Tag: Bible

By Grace We Are Saved

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Grace, Merciful Savior, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Saved, Savior, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2020-02-05

Bible Reference: Acts 15:8-11
Translation: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: 8 God knows everyone, even their thoughts, and he accepted these non-Jewish people. He showed this to us by giving them the Holy Spirit the same as he did to us. 9 To God, those people are not different from us. When they believed, God made their hearts pure. 10 So now, why are you putting a heavy burden[a] around the necks of the non-Jewish followers of Jesus? Are you trying to make God angry? We and our fathers were not able to carry that burden. 11 No, we believe that we and these people will be saved the same way—by the grace of the Lord Jesus.”

OBSERVATION: Paul and Barnabas dealt with a divided people because of their heritage – Jew or Gentile. Unfortunately today we permit many things to separate us – even those who call themselves ‘Believers’. My Bible tells me that there is only one God, one cross and one heaven. Our Scripture tells us that Jews and Gentiles had a tough time getting along. Today there are many things that divide us here on earth. As we meditate, let’s be reminded that Paul and Barnabas said in verse 11 something that still applies to us today ‘we will all be saved the same way – by the grace of Jesus!

APPLICATION: If we ever expect to see the world, and in particular our own world of influence, saved from their sin and see them surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ, then Christians MUST know the answer to this question: ‘What must I do to be saved?’ It’s not the preacher, nor the pastor or not even another spiritual leader that will save them, it’s their recognition of their sin and their invitation to invite Jesus to be their Lord. This may result from intimate friends that they trust, who will plant the seed of faith in them and cause them to turn their eyes and inquiring minds towards Jesus. It is God’s Holy Spirit working through each of us that will impact our unsaved loved ones! However, I believe that this passage comes as a warning to each of us today, for we must be extremely careful not to try and impose upon these ones we are witnessing to, any non-biblical values, or additional conditions, that we may hold as ‘good moral practices’. Our Scripture teaches that it is ‘GRACE’ alone that will save mankind. That’s the unmerited favor of Jesus Christ. So be careful not to complicate what God has made simple for us. Be reminded also that salvation is not reserved for you and your family alone, or you and your church/denomination alone, for this was dealt with in today’s Scripture. God made us all, and He looks on each of us as His children who are all subject to the benefits of His grace. You may be a foreigner in the country in which you are living and worshiping, but you are considered a child of the only King! You may have a different color skin from the majority of your church members, but you are still a child of the same King who made us all. God loves us all, and holds His hand out with readiness to accept us all, so I pray that we would never try to place a roadblock in the path of one of His precious kids looking for a simple relationship with their Master and Lord. At the foot of the cross, we all look alike to Jesus. We are either accepted into His kingdom because He sees nothing but the blood of His precious Son, or we are turned away because of our stubborn rejection of His Son. Friends, there is nothing in this world more valuable than knowing Jesus personally. That’s the only thing that will last, or make a difference for eternity. Stop looking around dear friend, know my Savior today and know peace – the peace that passeth all understanding. I look forward to seeing you at the feet of our Savior one day – very soon!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, I am reminded that as I address You intimately today, there are many who are also addressing You as Father, who may look very different to me here on earth, and may believe Your Word differently to what I believe. Through Grace, we are saved! So in Your eyes, I believe that You are looking at my Brothers and Sisters from all parts of the world, the same way that You look on me as Your precious son. Lord, I want to live like You here on earth. Please help me to look on others through the same lens that You see us – Children of One Lord and Savior. Oh that You may be glorified through my readers and I today, so that unsaved loved ones will want to know You – this is my humble please oh Lord, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog 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. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would encourage you to attend my home church. Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

When You Reject the Message of Eternal Life

On By Ed AlgreenIn Eternal Life, Eternity, SurrenderLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2020-02-04

Bible Reference: Acts 13:46
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.

OBSERVATION: Unless we become very familiar with God’s Word, and understand the full Gospel of Jesus Christ, we may easily become distracted and side tracked into believing that we know it all. As a follower of Christ, we should be closely listening to what He has to share with us, especially through His Word. As we meditate on our Scripture today, we might see where the Jews thought that they had every detail under control and that God would have nothing more to share with them through mere humans. Do we tend to border on this same feeling when His messengers stand before us each week and share His message? Do you suppose that God may eventually tire in trying to get through to us?

