Transformed Relationships

On 2020-04-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Born Again, Christian, Encourage, Example of Christ, Forgiveness, Fruit of the Spirit, Genuine example of Jesus, Getting Along, Godly example, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Humility, Imitator of Christ, Love, Love your Neighbor, ObedienceLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2020-04-14
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 12:9-12
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: ⁹Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous. ¹⁰Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. ¹¹Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.
¹²Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble,^[e] but commune with God at all times.

OBSERVATION: Often times we will read about ways to, and often we are encouraged to, transform our lives into one that aligns with the will of God and in obedience of the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages us to meditate also on how these transformed lives will look to those that we connect with and call our friends. Perhaps you might be willing to join me in looking deeply into our personal relationships with others, and whether there is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work within us as we fellowship with each other. Paul gives great guidance to us, so let’s dig in…

APPLICATION: Often times we struggle in relationships, both with family members and with friends. For there is jealousy between one another and envy and hard feelings that could quickly result, in fact, to the extent that we can’t stand to be in each other’s presence. Coworkers tend to be so competitive to reach for the top, or earn more commissions and/or recognition, so they step right over another employee, and may even do certain things to prevent that coworker from doing their best. Church members want to be in charge, or favored by the pastor, or perhaps they just can’t have their own way, so we see churches split or families leave the church and move on to another. I wonder if the result would be any different if we were to follow the advice of Paul in these two verses? Friends, Christians are to be deep into the Word at every opportunity, but not less frequently than daily, looking over God’s instructions to be sure that we live and love like Him. You see, God’s Word contains our template for love, it tells us about our Role Model, Jesus Christ. Our responsibility according to the Word, is to go and minister to the world so that all may know Jesus. Don’t you know that we are actually teaching them our evil ways when we act like the world, or like the above examples? Remember, our actions speak so loud that others will rarely hear what we are saying to them. I believe Paul is saying that we are not to be hypocritical. If we claim Jesus as Lord, then we are to live like Him and seek to squash all evil thoughts that Satan will buffet us with. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we will seek to act like Jesus. and in no way follow the path of least resistance that are led by Satan – whose aim is to kill, steal and destroy the work of God. Friends, Jesus is coming soon and we must live with that in mind. Don’t dare live like the devil and think you’ll have time to seek forgiveness when you hear that Jesus is coming down the street. The Bible says that we must live in a state of readiness, because Jesus in no way needs our permission that the coast is clear for Him to come and gather His bride (the church – us). This means that we are to live and love like Jesus demands of us today. Don’t delay, please?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, the creator of love, the One who showed ultimate love, please forgive me for making a mockery of living and loving like You exampled for me. You showed me how to live, and I have totally blown it. Thank You for Your servant Paul, who has reminded us that we need to live and love in ways that others might recognize as an imitation of God. This is impossible to achieve, as long as we continue to give in to the ways of this world. Father, please give my readers and I strength to be true victors in living our lives according to the model You displayed. Please help us to stay so in tuned with Your Word that it will not only impact the words from our lips, but the desires of our heart and the actions of our whole being. Lord, sadly, we must confess that we have ‘Christian’ family and friends that are living in sin, because they are acting just like Satan, and in similar ways to the above examples given. Please use this devotional today to speak to the hearts of those claiming You as Lord. Please also speak to those who have not yet accepted You as Lord, for today is the day of salvation, and there is no better time than today for them to seek Your power and Your strength so that they too might live and love like You. Lord, this old world is getting in extremely poor shape morally, for folk are becoming more and more hardened to their sin. Please, I beg You, do a mighty work in Your people today. Begin with us, Christians. Get us straight first, so that we may be Your hands and Your feet on the ground seeking to impact the lives of those that don’t know You. These things I ask humbly in Your precious name and for Your sake, AMEN!

Give God the Glory

On 2020-04-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, For His Glory, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-04-13
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 11:33-36
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ³³We cannot wrap our minds around God’s wisdom and knowledge! Its depths can never be measured! We cannot understand His judgments or explain the mysterious ways that He works! For, ³⁴Who can fathom the mind of the Lord? Or who can claim to be His advisor?^[g] ³⁵Or, Who can give to God in advance so that God must pay him back?^[h] ³⁶For all that exists originates in Him, comes through Him, and is moving toward Him; so give Him the glory forever. Amen.

