Warning – You May Suffer as a ‘Christ-Follower’

On 2021-11-072021-11-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Christ-Like, Christian, Committed, Imitate Jesus, Obedience, Take a standLeave a comment

Sunday, 2021-11-07

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 4:12-16
Translation: Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: ¹² My friends, don’t be surprised at the painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don’t think that something strange is happening to you. ¹³ But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory. ¹⁴ When people say bad things to you because you follow Christ, consider it a blessing. When that happens, it shows that God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, is with you. ¹⁵ You may suffer, but don’t let it be because you murder, steal, make trouble, or try to control other people’s lives. ¹⁶ But if you suffer because you are a “Christ-follower,” don’t be ashamed. You should praise God for that name.

APPLICATION: I believe that when we accept Jesus as Lord, we tend to think more about what the benefits might be, than thinking about what additional controversy our decision might create, or what additional persecution might arise in our lives. Think about it, when folk are really struggling, we tend to convince them that they need Jesus. What if we told them that what they are presently going through is only a ‘drop-in-the-bucket’ compared to what will be brought on them after conversion? Do you suppose that anyone would agree to surrender their lives to Christ? However friends, we must be honest in evaluating what happened to Jesus, for He healed the sick, raised the dead and caused the blind to see, yet He was sought after like a criminal. I am also reminded of David, after he was especially kind and respectful of Saul, yet Saul desired in his heart to kill David. Regardless, this same Jesus is to be our role model. I feel like what we are taught here is that we are to do good, and be a shining example of Jesus, even if we know that controversy will arise. On the way to a business party one time I was asked by an executive why Christians abstain from drinking alcohol. I believe that it was asked in a jeering way hoping to get laughter from the other executives present, on how I would be challenged to truthfully answer. I responded honestly as I believe God would have me do, and although I waited for the repercussion, it seemed like my honest response was well accepted, and that I was respected even more for giving an honest response. I recently heard a request for prayer about persecution on the job at a local company. It really surprised me, but after reading this scripture this morning, I am convinced that although we are not expected to go out and be deliberate rebels in our workplace or at local diners, or any other place that we go, we are expected to let our lights shine for Jesus and not hide that light for the sake of popularity or because of possible persecution or embarrassment. In fact, I love the suggested attitude in verse 14 – when we feel persecuted, or picked on, or laughed at, or made fun of, because of our faith, it is a great time to praise God knowing that others are impacted by the Christian stance we just took on a matter, or the Christ-likeness that our audience just witnessed. It’s not a show-off thing, it’s our every-day Christian life being displayed in all aspects of our life. Is this always easy for us? Absolutely not, but when done in sincerity and under the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, we will see great things accomplished for God. In fact, I would go as far as saying that if we feel forced into making a stand, then we need to question if it truly is a ‘God thing’, or are we doing it to impress someone about us and our strengths and abilities. Friends, please make every effort to not be half-hearted in being a Christ follower. Of course you expect God to know about your decision, but it might actually encourage someone in doubt if you stand committed in your stance to true obedience to the One you decided to follow.

PRAYER: Dear God, You gave everything You had so that we might have eternal life in glory with You and Your Son. Thank You Lord for Your goodness to me and Your invaluable gift! Lord, I pray that Your children who will meditate on this devotional today, might catch a glimpse, as I did, to the value of living our faith and making our witness known to all mankind, so that they might be convinced of our relationship with You. This witness will sometimes convince mankind of their need for a Savior, but it will sometimes offend those who are led by Satan and his demons. May we be strong in all circumstances, so that the world might know to whom we belong, and that we might be convinced in our heart that we are truly Yours – without a shadow of doubt. Lord, please have Your will and way in our lives today, and may Your glory shine through us as we stand firm in our faith in You. I ask these things in the powerful and awesome name of Jesus, and for your sake, AMEN!

