Tag: Bible

What To Do With Jesus – Your Decision

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

Thursday, 2019-12-05

Bible Reference: John 19:4-7
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”
6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”

OBSERVATION: Like our pastor does each week, Pilate told the crowd ‘I recommend this man, for I find no fault in Him’. Just like the congregation of a church decides each week what they will do with Jesus, Pilate also asked the angry mob what will they do with Jesus. As we meditate on the Scripture today, we will decide what we will do with Jesus. What will you do with Him?

APPLICATION: Pilate presented Jesus to the crowd and asked what was their pleasure. What do do about Jesus, or with Him, was the question of the day. Is that not what most pastors/churches do each week when the gospel is presented? Don’t they ask the crowd to respond to a similar question? Yes, I know that you really enjoy the worship music, for I also enjoy those very special times of worship. However, if you leave church without having encountered the Master, you may have really missed out on an excellent opportunity to respond to a question like Pilate asked: ‘Now, what will you do with Jesus?’ Unfortunately, most of us leave our churches having said something very similar to that of the crowd, when they responded ‘crucify Him’. We may not respond ‘crucify Him’, but in our unresponsive action we are saying, hey you may as well crucify Him, for we have this ‘life’ thing under control. I don’t need this Jesus interferring and telling me what to do or how I should act, or especially highlighting my wrongs. Perhaps some may totally ignore the Pastor’s message, and the idea that Jesus is in control of us and all of life’s happenings. I’m afraid that too often we convince ourselves that clearly the message was directed to the criminal just behind us, or perhaps the liar/gossiper/cheater/known sinners across the room. But I believe Jesus calmly reaches in to the heart of each individual and reminds us of our sin. Or are you one who decides that since Jesus is always available, You could easily and quickly call on Him if, and when, you need Him? Friends, in and of our natural selves we have no desire for godly things. So if you ARE alerted to the things of Christ, you are actually being called by GOD Himself. Your first response is to then humble yourself, listen and obey the Creator, and not to aim at crucifying Him. Unless you make a decision to give Jesus full control and leadership of your life, you might be echoing the words of the angry mob, ‘crucify Him’. Please don’t look at Saturday or Sunday as the day you set aside to listen to Jesus, while you are at church. Because then at other times you may convince yourself that you have a business to run, or you have friends to impress, or a boss to please, and there is no time for Jesus through those types of stressful times. In conclusion, let me remind you that whether you remain silent to such questions as mentioned above that came from Pilate, or those that come from your Pastor, you are actually joining with the crowd in shouting ‘crucify Him, crucify Him’. The opposite, or right thing to do, is to thank Jesus for bringing you to a point where you could hear the cry of mercy from a loving God as He calls you to salvation through His very own Son, Jesus. Following through in asking Jesus into your heart then affirms that you are ready to follow Jesus and allow Him to guide and control your life! The excitement behind such an awesome decision is that God has prepared a glorious place for you after your time here on earth. It is your eternal home, with Jesus sitting at the right hand of His Father receiving praise from all those who accepted His call while here on earth! Friends, that’s a day that I long for! And the only thing that could make me happier, is to know that all my readers accepted the call to salvation and are standing besides me! Today my wish is that while here on earth, we could joyful and honestly sing ‘When we all get to Heaven!’, knowing full well that our hearts are right with God!

PRAYER: Thank you Heavenly Father for sending Your precious Son to died on a cruel cross so that those who accept You as Lord, can be assured of kneeling at Your feet one day in glory! Oh I want to see You, look upon Your face, there to sing forever of Your saving grace…. I want to join millions in singing that song as we relax at Your feet and sing our praises! Blessed be the name of the Lord! Thank You precious Lord! AMEN!

