Tag: Bible Fellowship Church

Here’s What Really Counts

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-05-03

Bible Reference: Mark 7:20-23
Translation: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: 20 And Jesus said, “The things that make people wrong are the things that come from the inside. 21 All these bad things begin inside a person, in the mind: bad thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, 22 adultery, greed, doing bad things to people, lying, doing things that are morally wrong, jealousy, insulting people, proud talking, and foolish living.23 These evil things come from inside a person. And these are the things that make people unacceptable to God.”

OBSERVATION: We all want to do our best, look our best and portray our best before our peers, family and friends. But in our focal passage today, it is obvious that there are some other things that are more important to our Maker – things that would impact our eternity with Him. This sounds important enough for us to spend some time on today dear friends, stay with me on this…

APPLICATION: Going to the gym has become a high priority for many. Going to weight management classes reaches high on the priority list for many. Attending inspirational conferences and spending time with positive people is a must. Yes, we have become a people who have really dedicated ourselves to being a good impression on the rest of the world, and that’s a very positive thing! However, whether we are intentionally aware, or not, every day our lives are also impacted for eternity. But let us never forget that there are two options for where one might spend eternity. If you are intentional about making heaven your eternal home, then you will intentionally seek after Christ, and therefore closely desire to obey His Word. If you do nothing, or couldn’t care less, then obviously you have decided that you are content with Hell and the damnation that comes from its leader – Satan. So having laid the groundwork, I would like for us to think about the focal verses today. Jesus outlined some things that emanate from us that are detriment to the cause of Christ. These are attitudes and actions that result from what has been fed into our lives – by television; movies; the friends we hang out with; the absence of the teachings of Jesus Christ; etc. It is obvious that no matter how good the things are that make us healthy and put our bodies in shape, the really important things in life – the things that please God, truly comes from the inner man – from the things that touched our heart, soul and mind. Friends, let me be the first to tell you that the source of the things that please God, actually come from Him and His teachings in the first place. So my challenge for you and I today is that we carefully go to the Source of life, and the Source of eternal life, for inspiration and spiritual growth in ways that please our Master. That’s what really counts in this life! Remember, only what’s done for Jesus will last, and as we learned from these verses today, only lives that are impacted by Jesus will go on to eternity with Him in glory. Where are you headed dear friend? Where will you spend eternity? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus, and find yourself learning from Him daily, so that you may reflect Him in every aspect of your life? That’s my desire, and I pray that each reader will do likewise.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You have made it clear in Your Word what You demand of each of Your children. You’ve shown us how our lives will reflect the One to whom we are running to. Please touch each one that will read this devotional today. May we all know without a doubt where we are headed and where we will spend eternity. May our lives reflect that in everything we do and say, through Your strength and by Your power oh Lord. AMEN!

Jesus Sees Us In Our Challenging Times

On By Ed AlgreenIn Challenges, Love, SavedLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: May 2, 2019
WRITTEN AT: Sebring, FL

Bible Reference: Mark 6:47-51
Translation: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: 47 That night, the boat was still in the middle of the lake. Jesus was alone on the land. 48 He saw the boat far away on the lake. And he saw the followers working hard to row the boat. The wind was blowing against them. Sometime between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus went out to the boat, walking on the water. He continued walking until he was almost past the boat. 49 But the followers saw Jesus walking on the water. They thought he was a ghost, and they started screaming. 50 It scared them all to see him. But he spoke to them and said, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.” 51 When he got into the boat with the followers, the wind stopped. The followers were completely amazed.