OBSERVATION: In our Scripture today we are reminded that God is still in control; that His ways are far greater than anything we could imagine; and although He owes us nothing, He still loves us with an unconditional love and will do whatever it takes to see us through our circumstances and events of this life that seem so impossible to us. Hard to imagine? I believe it was for Paul also, and therefore the reason he told us to just give God the glory forever! A good reminder for us to meditate on, especially when times seem to be at the most challenging – ever.

APPLICATION: We can hear story after story about how challenging the times are in which we are now living. In fact, these are unprecedented times and even Christians are standing back in question about when things will return to ‘normal’, or when God will show forth His power. Friends, I trust that you will really take time to read our focal verses carefully today, and allow God to speak to you about how much He is in control of everything – yes even our trying times with Covid 19. I find it fascinating how God is still showing His powerful works through our weather patterns (floods, tornadoes, cold fronts, etc); how He is really speaking to the hearts of His people, especially now while they have time to listen; how this awful virus has no regard for the color of our skin or the value of our net worth, or the positional status of the individual (prime ministers, movie stars, pastors, military, etc). This is a time where those of us willing to open our eyes and truly observe, we may find where it seems like this a precursor to the return of Christ to take His bride home to glory – for the streets are empty, the business places are closed, governments of the world are in a panic, doctors don’t have the right medicine for the virus, loved ones are taken away and some remain with empty hearts, those alive can’t even bury their dead loved ones, and there really only seems to be One with the answers – the God who always was, always is and always shall be. So if you are like me and recognize all these interesting facts and have come to the realization of the awesome power of our God, how are you dealing with it? For the unbeliever, perhaps you have enough questions in your mind that you are finally recognizing that the God who created you, the God who keeps the earth spinning on its axis every day, the God who gives you breath to get out of bed each morning, He is the God who will also face you with some very challenging questions one day when you stand accountable before Him. Please allow me to share with you, based on the Word of God, that there will be no trial where you could offer your excuses, for my God already knows every little detail about you. So you will merely stand before Him for your verdict – Heaven, or Hell. No doubt you know the answer to that already, for God will only allow into Heaven those who have asked His Son, Jesus, into their hearts as Lord and ruler of your life. That’s it! No credit for good behavior or for what you gave to the poor, for we are told over and over in the Bible that there is only one way. Let me encourage you to seriously consider this during this down time where you are not overwhelmed with the cares of this life. I would love to have you standing next to me at the feet of Jesus, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t get you in. Only you can accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, for yourself. Please consider doing this today my friend. Contact me if you would like for me to pray with you, or in any way help you with this decision.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for Your daily intervention in our lives. Normally we will recognize this when we are on top of the clouds with extreme joy, success and happiness. However, through our challenging times You also help us to recognize Your power and Your authority over everything that exists. Please speak to the hearts of each one today, especially those who have struggled with recognizing and accepting You as Lord. May this be a day of decision for many, as we see Your hand at work in our lives and in our communities as we struggle to survive through the anxieties of today’s challenge with this pandemic. You are always there, always available and always reaching out to receive all who will call on Your name. May we do our part today, is my humble, but urgent plea. 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!

Praise God For His Faithfulness

On 2020-04-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Come Soon, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-03-11
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Psalm 100:3-5
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ³…. We have the privilege of worshiping the Lord our God.
For he is our Creator and we belong to him.
We are the people of his pleasure.^[a]
⁴You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise.
Come right into his presence with thanksgiving.
Come bring your thank offering to him
and affectionately bless his beautiful name!
⁵For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you.
He’s so loving that it will amaze you—
so kind that it will astound you!
And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all.
Everyone knows our God can be trusted,
for he keeps his promises to every generation!

OBSERVATION: To reflect on the Easter weekend, is like reflecting on the Thanksgiving weekend, because we are reminded of all that our Lord did for us on Calvary, and we suddenly become very thankful. However, in our time of meditation today, let us ponder the words of the Psalmist and be reminded of †he great God that we serve. Notice the words that I bolded – He is famous for His faithfulness! Friends, be thinking about how you will worship Him and lIft up praises to Him – without the physical church and the leadership of your pastor!