When We Choose Who We Will Hurt

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Love others, Love your Neighbor, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, The love of God, Unconditional love, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-12-04

Bible Reference: John 18:38-40
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 38 ……… As silence filled the room, Pilate went back out to where the Jewish leaders were waiting and said to them, “He’s not guilty. I couldn’t even find one fault with him.[ab] 39 Now, you do know that we have a custom that I release one prisoner every year at Passover—shall I release your king—the king of the Jews?”[ac]
40 They shouted out over and over, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”[ad] (Now Barabbas was a robber and a troublemaker.)

OBSERVATION: When you read the subject, I bet that your mind went on someone that ‘chose’ to hurt you, or on someone you may have ‘chosen’ to hurt. However, in our verses today we could see where the very ones that Jesus chose to help, or perhaps He May have helped their loved ones, or their neighbors, yet a certain hatred developed in their hearts and minds, that resulted in a passion to destroy Jesus. How is that? Why would anyone choose to go after, or hurt someone who is strictly doing good in their midst? As we meditate on this thought today, let’s not look at our neighbor’s attitude/intentions/actions but our very own. Do we sometimes hurt those who strive to love us?

APPLICATION: A vital part of the church that I attend, is a great team of retired missionaries. From time to time they share about persecution they experienced on the field in various foreign countries, and they pray in earnest for friends who are still on the mission field and being terribly persecuted. Some are locked in containers for days at a time, because they showed the love of God to friends who wanted to know Jesus, and/or seeking after His love and compassion. We know of missionaries currently in foreign lands that live from day to day in fear of their very lives, yet they go on sharing Truth with these people because of their love and commitment to their Father. But that’s what happens in foreign lands, isn’t it? Can you stop and think of any scenarios in your own country? What if I remind you that in my very own country, prayer was taken our of our schools, because we didn’t want religion imposed on our kids. Years later we could look at the statistics and see how, without the truth of God’s Word to guide our teachers and our kids, we are frequently and deeply saddened over the increased crime rate, including children shooting other children right in their own schools. Children – our loved ones – being shot at, killed, and sometimes doing the shooting themselves. It’s horrendous, and we are so saddened when we hear of yet another news report on incidents from our school system. Even in small towns we are having to deal with extreme crimes where loved ones are being shot. But friends, it is so obvious that when our folk are objecting to the church being the church in all of our community, our young people are only left with guidance from desperately wicked individuals who will harm you because they don’t like where you live, what you wear, or the beautiful smile on your face. Why have we not learned from the wickedness of the Jews in our Bible verses today? They preferred to have a wicked criminal released, rather than the Savior of the world who showed nothing but love to relatives, or even to the very individuals who were falsely accusing Him. May I suggest to those who know Jesus, that we all strive to live like Jesus did? Let us learn, or ask God for His strength, to love those who always show love to us, but also let us be bold enough to love everyone else the way that Jesus loved us. Jesus willingly went to the cross as an expression of love for us, even though we were mere sinners. As we seek to live like Jesus did, we will yearn to love like He did. In the Garden where He was arrested, he healed the ear of one who was attempting to arrest Him. On the cross He blessed and forgave those who led Him to the cross. Can you do that friend? Perhaps not, but I know a man who can! I also know that this same Jesus has the power to bless each reader with grace, with an extra measure of love and with boldness to love, in spite of the attitude taken by your accusers to despitefully use and abuse you. Seek a closer walk with Jesus dear friend, and allow Him to pour His love on you so that you might love others! When this happens, you will have no reason to seek revenge, hurt or attack in any form.

PRAYER: Lord, please forgive us for our tendencies to seek after self gratification, even at the expense of hurting others. That was never displayed by You, or taught to us by You. Please forgive us for allowing Satan to steer us into the evil deeds that he is known for. We are ashamed dear Lord, because in our aim to live like You and in obedience to Your commands, we should daily seek Your face and allow You to steer us aright. It is so true that our lives reflect what we ask You for. Guide us to all Truth so that we may be true examples of You in every form while here on the earth. May You always receive praise and honor because of whose we are and because of Your reflection in everything we say and do. AMEN!

Aren’t You One of Them?