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

A Proper Introduction

On 2021-11-062021-11-05 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Know and Believe, Know Jesus, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Worship4 Comments

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2021-11-06
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: John 3:16-18
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: ^16-18“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

APPLICATION: A new pastor presented an excellent sermon on his first Sunday at his new church. The leaders were convinced that they had chosen the right man to lead them spiritually. However, on the next 2 or 3 Sundays the pastor repeated the same sermon. This caused the leaders to question him about his repertoire of sermons, to which the new pastor responded: ‘Once I am convinced that the congregation has received and applied the Word to their hearts and lives, I will then move on to my next sermon!!’ That sounds a lot like John 3:16, for it is probably one of the most quoted verses of the Bible, but I wonder how many simple know the words, but haven’t really applied them! I would like for you to carefully read this popular verse in the contemporary translation I chose to present the Scripture today. Perhaps hearing it afresh in simpler terms, may draw your attention and cause you to question God, like Nicodemus did, on what must you do to be saved. You see, unless you make this bold step and present yourself humbly before God, you are still under the death sentence mentioned in our Scripture. Why is that? Well, the Bible says that unless you accept this free gift given to us by God, and believe on His one and only Son, Jesus, then you are under a death sentence – eternity with Satan and his army of fallen angels in Hell where you will receive eternal punishment through fire and brimstone. Friends, this is not just vain religious threats to have you join a church, these are facts presented by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Out of perfect love for His children that He created, God sent His Son miraculously into this world, to bring hope and the means of us one day making our way back to heaven to be with God the Father and His precious Son, Jesus. If we receive the Son, by inviting Him to be Lord and Master of our lives, then we will be accepted into Heaven when we cease to live here on earth. If we don’t, then God has warned us that there is only one other place – Hell. Besides this Scripture today, I have also provided Scripture references through the link ’To Know Jesus’, referenced in my Footnote. Please consider the open invitation from God, through His Word. I have, and I would love to have every reader and listener join me around the throne of God in heaven. The choice is yours dear friend, please make the obvious, right, choice today – before it’s eternally too late.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Although we may deserve eternal damnation from Satan, yet God loved us so much that He has given us the opportunity to live in n His ‘palace’ – the portals of heaven, where He and His Son lives and reigns forevermore!

PRAYER: Normally we have to work extremely hard to have a home here on earth, but Lord I thank You for Your love and Your mercy in providing the means for our entry into Heaven, plus the assurance of eternity with You and the Father. Thank You for Your Word, Your promises, and for the place You have prepared for those who love You and allow You to rule and reign in their lives. Please use Your Word to touch the hearts of many who will read this devotional today. May they immediately fall to their knees and seek Your face as they ask You to rule and reign in their lives. Be glorified today in knowing that others will recognize You as Lord, and that they will accept You as Lord today! AMEN!

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

The Special Privileges of Obedient Sheep

On 2021-11-052021-11-04 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Surrender, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2021-11-05

Bible Reference: John 10:25-29
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: ²⁵……. “I have told you the truth already and you did not believe me. The proof of who I am is revealed by all the miracles that I do in the name of my Father. ²⁶Yet, you stubbornly refuse to follow me, because you are not my sheep. As I’ve told you before: ²⁷My own sheep will hear my voice and I know each one, and they will follow me. ²⁸I give to them the gift of eternal life and they will never be lost and no one has the power to snatch them out of my hands. ²⁹My Father, who has given them to me as his gift, is the mightiest of all, and no one has the power to snatch them from my Father’s care.