OBSERVATION: Often when we are in deepest worry, we tend to think that no one sees or understands what we are going through. But although the disciples were in a boat, away from the shore, and probably could not see Jesus, yet He not only saw them, but also saw the struggle they were having. Jesus said in His Word that He would never leave us alone, so I believe that He sees and understands our struggles today as well, and that He loves us enough that He would never leave us alone. Join me as we meditate some more on this…

APPLICATION: Struggles and worry come in many forms, but when we feel like we are running off track, or off course, I could easily understand how we would also feel like we are being buffeted by the storms that are far over our heads. In fact, we might often feel like the storms have driven us far off course from the path that we believe God ordained for us. Jesus’ disciples were traveling in a boat across the lake to Bethsaida, when a storm arose and blew them off course. Notice that the Word says that Jesus was well aware of the struggle His disciples were going through. That in itself is rewarding because it reminds me that Jesus is aware of what I am going through. He knows where I want to be, but just as important, He knows the struggles of this world that are holding me back and forcing me off course. It may be health, or finances or family issues, or a thousand other things, BUT He knows what we are facing. The following course of action is even more exciting, because the Bible tells me that He arose from what He was doing and went to the disciples – He went to their rescue, to help them. We look at our children, see their struggles, and we want to jump in and help, but often our pride or an attitude of wanting to see them learn a lesson and actually ask for help, may prevent us from stepping forward. Jesus already knows our hearts friends, so He knows what we need, when we need it and how badly we need it. I am amazed that in spite of our worldly distractions, yet Jesus comes to our rescue and calms our waters of worry and hopelessness and fills us with His joy, His peace, and the amazing hope for eternity with Him in heaven! Wow, what an awesome God that we serve! Do you know Him personally friend? If not, please consider following the suggestion in the footnote today. Jesus wants to welcome you and care for you just like He did for the disciples in that boat!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for being my Savior. Thank You for sacrificing Your life so that I may have life eternally with You in glory! As reminded in this text today, let me also thank You for coming to my rescue when You noticed that I am running off course because of worldly struggles that distract my walk. This is way more than I could ever expect, and deserve, but thank You for loving me in this way. This is more than I can comprehend, or imagine, based on this world’s standards. I adore You dear Jesus, and I thank You for loving me this much, in spite of my human frailness. Please continue to watch out for me, and I welcome You to come to my rescue at any time. I am sure that my Christian brothers and sisters are also plagued with these same insecurities and challenges in their daily lives. Please allow this study to open their eyes to Your amazing love and concern for them. Lord, may this be a day that some lost person may come across this devotional, and be so reminded of Your love, that they might surrender their life wholly and solely to You. I ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, my Lord, AMEN!

Obey God’s Laws or Else….

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Obedience, Obedient, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-05-01

Bible Reference: Leviticus 18:29-30
Translation: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: 29 Whoever does any of these terrible sins must be separated from their people! 30 Other people have done these terrible sins, but you must obey my laws. You must not do any of these terrible sins. Do not make yourself filthy with these terrible sins. I am the Lord your God.”

OBSERVATION: God led the Israelites to a place (Canaan) where they would encounter another culture. In our focal verses today, God is warning the Israelites that they are not to get caught up in the culture of the land, but to stay true to the teachings and commands of the Lord. Isn’t it easy to see the comparison between the challenge that the Israelites faced and the one that we face every day? Yet I believe that God still wants His people to stay true to Him! But are we?

APPLICATION: “When in Rome, you do as the Romans do”, isn’t that one of the popular sayings that we hear, and may have even spoken? But that’s not what God told the Israelites. He reminded them of their Master, and how important it was for them not to be discolored by the sin of those they would meet in their new land. He reminded them of whose they were. Fellow Christians, this is exactly the dilemma that we face each and every day. We enter into a world filled with the same sins mentioned in the preceding verses of Leviticus 18, and we decide whether we will go with the flow and be like the locals, or will we stand for God – no matter what environment we find ourselves in. Isn’t it challenging to think that if we go with the flow, we will fit right in and not even be noticed as being different in our inner man? Isn’t it even more challenging to consider that if we speak out against the wrong in our land, or practiced by our friends, that we will be looked at in contempt and perhaps even ridiculed for standing out like a ‘sore thumb’. We may be looked on as a ‘goody two shoe’ or as one thinking more proudly of self rather than anyone else. But does it matter more what others might say, or what God demands, and how He will respond in disappointment to His very own child speaking and/or acting just like the rest? Friends, I believe that the very last words were placed in verse 30 as a reminder for all of us when we face good times, or very challenging times, so that we might always consider that whatever we decide to do, we should always remember ‘For I am the Lord Your God’! That will either result in you praising God for His strength in helping you do, or say, the right thing under extremely challenging situations, or those words might impact our very soul in shame about the way we acted or spoke while knowing deep inside to whom we belong. Oh that we may keep a clear conscience by representing God well in every circumstance of life, with Him as our helper and guide.