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

Tuesday, 2019-12-03

Bible Reference: John 18:25-27
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 25 Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire, he was asked again, “Aren’t you one of his disciples?”
“Of course not,” he replied.
26 But one of the household slaves of the High Priest—a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off—asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?”
27 Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.

OBSERVATION: Way too often we tend to look at the way that Peter handled himself the night that Jesus was arrested, and so many of us may wonder why was Peter such a coward. As I studied these verses today the Holy Spirit dealt with me and caused me to look inward and consider what I may have done in a similar situation! No, in fact it was more than that, for I was prompted to review my situations that I face each day, and how I react to them. Perhaps you may also be honest enough to acknowledge your weaknesses as well, so meditate with me as we consider this Scripture!

APPLICATION: Driving to a business meeting and reception with three other executives, I believe our youngest member was pondering the alcoholic drinks that awaited him at the reception, and he must have wondered what a Christian would do at such a reception. So I was questioned about why Christians tend to not drink alcohol. I could have come back with a joke to break the awkwardness of that moment, Or I could have given a variety of responses that may have taken the emphasis away from me responding based on the Word of God, but thankfully God gave me the right words for the moment that maintained His integrity and mine. In another situation, I was asked to accompany another deacon to visit an unsaved husband, where his wife was very concerned about him entering eternity – in Hell. Prior to our visit, we were coached about building relationships with people first, in order to build their trust. So of course, we went overboard with building that trust, and never broached the introduction of our Savior to that ‘needy’ man. I reflected on that visit as a ‘Peter’ moment, for I went along with the husband’s agenda, instead of trying to help guide him towards life eternally in heaven. I have a few other illustrations that I could share about how I could easily identify with Peter, but to all my readers, please allow me to simply say that our God is all-knowing and all-seeing, so He knows exactly when we deliberately hide behind cowardliness taught to us by the world. He knows the influence that Satan still has on us, and how easily we bend to the desire of Satan to abstain from sharing the most valuable aspect of our lives. Friends, I’m sure that you are very much like me, if you careful consider all that God has blessed you with. So as we thank God for everything that He has provided for us, and all that He continues to pour on us, let us always stop to say thank You Jesus for being our King! Let us always be ready to declare that awesome fact to everyone that we come into contact with, and not be guilty of the choices made by Peter. Our friends never hide behind anything that they did, so why should we hide it, or not share with them about the blessings of our Lord? Perhaps one day they might ‘get it’ and want to know more about our wonderful Savior! Please don’t shrug off the awesome news about the One who rescued you from the eternal destination of Hell, and the daily pitfalls that Satan imposes upon his followers here on earth. It’s amazing what praising can do! Lift up the name of Jesus in every circumstance of life! Let others know the source behind your joy and your outlook on life!

PRAYER: Listening to the world, we will do exactly what Peter did, and way too often we do that. But dear Lord Jesus, we are so thankful for our salvation, so blessed and humbled by all that You do for us each day, that we could praise You eternally and still not feel like we adequately showed enough appreciation to You. So Lord, as we encounter friends who need You today, please help us to simply share our story, our praises to our King, and our hope for eternity. May others see so much of Jesus in our words and actions that they would want to know You personally as well. Dearest Lord Jesus, oh that You may be glorified in all that we do and say today! AMEN!

In Jesus’ Name

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

Friday, 2019-11-29

Bible Reference: John 16:23-24
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 23 ….. I tell you the truth, anything you ask of the Father in My name, He will give to you. 24 Until this moment, you have not sought after anything in My name. Ask and you will receive so that you will be filled with joy

OBSERVATION: Even today I believe that commands have more power when we can safely say that we are demanding something at the command of an authoritative figure. But none can compare with the power that Jesus spoke of in these verses we are looking at today. Jesus is assuring His disciples that those who have invited Him to be Lord of their lives – His disciples, can go before God in prayer and ask for anything in Jesus’ name and they would see their joy made complete because they will receive what they ask. Let’s think about this power some more today….