APPLICATION: Each morning many of us are blessed to see the rising sun, and I believe that God can easily get our attention to compare that to His Son, who was sent to show us the love of the Father, and to provide the means of our eternal salvation from this wicked world. As I peer into the bright sun, I am reminded that it outshines everything else in view. My Savior – the Son of God, said in these verses this morning that His works will outshine anything else the Jews could imagine, and that’s how the people would know that He is indeed the Son of God; The glory of God; The power of God; The very image of God. Jesus also said that His sheep will not only see His power and His glory, but that they will move into action by accepting the only One who provides salvation to mankind. Each day as we recognize the power and beauty of our awesome God, we have the choice of brushing these things off to good luck; happen-chance; a strange phenomenon; or even something powerful that is created by man. But I believe that as we recognize them as coming from the hand of God alone, we will have an increased desire to know Him better and to follow Him more intimately. Whatever you do, please don’t overlook the words of Jesus in regards to this. He assured us that those who accept Him, and the wonderful gift of redemption that He offers, will be secure, for no one will snatch them from His all-powerful hand. Friends, in a world where everything is so unsure, and where the rules are changing all the time, is it not reassuring that our Father assures us of the security that we have in His care? God created us to be His worshipers and His faithful followers. In return, He has assured us that He cares for His sheep (children/followers) and that He will protect us until the day we are with He and His Father in heaven. Yes, for all eternity. So whether it’s the sun that rises in majesty each day, or whether its some other act of God that opens your eyes to the wonders of God, please recognize the works of God, and know that He is the One that awaits your response to His offer of salvation, so that He may also use you for His glory in helping others see Him. We protect our properties with physical security; our computers with data security; and our finances with insurance; I believe it is vitally important that we seek a relationship with the Almighty for peace of mind today and the security of our eternal destiny. Please be sure to read through my Footnote, and especially click on the hyperlink, ‘To Know Jesus’, so that you might see what the Word says about the need for the Savior. I believe that He is standing with outstretched arms waiting for you my friend! Do it today, won’t you!

PRAYER: Lord, we are a people looking to secure our earthly belongings, no matter how minimal they are. Thank You for reminding us in Your Word today how important it is to also surrender ourselves to You and allow You to secure our heavenly future. Please soften the hearts of all who will read this devotional today, and even more importantly, please speak to the hearts of those who have not given their allegiance to You a second thought. It is clear in Your Word, that we have no assurances of when You will return. It could be today! However, Your Word is clear that only those who have accepted Your Son, Jesus Christ, will see the glories of heaven. That’s something we all can do while we are still alive. May this be the day for many, I pray. AMEN!

Only Evil People Do Evil Things

On 2021-11-04 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Light, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Thursday, 2021-11-04
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Samuel 24:11-13
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹¹…. I could have killed you. But I let you live, and that should prove I’m not trying to harm you or to rebel. I haven’t done anything to you, and yet you keep trying to ambush and kill me. ¹²I’ll let the Lord decide which one of us has done right. I pray that the Lord will punish you for what you’re doing to me, but I won’t do anything to you. ¹³An old proverb says, “Only evil people do evil things,” and so I won’t harm you.

APPLICATION: I like to look at opposites when looking at certain Scriptures, hoping that it might help me to better understand what God wants to teach me. Looking at the proverb quoted by David, I believe the opposite might be something like this: ‘The child of God looking to imitate their Father (Almighty God), will always aim to do everything taught, and exampled by Him with a heart like His’. David showed us how this could be done. For unknown reasons Saul was out to kill David. Perhaps because of jealousy, but there is no indication that David did anything but respect and honor his earthly king. With this in mind, and after many attempts by Saul to kill this young man, yet David got close enough to cut a piece of Saul’s robe off, and still spared the life of his adversary. What would you have done? I believe that David has taught us that true respect for those God has placed in authority over us, demands us to respect and honor them no matter what we dislike about their actions or their challenges. But doesn’t this open our hearts to be different in a world that displays hatred in many forms for those in authority? Please allow me to encourage you to think of those in authority over you. It may be a parent, a boss, a senator, a governor, or even a president/king/queen etc. Do you respect these people sent by God to rule over you? Yes, it may seem that some of these individuals are out to get you killed, robed or perhaps reduced to a pauper, but remember that God’s Word is clear that He placed them in charge of you for His good purpose. I believe that a good self evaluation might be to think of the person in charge of you, in one form or the other, then try to ensure that it’s a person you particularly despise for various reasons. Now imagine yourself acting like David did. Can you forgive and respect that person to walk away from an opportunity to cause them physical or mental harm? Can you truly love them just as God loves them, because you convince yourself that they were sent by God for a time and purpose such as you are encountering? I bet that it’s a good thing we say over and over that ‘God’s not done with us yet’, or ‘God’s still working on me’. For you see, I believe that as long as we are left here on this earth, its ruler (Satan) will buffet us with temptations; with people that we are challenged to get along with; and with people who demonstrate hatred towards us because of whose we are. Friends, I want to encourage you, while all the while reminding myself, that only God can touch our hearts enough to love every child of His, for we are oh so different to each other that we need God’s help to consistently love everyone, including our leaders, because we represent the King of love. But God can do that my friend! He did it for David, and I am convinced that He can do it again! Ask God to help you, then trust Him as you remain faithful to Him.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Just as evil people tend to do evil things, I believe the opposite is also true – good people, especially those who love and represent God here on earth, will go beyond the realm of understanding to mankind, to love, respect and honor those around them, even those in charge over them.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I am convinced that You placed us here on this earth so that we could live holy lives before an unusually evil bunch of family, friends and associates. Thank You for giving David the strength, courage and wisdom to love, honor and respect, in spite of a sinful man filled with hatred, jealousy and revenge. Lord, You never promised us a rose garden, nor a life of pleasure, constant happiness, always filled with riches, but You did promise to be with us, provide a way for us, and to fill us with Your wisdom and grace to help change the heart of man. We need this in very urgent ways each day Lord. Just as You helped David, please prepare my readers and I who claim You as King of our lives, to live each day in full expectation and urgency of Your soon return. We care about others. Please help us to show how much care by representing You in ways pleasing to You. AMEN!