APPLICATION: I’ve been in situations before where a parent or another adult may have said “well you don’t deserve that anyway”! Perhaps out of anger that I failed an exam, or didn’t listen to a lecture as closely as they thought I should have. But the words chosen by Paul and Barnabas were especially interesting in this particular verse. Paul and his partner had been preaching their hearts out to the Jews gathered, and while some may have listened, it was obvious that most were satisfied with the same message they had been taught all along, and had no interest in hearing about this new ‘miracle worker’ (Jesus) who had just entered their scene. Paul and Barnabas felt the roadblocks they were facing, and tried to not force their message on the Jews, so they told them how they had just considered themselves unworthy of the prize (the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the world). Consequently, they would go on to preach the Good News to the Gentiles who, in the eyes of the Jews, were nobodies who were unworthy of anything worthwhile. I wonder how many of our friends have entered our church doors, listened to the message of the cross and left thinking that they are so unworthy of this awesome gift of love that God sent to earth for us? I wonder how many reading this devotional sometime feel like the message of the cross is for those who are good; those from good families; those who have attended church all their lives; but certainly would never redeem them of their sin. Friends, let me be quick to remind you that God has no favorites, other than the children that He created – and that includes us all. He died so that everyone (whosoever will) may ask for forgiveness of sin and accept the prize available to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘All’ means that no one is excluded! ‘All’ means even you and I may receive that awesome gift of love, dear friend! Please do not be influenced by the Jews. Know that Jesus died for your sin, and that He has made the way for you to enter Heaven’s gates and join He and the Father at the throne. Please be sure to read my Footnote and know without a doubt that you are on your way to Heaven. I want to see you there my friend!

PRAYER: Father, thank You for not only creating my friends and I in Your image, but for also sending Your Son so that we might have the means of entering Your kingdom to personally be with You throughout eternity. Please touch the hearts of Your people today with the assurance that You made this sacrifice so that we all may know, believe, and be assured of our eternal salvation. Many will hear the gospel message this week, may this loving message resonate throughout all of our churches so that Your people may hear and know that they are loved and accepted by their Creator, and therefore surrender their lives to His precious Son, Jesus. We love You Lord! AMEN!

Show Me Your Way Oh Lord

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faithful, Humbleness, Obedience2 Comments

Saturday, 2020-02-01

Bible Reference: Psalm 119:33-34
Translation: The Voice Translation (VOICE)

Bible Text: 33 Eternal One, show me how to live according to Your statutes,
    and I will keep them always.
34 Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law
    and keep it wholeheartedly.

OBSERVATION: We know from the life of David that there were many ups and downs, or highs and lows in his life, and perhaps that’s why many of us can identify with David so much. However, David became pretty special to God though, and we can see from our verses today that David’s heart was one of humbleness before God. He had a desire to learn more of God’s Word, and His perfect will for his life, feeling like if he could only understand it, he would put his whole heart into being obedient to it.

APPLICATION: Ever had a time in your life where you were about to get upset with a child because they were about to do something that you had corrected them on many times before? Then you realized that they were doing their very best to do what they probably understood from you, but just not as perfectly as you were hoping for? Isn’t that the way it is with God’s Word sometimes? You want to do things according to your understanding of God’s teachings, yet you become confused by all that is being taught from various pulpits, classrooms or media platforms. Friends, I believe that we need to pay close attention to the method used by David. Notice how he went to the Source to ask for wisdom and understanding? Notice how he had determined in his own mind that with this understanding and additional wisdom, came a determined heart to be obedient to whatever God revealed to him? I believe that often we become so hung up on wanting to hear an explanation of the Bible that fits our own personal desires and wishes that we tune out the teachings and explanations that are contrary to predetermined ideas. I believe that when we seek God’s face, like David did, we will often be led in opposite directions to what was determined in our minds, because God’s ways are so different to our ways. The bottom line for us though, is that only what’s done for Jesus will last. Only when we do what’s pleasing to Him and in full obedience to Him, will we truly align our lives with His will for us. So shall we seek to follow David’s example and seek God’s face, asking for Him to clarify exactly what it is that we need to do, so that we may be a pleasing fragrance in His nostrils? It’s not about what self wants or desires. It’s all about pleasing God in all that we do, friends, so that His perfect will might be accomplished through even us – His humble servants.

