Category: Trust

Just Say The Word, Lord

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-01-21

Bible Reference: Matthew 8:7-10
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text:7 Jesus responded, “I will go with you and heal him.” 8–9 But the Roman officer interjected, “Lord, who am I to have you come into my house? I understand your authority, for I too am a man who walks under authority and have authority over soldiers who serve under me. I can tell one to go and he’ll go, and another to come and he’ll come. I order my servants and they’ll do whatever I ask. So I know that all you need to do is to stand here and command healing over my son and he will be instantly healed.” 10 Jesus was astonished when he heard this and said to those who were following him, “He has greater faith than anyone I’ve encountered in Israel! 

OBSERVATION: The Roman officer had heard of the awesome power of Jesus, how He healed the sick and raised the dead, therefore as he asked Jesus to come and heal his son (or servant), he had faith to believe that Jesus could do this in person, or by merely speaking the word. Jesus had never witnessed such faith during His time on earth. I wonder if He has seen such faith in my life. How about yours, my friend? Let’s meditate on this Scripture today, and allow God to open our eyes of faith.

APPLICATION: just in case you may be thinking right from the start that you could never have the kind of faith that the disciples had, or like Bible characters had, let me remind you that we are not alone in this. You might recall that Peter needed some help with believing that Jesus was alive, yet I’m sure that he and his fellow disciples prayed very hard for themselves and their Savior who had been crucified. While Peter had begun his miraculous walk on the water, yet his inept faith soon kicked in, causing Peter to begin sinking into the water. I find myself guilty of asking God to rest His hand of healing upon someone that I may be praying for, but I am reminded in the Scripture today that God could just as easy speak the word, and this body that He meticulously put together in the first place, could once again be healed and put back together by its Creator. So what about you my friend? How’s your faith? We practice it every day in worldly actions – driving over a bridge; driving through a tunnel; trusting that a shot of liquid medicine by our doctor would heal our serious ailments; trusting that our fuel gauge is accurately measuring the amount of fuel in our vehicle tanks; etc. So why do we find it so challenging to believe in a God who created the universe, you and me, and have taken exceptional care of us ever since? I believe that we must start with knowing God very intimately. Start by reading His Word that was provided for our edification and benefit. As we know Him, believe in Him, understand His limitless and unconditional love for His children, then perhaps we would easily believe in all that we read. Add to this a degree of trust in His answer to our prayers concerning needs that some may fell are fairly insignificant. A good friend of mind told me about the times that he was in a rush to leave his home, but couldn’t find his car, and house keys, and how he would stop and ask God for His help. Sounds insignificant, right? However, my friend felt very comfortable in placing much larger needs at the feet of Jesus, as they arose, because He knew already that he could trust God to answer his urgent prayer needs. I live hundreds of miles away from most of my family, yet I know that my simple prayer of faith could invoke the attention of my God to touch a family member, because He heard my prayer. Now, before our naysayers chime in with the times their prayers were not answered, let me remind you that as Christians, we are to seek the best answer that God sees fit for us. I may ask in my prayer that God take me to another country, but I arrive at the airport and find that the plane has mechanical problems, so I can’t travel until the following day. Did God answer my prayer? Of course He did my friend, for He kept me safe from whatever accident or disaster that would have happened with our plane in the air. Remember, we ask God, we don’t tell Him what He should or would do. The Bible says that if we ask, we will receive. Ask in faith my friend, and believe that the God who loves you immeasurably, is waiting to hear from you, and will answer your prayer.

PRAYER: Lord God, thank You for loving me unconditionally, and for listening to my, often, petty requests. Please forgive me for the lack of faith that usually holds me back from basking in your goodness. Lord, I believe that many of my readers are very similar to myself in wanting to trust you more. I would plead for the faith of Moses when He stood at the shores of the Red Sea with thousands of followers behind him, and in faith and obedience to Your commands, he follwed through with Your orders and watched in amazement as You parted the waters, for their safe travel through to the other side. Oh how small our challenges are compared to that. May we be true to Your Word and obedient to Your commands, for in faith we could believe and receive Your awesome miracles, even in the lives of our family, friends and ourselves. Thank You for Your amazing grace and Your awesome power oh God. AMEN!