APPLICATION: Although it probably goes without saying, we are living in the very dismal days of Covid 19, where it is challenging to view the news or talk to friends, without the sad and challenging news of those impacted by this dreaded virus, for which a true cure is still pending. In spite of this, we are hearing of some positive results arising from times together as a family, and the opportunities for friends and loved ones to look full into the eyes of God almighty, and commune with Him. In our Scripture today, we are being challenged by a great encourager of ‘Praise’, as David was instrumental throughout the book of Psalms in teaching us to worship, and to praise God in all aspects of life. Unfortunately, I believe that for many of us, we have been challenged to get our families together and have our own worship service, without the pastor being present and hearing him preach. I believe that these are real times of reflection. First of all, reflection on what a Christian truly is. It’s not just one that does good for others, although most Christian will do that from a sense of imitating Jesus. It’s not just a regular church attendee, although most Christian thrive from obeying God’s Word to gather together as fellow believers and grow from the experiences of each other, and they also want to be together in one place with those of like faith and practice. Secondly, let us consider what causes us to consider ourselves a ‘Christian’ at all. The moment we surrendered our heart and life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, we were filled with His Holy Spirit, and became known as Christ followers, or as Christians. This consisted of a personal conversation between us and God. Seeing that this was a ‘personal’ decision or relationship means that our Christian lives should be one that consists of personal conversations with God, personal praises to God for His goodness, personal pleas to God for His mercy in our life situations. Praising God That the church, becomes the icing on the cake, for it gives us support in magnifying Jesus together with others of like faith. It’s a time that culminates a week of personal praises to our King, our Creator, Our Master and our Lord. Without our personal times of prayer, Bible Reading and communion with God, what is there to celebrate when we join hearts and hands at Church? Remember, we can be led in worship, and we can be encouraged in worship at church, but real worship is what we do personally between us and our God. So when you question what you should do while the church doors are closed, please let me quickly suggest to you that you get with your Maker in one of the ways mentioned above, and praise Him, thank Him, worship Him, petition Him, and celebrate Him for preparing an eternal home for you that could be occupied at any time now! He’s your God – worship Him and give thanks to Him more intense than you ever thought possible, dear friends! On that great day when you are called home to glory, God will Have no need to see your pastor on whether to let you into His kingdom, He will either know you as a Son or Daughter, or He won’t know you at all. Only You can make that choice, and I pray that you will do that today, if you have never received Jesus into your heart.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You For creating us in Your image. Thank You for providing the means for us to overcome the ills of this world and to come into the very presence of a holy God as one washed in the sacred blood of Jesus Christ, meaning that You will see us as one without sin. In the mind of the unbeliever, this seems impossible and inconceivable. In the heart and mind of the believer, we can rejoice and be forever thankful that ‘You are famous for Your faithfulness’, as shared by the Psalmist today. Thank God You are faithful to fulfill all that You have promised us in Your Word. May those who know You truly praise Your holy name this weekend for the occasion that we celebrate – our risen Lord! For those who have yet to decide their own fate, please show them Jesus once again this weekend, oh God. May our friends, family and loved ones come out of this weekend knowing without a shadow of doubt, that should our world be shut down again, and should it be because of Your decision to finally take Your bride home to glory, that they all will be fully washed in the blood of Jesus, and ready for their exit from this world. Thank You for Your faithfulness dear Lord, and thank You for the hope of Your soon return to take us home with You! Come soon dear Lord! AMEN!

The Mystery of Christians

On 2020-04-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, Saved, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-03-09
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 10:9-10
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁹For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation.

OBSERVATION: Often times we never know what others think about us, and sometimes that is good! However, as we meditate on the Word today, let us consider how some may look at Christians and wonder about the mystery of how they became a Christian, and they may even be curious about how difficult, or easy, it is for them to become a child of the King. Today’s verses should help everyone that reads this devotional to see how simple God intended this to be. He provided the sacrifice so that we wouldn’t have to. Do you claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