Why Panic – Seek God

On 2021-11-032021-11-03 By Ed AlgreenIn All-powerful, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, God's Power, Needs, Power of God, Praise, Recognize God, Seek God First, Seek God's Face, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Wednesday, 2021-11-03
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Samuel 23:2-4; 10
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: ²David went in prayer to God: “Should I go after these Philistines and teach them a lesson?”
God said, “Go. Attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”
³But David’s men said, “We live in fear of our lives right here in Judah. How can you think of going to Keilah in the thick of the Philistines?”
⁴So David went back to God in prayer. God said, “Get going. Head for Keilah. I’m placing the Philistines in your hands.”
¹⁰Then David prayed to God: “God of Israel, I’ve just heard that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the city because of me.

APPLICATION: I was so impressed with the actions of David in our Scripture today. Everyone was excited and concerned about the Philistines creating havoc in the neighboring city of Keilah, but it seems like only one was interested in truly seeing the right resolution to the problem – David. For David knew that no matter the size of the army, unless God ordered the attack, the battle would be in vain. But just as in our challenges today where God may give us peace about our battles, others around us may not have the same peace. David had the same challenge when he shared with his men the orders from God. They felt like their local issues were challenging enough, and they could not imagine stepping out to battle the Philistines. They were sufficiently disturbed about this that David went back before God to make sure he had received the right message. God reassured David, just as I believe He still does for us today, ‘just do as I say, and leave the battle, or the challenge, or the thing that is disturbing you most, or the thing you fear most, up to the only One who can do ALL things’. Friends, isn’t it rewarding to be reminded that all God wants from us is to be obedient to Him? God already knows that we are not capable of doing the impossible, but He is very confident that ALL things are possible for the one who places their faith and trust in Him. For He specializes in things thought impossible by mortal man. Friends, I know that many of you are dealing with situations in life that seem mountainous to you, they are problems you never even thought possible, so how could you possible be ready to deal with these things? I believe God is telling us today just what He assured David of in the battle against the Philistines – they may appear like giants to you and your army, but remember – I made them. I allowed them to occupy the territory where they’re at because I wanted you to be reminded of how BIG your God truly is. Perhaps when you see with your own eyes how I orchestrate victory for you, perhaps then you will know that I alone am God and besides me, there is no other. Perhaps next time you will run to Me first – before you panic about things that seem impossible. Oh that we will be reminded of the awesome power of the God we serve. Nothing is impossible to Him! But take note of David’s experience – he didn’t tell God how to handle the situation. He merely took his concerns to God, listened to His response, and obeyed His commands. We should be doing that every day. If we do, then we will become accustomed to running to God with our every concern. We will be comfortable to let go and let God handle the situation in His way and in His time, knowing that all things will work best for those who place their faith and trust in the Lord their God.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Let us place our faith and trust in God alone, knowing that He alone can do ALL things for His ultimate glory, for our peace of mind and to invigorate our praises to God alone!