PRAYER: Lord, You know how You created us to desire pleasing others in all that we say or do. It therefore becomes extremely challenging for us to speak out against the wrong that we see in our society, where many of the same sins mentioned in Leviticus are still being performed. Yet we are reminded that we are to represent You in all that we say and do, so that You may be glorified in our lives. Please help us to manage the complexities of this challenge so that we will always honor You, and that we may correct or speak out in ways that will allow us to witness to the unbeliever about the awesome God that we serve. Please help us to be a light of hope to the unsaved. and not a hammer that will destroy all hope of sharing Christ with them. We need You heavenly Father, even today we do! AMEN!

God Will Give The Victory

On By Ed AlgreenIn Overcomer, Prayer, Victorious Life, VictoryLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-04-30

Bible Reference: 2 Chronicles 20:15–17
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text:  Jahaziel said, “Your Majesty and all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, the LORD says that you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this large army. The battle depends on God, not on you. Attack them tomorrow as they come up the pass at Ziz. You will meet them at the end of the valley that leads to the wild country near Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Just take up your positions and wait; you will see the LORD give you victory. People of Judah and Jerusalem, do not hesitate or be afraid. Go out to battle, and the LORD will be with you!”

OBSERVATION: King Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming issue – he was about to face a huge army. Often our issues seem unreal to us also, because we see, what appears to be, an overwhelming challenge ahead of us. But the reassuring thing for us, is that the same God who promised victory to the king, is the same God that we serve today! And I believe that He is just as concerned about our victory as He was about the king’s challenge! Meditate with me on this friends!

APPLICATION: King Jehoshaphat faced the reality of an approaching army that was superior to his and overwhelmingly outnumbered his army. He was accustomed to prayer, leadership by God, and the awesome power of God. But he didn’t take this for granted, he gathered his people in the temple courtyard and he personally led the prayer to God on behalf of his people. After bragging on the known accomplishments of God, in vs 7 and again in vs 12 the king acknowledged that “You are our God”, meaning that You are the proven One that we depend on; You are the One that is powerful enough to bring us victory! In response to this intense, yet humble time of prayer, God spoke through an unknown prophet in their midst, Jahaziel, who shared with the king and his people that they are not to be afraid or discouraged, the battle depends on God, not on them! Wow, what an awesome reality when we face our battles today. When we have placed the battle in God’s hands, we can rest peacefully knowing that the battle is then His, not ours! What an awesome God we serve fellow Christian! Take time to give Him praise, adoration and glory today! If you are facing a battle today, I encourage you to read this whole chapter (30 verses), and be encourage to surrender that battle over to God. Imagine the peace of knowing that He now has that issue that has been troubling you and that the battle is His, and no longer yours! Just do it friend! He is our God!

PRAYER: Lord God, You know the mountains that we need to cross, and I believe that You know the challenges that seem overwhelming to us. Please comfort the hearts of Your children tuned in to this devotional today, and give us the reassurance that we need to help us face today, and tomorrow, knowing that You are still God and that our ‘mountains’ are very crossable with You as our Guide and our Deliverer. Praise be to God for the assurance of whom we serve, and for Your awesome power to overcome. May we place our faith and trust in You at all times, for all things. AMEN!

The Unfortunate Results of Unbelief

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-04-29

Bible Reference:  Mark 6:2-6 
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: …the people were astonished at his wisdom and his miracles because he was just a local man like themselves. “He’s no better than we are,” they said. “He’s just a carpenter, Mary’s boy, and a brother of James and Joseph, Judas and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” And they were offended! 4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and among his relatives and by his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief he couldn’t do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he could hardly accept the fact that they wouldn’t believe in him. Then he went out among the villages, teaching.