APPLICATION: Some times pastors will go undercover! In other words, they will introduce themselves as Dick Jones, not the Reverent Dick Jones, or Dr. Dick Jones or Pastor Dick Jones. The reason for this is often an effort to help people relax and feel open to being themselves, for asking any question on their mind, without feeling dumb. Some might feel this way when they’re around you, because they feel like you are better than them, or that you have something they wish could be theirs also. Friends, although I believe that friends will identify quicker with your actions instead of your speech, eventually you will want to share with them who Jesus is to you. In the Christian realm, we call that your testimony. You see, I could tell my friend about my pastor and what a great preacher he is, what good he does in our community and how he loves the Lord, but they will soon look at me and wonder: So what is your story? Can I quote Scripture after Scripture, and would that truly help? Perhaps, but when I share my personal story, there is no doubt about what I personally experienced. So if I share that one day in 1988 (give a rough idea of the date if you don’t remember the exact date) I discovered that I was going to Hell without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Someone shared with me that if I would announce with my own mouth that Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I believe deep within my heart that He died and rose again for my salvation, then I would be saved. I had heard that phrase many times before, so I knew if was TRUTH, and this led me to proceed with this action. I have since learned that the Bible says that this salvation is open to all who would call on His name. I would therefore extend that invitation to you, my friend. Notice that I didn’t first attend Bible School or seminary. Salvation is open to all who call on the name of Jesus Christ, as shared by Paul in today’s Scripture. Friends, this mystery is very simple. For those who have accepted Jesus as Savior, please clear up the mystery for your friends. Share your story. For those still looking at this as a mystery, please know that Jesus loves you more than anyone else that you could imagine. He created you to praise Him. Won’t you consider reading today’s Scripture again, and in all sincerity read it as if you are speaking directly to Jesus? You too can be saved today, precious friend!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You may return to take Your bride, the church, home before I could even post this devotional. Thank You for loving us enough to send Your precious Son to die on Calvary, so that I may live forever with You in glory. Just as You influenced me to cry out to you in 1988 for salvation, I pray that You would also speak to my friends, family and readers who will read this devotional. I would love to celebrate with them, as we worship together at Your feet in Heaven one day. Oh that the angels in Heaven will rejoice today because of one sinner who sought You and believed in the miracle of salvation! AMEN!

You Are Still God!

On 2020-04-08 By Ed AlgreenIn All-powerful, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-03-08
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Nehemiah 9:32
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ³²    Our True God—You who are great, majestic, and awesome,
    You who always keep Your covenant of loyal love—
        do not overlook the trouble we are facing here today.
    This trouble confronts us all:
        our kings and our princes,
        our priests and our prophets, our ancestors and all of Your people—
    From the time of the Assyrian kings until today.

OBSERVATION: This chapter of Nehemiah is one that is very timely for us during the time that we are currently dealing with. The Israelites were led into times of reflection about the awesome work of the all-powerful God. This was in light of the awful time they faced with the fallen walls around Jerusalem. We too are facing very challenging and unprecedented times. It’s discouraging and very depressing, and the news media seems to make sure of that! However, let Christians meditate on the goodness of our God. Let us reflect on all that He did for us and our ancestors, and let that reassure us that He can do it again!

APPLICATION: I love this chapter of Nehemiah! Up in verse 3 we read about how Nehemiah, Ezra and the Israelites went to the temple and for the first 3 hours of each day, they spent their time listening to the Word of God being read. After hearing from God, they spent the next 3 hours confessing their sin and worshiping the Almighty God. Friends, I don’t know about you, but I had to stop and talk with God about my complaining when our church services extend beyond their normal one hour. I had to ask Him why others and myself look for excuses not to attend certain services – especially prayer services. As the chapter progresses, we are enlightened on how Nehemiah and Ezra led the people to reflect on the awesome God they were in the presence of. All that He had done for their ancestors, and all the ways He had blessed them, in spite of their sin and evil minds. I was forced into seeking forgiveness for my complaining about the rough times we are going though worldwide, because I often fail to recognize the goodness of God in making sure that I have food on the table; grocery stores available to help me replenish my pantry; doctor’s offices available to take care of my medical needs; medical experts who are sacrificing every day to help attend to the serious needs presented by Covid 19; a comfortable bed to lie in and a place to call home. Thank You Jesus that You are still the same all-powerful God who has control of every fiber of our being. You have carefully watched over and protected us in every circumstance of life, and I have no reason to believe that You will turn away from us now. You were powerful enough to take our ancestors across a river that instantly became dry for their path; You restored sight to the blind; Healed the sick and even brought the dead back to life again. We also are Your children, and we are in dire need today. Oh that You may do it again – restore Your people to good health and our land back to a sense of normal activity. Please give us the faith we need daily to trust in You and expect the miracles that only You can perform. As told boldly in the focal verse today, please precious Lord, don’t overlook the trouble we are in today.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord Jesus, when all things around us are crashing in and life seems to be failing at every point, we know that there is One who is in total control. So we turn to you, like our ancestors did, and we ask that You please don’t overlook the trouble we are in today. Every time we listen to updates on the television we hear about how out of control our world is, and how medical experts don’t know where to turn for the needed help in the challenges of today. I know that You are still God, and I know that You are able to see us through. Please give us the confidence we need to look only to You for all of our needs, and to rest in peace knowing that You can still do all things. Oh that we may glorify You for all that You have done, all that You can do, and for all that You will do as we seek Your face. AMEN!