PRAYER: Father in heaven, You have demonstrated Your love for us by sending Your only Son as a sacrifice for our sin. Yet we love grudgingly and with many strings attached. You gave us Your Word – Your book of instructions for life, so that we might know the way to eternal life, and that we might know what pleases the Father. Yet we often choose to do our own thing, in hopes of selfish returns and personal achievements. Your servant David demonstrated through this Psalm today, that it’s not until we stop and surrender wholeheartedly to You, and Your perfect will for our lives, that we truly become a pleasing aroma to You and usable instruments by You to reach unsaved loved ones. Lord, may this be a day that You will be busy at work in our understanding of Your statutes and commands, whether we are sitting to ‘soak in’ the words from Your Holy Bible, or whether driving along being blessed by all that You have made, or whether through the spoken word of another believer. Lord, may Your will become perfectly clear to us today, is my honest plea and heart’s desire, with total thanksgiving for all that You will do today, AMEN!

What Your Character Should Look Like – Because of God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Character, Forgiveness, Kindness, Pleasing to GodLeave a comment

Friday, 2020-01-31

Bible Reference: Ephesians 4:30-32
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 30 Don’t cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete. 31 Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.

OBSERVATION: This is an awesome passage today, in that it tells us what pleases our Father; Some major things that we should strive to avoid in our character; but most importantly, some things that we should be doing that really exemplifies and pleases Christ.

APPLICATION: Many people look at the Bible as a Book of ‘don’ts’ for there is so much that we are told not to do. This could be the case for those who have a guilty conscience for all that they are doing that probably do not please our Maker. For I have found in several cases where, although we are told about our wrong doings, we can also find even stronger teachings on what we should be doing that would please God. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, told the Ephesians, and I truly believe that his Words are still echoing to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ today, that there are some things that we do that are so contrary to the will of Christ, that it downright sorrows, or grieves the Holy Spirit. No doubt there are tons of guilty consciences hitting each reader by now, for that same sweet Holy Spirit speaks to us personally about what displeases Him. But let’s have a look at what Paul taught, and let’s particularly draw a parallel between what the Holy Spirit dislikes, vs what pleases God:
* Instead of being mean; bad-tempered; angry; quarreling, using harsh words; and displaying obvious dislike for others….
* Try instead to be kind to each other; tenderhearted; and forgiving one another;

Now, although Paul didn’t say that the first list of characteristics were not of Christ, he did say that the second list – especially forgiveness, was the image, or practice that imitates how God has forgiven us because we belong to Christ. Friends, we must always keep in mind that our natural, sinful selves will lead us towards the characteristics mentioned in the first bullet. A surrendered life, seeking to please the Master – Jesus Christ, will always seek to do the things mentioned in the second bullet. It may be a good idea to keep the two lists posted in a prominent place to remind us when we are acting ungodly and displeasing the Holy Spirit, so that we may quickly seek God’s help to overcome and change our evil ways. Being a child in the Algreen home, caused me to always strive to please my Algreen parents. Being a child of the King of all kings, should always cause you and I to strive towards pleasing Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives. There’s a song that includes the words ‘they will know us by our love’, meaning that the world will recognize Christians by our love – the love and character of Jesus Christ. How are you perceived by others, Brother and Sister? Is it obvious to whom you belong, based on your actions and characteristics?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You set an awesome example for us to follow. So in reading this passage today, and hearing Paul teach on the characteristics that please the Holy Spirit, we can reflect back on Your Word and see example after example where You demonstrated these characteristics. Although the qualities on the ‘don’t’ list are all ones that You warned about in many of Your teachings, may we use this Scripture as a reminder of what pleases the Holy Spirit, and what grieves Him. Please touch Your children today so that we may make wise decisions in every aspect of our lives, especially in our character. May we please You by obeying Your teachings and Your example. In humbleness of heart and seeking to serve You obediently today, I ask these things in the worthy name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, AMEN!

Our Mission, Our Passion

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelize, Needs of others, Obedience, SalvationLeave a comment

Thursday, 2020-01-30

Bible Reference: Acts 26:18
Translation: The Voice (Voice)

Bible Text: 18 It will be your mission to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God. This is so that they may receive forgiveness of all their sins and have a place among those who are set apart for a holy purpose through having faith in Me.”