OBSERVATION: You may have heard it before, where an old saint may say that he, or she, will not go out to hear that person preach, because he’s just one of the locals who grew up with them. So to read our focal verses today and see that Jesus faced this same dilemma, really opens our minds to ponder why do we humans choose to take this stand. Jesus said that these choices lead to unbelief in the power of God, and can really prevent His work in our midst. Let’s open our hearts to God’s Word as we meditate some more on this.

APPLICATION: From personal experience, I can tell you that it is very natural for us to look at the faults in others and judge them accordingly, while overlooking the plank in our own eye – the shortcomings of our own life. I recall a group meeting of church workers, and one gentleman suggested that a Brother was falling short of his responsibilities. However, the pastor commented that the complainant may be out of order, because there was lots of ministry being done by the person behind the scenes, and unannounced to the rest of the workers. Friends, it is times like that when we are made to understand that keeping ourselves straight, and in alignment with the commands of Jesus, is a fulltime job, that leaves no time for us to judge another! Similarly, when a teacher or preacher is presented to us, our responsibility is to pray that God would use them as His messenger to speak His words that we need in our lives. Friends, that’s a miraculous work of God, when you consider the many temptations, trials and challenges that each of us face daily here on this old sinful earth. It is so easy for us to be distracted by the known, or assumed sin/faults of the person standing before us, rather than the miraculous working God who is using that earthen vessel to deliver His message to us. But how does that affect, or impact us? Notice in verse 5 that the Word of God says that because of unbelief, God is unwilling to release His work, and work miracles in our midst. So when we sin by tearing down the messenger, what blessings do you assume that we are blocking? Is it not time for God’s children to act as His children and to seek His face while He may be found. Listen closely to the message that He has entrusted to His messenger to deliver to us, so that His blessings and miracles may flow freely, and uninterrupted by our selfishness and sinfulness? Friends, let us make every effort to enhance the work of the Lord in our own life, and that of our churches, instead of being a stumbling block. May God be glorified, even if we might be humbled in the effort.

PRAYER: Precious Lord Jesus, I don’t know that a whole lot has changed from the time that You were provoked to leave the people of Nazareth and move on to other towns that were ready to listen to Your word, and receive Your blessings. We desperately need You dear Lord, please humble us to set aside our personal preferences and our warped ideals, so that our ears may be primed to listen to Your Word. May our lives be opened and ready to obey Your teachings. We need You and we need to be open to Your Word. Please help us to do just that today and every day, so that You might be glorified in our lives. AMEN!

Many Voices

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Commitment, Committed, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-04-27

Bible Reference: Mark 5:36; 39-42
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 36 But Jesus refused to listen to what they were told[n and said to the Jewish official, “Don’t yield to fear. All you need to do is to keep on believing.”
39 Upon entering the home, Jesus said to them, “Why all this grief and weeping? Don’t you know the girl is not dead but merely asleep?” 40 Then everyone began to ridicule and make fun of him. But he threw them all outside. Then he took the child’s father and mother and his three disciples and went into the room where the girl was lying. 41 He tenderly clasped the child’s hand in his and said to her in Aramaic, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, wake up from the sleep of death.” 42 Instantly the twelve-year-old girl sat up, stood to her feet, and started walking around the room!

OBSERVATION: On the one hand, the Jewish ruler was being told to give up and go back home, for his daughter had died. However, Jesus told him something totally different. At the home of Jairus, the crowd mocked Jesus because he said that the daughter of Jairus was only asleep. What was Jairus to believe? You and I have this type of dilemma every day, so how do we know which way to go. or who to believe?