PRAYER: Lord God, it seems like our struggle each and every day becomes more complex, more demanding, and creates so many more questions for us. In David’s case, he was met with the surprise of the Philistines in a neighboring city. He immediately recognized that their army was much bigger than he and his men could approach with any amount of success. But just as David found peace, success and confidence to overcome the Philistines, I believe You are encouraging us to take note and follow in David’s example. Our problems seem new to us and to all mankind, and we all are at a loss for answers. Praise God that You deal in things that appear impossible to us, and You are the only One who can handle ALL situations in this life, for You placed us here and You are anxiously awaiting our arrival in heaven to be with You and the Father for ever and for ever. Thank You for peace of mind and ease of panic while we are challenged each day. May we always place our hands in the hand of the only One who knows about our challenges and could do anything at all about them! To God be the glory today and always! AMEN!

Jesus Knows All About You

On 2021-11-022021-11-01 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Tuesday, 2021-11-02
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: John 1:46-49
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁴⁶Nathanael sneered, “Nazareth! What good thing could ever come from Nazareth?” Philip answered, “Come and let’s find out!”
⁴⁷When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said, “Here comes a true son of Israel—an honest man with no hidden motive!”
⁴⁸Nathanael was stunned and said, “But you’ve never met me—how do you know anything about me?”
Jesus answered, “Nathanael, right before Philip came to you, I saw you sitting under the shade of a fig tree.”
⁴⁹Nathanael blurted out, “Teacher, you are truly the Son of God and the King of Israel!”

APPLICATION: Children are usually amazed that mom and/or dad knows about what they did while they were with friends or out of their sight! But for the child of God who gets into His Word, we are reminded that God is fully aware of our words, actions and even our thoughts. Isn’t it interesting that when we are confronted with our sin, we tend to act like Nathanael and question ‘who me’, or quickly declare ‘not me’. Friends, notice that Nathanael must have really been embarrassed that Jesus knew all about his snide remark when invited by Philip to join he and the others as followers of Jesus. But also notice that Jesus readily accepted Nathanael and basically honored him for his honest response to Philip. Perhaps many of you are like me, and we try to be so politically correct, or kind to everyone, that we often hide our true opinion. I believe it is good that we don’t poison the whole group with our negativity, but I also find it amazing that Jesus understands our heart-felt opinions, and He works with us to either correct the inward man, or teach us His way. Friends, I am convinced that from the depth of our heart, come the words that spew from our mouths. Therefore let us enrich our hearts daily through close communion with our Savior. For it is His love that we need to have ready to share with others; His words that we want to be encouraged by, instead of allowing the evil of this world to get to us. Remember, God loved us while we were unlovable and so drenched in sin, that no one wanted to hang around us. Furthermore, He gave His very best for us, even while we were still sinners in need of a Savior. My desire is that each day I will enrich my heart with more of God’s love, and that I will reach out to Him for encouragement, even when life seems to be at its worse. Then, filled with His goodness and love, perhaps I then can show love to others – the love of Jesus my Savior. Of course, it would be my desire that each reader and listener would also reach out to Jesus each day and seek His face for more and more of His grace, so that others will see our Lord, and not our ugly selfish likes and dislikes. ‘Oh that they would see Jesus’, is my sincere desire, and I hope it will be yours also.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Jesus loved Nathanael in spite of his snide remark about Him and His people. I believe He loves us also, even though we may appear to the world as unlovable.

PRAYER: Lord, I acknowledge that You created us. But we mess up so often, I have to question at times how could You possibly still love us. But in our Scripture today, You saw beyond the snide remarks of Nathanael and right into his honest heart. Please Lord, work on us each day so that we may fill our hearts with more and more of You. We want others to see Jesus, and not our rotten attitudes that seem to, unfortunately, come through in our words. Please use even us to reach unsaved friends and loved ones. May they always be reminded of, and see Jesus through our words and in our actions. AMEN!

How Great You Are Lord God!