OBSERVATION: Paul is known as one of the prominent writers of the gospel, in what we know today as the New Testament. However, it is good to reflect on all that Paul shared with King Agrippa in the testimony included in this scripture passage from which our verse is taken today. For you see, Paul was not born in a preacher’s home and spoon-fed the gospel all of his life. In fact, quite the opposite, for he was a persecutor of the Christian church and was feared by them, for his cruelty to Christians. However, once God got a hold of Paul, and he redirected his life, it was ‘all in’ for him, and he stayed consistent to His call by God, even if facing personal persecution, or death.

APPLICATION: In today’s society, we are so determined to have things done our way, or to make sure that self is well taken care of, but way too often we cave in when faced with opposition to our witness, or hardships for our stance on the things of Christ. Paul stood before the most powerful leader of his time, knowing that one wrong word could result in death or extreme times of imprisonment or persecution, yet he testified of his life changing event that took place on the road to Damascus. He further told the king of the extreme change made in His life by his Savior, and how everywhere that he went, he chose to preach the saving news of Jesus Christ. I wonder how far into the interrogation by the King would each of us have lasted? Let’s fast-forward to today. Hopefully each of us try to find a ‘safe’ place to gain our confidence each week, by meeting with fellow believers in a church setting. As we leave the doors of our sanctuary, I pray that we may have the tenacity of Paul to share the glorious gospel that saved us on our road of self destruction that was leading us to Hell. I further pray that we may we be so burdened for the hearts of those still headed in the wrong direction, that we may become as bold and determined as Paul to allow the power of God to minister through us, as we minister to others in His name. The world must know that there is a Savior who loves them so much that He bled and died for their sin, so that they might have hope for eternity. Friends, for all who have sought Jesus, and surrendered their lives to His sovereign reign and Lordship, be reminded that He has promised eternal life with He and His Father in heaven one day! Can we commit to sharing this with the same boldness that Paul did? They may accept the invitation that we give to them, however if they don’t, we would have at least been obedient to the call of Christ. Remember, we can’t save anyone. However, as we respond in obedience, God can do His mighty work through us. Are you willing to facilitate the call on a friends life today?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please forgive us for our selfishness in keeping the awesome news of Jesus all to ourselves. Please help us to empty ourselves of pride and fear, and to be bold in our openness and willingness to allow You to have Your way even through humble men and women. Please help us to mirror the boldness of Paul today, and may You use our obedience to accomplish Your awesome work in the lives of those that we rub shoulders with today. For thine is the kingdom, the glory and the honor, for ever and ever, 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. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Confident In Prayer

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Faith, Humility, Obedience, Righteousness, SurrenderLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2020-01-29

Bible Reference: Psalm 17:3-6
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
    You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
    I am determined not to sin in what I say.
4 I have followed your commands,
    which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
5 My steps have stayed on your path;
    I have not wavered from following you.
6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
    Bend down and listen as I pray.

OBSERVATION: David went before the Lord in prayer, not as a stranger, but as one who had already aligned himself with the laws and will of God. Because of this, he went confidently before God, KNOWING that God would answer his prayers. As we turn our thoughts towards the encouraging words by David, let’s meditate on our own personal relationship with the Almighty. We need Him to listen to our heart’s cry every day.

APPLICATION: Oh to have the heart, determination and will of David! Too often we barge into conversations with God, demanding our own way and expecting God to respond like a puppet would, to all of our wishes and demands. But what if God truly responded to us exactly in the same way that we think things should go? What an awful mess that would be, friends! I believe our attitude for prayer must be one of honor and gratitude for who God truly is. Then there is Scripture that guides us into the remaining attributes of prayer, for in 2 Chronicles 7:14 we are told that if we are truly known as His children, in fact, if we are called by His name, and if we get off our ‘high horses’ and humble ourselves and pray with every intention and determination to turn from our wicked and sinful ways, then He would hear from the Father and heal us and all those around us (our land). Friends, this is not rocket science, nor is it unreasonable, for which of you will walk up to a total stranger and ask for anything substantial with full confidence that they would reach into their treasury of physical assets and just start handing them over to you? May I suggest to you that although my Savior knows each of us intimately and, while I am convinced that He will hear our cry, I believe that He is wanting most of all to know that our heart is totally in tuned with Him, and that He has the liberty to work freely in our lives. Friends, if you are not seeking God’s face as your own personal Savior and Lord, then no matter what your other needs are today, you must settle the ownership question first – you must be born again – new birth in Jesus Christ. This requires a conversation (prayer) with the Master, where you would surrender yourself to Him, and invite Him to rule and reign in Your life. There is no greater need of mankind today friend, and there is nothing more important, for what if you gained the whole world through your own efforts and finances, but yet have no hope of tomorrow, or a Savior who loves you more than anyone else in this world, and who is looking forward to your arrival in heaven one day. Jesus is the key to heaven friend, know Him and know total peace for today and always. I would be tickled to death to introduce my Lord to you! Drop me a note using the contact information below. I might also suggest that you click on the link below ‘To Know Jesus’ and there you will find scriptural references on what you might do to have eternal life. I look forward to meeting you in the most exciting worship service ever – at the feet of Jesus when we graduate to heaven!! Oh, what a day that will be!!