APPLICATION: One might ask why it is not possible for all men/women to ask God for something ‘in the name of Jesus’. I believe we can quickly evaluate this question and reasonably answer this question by saying that our all-knowing God knows exactly what His Son would approve of! I have a good example of this from my working experience. At one point during my working career, there was a manager who always used the name of the owner in order to throw some weight behind what they were asking their employees to do. It was funny to the employees, because after learning the heart of the owner, they knew exactly what may have come directly from the owner, and what may have been added by that manager! To further this thought, imagine if a total stranger decided to ask one of these employees to do something in the name of the owner, do you suppose they would quickly move to obey? The Holy Bible is filled with direct words from our Master, and with the remainder of things that were approved by our Master. So when we look for direction in what to do, we look to the Word of God. When we seek for God’s will on what we should say, we look to God’s Word. To align what we say or do with that of the One we love, adore, and aim to follow and obey, we must look to the Word of God and stay aligned with all that it teaches us. We should daily seek the face of Jesus to teach us, remind us, and direct us in the paths that we should follow. Therefore, when we seek the face of God in prayer, we should not be troubled about requesting things outside the will of God, because we have aligned our lives with everything Jesus taught us through His Life, and through His written Word. When children of God pray, we know that God will hear our prayer that we ask in the name of Jesus. Think about it friends, praying a selfish prayer and from hearts unattached to Jesus, will hit the ceiling, or against brick walls, because God knows full well if they are being asked in the name of His precious Son, or not. So let me encourage you today to know my Jesus. He loved you and I enough to forego the power within Himself, and destroy those attempting to crucify Him. But He went to the cross knowing that it would be through His sacrifice that we might have the means of salvation and access to the Father. This is a very key point my friend, for without asking Jesus into your heart, you cannot pray to God ‘in the name of Jesus‘. For God could easily come back to you and say that you are unqualified to ask such a prayer, since you don’t know His Son. There is great power in the name of Jesus our Lord! Know Him today and know about that power dear friend.

PRAYER: Jesus, the name above all names. Master, Savior, Deliverer and a wonderful Friend to sinners. This is the name in whom I place my faith and my trust, and this is the name in whom I pray today! Oh that You may melt hardened hearts today, oh that You may speak to hearts that have surrendered their allegiance to You, but have chosen to still follow their old earthly master. Lord, I believe that You will return soon to take Your bride home to heaven. May we be found faithful in all that You have commanded of us. May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to You in every way today, my Lord, my Savior and my Rock! AMEN!

The Reason Why

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

Tuesday, 2019-11-26

Bible Reference: John 15:18-19
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 18-19 “If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world’s terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God’s terms and no longer on the world’s terms, the world is going to hate you.

OBSERVATION: We are somewhat blessed in the US to not have open persecution against Christians like we read about in Bible days, and hear about in other world countries. Speak with a missionary who has served in a difficult country. and in many cases you could hear of heart wrenching persecution. Why? Because the world notices that we have found peace and satisfaction in the Savior of the world, and we did that without having to fight or push our weight around to gain it. I Believe that in following the example of our Father, the world will see that we show ‘love’ in numerous ways, even in difficult situations, and they may wonder ’why’? Let’s meditate on the reason Jesus gave us in today’s Scripture about our peace, and about the thing that causes the world to hate us.

APPLICATION: When most might be looking for ways to attract the world’s attention, and to promote self, it seems strange that Jesus would draw our attention to the negative aspects of serving Him. However, in our attempt to follow Jesus and to imitate Him in every way, would we expect to do better than He achieved in His day? Remember, He went around healing; raising the dead; and bringing sight back to the blind, yet the religious leaders sought to trap Him in various ways, and kill Him. Surely we live in a different era and in a free country, so we have nothing to worry about, right? Friends, while I am not promoting the idea of Christians becoming rebels, and creating an uproar in our communities, I am convinced that many of us have escaped opposition, because the world fears no oppositions when dealing with us. Most of us are very vocal within the four walls, and safety of our churches, but when we leave that safe haven, like chameleons, we slither into our communities undetected by the world as being anything different to the worldly neighbor next door. Dear friend, just as the world looks at us and immediately discerns whether we are male or female, may they also sense and detect that the love of Jesus lives, and leads us in every aspect of life. Yes, that will sometimes cause individuals to hate us – but isn’t that what the Word of God is making us fully aware of today? This is what happened to our Savior, and if we are His replica, we should expect this, and not at all be surprised or disappointed by the world’s actions. Oh that they may see Jesus today!