This is Why We Praise!

On 2020-04-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2020-03-07
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Psalm 98:7-9
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁷Let the sea rumble and roar, and all the creatures it holds shout praise; let the whole world and all those who live in it join the celebration.
⁸Let the rivers applaud and the mountains join in joyful song ⁹In the presence of the Eternal because He is coming to judge the earth. He is coming, and His judgment will be what is right for the world and just to all people.

OBSERVATION: When disaster strikes, such as COVID 19, we hear reports of how countries all over the world are scrambling to protect and save their people. But what if something great was happening, such as the return of our Lord, where all peoples from all over the world who claim Jesus as Lord, are out in the streets overwhelmed with praise? Can you imagine the choir? Can you see the ocean of hands raised as we glorify our risen Lord? Amidst all that is currently going on, and that bears heavy on our hearts, let’s take a moment to rejoice and sing praises to our soon coming King today!

APPLICATION: For the business person faced with the decision to close the doors of their business and send their staff home in order to avoid the spread of a virus, it must have been devastating. No income, no ability to open the doors and help their awesome customers. Imagine pastors who constantly struggle to get folk out to church, but now forced with the only choice of closing the doors and asking parishioners to stay at home for their own safety. Disaster and contingency plans will be updated to cover such a recurrence in the future, and businesses will be forced to ensure that they have it all covered, better than ever before. However, as indicated by David in the above verses, there is a day coming when the Creator of this universe, the one true God, the Savior of the world, will return to take His church home to glory. There are Christians on staff with many employers, and there were probably times where they were snubbed for their beliefs; and they may have often heard snickers about their decisions to not participate in certain activities. However, on the day when Christ returns, I don’t believe that they will take time to clear their desks or lock up important papers, for there will be only one thing on their mind: their Master and Lord has kept His promise and has returned to take them home to glory with Him. I believe they will be signing and shouting as they exit the building. According to our Scripture today, us Christians will be in good company, for music and rejoicing will be coming from everything God made, including the mountains and the rivers! Friends, there won’t be added pressure about how businesses will continue or what others will think as they see us rejoicing, for our long awaited King will be present and with opened arms, waiting to accept us into His kingdom! Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be! Please make sure that you are ready to be included in the resurrected number. Don’t wait for Sunday to attend church, because that may be too late. Don’t wait for the preacher, although I’m sure he would be happy to pray with you, but instead humble yourself before the Holy of hollies and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Allow Him to rule and reign today dear friend!

PRAYER: Thank You precious Lord for the reminder today of that time we have to look forward to when You will return to take Your church home to glory with You. There won’t be any worry about filing unemployment or about when to reopen businesses or the church building, for Your return will be unique and clearly defined, while our hearts will be content worshiping at Your feet throughout eternity. Unlike sudden tragedies here on earth where we always try to prepare ourselves for continuing our businesses, Your return has been promised to us, and we have the blueprints on how we are to be ready. Please deal in the hearts of every reader, every friend, and every family member so that they may firm up their eternal destination today. We long to be with You precious Lord, thank You for preparing our home in advance! AMEN!

Your Level of Concern For Unsaved Loved Ones

On 2020-04-06 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-03-06
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 9:1-3
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT: I am in Christ and I am telling you the truth. I am not lying. And my conscience, ruled by the Holy Spirit, agrees that what I say now is true. ²I have great sorrow and always feel much sadness ³for my own people. They are my brothers and sisters, my earthly family. I wish I could help them. I would even have a curse on me and cut myself off from Christ if that would help them.