APPLICATION: Jairus could very easily have succumbed to the pressure of the crowd around him – friends, co-laborers, Jewish authorities, etc. for he knew them a whole lot longer than he knew this ‘Jesus’ who he had just heard of. After all, what must the crowd be thinking about Jairus being so receptive to this new ‘profit’ that seemed to be causing such an uproar? Friends, if you tune in closely to the voices of the crowd around you every day – at work; at the grocery story; at the gym; at the gas station or the movie theater, many of these individuals are pretty far out in their thoughts, words and actions. They often look down on Christians and churches and this fictional character (in their minds) that they hear us talking about – Jesus. We hear many voices dear friends, and if we are not strong in our faith, and in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, they might easily distract us and pull us into their way of thinking – after all they seem to be happy, they seem to be rich, they seem to have a lot of things going in their favor. Jesus told Jairus: just keep on believing! I believe that He is telling you and I today that we are to just keep on believing. When He called your name and you accepted Him as Lord and Savior, you were so convinced, that you totally surrendered your life to Him. Yes, you’ve not made it a priority to read His Word every day. Yes, you’ve not made it a priority to speak (pray) to Him every day. Yes you’ve allowed many other things to come before Him when you should have been refueling your spiritual tank at church. Yes, you’ve been hanging around some friends who are not at all sold out on Jesus. So in retrospect, whose voice are you really hearing? May I encourage you today dear friend, to not only accept my Lord as your personal Savior, but please consider making Him a daily priority in your life. You may easily be put in the position that Jairus was in – do you listen to the crowd, or do you listen to Jesus? I pray that the decision will be very easy and convincing for you. Jesus is my Rock, my Redeemer; my Savior; and my everlasting Lord. Know Him today my friend, and know the everlasting peace that He brings. You won’t regret one minute of it!

PRAYER: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for accepting me as Your very own son, and thank You for accepting all those who will read this devotional and have committed their life to Your lordship. Please help us to stay so in tuned with You on a daily basis that we will by like simple sheep that listen to the voice of their shepherd and obediently follow his commands. You are my Shepherd! Please help me to follow you all the days of my life. Please humble the hearts of all those who will read this devotional today, and call them to a close and lasting relationship with Yourself. AMEN!

Go Tell

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Worship1 Comment

Friday, 2019-04-25

Bible Reference: Mark 5:18-20
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 18 When Jesus climbed back into the boat, the cured demoniac asked if he could come and be with Him, but Jesus said no.
Jesus: 19 Stay here; I want you to go back home to your own people and let them see what the Lord has done—how He has had mercy on you.
20 So the man went away and began telling this news in the Ten Cities region; wherever he went, people were amazed by what he told them.

OBSERVATION: When something good happens to us, we need no prodding to head on out and tell the world about it. But what is it about the miraculous touch of God that causes us to keep something so wonderful all to ourselves? Could it be that our fear of rejection is far more powerful, than our release of praise to our Maker? Let’s think about that today…

APPLICATION: In our story today from the Scriptures, there seems to be two reactions taken by the healed demonic-filled man. The first human instinct was to stay close to the One who healed him, and I believe that reaction is still very prevalent today. Think about it – haven’t you heard someone say that they would never leave a certain church because of how good they were to them? Or the same about a certain pastor – because he took time to pray with them and that brought healing to their desperately aching body? Yes, we still react in much the same way as the healed man wanted to do. But think carefully about the second reaction that was induced by Jesus Himself. The man was told that instead of sticking close to Jesus, the source of his healing, he was told to go and share that miracle with others – those that may be struggling in their faith, or those who stand at a distance in wanting to trust in God. I believe this all boils down to someone hearing about a firsthand experience, rather than a story about someone else’s experience. I can watch a video about a motorcycle crash and marvel over the survival of the driver, but when I hear first hand how God protected a friend in a similar crash, and how they knew without a doubt that it was God who protected them and saved them – which do you think will get my attention? In which story do you suppose I will see the importance of knowing the God who saved these two drivers? Friends, I believe that this story, and this command by Jesus to ‘go and tell’, comes at a time that we all must be willing to share our miracle with a friend or family member, for this may be the very thing that will convince them of: the real, the loving, the all-powerful God that we serve, love and adore. Sure we should go to church and sing our praises to our Lord and Savior, and share our miracles with one another, but let’s also pray for opportunities to share our story with anyone that would listen – anyone that needs Jesus!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, please open the doors of opportunity for us to share Jesus with one another today. Especially with those who have not met and surrendered their lives to Him personally. May they see the joy of the Lord in our lives, and may they experience His marvelous love in every word that we speak and every action that we take. May someone see Jesus today because they came into contact with us, for this is my heart-cry today dear Lord. AMEN!