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I don’t believe that it was easy for you to deal with the opposition while here on earth, but thankfully You sent the Comforter to help us. Thankfully You provided Your Word to show us how You dealt with the world. May Your children yearn to follow in Your footsteps each and every day, knowing that we will face opposition, ridicule and hatred, but also knowing that we have an advocate who guides, protects and loves us in every circumstance of life. May You receive glory from our actions and our words today because we aim to please You and imitate You in every aspect of our lives. AMEN!

Fruit and More Fruit

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Fruit of the Spirit, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Vine, WorshipLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-11-23

Bible Reference: John 15:1-2
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. 2 Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

OBSERVATION: This is a passage that most have either read many times before, or have heard preached about. But I trust that, like me, your eyes might be opened to new truths as we meditate on the living Word of God again today. I was especially touched by the way that the Amplified Bible clarified some of the text, in parenthesis. Ask God to open your eyes, and your heart as we seek His guidance on this day.

APPLICATION: As God got my attention on this familiar Scripture today, I believe He pointed out the various conditions of natural man:
1). Down in verse 5, Jesus refers to the man who is apart from Him, and He said that such a man could do nothing. I am very troubled when I hear the unsaved tell a friend who is in trouble that they will pray for him/her. Without looking down my pious nose, I am thrilled that the idea of prayer before a holy and righteous God might be appealing on behalf of a friend, but please be careful in doing this while totally ignoring that same God in your own personal life. I am definitely not God, so I have no idea how God must handle requests like that, but humbly I would suggest to my friends that might be reading this blog today to please honor my God by respecting His holiness and therefore ask that He cleanse you personally before you consider asking Him for something on behalf of your friends. I don’t believe that this is an unreasonable request dear friend, because even to your parents would not afford the same privileges or recognition to strangers walking up to their door, like they did for you and your siblings;
2). In verse 2, Jesus tells us about the one who distances themselves from Him and stops displaying the character of God, and who no longer displays the fruit of the Spirit, as taught about earlier in His Word. To this believer, Jesus said that He would trim that branch off from the tree. Does that sound severe dear friend? What would you do when a spouse who lives in your home, yet dates someone else and spends more time with them than you? They have no respect for you or your home? Would you trim that individual off from your home? Do they really care about you or your home?
3). To the one who is honestly and sincerely displaying the fruit of the Spirit, I was excited that Jesus taught that He would seek to make this one even more fruitful! However, note that He said that He would still do some trimming and pruning, so that we might become even more fruitful. What does this mean? I believe it means that God will trim away those bad habits that we may have developed from the company we’ve kept, or the laxity that is trying to overcome us in not wanting to be around God’s kids as often as before, or perhaps distancing ourselves from those who need Jesus. Friends, when we think about being a saint, or a child of the one true God, and we therefore endeavor to act, speak and work like Jesus did, don’t you think that there might always be some rough edges that requires the miraculous hand of God to cleanse and redirect? I often feel powerless to overcome these inconsistencies, and I’m sure that you might also be the same. Oh for a closer walk with my Lord each and every day, is my humble plea. Think about what you may need of God today my friend!