Our Assumptions May Seriously Impact our Actions

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-01-19

Bible Reference: Genesis 20:10-11
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: 10 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What have you encountered or seen [in us or our customs], that you have done this [unjust] thing?” 11 Abraham said, “Because I thought, ‘Surely there is no fear or reverence of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ 

OBSERVATION: Realizing that God knows all things, even the heart of man, I wonder how often He must shake His head in disappointment, and shock, at what we say at times, and what we do in response to our inner conclusions and assumptions! I believe we have a similar situation in our Scripture today to ponder on…

APPLICATION: Can you think of a scenario where you reacted to a situation based on your assumptions about what was going on, what might happen, and possibly the intentions of the person who may be involved? I believe this occurs way more often than we could ever imagine, and I believe this creates more challenges for friends and family than anyone ever intended. But let’s consider the challenge in this story of Abraham and Abimelech. It starts out with Abraham being blessed with a beautiful wife – his half sister. Because of Sarah’s beauty, and Abraham’s self consciousness of his own physical protection, for the second time he tells the townspeople that Sarah is his sister. Fortunately, this is a truthful statement, because of Sarah being his half-sister, but he chose to share that relationship with them over their marital relationship. Notice that Abraham did this because he thought that the Abimelech clan was immoral and would easily turn on him, if need be. We could see from the story that this almost concluded in death to Abimelech. What sort of issues have arisen in our personal relationships, in our churches and in our communities because of our actions that resulted from our assumptions, and conclusions based upon what we thought was happening behind our backs, or what would happen based on things for which we would have no control? Friends, because of our DNA, others will detect from our actions, our decisions and our reactions, who we are related to on earth. Let’s remember that this is also a baramoter of whose we are. Children of the King will act like Him, speak like Him and react from a heart of love like He does. Are we deserving of any of the gifts that we are consciously aware of, and recognize as being awesome gifts from on high? Yet He blesses us anyway. Do our friends or family deserve to be loved, treated like royalty, forgiven and blessed by us? They may not always be deserving, but if we, who are called sons and daughters of the Almighty God, blessed by Him in every way, and seeking to imitate Him in every way, then shouldn’t we look for ways to bless, love and serve them, without allowing the deceit of Abraham to penetrate our hearts and hurt the other party, just to protect ourselves? Friends, God looked at you and me, and in spite of our sin, our disobedience, our deceit and our ugly attitudes, yet in love He said ‘but I love you anyway’ and He therefore proved that love by sending His own precious Son to be born among us; suffer at the hands of the people; beaten, mocked, scorned and crucified like a criminal; while all the while saying ‘it’s all for YOU my child, so that YOU might have the only means of righteousness, that leads to eternal life with my Father and I’. Friends, I believe that with this same ‘righteousness’ given to us by Jesus, not only are we assured of heaven, but I truly believe that it also helps us to be more like Him while here on this earth also. Abraham needed that kind of righteousness, and I’m sure that you and I need it. If you are not under the authority of this one, true God, the giver of all righteousness, may I encourage you to stop and take time to read through my footnote, and the linked page entitled ‘To Know Jesus’? Your life could be eternally changed my friend!

PRAYER: Lord, as we studied your Word in Genesis 20 today, it is evident that mankind has struggled in many ways right from the very beginning. However, throughout Your Word, You also make it very clear that You are the answer to all of life’s struggles by mankind, so we look to You in all of our need and insufficiencies of life. Please help us to remain focused on Your awesome power, Your love and the everlasting hope that awaits the believer in Your Son, Jesus. AMEN!

Fasting and Prayer

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Fasting, Fasting, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-01-17

Bible Reference: Matthew 6:16-18
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 16 “When you fast, don’t look like those who pretend to be spiritual. They want everyone to know they’re fasting, so they appear in public looking miserable, gloomy, and disheveled.[o]Believe me, they’ve already received their reward in full.17–18 When you fast, don’t let it be obvious, but instead, wash your face[p]and groom yourself and realize that your Father in the secret place is the one who is watching all that you do in secret and will continue to reward you openly.”