On 2021-11-012021-11-01 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, See God, Witness, WorshipLeave a comment

Monday, 2021-11-01

Bible Reference: 2 Samuel 7:18-22
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ¹⁸Then David went into the Tabernacle and sat before the Lord and prayed, “O Lord God, why have you showered your blessings on such an insignificant person as I am? ¹⁹And now, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving me an eternal dynasty! Such generosity is far beyond any human standard! O Lord God! ²⁰What can I say? For you know what I am like! ²¹You are doing all these things just because you promised to and because you want to! ²²How great you are, Lord God! We have never heard of any other God like you. And there is no other God.

APPLICATION: It is a very humbling experience whenever we are recognized by a person in authority over us, or if we found favor in their eyes because of something we did or said. Think of your boss, for example. Imagine if you were at a staff meeting at work and was recognized for something that you may have done – something that you considered as part of your normal job description. And imagine if the owner of the company stood to present the recognition personally? Can you see how David may have felt? Perhaps unworthy, because he only did what he felt instructed by God to do; perhaps humbled, because God could have chosen any other deserving priest or temple worker to bless in awesome ways; perhaps overwhelmed, because God had already blessed him immeasurably in so many unbelievable ways. Friends, I believe that a huge takeaway that should bless our souls in this story today, is that God sees, and He knows our actions, our words, our intent and our very hearts, and He will not let us get away with sin, nor will He fail to recognize and bless us for our faithful obedience to Him. David was a great warrior, but he was also obedient to God and depended on God for all decisions. What about you fellow follower of Christ? Is God convinced that you’re on His side, dependent on His directions, and led by His almighty hand? Have you surrendered your family to Him? Notice where David was also in awe about God’s promise to rule over his family in future generations? Like David said in verse 22, there is no God like His God. I am convinced of the same, there is no God like my God! How about you, friend? Do you know Him intimately and commune with Him daily? Is God at liberty to live in your life and work through you in every phase of life? If we are faithful and true to our L0rd, one of these days we will hear those words ‘well done good and faithful servant’! I don’t know about you dear friend, but I can sing with that old hymn writer ‘Oh I want to see Him, look upon His face! There to sing forever of His saving grace….’! Glory to God in the highest!

PRAYER: Lord God, who am I that a King should love me enough to die for me, and open the doors of heaven for me? Unworthy though I may feel that I am, praise God that You love me as Your very own son! For no praise of my own, I pray that Your greatness may be seen and recognized through everything that I do or say today and every day until You call me home to glory to be with You. Please tender the hearts of all those who will read this devotional, so that they too may catch a glimpse of Heaven; their glorious and wonderful Savior; and our soon coming King. You are more wonderful than anything we could ever imagine. May this also be evident through Your precious children today! AMEN!

Some Listen To God and Some Don’t. Here’s Why?

On 2021-10-312021-10-30 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, Satisfaction, Worship1 Comment

Sunday, 2021-10-31

Bible Reference: John 8:44-47
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: ⁴⁴You are the children of your father, the Devil, and you want to follow your father’s desires. From the very beginning he was a murderer and has never been on the side of truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is only doing what is natural to him, because he is a liar and the father of all lies. ⁴⁵But I tell the truth, and that is why you do not believe me. ⁴⁶Which one of you can prove that I am guilty of sin? If I tell the truth, then why do you not believe me? ⁴⁷He who comes from God listens to God’s words. You, however, are not from God, and that is why you will not listen.”