OBSERVATION: Less we become complacent about the eternal destination of our loved ones, I believe that we should be willing to publicly share how concerned we are about them and their long-term prospects. I believe there are some sure-tell ways that we could show we care, show that we are concerned and even set an example for them to follow. Paul stated his, now as we meditate, let us open our hearts before God on this matter.

APPLICATION: I believe that one of the things we see with Facebook, or perhaps other similar social media, is that many people feel free to express their personal views about a situation, and sometimes about an individual. Some examples: a mom might say to a son or daughter ‘I love you to the moon and back’; a husband might say to a wife ‘life would be meaningless without you’; a friend might share ‘we are like two peas in a pod and one would not survive without the other’! Of course, there are a many other sayings that we read on social media, but as we meditate on Paul’s words in our Scripture today, I wonder how many Christians would be willing to say to a loved one: I love you so much that I have decided to fast all morning meals and use that time to pray for you to recognize the great ‘I Am’ – my Savior and my Lord, and I will maintain this stance until I hear of your change of heart; or – Life would be meaningless without you here on earth, and I’m afraid that I might feel the same way in heaven, so I am praying that you will be prompted by God to receive Jesus as Lord real soon; or – We are like two peas in a pod, and I could never imagine life without you – ever, so since we are on two different tracks to eternity, I have made it my most important goal to pray for God’s touch on your life and be drawn to Him through His Son, Jesus. Friends, Paul went further than any of these things that I’ve suggested so far, for he said that he would be willing to call for a curse on himself, if he thought that it would help his friends draw close to God. Perhaps there are some out there who might be as bold as our Brother Paul was, and that’s entirely between you and God, but I believe that the bottom line is that we might reach the stage in our lives where we might be willing to said to God and even to our unsaved relative/friend that there is absolutely nothing more important to me right now than knowing that we will be in the same location throughout eternity. When we reach that stage, we can finally say to our friend, like Paul, that it is my single purpose in life to seek God on your behalf and to plead with Him for His power in your life and to draw you to Himself. In doing so, I want to convince you that there is no greater love than this. Can you do this for your brother, sister, mother, father, spouse or best friend? Are you willing to do this with the help of our great big Father? With His help and direction, we are more than conquerors!

PRAYER: This is a serious sermon to self, more than anyone one else oh Lord, for I find it easier to talk to another friend about the serious need for salvation of another. I find it easier to smooth things over and try to stay on the ‘good side’ of my family and my best friends, and I hate conflict. Precious Lord, please strengthen me to love the people You love, and to show my love in ways that will show them my Savior who loved me enough to die on a cross. My desire is that none will be lost, none will go to Hell and therefore none will be left behind. May Jesus guide all my readers and myself to touch the lives of others today in ways like never before, so that they may see and experience the goodness of our King. AMEN!

‘Absolutely Nothing’ Can Come Between Us

On 2020-04-05 By Ed AlgreenIn Jesus Loves you, Love God, Love of God, Separation, The Father's Love, Unconditional loveLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2020-04-05
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 8:31-35
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: ³¹So what should we say about all of this? If God is on our side, then tell me: whom should we fear? ³²If He did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over on our account, then don’t you think that He will graciously give us all things with Him? ³³Can anyone be so bold as to level a charge against God’s chosen? Especially since God’s “not guilty” verdict is already declared. ³⁴Who has the authority to condemn? Jesus the Anointed who died, but more importantly, conquered death when He was raised to sit at the right hand of God where He pleads on our behalf. ³⁵So who can separate us? What can come between us and the love of God’s Anointed? Can troubles, hardships, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or even death? The answer is, absolutely nothing.

OBSERVATION: In a day when we read about a spouse being dropped off to the hospital to receive help due to a serious, infectious disease, and the spouse dies and is buried without loved one being able to say their goodbyes in person, yet we can meditate on this Scripture and see where God is assuring us through His servant, Paul, that regardless of what might happen here on earth, there is absolutely nothing that could separate those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, from the love, security and everlasting communion with the Father and the Son! Praise God for that assurance and that comfort!