PRAYER: Dear God, I pray that this devotional will reach the hearts of many, and that each will fit in one of the three categories that, I feel, you covered in Your Word that I studied today. Thank You for speaking to my heart as I read, and as I shared in my thoughts while writing this devotional. I believe that You desire representatives here on earth that need more of You in their lives each day. Please fill us anew, so that we may introduce or remind others of who you are. With great anticipation, we look forward to one day being at Your feet, with all our friends and family kneeling next to us! Oh what a glorious day that will be! AMEN!

Our Lives Reflect What We Ask God For

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Worship2 Comments

Friday, 2019-11-22

Bible Reference: 1 Kings 3:4-5
Translation: New International Version (NIV)

Bible Text: 4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

OBSERVATION: This is a chapter well worth taking the time to read and meditate on. Solomon tried to pattern his life after his dad, David, so of course he followed many of God’s laws. However he still went to offer sacrifices to the gods of the local temples with his fellow citizens. But God had a plan for Solomon’s life, so He appeared to him in a dream, even while in Gibeon for the purpose of sacrificing to another god. The question asked by God in that dream is one that we should consider every time we approach God: ‘What do you want me to give you?’ How would you answer that?

APPLICATION: So often we bow the head to pray, and the words are automatic. We’ve heard the pastor, Sunday School teacher and friends pray, and always wished that we could pray that good, so we adopt certain points from their prayers so we might sound legitimate in the presence of our peers. But wait a minute, who are we praying to? What are we praying for? Do we have faith in the one to whom we are praying? Do we have a personal relationship with the one to whom we are praying, and have confidence that our deepest thoughts, expressions and requests will be safe in His hands? Do we know that He could do anything about all that is on my heart? Friends, I believe that when the God of all creation reaches down in love and shares His interest in us and simply asks us to share openly our needs with the only One who could do anything about them, suddenly our minds will turn away from memorized, written, or repetitious prayers, and the words from our heavy heart, or our joyous heart, or our pleading heart, will bubble forth as a heart longing for someone to understand us and our needs. Suddenly we realize that we are in the presence of the One who created us, the One who loved us even when we were so unlovable, the One who raised Lazarus from the dead, made the blind man see again and the crippled man walk – the only One who has the compassion to put up with our worry, heal our loved ones, encourage the broken hearted, get the attention of the lost, and fulfilled the promise of welcoming us home to glory when that day comes! Praise the Lord, Without the fear of retribution, we could freely, openly and in all honesty tell our Father exactly what we need and what we want. He is in control, and He knows before we do, what the best course of action is for our lives! Solomon was blessed with much more than he asked for. There is no telling what God has in store for us – His precious children! Oh that we will recognize Him the next time that we bow our heads in prayer, and may we always seek to ask Him for what He could do for us! Consider this: Our lives will reflect what we have asked God for! I don’t know about you precious friend, but I want to look so much like Christ, that others will be constantly reminded of who Jesus truly is.

PRAYER: Lord my prayer today is that others might see Jesus, and that they may hear the whisper of their Creator when He tells them ‘Ask for whatever you want’. Oh that Jesus will always be our greatest desire. AMEN!

A Love Test

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Dependable, Dependence on God, Love, Love God, Loving God, Loyalty, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-11-21

Bible Reference: John 14:15
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: 15 “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

OBSERVATION: Ever heard a parent say to a young child: ‘Now, if you really loved me you wouldn’t do that’? To another adult, that sounds funny, but in my reading in John 14 today, the words of Jesus, as shown in our Bible Text, really got my attention. Let this penetrate your heart also as we meditate on these words today. Join me, won’t you?