OBSERVATION: The Word of God is clear that if we publicize that we are fasting, our reward will be nothing more than what we hear back from our audience. That defeats the whole purpose of fasting, for we are dedicating ourselves to petition God for a specific need that we have personally, or corporately. Today, let us consider why we should fast, how should we fast, and what do we expect from a fast.

APPLICATION: I believe that when you look at an entrepreneur starting out in business – one that is pictured in their mind as a unique opportunity to fulfill a specific need for consumers, or industry, or intense profitability, you will hardly see them in their usual places of worship, at events with their family, or just having casual fun. For they are 100% engrossed in making that business succeed, and to be all that they pictured in their minds. So what about the Christian who is desperately seeking God to intervene in their lives personally, or in their family unit, or in their church, or even in their workplace? Does it seem natural to just ask someone else to pray, or casually commit those specific needs in corporate prayer, or even in your personal prayer time, when you tend to cover a wide spectrum of things, and of life itself, before God? I would say yes in all cases, but I would go a step further by sharing what I believe the Bible teaches on fasting and praying. You see, the businessperson spoken of above, will skip meals, miss family events, and more, just to totally dedicate themselves to their new business opportunity. In the life of a Christian, we might casually pray about the weather, or our child in school, etc, but consider how much more intense our prayers become when a loved one is barely hanging on to life, and the doctors are uncertain if they will possibly survive the medical issues they are having. The latter is more of the mindset of a believer when they fast, and dedicate time in prayer over a specific request. For they are willing to forego one or more meals, or perhaps give up caffeine or Facebook, or something that they feel could be sacrificed for dedicated time to plead in prayer before their Maker on a matter of prime importance to them. Think about if friend, what is the most important thing in your life right now? What do you feel is the most critical need in your life, or in the lives of those you care about, and for which you would be willing to do ANYTHING, in order to turn things around in those circumstances? Would you be willing to give up something important to you, just so that you could spend intimate and intense time talking to God about that? The Scripture tells us today that should you consider a fast, it is something that you decide together with God. There is no need to send a note to the local newspapers, or your pastor, or anyone else. For the pat-on-the-back you receive from those around you is the only reward you could expect. A one-on-one, intimate and private relationship with the Creator of the universe, the Savior of the world, our soon coming King, a commitment to commune with Him alone, and a mindset that you are willing to do anything as you seek God about a specific need, is the key to fasting and praying. It’s between you and God – no one else need be involved. Do you have a need of that importance to you today? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to dedicate the time in prayer before God Almighty over that need? What takes place in privacy between you and God, will be rewarded publicly by the King of all kings, according to His promises in His Word!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, it just rolls off our lips without effort or thought, that we will pray for someone. Oh that we may become a people of sincerity, especially in the matters of prayer. When asked to complete chores at home, we don’t look for excuses or distractions, but we seek to serve one another faithfully as we try to please each other in actions and words. The privilege of spending time with You, Almighty God, is beyond our wildest imagination, for who are we that our Creator, who put us together for His glory, should look on us in tender mercy and listen to our petitions. Please forgive us for our littleness, and our insincerity, and our lack of commitment. Lord, we need You every hour of every day, and often a lot more frequently. Please teach us to pray, and help us to see the urgency of prayer before the only One who could make a difference in our lives. May we be willing to give up the world to meet with You, Heavenly Father. You are the only one who could answer our prayers. May we commit to pray, and in times of our deepest need, may we never hesitate to fast and pray. AMEN!

The Rewards of Faith In God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-01-12

Bible Reference: Genesis 13:1-5
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 1-2 So they left Egypt and traveled north into the Negeb—Abram with his wife, and Lot, and all that they owned, for Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. 3-4 Then they continued northward toward Bethel where he had camped before, between Bethel and Ai—to the place where he had built the altar. And there he again worshiped the Lord. 5 Lot too was very wealthy, with sheep and cattle and many servants.

