurrection Sunday for many who are lost in the darkness of sin and need You as their Risen 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

 

The Promises of God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Easter, Forgiveness, Sacrifice, SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Romans 4:23-25 (TLB)

TEXT:  23 Now this wonderful statement—that he was accepted and approved through his faith—wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. 24 It was for us, too, assuring us that God will accept us in the same way he accepted Abraham—when we believe the promises of God who brought back Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He died for our sins and rose again to make us right with God, filling us with God’s goodness.

OBSERVATION:   Abraham was blessed, and he benefited from the wonderful gifts of God when God blessed he and Sarah with a child in their old age. Paul wants us to know through this Scripture today that God’s grace is all sufficient for His children today, if we would trust in the very One whose death and resurrection we believe in, and celebrate this very week on our church calendars.  

APPLICATION:   The Scripture today is probably one of the most important ones that we could have come across, especially at this time of the year. For centuries churches have celebrated Holy Week, with the Good Friday and Easter weekend being only second to that of Christmas. On Good Friday we remember the death of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Bible. For those who have not yet accepted Jesus as Lord of their life, or you’ve been playing around with the relationship that you once started with Jesus, let me remind you that the only reason Jesus died on that cross at Calvary was to satisfy your sin and the sins of mankind. Are you rejecting His sacrifice and turning your head to the sacrifice that someone (Jesus) made just for you? Please take the opportunity this Easter weekend to accept the gift of eternal life, through the forgiveness of your sin, offered through the death of Jesus on the cross. The Bible says in verse 24 above, that God brought Jesus back to life on the 3rd day, signifying that He made Abraham, and us (His born again saints of God) right with His Father (God). Friends, that was quite a sacrifice that Jesus made, just for the sin of mankind. Will you reconsider and accept that gift this week? Easter will bring a fresh encounter for you as you join other saints in worshiping and praising the risen Lord next weekend!

PRAYER:   Lord, Your love is beyond anything mankind can imagine. Our Scripture reminds us today of the extent of Your love, and the sacrifice You made to demonstrate that love to us. Never before, and never again will we be blessed with such love and such awesome gifts. Please forgive us when we are unappreciative and reject Your offer of salvation. Lord we offer ourselves to You in return for Your gracious gifts, and we look forward in great anticipation to the day when we see You face to face! What a day that will be! 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

 

The Law vs Salvation

On By Ed AlgreenIn SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Romans 3:19-20 (VOICE)

TEXT:  19 We want to be clear that whatever the law says, it says to everyone who is under its authority. Its purpose is to muzzle every mouth, to silence idle talk, and to bring the whole world under the standard of God’s justice. 20 Therefore, doing what the law prescribes will not make anyone right in the eyes of God—that’s not its purpose—but the law is capable of exposing the true nature of sin.

OBSERVATION:   Paul was dealing with the same thing that we still hear today…. I know that God will allow my dad into heaven, because he is truly a good all around man. He loves his family, gets along with his neighbors and he is a true example of all the law expects from anyone. It sounds like am image was drawn of a ‘good’ man according to his obedience of the laws of the land and what mankind has defined in their minds. But is that really all that’s necessary to enter the kingdom of God?

APPLICATION:   The law of the land may dictate that: the speed limit on Main Street USA is 30 MPH. Obedience of that law will stop the cops from pulling you over, vs disobedience costing you up to $200 for a speeding ticket. There are a multitude of laws in the Old Testament, and some people choose some of those laws to ‘hang their hats on’ and insist on following them. Friends may look at these people as being kind of weird for following such traditional laws, but they can be praised for being so disciplined and motivated to obey rules that God may have dictated for His rulers and saints of old, because they had no other guidance for right living. However, in light of what God expects of us today, based on what He did for us at Calvary, does that obedience of law have anything to do with the divide between us and our Father? Absolutely not, for the Word is clear, that ‘Whosoever believes on the Son of God will have everlasting life’. Now friends, I am sure that God would delight in His born again saints today, if they studied the laws He gave to His Old Testament saints, and if they try to live according to the laws that still make sense today. But know that Your relationship with Jesus Christ is the deciding factor for allowing you into Heaven. Following the laws of the Old Testament may very well give you good principles to follow in life, but they have no saving grace associated with them. Studying the Old Testament is an excellent way of learning the ways of God and understanding those things that please Him and/or upset Him. It’s an awesome way of seeing the awesome power of God through the many miracles He performed through His prophets there. But at the end of the day, we walk away identifying the good deeds of some versus the bad deeds of many. We’re able to identify that, by comparing what they did vs the law established for them. And afterwards, we are no closer to heaven than when we first started, for the Word of God goes on to tell us how, because of our sin, God sent us Jesus – the only means by which we might be saved from our sin, and through whom we might know that we have eternal life with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost in heaven. Where are you at today friend? Do you know from the laws of God that you’re a pretty good person, or do you have a personal, intimate relationship with the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, Jesus Christ? Without the latter relationship you might obey the laws of God, yet never see the glories of Heaven. Don’t risk that my friend.