APPLICATION: I believe that each and every day many of us drift back into the ways of the world, and allow its principles to overrule our beliefs that we were convinced God had embedded into our hearts. Peer pressure and our deep desires to impress our spouse, or other loved ones, will often cause us to do or say those things that we feel will elevate us in their eyes. Take for example the idea of being the only one in a group of friends that feel an obligation to stay for church on a Sunday, instead of heading out to the beach. Deep within, you may feel a deep obligation to be at church to welcome those friends you invited to join you on a given Lord’s Day. But your other friends that you hang out with for games and fun times, are mindless to the things of Christ, and they want you to join them on a trip to the beach. It’s their only day off, and they need to unwind from their busy week. What will you do? Your coworkers brag about never having to purchase rubber bands, paperclips, pens and pencils at home, because there is an abundant supply at work that just sits in their desk drawer. You work for the same company, and you see the same availability of supplies, so what will you do? These are just a few simple examples, but for the man/woman of God, who knows God’s Word, your conscience is being severely impacted about doing what you feel God has commanded you to do. You remember Scripture around teh subject of: Assembling yourselves together with other believers; Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel; Those who know Christ will see heaven, vs those who don’t is headed to a dreadful Hell; Thou shalt not steal; etc, etc. In our Scripture today, Jesus said that if we love Him, we would honor His commands; be obedient to His Word; show our love for Him, or prove that we love Him, by doing what He says. These are just a few examples I used to help you think more about the things that you do and what God may say to you either directly or indirectly about your actions. But as His sons and daughters, I believe the question for our consideration today is: Do I truly love God? Would He know that I love Him, based on my actions and my words? Will the world, who I am trying to witness to, know that I love my Lord? As a son, is it evident to my Father that I really love Him? What choices would we truly make in the above scenarios, and the many other similar scenarios that are presented to us every day? If our love for Him will be judged based on our obedience to His Word, will God know that we truly love Him? Once again, the scripture today says: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments”.

PRAYER: With a guilty conscience, I can honestly come before the Master today and ask for forgiveness. Dear Lord, You know my weaknesses and You know my coward desire to please others, instead of always standing strong in my faith and truly committed to my Savior in all decisions. Please forgive me. As I recognize my weakness, I am humbled to once again ask for Your strength when I am weak; Your boldness when I am meek and cowardly in my approach to sharing my King with an impossible sinner; Your insight, when I approach situations awkwardly blinded by the desires of those whose aim is to please Satan alone. Lord, I need more of You each and every day, so that my love for You will be evident in the easy things of life and when the challenging times present themselves. In the event that my readers are similar in their personal analysis, I pray that You might humble their hearts to seek Your face and pray for a closer walk with You. Lord, please bless them with a deep desire to obey You, and that through this effort it will be very evident to You that their love for You is sincere and very determined. Please bless those who are carefree and choose to do their own thing. Draw them close to You, flood them with Your Word, and show them Your love in ways that will impress upon them a desire to please You. Oh that Your kingdom may be enriched today, because of our commitment to be better, and more dependable servants. AMEN!

An Imitation of the One You Adore

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Glorify, Glory of God, Imitate Jesus, Imitating Christ, Imitator of Christ, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-11-19

Bible Reference: John 13:34-35
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 34 “So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. 35 For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.”

OBSERVATION: Jesus was about to end His earthly ministry, and I believe He was admonishing His disciples to carry on by demonstrating all that they saw in Him while working together, ministering together, and seeking after the heart of loved ones who had gone astray. Because I believe that Jesus still desires for His children to be imitators of their Master, I want us to contemplate what that might look like today.