OBSERVATION: In reading the whole chapter of Genesis 13, I glorified God for all that He rewarded Abram with in verses 14-16, and I would encourage you to read down to at least those verses. You see, in verse 4, Abram had stopped to worship the Lord, in spite of being without a place to call ‘home’ for he and his family. Let’s meditate on our ability, or inability, to worship God in all circumstances of life, especially in those times where it seems like things are not going well for us. How well do we do at that?

APPLICATION: Let’s stop to consider this scenario for a few moments today. Let’s try to place ourselves in Abram’s role and try to imagine what we would’ve done, or perhaps would do, in our current relationship state with God. Abram had just been kicked out of town by Pharoah, and now, with the responsibility of leading his precious family, Abram must find a place to call ‘home’. There is no indication that Abram had any remorse about the situation he found himself in, but he knew that he needed God. But notice the one thing that the Scripture made clear – Abram was very rich in livestock, gold and silver. I live and work in agriculturally rich towns, but I hear repeatedly of people facing similar challenging times in life, regardless of their monetary worth. Friends, we were designed by an awesome God, and if you go back to the beginning chapters of the Bible, you will note that He loved us so much that He provided everything for us to survive, enjoy and be in awe about. We should therefore always remember that, no matter how inflated our bank accounts are, or how big our farms are, we must remember from whence we came, and who exactly gave us the opportunities and blessings of becoming earthly ‘rich’. Often when hard times of health degradation or losing a loved one comes our way, there is no degree of earthly richness that will satisfy our souls. But also be reminded of how awesome our God is, for He saw the faithfulness of Abram; He saw the trust that Abram placed in Him even after he had attained much earthly wealth; He saw the humbleness in Abram, that even though he was the senior member of the family, yet he gave Lot the option of choosing his area of land first, and leaving Abram to settle in the remainder. I feel like often God looks at our choices in circumstances when we think no one is watching, to truly bless us, for He then sees the ‘heart’ of man. Notice in verses 14-16 how God, having recognized the ‘heart’ of Abram, blessed him beyond all measure. Notice that this blessing came even though Abram was not pleading with God for more, more, more. Friends, let us be consistent and persistent in our relationship with God, especially in those times that we can’t see what lies ahead for us. Be reminded that you are a child of the most high God, He loves His children, and He gives His very best for us, just as He did at Calvary. If you have never surrendered Your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, may I encourage you to consider that today? It is the one critical means of bringing you into the sonship of the Almighty God. Please don’t delay that decision my friend. Let this be the best day of your life here on earth, as you prepare for eternity!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please have Your will and way in the lives of each one reading this devotional today. Just as You presented Abram with unlimited blessings, I believe that You are prepared to bless us with unlimited time with You and the Father. It just doesn’t get any better than that! May You be glorified today in all decisions made for true relationship with You. AMEN!

Careful in Beginning Right

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Commitment, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-01-01

Bible Reference: Genesis 1:1-2
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text:IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth. [Heb. 11:3.]
2 The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.

OBSERVATION: At 12:01am today, January 1st. 2019, we were presented with a ‘clean slate’. In Genesis 1:1 God started with a similarly ‘clean slate’. It was just Him, and the Holy Spirit that hovered over the earth. I would strongly encourage you to read again the first chapter of Genesis and the Bible, for I believe that you will be reminded of how careful God provided everything we would need for life. To be reminded of that on this first day of a New Year, should impact us to think that God still has things in order for us to live like He designed. That takes all the worries out of life, if only we will trust God!