PRAYER:   Thank You Jesus for saving my soul, that You Lord for making me whole, thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation – so rich and free! Oh what a Savior! For You came to fulfill the many laws that You laid our for Your children to follow, and because of that we can look forward to the glories of heaven with You and the Father one day! Thank You precious Lord. Please use this devotional to bring You glory through touching the lives of those who read this and whose eyes are opened to the truths of Your Word. I ask these things humbly and with great expectation, 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

 

How To Safely Reach The End of Your Road

On By Ed AlgreenIn Heaven, King, SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Proverbs 4:25-27 (Voice)

TEXT:   25 Keep your head up, your eyes straight ahead,
    and your focus fixed on what is in front of you.
26 Take care you don’t stray from the straight path, the way of truth,
    and you will safely reach the end of your road.
27 Do not veer off course to the right or the left;
    step away from evil, and leave it behind.

OBSERVATION:   Words of wisdom is being shared by the writer of Proverbs, on what it takes to walk a straight and narrow road as a Christian.  Taking our lead from the world is easy, because anything goes, and there are no boundaries – other than man-made laws designed for order and safety reasons. Realizing that most of us want something more out of life, we will have a look at God’s Word for more refined instructions than just those offered by our laws.

APPLICATION:   I want to layout the road that God’s children travel, compared to the traveling we might do here on earth. I believe that seeing the comparison may help us to better understand how we could move along from point A to point B:

Towards Point ‘B’ On Earth Towards Point ‘B’ (Heaven)
If traveling in a vehicle, you would first sit down and either map out your driving instructions or make sure that your GPS is programmed to show you the way. God will place someone in your path to help you recognize your sin, and to share with you the love of Jesus, the Savior of the world – the clear path to heaven!
To ever make the trip possible, you will need to commit yourself to making the trip. Submit yourself to travel the directions from the map research or the GPS, and then get started. Knowing about the way to heaven is good, but to make it your a part of your life plan, you will need to follow the design outlined in the Bible. Surrender your life to Jesus and invite Him to be Lord of your life.
Traveling most efficiently might require you to unload unwanted, or unneeded stuff from your vehicle, in order to lighten the load. It will also require that you have faith in your co-pilot/navigator.

 

 

Upon arrival at your final destination (Point ‘B’) you will then search for your hotel and begin making preparation for your return trip.

 Sin is not allowed at your final destination, so the Bible teaches about the only way to rid yourself of all sin that burden you down here on earth. This exercise will not only lighten your load, but build your anticipation for seeing the King of all kings and Lord of heaven and all of the earth!

Upon arrival at your new eternal home, you will be greeted by Jesus and all of His saints and angels. Oh what a glorious day that will be!

 Friends, go back to the Scripture now and read the verses again. Notice that in verse 26 we are admonished to stay on the straight path – the path that’s outlined for us by Jesus in His Word, for He is the way, the Truth and the Way, and all that travel that road will have eternal life – life everlasting with the Father in heaven for evermore! We know the way, and we know how to get there. Why should any perish?

PRAYER:   Lord Jesus, we are a blessed people. You have provided the means of salvation and You have outlined in Your Word the road to Heaven. Please help Your children to be obedient and deeply desirous of the home You have prepared for us. Please be our shield from the sin of this earth and help us to always depend on You as our guide and our strength to keep our eyes fixed on the straight road that will lead us to heaven and peace forevermore with You and the Father around the throne. Lord we love You, and we want to be where You are. Please forgive us of our unbelief and weaknesses that hold us back from seeking heaven and place us in separation with You. We want to see Jesus! 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

 

Our Place of Worship

On By Ed AlgreenIn Heaven, Personal, Personal testimony, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Acts 7:48-50 (TLB)

TEXT:   48-49 …..God doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. ‘The heaven is my throne,’ says the Lord through his prophets, ‘and earth is my footstool. What kind of home could you build?’ asks the Lord. ‘Would I stay in it? 50 Didn’t I make both heaven and earth?’

OBSERVATION:   Back in the day when Acts was written, and particularly during the period that today’s Scripture refers, there was a lot of emphasis placed on the Ark of the Covenant. Then people, like David came along, and with a sincere heart for God, he really wanted to build a super worship center where God might be found and worshiped. While this was admirable of David, God wanted to then, just as He wants to now, remind us that He is not contained in a box that can be carried around by mankind, nor in a very beautiful Cathedral, where you will only find Him while inside that Cathedral. In fact He takes us back to the basics in reminding us that He made heaven and earth, so we are encouraged to meet with Him any where, any time and any place. Let’s learn to worship Him in His holiness from grateful hearts, and not wait to be in a particular place where we may not even recognize the ‘Great I Am’.