PRAYER: Lord You are good, and Your mercies are everlasting. You have opened the means of us communicating with You and seeking Your face. You have shown us the way to Your throne and ultimately to the glories of heaven with You and Your Father! What a blessed people we are! Lord, I am concerned about my friends that might read this devotional and brush off the truths of Your Word. There may be some that will seek Your hand for all they may need or want, but who may ignore the fact of first knowing You intimately. Please soften the hearts of the hardened, and please touch the hearts that simply read and choose to ignore a relationship with You. Thank You Lord for being available to us, and for loving us enough to demonstrate it through the sacrifice You made on Calvary. I am eternally thankful, and I desperately want to see all my readers, friends and family accept You as Lord, so that we may one day rejoice together around Your eternal throne. I commend them to You Lord. Thank You dear Lord Jesus! AMEN!

A Warning From God

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

Monday, 2020-01-27

Bible Reference: 2 Kings 17:13
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 13 The Eternal One gave fair warning to Israel and Judah. He gave His warning through the mouths of prophets and seers throughout the land: “Abandon your wickedness, and obey My commands and laws which I gave to your ancestors through the mouths of My servants, the prophets.”

OBSERVATION: How seriously do we take warnings from almighty God? Do we feel like He knows what He’s talking about? Do we believe Him? Do we do anything about His warnings? The Israelites paid no attention to God and His warnings, and in verse 18 we are told that He removed them from His sight. Meditate with me on this Scripture today. This should make a difference in what we plan to do today, and throughout the year.

APPLICATION: On New Years Eve at the grand party, where Time Square was filled with over a million people, what if someone stood before that crowd, instead of the next planned entertainer, and announced that the city of New York would be totally destroyed by March 31st, do you suppose that some might leave the square right then and begin packing their belongings so they could move out of the state before the March 31st deadline? In the southern states of the US, a large percentage of individuals take seriously the warnings each year about approaching hurricanes, and they either move out temporarily, or they purchase protection and supplies to help them survive the approaching hurricanes. Of course some do nothing for they feel they are invincible and that nothing will destroy their ‘fort’ (their home). At least weekly, many pastors will stand in pulpits, or on street corners, and they will warn parishioners about the soon return of Jesus Christ to collect His church. Some will listen to what God is telling them through the awkwardness of preaching, while some will simply consider such warnings only apply to their wicked neighbor, or the person sitting next to them at church. Friends, it is clear to see from the Word of God, that Jesus was born miraculously for one intended purpose – to show the world (you and I) how much God loves us. For God loved us so much that He gave His only Son, so that any, and all, who believe on Him, will enjoy life eternally with Him in heaven one day (John 3:16). Now you will notice that there is a condition to spending eternity in Heaven with Jesus, just like there was a condition given to the Israelites. In other words, there is an action for you to take, just like there was a condition for our ancestors. But here’s the warning, dear ones: If we believe, then we will reap the reward promised to us by God. But what about those who reject the warnings from God? Unfortunately, there are two destinations: For those who believe on the name of Jesus – Heaven. For those who do not believe on the name of Jesus – Hell. We are smart people, and we know exactly what each destination brings to the table for us. Please let me encourage all who will read this devotional, that you listen to the warnings and accept Jesus as your Savior, for I have done this, and I’m looking forward to meeting my Savior in Heaven one day. My greatest desire is that all my family and friends will be by my side, at the feet of Jesus, on that day that He calls us away from this wicked world. If you have not already heeded to God’s warnings, please let me encourage you to speak with a Bible teaching pastor or read my Footnote to gain the help needed. This warning is way more important than any other warning from government leaders or other earthly sources. Do it today dear friend, please?