APPLICATION: Each day we face a ‘Clean Slate’, and we must decide whether, (1) We will go with the flow, and all of the evil that normally shows its face in our culture, or (2) We will seek the guiding hand of our Creator in whom we have placed our faith and trust. Similarly, we went to bed last night and not only put our bodies into a state of sleep, but also made our minds content in all that had happened in our life up to that point in time. When we awakened this morning, we could easily identify with what God faced at the very beginning, because we faced a world filled with sin, strife, trouble from every side, hurt feelings from our fellow Brothers and Sisters, because they are unfortunately facing the same challenges. If we do nothing at all, then we easily and quickly become a part of that same evil world. If we know the Master of this universe, and we dare trust in Him, then we must decide that we will not settle for the norm, but instead trust in God to lead us into the world that He has created, and in which He has provided everything for our survival and enjoyment. Friends, please be reminded that God did not just throw us into this world expecting us to survive without His ongoing help. In Genesis 1, we are told that each thing that God created was with deep thought, and designed for our ongoing survival and enjoyment. For example, I’ve always heard about God creating vegetation on the third day, but it wasn’t until today that God showed me the rest of the story. Read verses 11 – 13, and note how God created plants that either bore seeds, or fruit that contained seeds, so that reproduction could easily occur. Only God could be so careful in providing such awesome ways just for His kids! I’m, glad that I not only know that He loves me, but that I have committed to a personal relationship with Him. I would encourage each of you to consider the greatest decision you could make in 2019, accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord and trust in Him to daily care for you and direct your paths in ways that are pleasing to Him, and that are best for your future. He loves you friend, and He wants to be your Father. The next move is yours! Be bold, and do the right thing!

PRAYER: Thank You for Your many blessings oh Lord, and I especially thank You for allowing us to welcome in a New Year. Everything about this transition is unknown to us, but I can confidently call on the only One who knows everything about what will come our way in 2019! Lord, please continue to be patient with us as we finally recognize Your love and Your awesome power to guide us, protect us and love us through all of life’s circumstances. Please keep us humble so that we may submit ourselves to Your perfect will this year Oh Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. AMEN!

Trust That God is With Us This Christmas

On By Ed AlgreenIn Christmas, Trust, Truth2 Comments

Tuesday, 2018-12-11

Bible Reference: Isaiah 7:9-16
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 9 Samaria is the capital of Ephraim alone, and King Pekah’s power will not increase. You don’t believe me? If you want me to protect you, you must learn to believe what I say.” 10 Not long after this, the Lord sent this further message to King Ahaz: 11 “Ask me for a sign, Ahaz, to prove that I will indeed crush your enemies as I have said. Ask anything you like, in heaven or on earth.” 12 But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I’ll not bother the Lord with anything like that.” 13 Then Isaiah said: O House of David, you aren’t satisfied to exhaust my patience; you exhaust the Lord’s as well! 14 All right then, the Lord himself will choose the sign—a child shall be born to a virgin! And she shall call him Immanuel (meaning, “God is with us”). 15-16 By the time this child is weaned and knows right from wrong, the two kings you fear so much—the kings of Israel and Syria – will both be dead.

OBSERVATION: We can’t expect God to bless us, protect us, heal us or provide for us, if we don’t trust Him or believe fully in Him! Let’s meditate on this today as we contend with the busyness of Christmas and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth!

APPLICATION: Verse 14 is a verse that we hear used a lot around Christmas time in Christian circles, but as represented in other recent devotionals, I believe it is so important for us individually to take time and read the whole context from which these popular verses are found. Today’s scripture is a wonderful example. Like us, King Ahaz thought that some things were just too trivial to bother God with, even though it was God Himself who told Ahaz to test Him. I love what the Lord said to Ahaz in the latter part of verse 9, and I know that it very much applies to me and very possibly also applies to you. In my own words, and based on my understanding, I believe that God said to Ahaz, and is saying to us: How do you expect me to protect you, or, how do you expect me to heal you or bless you, if you don’t learn to believe in, and trust me? Friends, there is so much truth in those powerful words by the Master! Will our child ever release themselves from a high wall and jump into our arms, if they have not learned to trust us? I don’t think so! In my hyperlink to today’s scripture, I included the whole chapter, because I want you to take time to read and understand that God had given Ahaz comfort in knowing that He would take care of the opposing leaders, and He even wanted to give him a timeline that it would occur. However, God knew that Ahaz doubted what he was told, so He told Ahaz to test Him just to gain trust in knowing that He is true to His word. The timing of this event then allowed God to elaborate on the miraculous birth of His Son, Jesus. Friends, once again we are assured that our Father has a plan for His children, just like He had for Ahaz. However, we must know Him so well that we are willing to trust Him and believe what He says to us through His Word; through visions; and through His mighty warriors who deliver His messages to us each week. Wouldn’t it be ‘MERRY’, if this Christmas this concept might ‘click’ in our minds and cause us to totally place our faith and our trust in our Savior? We can’t expect God to bless us and protect us if we don’t trust Him or believe fully in Him!