APPLICATION:   I would imagine that a first time visitor to church might become very confused, when they hear a testimony of God being in a Hospice room as their loved one died. Then they hear another believer speak of how real God’s presence was when they needed him while in the Operating Waiting Room desperately waiting to receive an update on their loved one. And while pondering all this, the Praise Team begins singing ‘He is Here, Hallelujah’. Friends, we hear stories of God being so real to people out in the fiercest storms, and we hear of God being so very near to a friend, or to us in the most quiet room. Some might wonder why then is it necessary to attend church to meet God? Not only does the Bible teach us to ‘assemble ourselves together with other believers’, but it also teaches that we allow ‘iron to sharpen iron’ – with an understanding that other believers encourage us, while we also encourage them. You might quickly respond that you have nothing to offer, or encourage anyone with, and I would totally believe you. However, if one little bit of Jesus might shine through you as you love on, and encourage others, then God has accomplished His work through you. Please try not to ‘box God in’. Not in your mind, as to limiting His capabilities; or in a certain place where He may be found, as He is here – hallelujah; or for certain people who is good enough, as He came for everyone who would come to Him and invite Him into their lives. In case you haven’t picked up on my drift yet, let me assure you that I serve an awesome God! He’s my Savior, Lord, soon coming King and Eternal Master! And the best news yet, is that He can be yours also! Please read over my Footnote for help in meeting my Lord. I’m convinced that He wants You in His eternal kingdom, if you would have Him be a part of your life today!

PRAYER:   Precious Lord and eternal Father, thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your very own Son to open the doors of heaven to all who would believe and accept You as Lord. I am overjoyed that this ‘Gift’ is still available to those who have procrastinated for so long. Now Lord, please open the minds of those You have created, and instill within them the wisdom of knowing the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Lord, and the King of all kings both now and forevermore. 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

 

Who Are You Lying To?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Moment of Truth, Salvation, Saved, True to the WordLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Wednesday, 2017-12-27
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Acts 5:3-4 (MSG)

Text:

 3-4 Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.”
OBSERVATION:
In chapter 4, we were told about how unified the disciples and Christians were in living together and pooling their resources to create community, and dependencies on one another. Joseph, also called Barnabas, showed a huge example of this by giving to the disciples 100% of what he sold a piece of land for. Another couple, Ananias and Sapphira wanted to be just like Barnabas, so they also sold land, but they decided to hold back a portion, and give the remainder to the disciples, under the pretense that it was the full amount. God hates pretense, so we need to look at this closer…
APPLICATION:
When God knows right down to our innermost thoughts, what do you suppose that we prove by trying to hold out on Him, or anyone else? Personally, I remember in tithing where I gave a full 10% of my net pay, and often when finances were tight, old Satan would cause me to question the amount I was giving to God. However, at a revival service we were challenged on our giving. We were invited to take our wallets out, and in our prayer to God ask Him to take control of all that He gives to us and allows us to earn. That night I was challenged to begin giving on my gross salary, so that I would be giving to God the first fruits of my earnings. Friends that was probably 10 – 13 years ago, and I have been blessed with the necessary finances ever since. Now, I don’t believe that this lesson is holy and solely about money, but more about the heart. The Christian faith is not one where we preach about doing what we say and not as much on what we do, for it is about a relationship with the Master Creator of this universe, including you and I. I once wrote a fairly complex software program that would run a whole bank. Whenever I received a call about something not working the way it should, my mind would go to all the possible programming around that part of the program. Why then do we feel like we can get away with Satan’s tactics when God, the Creator, knows so much about His precious creation? Do we think for a moment that we are fooling God – the Maker of all things, or are we simply fooling ourselves by thinking that we could pull off our shenanigans without anyone knowing – even God? It just doesn’t work that way friends? Mom, dad, sisters, brothers, friends, coworkers, pastors and everyone else might not realize what we are up to, but the God who created us, and knows all things, always has His finger on the pulse of what is going on in our lives. So why not ‘fess up friends, and do it right the first time, and every time, by asking God to forgive you of all your past sin. Welcome His Son, Jesus, into your heart and life and create a personal relationship with Him, then through the power of the Holy Spirit, ask Him to show you how to live in accordance with His perfect will. Others will soon question you about what has happened in your life, because of the change evident in your walk and in your talk. God can do just that for you, my friend, if you’ll let Him.
PRAYER:
Precious Savior, thank You for being a stable friend that we can depend on and place our faith in. A plumb-line by which we can measure right from wrong, and a loyal friend that we can depend on through all phases of life. I personally thank You for persuading me to surrender my life to You many years ago, but I am just as dependent on You today as I have always been, because I want to live life perfectly and in accordance with Your will, even in a broken and sinful world. For my readers and I that are serious about our relationship with You, please help us to live like You taught us to, and talk like You exampled for us while You were here on earth. For the curious and the lost, please soften their hearts once again today Lord, and may they be reminded about the truths of Your Word in several ways today – to the point that it may cause them to surrender wholly and solely to You oh Lord. 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 could 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 to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!