APPLICATION: If I had a talk on hunting, and you were not into sports, or if your parents never liked hunting, you would probably have no interest in attending my talk. Plus, if you got stuck in the room where I had my lecture, you would probably argue with almost everything I said. In our society today, we have parents who have no connection to God, so He is not spoken of around the house, nor do they make any attempt to take their children to church. But what if Jesus came to your town, and what if He was speaking at a local church, don’t you think that many people from your town would make a special effort to go out and see Him? They may want to settle their curiosity that this Jesus, the One who has always been the talk of your neighbors and friends – that He really does exists. But how do you think they would react when He speaks on matters that really hits close to home? Why Jesus may even say the same thing to our people as He said to the Jewish leaders – you are challenged to believe in me, and to visit your local church, because you have your sights centered on this world and it’s leader. You are being pulled down by your friends, causing you to be discouraged and with no desire to learn about Jesus. Remember dear one, that the message of Jesus is that of love, faith, peace and forgiveness. Friends, as you read today’s verses, you may assume that this does not apply to you because you never gave Satan control of your life. Please allow me to clear that up for you. When you are born into this world you are a natural being controlled by the leader of the natural world. And it’s not until you are introduced to Jesus, that you ever know that there is another, and a better leader. But the path to Jesus is one where each individual has to make a personal decision to accept the gift of salvation that He offers. So if a pastor, or as in our story today, Jesus, was there speaking, and He called you a child of Satan, it’s because He knows that you have not accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior yet. I’m sure that you may be filled with questions as to what difference this all makes. The difference is huge, for if you maintain your natural stance and keep Satan as your ruler, you wind up spending eternity in the place he has prepared for you – hell, with all of its terror and total damnation. Conversely, Jesus has also given us a glimpse of what His eternal home looks like, and it is detailed in His very own written Word – the Bible. There we learn that His home is free from sorrow, heartache, pain and disappointment, and filled with the glorious light of His Father (God), which prompts endless praise and rejoicing from His people (us). So my dear friend, I pray that you will make the best decision, based on what I have shared with you. I pray that you will listen to the voice of God as He calls your name, and that you will surrender your life to Him. As this occurs, you will clearly understand what Jesus meant in the last verse above – you will then hear His voice and obey His commands, for you are His! If you have not made the decision I mentioned above, please read on to my Footnote and click on the links included. You will receive more Biblical help on making that very important decision.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please hear our cry today for we are Your children looking forward to spending eternity with You. Some may read this devotional today and are undecided about changing their allegiance from Satan, to you. Please tender their hearts today and draw them unto yourself, so that they may tear down the barriers that are preventing their decision. Oh that they will know You today, is my humble plea. Thank You Jesus for loving us enough to pave the way for our eternal peace with the Father. AMEN!

Here’s A Gift – Receive or Reject It

On 2021-10-302021-10-29 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Ask and Receive, Gift, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Rejection, Worship2 Comments

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2021-10-30
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: John 1:10-12
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁰He entered our world, a world He made; yet the world did not recognize Him. ¹¹Even though He came to His own people, they refused to listen and receive Him. ¹²But for all who did receive and trust in Him, He gave them the right to be reborn as children of God;

APPLICATION: Hopefully this Scripture will mean more to you today than just another story in the Bible. To me, it serves as a reminder of how God must have felt when He realized that we were just finding it way too difficult to live a holy life through blood sacrifices, so He miraculously sent His very own Son to earth on our behalf. Jesus provides the way for us to one day meet with the Father and the Son in Heaven, IF we would accept Him as Lord of our life, believe on Him with all of our heart, and obey His commands as laid out in His Word. John tells us in today’s Scripture that although God created us, placed us into a world that He filled with beauty and adequate food, yet we had no desire to accept this awesome gift from God. Now, before you pounce on the terrible people of John’s day, let me remind you that the Word of God is a living and active word for us today also, and it seems like we have become worse than what we read about with the Pharisees, Jews and Gentiles of John’s day. Think about it friends, just as John said: God created us, placed us in a wonderful world that He created for us, blessed us with much to eat and drink, provided an ample supply of churches where we might worship with other believers and grow from their experiences with Almighty God, yet we carelessly reject this wonderful gift from God. Instead, we tend to choose very trivial priorities such as beach, sun, over-indulging at restaurants and night clubs, choosing to sleep in on the morning we should be heading to the place we have chosen to worship the awesome God who loves us just as we are. Friends, we have allowed Satan to interfere and drive us towards things that are very temporary and will distract us from eternity in heaven with our Maker. I have no doubt that God has placed these Scripture verses before us today as a reminder of what our family and friends are missing out on. Other Scriptures also show us that the day of Jesus’ return is nearing. That lends urgency to our prayers for God to touch the heart of unsaved loved ones, so let’s be about the work of the Lord today while there is still time.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: We serve a loving and awesome God who has presented His greatest gift ever, His very own Son, so that we might enjoy extreme blessings here on earth, and look forward to even greater things in Heaven! Lord I accept your precious gift, and I kneel at Your feet pleading for my unsaved loved ones.