The Danger Of Not Surrendering ALL

On By Ed AlgreenIn Committed, Dedication, SurrenderLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-04-25

Bible Reference: 2 Kings 15:1–5
Translation: The Good news Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: In the 27th year of the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel, Uzziah son of Amaziah became king of Judah at the age of sixteen, and he ruled in Jerusalem for 52 years. His mother was Jecoliah from Jerusalem. Following the example of his father, he did what was pleasing to the LORD. But the pagan places of worship were not destroyed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. The LORD struck Uzziah with a dreaded skin disease that stayed with him the rest of his life. He lived in a house on his own, relieved of all duties, while his son Jotham governed the country.

OBSERVATION: I believe there will be great opportunities for worship, and for winning the hearts of the lost for Jesus, if they saw into the depths of a totally surrendered heart, when they looked at us!

APPLICATION: It seems like there is always one aspect of our lives that we don’t fully turn over to God. In this king’s life, he came short of cleaning up his country for the Lord by leaving the pagan places of worship. I wonder what all we leave behind when we, supposedly, surrender it ‘ALL‘ to Jesus? Perhaps ‘ALL‘ that we feel is necessary to surrender to Him? God brought great condemnation on the kings that did this. I wonder how much is really brought upon us because of our lack of commitment and total surrender. I bet we could not imagine how much sweeter our relationship with Christ would really be if we totally surrendered ALL of ourselves to Him. Not only was a dreadful disease (punishment) brought on King Uzziah, but the people continued to worship their pagan gods. The un-surrendered parts of our lives will be heavily attacked by Satan, because he sees that as an inroad into the life of a believer in Christ. What stops us from surrendering all to Jesus? I believe there will be great opportunities for worship, and for winning the hearts of the lost for Jesus, if they saw into the depths of a totally surrendered heart. Let’s seek His face and ask Him for the help we need to do this, friends.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please help us to search deep within our hearts and analyze those parts of our lives that we have not totally surrendered to You. After meditating on Your Word this morning, I feel like I must do this, because I likened it to me making a long trip in a nice RV, but leaving the air-conditioners at home. The trip would be a lot more tolerable and comfortable if I had the units with me. When my life is not totally surrendered to You, I live life similar to my RV trip, missing some very important pieces that could drastically improve the quality of life on earth for me. Furthermore, my joy while serving You down here would be so rich, that I couldn’t even imagine how much sweeter it would be when I see You face to face in heaven! Satan is after us with such intensity already, please help us to not leave any parts of our lives even more vulnerable to Him. May Satan, and all of those that my friends and I come into contact with see Jesus in all of His fullness and glory! AMEN!

Church Leaders As Shepherds

On By Ed AlgreenIn Elders, Expectations, Leadership, PastorsLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-04-24

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 5:2–4
Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Bible Text: Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.

OBSERVATION: If we hold a place of leadership in God’s church, then we have a responsibility to watch over those we lead with the same love and care that God has for us.