APPLICATION: We’ve heard friends say before that they are such a wicked person, having done so much evil in their day, that a holy, loving, caring and sacrificial Father would never love them. Considering their earthly father, we might quickly agree with them, because mankind is so unforgiving deep inside. But friends, do you see the difference in how mankind tends to classify such a person, versus what Jesus said in His Word – that with Christ, absolutely nothing will separate us from the love of the Father! Can’t you see that as sinners so far removed from our perfect God, that all we ever deserved from anyone is a sentence of death and eternal damnation. Instead, in our Scripture today we are reminded that for those who seek God and accept Him as their loving Savior and Lord, will one day stand at heaven’s portals and rejoice in hearing the Master of this universe, our Lord and Savior, our God, welcome us into His domain as ‘saints’ or ‘children of God’! Oh what a day that will be, dear friends! Now, in these verses under review today we are reminded by Paul in his addressing the same question to the church at Rome, that the love God speaks of is unconditional, and according to John 3:16, it is available to all who call on His name through His Son Jesus, for they will be saved, and is loved with His everlasting and unconditional love! The ‘human’ in us causes us to question, but what if ……. happens, or what if I mess up, or what if another Christian points a finger at something we weren’t perfect at? Friends, Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and for the benefit of the saints) cleared this up for us in the later part of the verses quoted above – there is nothing that can change this love that Christ has for us – nothing. Remember, His love is unconditional! We may let things or people disrupt our harmony and/or relationship with God, but absolutely nothing will place a wedge between us and the love of our Savior! He’s just that kind of God! Praise the name of the Jesus, my Lord! So what’s preventing you from approaching God, seeking forgiveness of your sin and dedicating your life wholly and solely to Him? There is no greater love than this friend? Please use the contact information at the end of this devotional to let me know if there is anything I can pray with you about, or help you work through so that you can make this vital move in your life! This is THE most important decision in a person’s life!

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank you for accepting me as Your child, in spite of the imperfect man that existed before my decision to accept You. I am overwhelmed by Your love and Your grace You display in loving me even as I work through the things of this old wicked world. As reminded by Paul in these verses this morning, I am deeply appreciative of the love You have for me, and the security of that love that, although battered by many things of this world and of Satan himself, yet to be reminded that nothing can separate Your love for me! Wow! This is love that we can hardly comprehend, but I believe Your Word and accept that love graciously. Please touch the hearts and lives of my friends that defer their decision to accept You as Lord, because they just can’t wrap their arms around this kind of love. Please help them to understand that in accepting You as they Master and Lord, You will help them work through, and overcome, their imperfections as Your child. Thank You for loving even me dear Lord! Bless each reader with Your power this day, for I humbly ask in Your precious and holy name, AMEN!

Our Intercessor

On 2020-04-03 By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Eternal Life, Faith, God Cares For Us, Holy Spirit, Humility, Love, Love God, PeaceLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2020-04-03
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 8:26-28
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ²⁶…..by our faith^[e]—the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words. ²⁷And the Father who knows all hearts knows, of course, what the Spirit is saying as he pleads for us in harmony with God’s own will. ²⁸And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.

OBSERVATION: As many of us reflect on the events of this year, this month and even today, it may be clear that we didn’t know how to pray for all that has, and is occurring. In the workplace things may change strategically that we don’t hear about until it’s time for us to be involved. In our families, we look back and often say ‘wow, now who could have imagined that my spouse, or my daughter may have been changed in such a way today. We are reminded over and over that God has blessed us with the present as a gift, while tomorrow He may be ready to bless us with His presence in heaven. God gave us His Holy Spirit to steer us straight when we accept Him and place our trust in Him. As we meditate on these beautiful reminders today, let’s learn to have the faith of a child and release ourselves to God to accomplish His will in our lives.