PRAYER: You gave it all, so that we may have it all. Thank You Jesus for your precious gift! Please forgive us when we tread upon that gift lightly and do not accept the faithful promise from on high. Many of our family and friends have consistently rejected Your gift oh Lord, and I am pleading once again on their behalf that You would tender their hearts and drawn them unto Yourself. Lord, if there is a reader or listener who have not fully accepted Your gift of salvation, please may this be the day. AMEN!

How To Prove You Are A True Follower of Christ

On 2021-10-292021-10-28 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Surrender, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2021-10-29

Bible Reference: John 8:31
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: ³¹Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “When you continue to embrace all that I teach, you prove that you are my true followers.

APPLICATION: Jesus made it clear that when we embrace ALL that He taught us, and all that He continues to teach us each day, we are considered His true followers. In ever country represented in my readership, I believe that you could easily acknowledge that there are a multitude of denominations represented in the ‘religious’ communities of each country. This came about primarily because of two reasons: (1) There are differences of opinion about the interpretation of God’s Word; and (2) In every team setting, there are multiple individuals who feel like they could lead better than the current leader, so troubles arise and a split off results, so that leaders could have their way. But, based on the first point, how could followers possibly think that they are willing to follow ALL that God teaches in His Word, when there are so many variances on how these things are interpreted? Among our community of churches there are known differences in things such as: the day selected for worship services; whether divorcees can serve in leadership roles in the church; those with gender uncertainties serving in the church; etc, etc. But how can we honestly say that we (all followers collectively) are following ALL that Jesus teaches? Some believers may be looked on as ‘Christian fanatics’ when we become very stringent in following the teachings of our Lord, because there becomes such a divide between their belief and that of the world. Friends, I would recommend that we closely examine ourselves to see where we stand with Jesus. Would He consider us a ‘True Follower’? To the world, it might seem acceptable based on how often we attend church; or how much we give to the church; or how much we claim that we love Jesus. But remember dear friends, in this old world, we have fallen into easy and quick divorces; not even getting married so that we could up and leave at just any time we want; why children are divorcing parents now, and siblings will go years without ever contacting or seeing a sibling. Are these examples of what we should apply to our relationship with our Lord also? For the one who is serious about following Jesus, and allowing Him to be Lord of their life, we made a 180 degree turn in our lifestyle and in our commitments and in honesty, and in our love for God and fro each other. It’s Jesus’ way of life! I believe that Jesus is telling us today that He agreed to follow through with the crucifixion because He loved and respected His father enough to obey ALL of His commands, even if it led to the cross. As followers of this same awesome Savior, why would we decide to do anything short of that same ideal? Are you bold enough to ask Jesus if you are considered a True Follower of His? Perhaps an accountability partner might help you tear down the doors of fake; falsehood; and make-believe, so that you may honestly stand before the King of kings and Lord of lords with one simple song: ‘Just as I Am Without One Plea‘, knowing that in and of ourselves we are nothing worthy of the love of Jesus Christ. But knowing that because of who He is, Jesus will have it no other way, than to love the children for which He died and rose again! Where do you stand today dear one? Have a little talk with Jesus, and make sure that everything is in order – a True Follower of Christ!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are my strength when I am weak. When trials come and life itself seems to overwhelm me, I need You more than ever to be my deliverer, my peace and my strength. Lord, living in this sinful world is challenging at best, so it is very easy for us to feel like we are not where we need to be in our walk with You. Thank You Lord for sacrificing Your very life, so that I might have forgiveness of my sin and peace about my future with You. Oh that my readers and I might be in such communion with You each and every day, that our lives will exemplify You in every way. May someone experience Jesus today in conversation with Your children and through our expressions of love in all that we do. AMEN!