PRAYER: Lord, You’ve put the rules and requirements in place, then You’ve gone on to put warnings in place for us to follow those rules. Thank You Heavenly Father! Please prompt us now to surrender our lives totally over to You, heed to Your warnings, follow Your example, and encourage one another on towards good works while anticipating Your soon return. We really want to be with You dear Lord. Please help us to live like men and women who love and serve the Lord, waiting for our greatest reward! Be glorified in us today oh Lord! AMEN!

Against All Odds

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

Friday, 2019-01-24

Bible Reference: 2 Kings 23:25
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 25 No king before him or after him ever gave himself to the Eternal so fully and deeply as Josiah did. He offered to the Eternal with all his being: all of his heart, all of his soul, and all his might, in accordance with the sacred law given through Moses.

OBSERVATION: Josiah was not afraid of standing for what he believed, even though it was totally opposite to what previous kings had lived up to. Christians who aim to please God through their living and in their principles will stand out in a society where people are living according to the world leader – Satan. As we meditate, let’s analyze our way of living and determine if others might know that we are followers of Christ based on our principles, our faith, our word and our loving attitudes.

APPLICATION: I believe that this story of Josiah could easily be labeled ‘Against All Odds’, because in spite of all that the previous kings did, this young man was determined to serve the Lord His God in all honesty and with greatest integrity. It seems like today the world expects Christian leaders to belly up and accept everything dictated to them, rather than standing firm in their faith and demanding that the people of God be the people of God. I pray today for great wisdom and awesome boldness from our Christian leaders in every step of their ministry and church leadership.

This young king took his commitment to God so seriously that he ‘cleaned house’ by ridding the temple and all other places of pagan worship and things that God spoke through His prophets about. I believe that sometimes we need to ‘clean house’ so that we can truly show to whom we are truly dedicated. Too often we dilute our commitment to God with so much of this wicked world. In verse 25 it was recognized that Josiah was one of a kind by obeying all the law of Moses. I pray that God will give me the wisdom and boldness to be so dedicated to Him that it would seem unreal to this world, but looked on by God as one-of-a-kind. What about you my friend? I believe that you are not only living out what you have asked God for, but I also believe that all too often we live in a way that will blend into what others believe and practice. Will God be glorified through you today?

PRAYER: Precious Lord, You are my Rock and my Redeemer. You are my strength and awesome example in life. I need You to direct my path and make me more like You in every way so that the world might see Jesus in every aspect of my life. I would also ask that You play a vital role in the lives of my family and friends today, especially those reading this devotional. May You be glorified in us today oh Lord. AMEN!

The Reason I Live

On By Ed AlgreenIn Christian Living, Exemplary Living, Heaven, Holy Living, Living with purpose, Righteous LivingLeave a comment

Thursday, 2020-01-23

Bible Reference: Philippians 1:20-24
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 20 For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that will cause me to be ashamed of myself but that I will always be ready to speak out boldly for Christ while I am going through all these trials here, just as I have in the past; and that I will always be an honor to Christ, whether I live or whether I must die. 21 For to me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying—well, that’s better yet! 22 But if living will give me more opportunities to win people to Christ, then I really don’t know which is better, to live or die! 23 Sometimes I want to live, and at other times I don’t, for I long to go and be with Christ. How much happier for me than being here! 24 But the fact is that I can be of more help to you by staying!

OBSERVATION: We are often so sad over the death of a loved one, and rightfully so, for we worry about how we will survive everyday life without them. But in our Scripture today, Paul directs us to consider our value while alive and also after we move from this life to the next. Paul found it very challenging to determine if his life was more valuable here on earth, or with His heavenly Father. As we meditate, let’s not be concerned about what we could get out of either side of heaven, but rather, what we might give – for the sake of the Master.