APPLICATION: There is such peace in these verses! Actually these verses reminds us of the peace we have in knowing God as our personal Savior! When we accept Jesus as our Savior, He provides His Holy Spirit to live inside of us and to commune with God on our behalf. Paul reminds us that even when we are about to give up (tired of waiting), the Holy Spirit is there praying for us. When we have totally run out of words to pray, the Spirit interprets our moans and our groans before the throne on our behalf. In fact, He knows us so well that He is petitioning the throne of grace on our behalf. He has our best interest at heart, and knowing that we really want to step above our weak sinful selves, He keeps us represented before God. Friends, as we live our lives loving God, praising Him and glorifying Him, every aspect of our lives is worked into something good, something beautiful for God! Whom then shall I fear? Why then should I worry or complain? There is no god like this God of ours friend! Know Him today and know the peace that surpasses all human understanding. Experience His love that surpasses all other descriptions of love that you can imagine. Know that everything is under control with God in charge of your life, because these verses so vividly reminds you of that. I believe that real peace comes from knowing God and allowing Him full control of our lives, and every circumstance, even when the world seems totally out of control. Are you tired of living life under your own power, and would like to know this Jesus of mine in a personal way? I would be honored to work with you and/or pray for you, if you would drop me an email using the contact information at the very end of this devotional. I would love for you to know this peace that is ours as children of God!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, how can I say thanks enough for all You do for me? So undeserved, yet You loved me enough that You turned Your world upside down by sacrificing Yourself in humility, all because of Your awesome love, and that I might have peace in knowing You. Thank You Lord Jesus! Please tender the hearts of those that might read this devotional today and may not have ever invited You to be their Mediator and Lord. Father, I know that they have no control over the time they have left to make such a decision, please may it be today that they allow You to take charge of their life? I humbly ask all this in Your precious and all powerful name, Jesus my Lord and soon coming King, AMEN!

This Life of Contradictions

On 2020-04-01 By Ed AlgreenIn Discern Truth, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Moment of Truth, TruthLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-04-01
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 7:21-25
Translation: The Message (Message)

Bible Text: ²¹ …The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. ²⁴ I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
²⁵ The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

OBSERVATION: I was happy to be reminded of the struggle that Paul faced, because it is very prevalent in my life. And because I’m pretty sure that you have not attained perfection yet either, I believe that it is probably the same in your life. We struggle daily with having the good intentions of doing what pleases God, yet plagued with the temptations, ill feelings and conniving of this wicked world in which we live. In fact, way too often we tend to walking right out of our prayer closets and immediately follow the trend of what the world is doing around us.

APPLICATION: Like Paul, we especially look back at our day and sometimes say that we are ‘at the end of our rope’ with mere efforts and ‘want-to’s’ and we wonder if there is anything that could be done. I absolutely love verse 25 where Paul reminds us that the answer to this dilemma is Jesus Christ. For He died for us even while we were yet sinners and still persecuting Him. We find it extremely frustrating when we have committed to obedience to God’s Word, when we have every intention to follow the ways of God, yet we are so easily swayed to follow the ways of our old lifestyle, the joys of our friends and neighbors, and to be popular in their eyes. However in our Scripture today we are given the formula, or the solution, or the answer to our lives of contradictions. Like an alcoholic seeking to overcome that dreaded disease, we must first acknowledge that we have a problem. Our education is of no help to us, nor is our strength from personal workouts. In fact, we can’t seem to personally overcome this type of life. However, the Word of God reminds us that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. So do we dare look into God’s face and say that the sin within us is greater? If we do say that, we are actually saying that he that is in the world is greater than He that is in me, and that’s an incorrect statement. Friends, let’s be careful to give God full freedom in our lives so that He could be our God. Satan is very conniving and can easily take advantage of our personal weaknesses, but he has no power over our God! Amen? Today let us put Satan in his place – behind God. Let’s give God thanks for being our deliverer from the evil of this world; let’s praise Him for send His Son Jesus to provide the means of us getting to Heaven and enjoying life everlasting in Him. He cares for us, dear child of God and He wants to see us succeed in our commitment to Him. If you truly want to succeed in your commitment to God, ask for His help and His strength, and through His power, be willing to give it all that your have. For I truly believe that greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I need You today. I battle the same challenges that Paul battled, and I need the same help that he did. You have shown me in Your Word how to live. You have set the example for me through the life and character of Your precious Son. Please work steadfastly in my life so that I may overcome the negative pull of the evil one, the sinful nature of this world and the ungodly attitudes of many that I come into contact with. Please touch the hearts of Your people today, so that we may have power to overcome evil, and that we may live according to Your perfect will and design. You are holy, oh God, and if we are to be followers of Your precious Son, then we too must strive for holiness. Thank You for being the source of that power that we need to live like this! For I ask all this in Your most holy name, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Tag: Bible