PRAYER: Your Word never ceases to amaze me Oh God! To read the context from which we have traditionally heard parts of the Christmas story, and still find new truths that really speak to our hearts, we can only say ‘Wow’ what a Savior! What an awesome God! Lord Jesus, we just want to worship You, praise You and honor Your blessed name for the key role You have played in our plan of salvation. God had a plan to comfort king Ahaz, and I am convinced that His plan to comfort, protect and save us, is even more awesome! Thank you Heavenly Father! Please continue to open our hearts and fill us with Your grace and Your awesome love that You have shown to us, so that we may, in turn, be a blessing to others in every way possible this Christmas season and throughout each day of the upcoming New Year. With every fiber of our being, we again say ‘thank You Father’ for Your amazing love to us in so many ways! AMEN!

The Solid Rock!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Jesus, Reflect Jesus, Rock, TrustLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Friday, 2017-10-20
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Matthew 7:24-29 (NLT)

Text:

24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus had just taught that there’s a difference between those who simply call on His name. and those who trust in Him personally and obey His Word. I believe the difference is that even those who are led by Satan can call the name of our blessed Lord, but there’s a big difference when Jesus hears His saints calling on His name, for He knows that they have been faithful in the good times, and obedient even in the rough times. Unfortunately there are many today who are similar to what Jesus described in our Scripture, so I believe that wants us to really understand and pay attention to this.
APPLICATION:
There’s a story in the Old Testament about a mother who was speaking to king Solomon about her baby, that another woman was claiming to be her baby. Based on the heart of the individual, and the cry of the real mother, Solomon quickly resolved who the real mother was. There are many who call the name of Jesus, sometimes to even abuse it in cursing. While those who have truly trusted in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and strive to obey His commands each day, they approach Him in great respect, in love, in admiration, willing to accept His will and His decision for our situation. Friends, unless Christians surrender self and accept Jesus as their Master, their friend, their Provider, and their soon coming King, we too might walk away from His commands and His will for us, until we crash against the shores of this evil world, like the house built on the sand, as illustrated by Jesus in our focal verses. In some countries that are plagued by hurricanes, many of their homes are built on foundations where the foundation walls go right down to solid rock, wherever possible, so that when the strong winds come, and the bay waters rise, the house most often stands. Houses whose foundations are not grounded properly, will quickly wash away/collapse/fail. Marriage relationships are much the same. In our vows, we invite God to join our union with each other. When we leave Him out of our decisions and our daily lives, we suddenly feel our marriage failing, as in many cases today. Friends, to those who truly attach themselves to ‘The Rock’; our Savior; our Master and our Lord, and who are sincere enough to obey His commands and seek His will, to these He has promised to help us through life’s storms and a safe landing at the ‘lighthouse’ (heaven) at the end of time. I trust that each one reading this devotional today can safely feel anchored in the ‘Rock’ of our salvation and not merely call the name of Jesus without any personal attachment.
PRAYER:
Lord, You are my ‘Rock’ and my salvation; my eternal King. Thank You for the assurance of my salvation and for the Solid Rock on whom I can stand each and every day. Lord, please touch the heart of each reader today that they might personally know the Joy of their salvation, and the Rock on which they can stand through all of life’s challenges and opportunities. You are precious in our sight oh Lord. Thank You from the bottom of our heart. 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!