APPLICATION: Of special note regarding this scripture: Paul is in prison at the time of this writing! So if Paul has the fortitude and determination to live so that He could do more of the Master’s work, even from within four prison walls, how much more those of us who are ‘free’ should be striving to do the Master’s work? Friends, we whine and we complain about so much, but do we should really have the heart of Jesus, or of Paul, in wanting to see as many won to the Lord as possible? In the above scripture, I bolded a few sentences that, I believe, is worthy of note:
* Living means opportunities for Christ – it is only while we have breath in our bodies that we can be witnesses for the Lord, or care about sinners. Let’s not wait any longer friends, we’re on the winning side and it is our privilege, our honor, and our responsibility to share the Good News of our Savior and Lord;
* Living will give more opportunities to win people to Christ – Often we will find that it’s the threat of impending death that gives us incentive to share the love of Christ that lives inside of us. Please allow me to awaken  you to the fact that we have no assurances about the next minute. The moment of opportunity is the present. Please share the love of Christ who lives inside of you with all that you care about and/or come into contact with today!
* I can be of more help to you by staying – Only Jesus Christ has power beyond the grave. He is allowing us to remain here on earth so that we can glorify Him and spread the Good News about the Savior who loved us enough to die for us. In a nutshell friend, this is our mission!
Friends, we remain on this earth to be shining examples of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It’s not about politics, gossip, sports, the lotto or any other purpose, so use every opportunity with everyone you know, that the reason you live is to represent Jesus, and try to evangelize the lost, before it is eternally too late.

PRAYER: The reason that I live is …….. Lord, as we complete that sentence today in humility and prayer before You, I ask that You will take those completed sentences and correct any misgivings about our mission, compared to the one You have assigned to us. I am pretty convinced that our mission is similar in nature to what Paul shared with the Philippians, because throughout Your Word we are told the importance of surrendering our lives to You, so that we, in turn, may be a blessing to others and convince them of their need for our Savior. Please work on us today and guide us to do Your perfect will, for this is my sincere and humble plea. It’s in Your beautiful and bountiful name that I ask all this, dear Jesus, AMEN!

Go and Tell

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

Monday, 2019-12-30

Bible Reference: Acts 5:17-21
Translation: GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Bible Text: 17 The chief priest and the whole party of the Sadducees who were with him were extremely jealous. So they took action 18 by arresting the apostles and putting them in the city jail. 19 But at night an angel from the Lord opened the doors to their cell and led them out of the prison. 20 The angel told them, “Stand in the temple courtyard, and tell the people everything about life in Christ.” 21 Early in the morning, after they had listened to the angel, the apostles went into the temple courtyard and began to teach….

OBSERVATION: In most translations, the angels’ first words to the apostles were ‘Go, stand in the temple courtyard and tell…’. I believe these are awesome words for us to remember as we usher in a New Year – Go, tell the good News of Jesus Christ. As we meditate on this Scripture today, let us be reminded that we still serve the same miraculous God who sent the angles to the apostles!

APPLICATION: I believe that one of the biggest obstacles to current day Christians sharing the joy of knowing Christ, is rejection, coupled with our fear of intruding in someone else’s space. But notice in our Scripture that the angels first approached the disciples in prison, then miraculously released them from prison, without the authorities actually opening the gates to let them out. Do you suppose that there have been any doubt by the apostles that God would be with them as they carried out the instructions given to them? But before you come back at me about the differences between the help given the apostles and what we might expect today, let me remind you that the Bible is clear on how God assures us: How He will be with us until the very end; How He will direct our paths; How He will fill our hearts with joy; and How He will give us the words to say, if only we will surrender ourselves over to Him completely, and allow Him full access to our lips and our heart. Friends, I believe where we mess things up, is that we quickly assume full responsibility for our words and our actions, and only call on God for direction when we run into trouble. I am hoping that God will send me, and use me for His glory. When He does, the ministry will only be successful if HE uses me as a means for His ministry, not the other way around. My thoughts about the ministry will be limited to what is impacting me. In most cases, that will be irrelevant to what is troubling my Brother. Trusting Jesus to fulfill His awesome work through a usable vessel like me, or you, will achieve His work in each of us.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am trusting You today to accomplish Your work in Your people today, and I make myself available for You to use me to accomplish that work in accordance with Your perfect will. People need the Lord, not more of broken mankind. Please complete your work in me. I believe that many of my readers will submit to a similar commitment today. Please touch their hearts and make them Your usable vessels dear Lord. AMEN!