APPLICATION: We tend to expect a lot out of our pastors. In fact, we tend to think that they are invincible and not subject to the same sin and temptations that we encounter daily. Some translations tend to see this section of scripture addressed to elders, while some use more general terms of church leaders. I am not here to clarify either of these, but rather to remind us that if we hold a place of leadership in God’s church, then we have a responsibility to watch over those we lead with the same love and care that God has for us. We should not be in a place of leadership unless we could be a leader from a heart of love for the Lord and for His local church. We should have within us the desire to see the work of the Lord flourish – for His glory, therefore our work should be done unselfishly and with a heart to work for our master, not because of anything that we might personally gain from any position that we might hold. Most people learn better from what they are shown than from what they are told, therefore Peter warns that leaders are to lead by example rather than trying to throw around your authority. The super great news is that regardless whether we are ignored for our efforts in the work of the church here on earth, all we do for Jesus will be recognized by Him when we see Him face to face one day. In fact, Peter suggested that we would gain a crown that will never lose its glory! I could only imagine the smile on my Savior’s face as He welcomes me home and thanks me for returning the favor for what He did for me on Calvary, by all that I attempted to do to promote His kingdom while here on earth! Oh that will be, glory for me! Are you looking forward to this also friend? Please don’t shy away from the Lord’s work. There’s much to be done, and many to be reached with the gospel. Jesus used others to find us and bless us, now let’s make ourselves available for the work of the Lord. Yes, God can use even you and I for His glory!

PRAYER: Lord we work hard around our churches and sometimes we get discouraged because we feel unappreciated by church leaders and/or members. Thank You for using Your servant Peter to show us that our expectations are unimportant here on earth, for our efforts should always be directed towards pleasing the only One that we serve, our Lord and Savior! In fact I believe that most often when we expect glory here on earth, it could easily mean that we may not necessarily be doing kingdom work. May we be found faithful in all that we do for Your ultimate glory. May You be lifted higher when others recognize a benefit from our efforts here below. I ask these things in the name of the Lord that I adore, the Lord that I seek to please by all that I do here below, AMEN!

Pattern Your Lives After The One To Whom You Belong

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-04-23

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 1:14-16
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 14 Obey God because you are his children; don’t slip back into your old ways—doing evil because you knew no better. 15 But be holy now in everything you do, just as the Lord is holy, who invited you to be his child. 16 He himself has said, “You must be holy, for I am holy.”

OBSERVATION: In Leviticus 11:44-45 God set the stage for what Peter is teaching in our verses today. For in Leviticus God reminded the Israelites of what He had brought them from, or out of, and how they were now benefiting from His mighty works. Peter now draws a parallel by showing us how we are very much like the Israelites. As we meditate on this, let’s be drawn into the very presence of our great High Priest who has lifted us up from the mire of sin and brought us into His glorious light!

APPLICATION: Even at my age, I am still amazed about the way that children assume the good attitudes and practices of their parents, and often to the total disappointment of many adults, how they also pick up on, and practice the bad habits that they learn at home. In playing baseball with my daughter when she was very young, she turns aside from the batting box, spat, and then turned back to really hit the ball hard on the next pitch that was thrown to her. She was convinced from watching the professionals, that this was the practice that would help her really hit the ball! Funny, isn’t it? But that’s just one example of how they watch their parents and other adults, and practice what they see them doing. So do you assume that is different from the way that adults act? I would dare say that it is not. For what do you assume might be the issue when we find it so challenging to commit to taking a leadership role in our church? Could it be that we would not be as free as our neighbor, or best friend, to take off whenever we want to and ‘enjoy life’? What would Jesus do? If we are to be holy as our Father is holy, our Mentor, our Deliverer and our Savior, wouldn’t we be seeking to follow in His footsteps and in all holiness, be the same type of person that He was/is? What were the things that were important to Him? He said that He would wait to hear from His father before speaking – in some instances; before responding – in some instances, etc. Friends, we are being cautioned to not drift back into our former life, and our old worldly habits, but instead to give every effort to becoming more like our leader – Jesus, our Teacher, and our Lord. May I suggest that you evaluate your life and ask God to open your spiritual eyes to understand who you are becoming – one following God’s example? or one who is still immersed in following your former life. Oh that our eyes might be fixed on Jesus, our soon coming King, and may our lives reflect to whom we belong!

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, please humble your children who will meditate on this devotional today. May we see You clearly, and therefore be reminded of our shortcomings and inadequate means of being holy, without a special touch from You Lord, for You alone are holy. Lord, I want to see You, but until the time that You will call me home, may I live in such a way that others will see You. May You be glorified through each of us oh Lord! AMEN!