How To Handle Your Giant

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Confidence, Godly Confidence, Miracles, TrustLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Monday, 2017-10-09
SCRIPTURE

From:

 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NET)

Text:

 45 But David replied to the Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have defied! 46 This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand! I will strike you down and cut off your head. This day I will give the corpses of the Philistine army to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land. Then all the land will realize that Israel has a God 47 and all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves! For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will deliver you into our hand.”
OBSERVATION:
David’s father sent him to the battlefield to check on his older brothers, or shall I say that God prompted Jesse to send David, because He had a great work for him to do. As a shepherd boy, David had been dependent on God whenever large vicious animals threatened the flock of sheep under his care. To arrive on the battlefield and see an army of trained men standing back from the Philistine giant as he mocked their God, seemed unbearable to David, so he volunteered to take on the giant. Understanding the power of the almighty God that he served. There was absolutely no giant too big for his God!
APPLICATION:
When facing ‘giants’ in our lives, we often worry because we can’t see how we personally can overcome that ‘giant’. Sometimes we may have faced other ‘giants’ before, so we have some experience to go on. For those of us that have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we may have experienced a test of our faith before so we may start praying that God would ‘do it again’. Perhaps we heard a testimony of another saint who faced similar ‘giants’ to what we are facing, so we might call them for comfort and, knowing that their prayers worked for them, perhaps we might ask them to pray for us. Friends, it is evident that David was very close to God. I believe he had an intimate relationship with God, and through various tests and proven miracles that he witnessed out in the hillsides minding his sheep, he knew that there was nothing too big for his God. One of the quickest ways to get a man upset, is to talk bad about something, or someone that he holds close to his heart. When David arrived on the battle field, this is exactly what he found Goliath doing – obnoxiously bad mouthing the God that David served, revered, trusted, and dearly loved. Today, this happens around our workplaces, restaurants and other meeting places, I wonder if it irritates us into action like David did? In David’s story, look at the number of doubters that tried to discourage David from taking on the giant. Please note that you will face the same, or similar doubters who will try to hold you back from allowing God to perform miracles through or for you, so in addition to taking on your ‘giant’ you may have to also take on the friends, pastors, elders and even praying friends who try to distract your confidence in God to handle your ‘giant’. Let’s always keep in mind that our giants were created by God, or may have been placed in our way to build our strength and our confidence. God might rather build our faith in Him by facing our ‘giants’, rather than eliminating them at our request, without impacting our lives at all. Talk to God about that one ‘giant’ that challenges your walk with the Lord every day, and be ready to learn, trust and obey, for there may be no other way.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for satisfying the biggest ‘giant’ in the lives of Your children, the forgiveness of our sin that burdened us more than any giant like Goliath could ever manage to do. Oh what a Savior! Lord, please give us confidence to always trust in You when faced with those ‘giants’ that tend to overwhelm us and unnecessarily overburden us. You are bigger than any giant, so I place my faith and trust in You Lord, and ask that You touch the lives of my readers and I today, to help us to always look to You, regardless of what may come our way – whether a mustard seed, or a huge mountain. You are our Lord, and we love and adore You today 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!

A Test of Obedience

On By Ed AlgreenIn Obedience, Obedient, TrustLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Thursday, 2017-10-05
SCRIPTURE

From:

 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (MSG)

Text:

 22-23 Then Samuel said,

Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—
    empty rituals just for show?
He wants you to listen to him!
Plain listening is the thing,
    not staging a lavish religious production.
Not doing what God tells you
    is far worse than fooling around in the occult.
Getting self-important around God
    is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.
Because you said No to God’s command,
    he says No to your kingship.
OBSERVATION:
Saul’s excuse for not killing all of the livestock of the Amalekites is that he would use them in his sacrifices to God. Saul also saved the king. Saul disobeyed God and did what he thought was best. How often does this happen to us? Let’s have a look….
APPLICATION:
We’ve heard it said after some have attended Sunday morning service: “well I went to church this morning and got that out of the way”. In other words I got that obligation done, so now I can go on to other things for myself. Others might say “Please don’t ask me to attend another service this weekend, because I want to be there Sunday morning to hear Rev. XYZ preach. In other words, don’t let’s overdo this church thing. Since when do we track good honest relationships like that, friends? I also believe that while we do a pretty good job of showing the pastor and other church leaders that we are fairly honest, or obedient to God’s commands, as long as we are around church people, we tend to be much more open to the things of the world when away from home and from our normal crowd of friends. So what does this say about the inner man? Do we have a personal relationship with the Creator, the Savior of the world, the King of all kings? In a true relationship, we can be trusted to please the other party in their presence, or when we are out of their sight. We do things that would please the other person, even though we may cut corners at times, especially when out of their sight. There are things that we must be reminded about our relationship with God. He is everywhere at all times, so He knows when we are disloyal or disobedient. We may hide our actions from the pastor, but God knows what we did, and He knows our heart – therefore the reasons why we did something contrary to His commands. Friends, if we are going to change the world through our actions, then it is vital that we are very transparent in our relationship with God. If we say that we love God, then let’s give it all we have. Let’s not just listen to, or read His commands, but obey them, knowing that God wants to know that we could be trusted to do that in, or out of His perceived presence. The world must see the honest and dedicated Christian, for them to know it’s OK to follow our example. We can’t fool the world either.
PRAYER:
Thank You Father for placing the example of Saul before us today in this Scripture. This reminds us so much of what we do, or are tempted to do, every day. Lord, please help us to stay steadfast in our walk and our talk so that the world might see Jesus in us, and not mistake us for yet another hypocrite. The world need Jesus. May we influence their need for the Savior, and never be a stumbling block 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!

Trust In God At All Times

On By Ed AlgreenIn Guide, Protector, TrustLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Wednesday, 2017-09-27
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Psalm 62:5-8 (MEV)

Text:

  5 My soul, wait silently for God,
    for my hope is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
    He is my refuge; I will not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
    the rock of my strength, and my shelter, is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times;
    you people, pour out your heart before Him;
    God is a shelter for us. Selah
OBSERVATION:
Even as king in the days of David, there was a lot to be concerned about and/or worried about. However, David had learned to wait before, and depend upon the Lord for all things. I believe that today we are well aware of the power source, but do we really wait for and depend on it – on God, for everything…
APPLICATION:
As a child, most of us learned to depend on our hero/protector – our dad, whenever we felt like we were in over our head. As we grew older, most of us probably buddied up with at least one older or bigger friend, who was the protector for the kids in our neighborhood. David shared in this Psalm today that this need for a defender or protector continues through adulthood, even if you become some major leader. Friends, no matter what our sphere of influence covers, and no matter how protected those under our leadership feel, we soon realize that there are circumstances in which we just feel helpless under our own power. David has shown us that there is One that we can depend on, because He created this world, including all mankind. Through His servants like David and other godly kings, God conquered nations and protected His people from even the biggest and baddest armies. Still God loved His creation enough that He took someone like Moses, who felt he was unworthy to lead, and gave him power and boldness to lead a multitude through 40 years of wilderness travel. He took someone like David, who had messed up so many times, and worked through him to such an extent that He reflected back on David’s life and concluded that he was a man after His own heart. So why again do you feel like you are so unworthy of God’s help? May I suggest that you re-read the verses for today and pray them to God over your personal circumstances? God will protect you! God will guide you! God will be your shelter and protector! You can trust Him at all times, friend!
PRAYER:
Oh Lord, my God, my Fortress; my Deliverer; my Protector; my Hope; my Rock; my Salvation; my Refuge; my Glory and my Shelter, in whom I have placed my trust. Lord, I pray that in all things and in all circumstances of life, I will learn to place my trust in You and allow You to guide me and protect me. I will thank You for the shelter of Your wings and the love You show towards me in so many ways. Lord, there is great peace in knowing You as Savior and Lord. May my readers and I share this Good News with others who are not as convinced about Your power, love and protection. For it’s in You that we trust and assume our contentment, 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!