APPLICATION: Ever notice the difference between a military enlistee and a regular civilian? One is determined to follow the orders of their commanding officer and defend their country, in spite of all the evil going on inside their homeland, while the other tries to follow the general idea of the local laws, but will not think twice about questioning those laws and or commands of those in charge of their safety and welfare. Similarly, you will often identify God’s children by their demeanor, their lifestyle, their honesty, their commitment and their love for one another. I believe that Jesus is teaching us in the Scripture today, just as He taught the disciples: ‘Let the world see so much of Jesus in you, that they will be convinced that He exists, and that they could easily follow you, as you follow Christ. I believe that Jesus wants us to not only desire to know Him in order to have our ticket punched for heaven, but especially so that the non-believer would turn their heads to this cruel, heart-breaking, mean and treacherous world, and be encouraged to see the character of Jesus in every fiber of our being. And that it would be inviting enough to convince them that there is a better way! Friends, I believe that many of you may have traveled down some of the same roads that I have. For we have seen the impact of this world on folk at our job site, in our neighborhoods, in our government, and even in our churches. I am so encouraged, and touched by the living Word of God, for Jesus knew that we would face these challenges and discouragements and we may sometimes want to just throw our hands up in disappointment and wonderment of whether it is worth the effort to try and be kind and loving every day. Often, when we ‘try’ to be good, loving and kind, we are polluting ourselves with so much self-effort, and self-taught principles, and selfish desires, that we sometimes make things worse. I believe that Jesus is teaching us, as He did His disciples, to just apply all that we have learned from Him to our lives, and look to His Book of Instruction (the Bible) when searching for answers, instead of the TV Talk Shows, or the internet sites of Palm Readers, and the like. Jesus has placed the Holy Spirit inside of us, believers in Christ, so that we might be led in the right direction; understand His precious Word, and love like He first loved us. Let’s learn to love like Jesus did – for He gave up His own life for us, even while we were still sinners. He loved Lazarus and his sisters enough that He cried in empathy for Mary and Martha who thought they would never see Lazarus alive again. Let’s learn to care for others like He did – for He stopped a whole parade so that He could chat with, and seek the desire of two cripples who could not fend for themselves. Instead of racing the children away, like His disciples, He called them to Himself, taught them and loved on them as a father would. To all my readers, I would plead with you today to seek God, read His Word, pray to Him, and be bold enough to love, talk and act like Him, even in a world that tends to be in total opposition to that. Don’t force these things upon your neighbor, but allow God to embed them into your hearts and upon your life. He wants to shine brightly through you, so that your neighbor will be convinced about the One who loves him/her in spite of their circumstances and their rotten attitudes. Be willing to let go, and let God have His way in you, my friend!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, You are more wonderful than all of creation! You loved me when I was totally unlovable by anyone. Why you even stood still under the barrage of whips, and You endured the cross, so that the world might know that we are loved more than life itself. Father, it seems like we are facing a world that is so evil and filled with hatred. I’m sure that this is no worse than what You faced, but Lord we need You. Every hour of every day we need You. Please fill us with Your power, so that we may not only overcome the temptations and trials of this world, but that we might shine with the glory of the Son, so that our dark world might be illuminated and convinced of Your love. While deserving nothing in return from this world, I pray that You may be glorified through us today in many wonderful ways. AMEN!

Is It I? or Is It You?

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

Monday, 2019-11-18

Bible Reference: John 13:18-21
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 18 “I don’t refer to all of you when I tell you these things, for I know the ones I’ve chosen—to fulfill the Scripture that says, ‘The one who shared supper with me treacherously betrays me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it happens, so that when the prophecy comes to pass you will be convinced that I AM. 20 “Listen to this timeless truth: whoever receives the messenger I send receives me, and the one who receives me receives the Father who sent me.” 21 Then Jesus was moved deeply in his spirit. Looking at his disciples, he announced, “I tell you the truth—one of you is about to betray me.”

OBSERVATION: To consider this topic today, is like saying to a crowded room ‘Will the perfect one please stand up’! For who do you suppose has been ‘perfect’, or fully obedient in every way to the commands of Christ? Wouldn’t you be like the rest of the disciples should Jesus say to your group that one of you will betray Him. Let’s humble ourselves before God and consider this very challenge that the disciples faced. Is it I, Lord?

APPLICATION: We could very easily see a group of Christians get upset if someone walked into their meeting room and said that one of them will betray Jesus that day. In fact, they would probably shoo that critique out of their midst immediately, thinking that he meant to go next door where the non-Christians were hanging out. But how often do Christians take for granted the awesome love that Jesus extended to them?; how often do we think about the sacrifice Jesus made just for us at Calvary?; how often do we imitate Him in following His example to only say what the Master has ordered us to say?; and how often have we sold out to the world when it comes to representing Christ in action, deed or word? I know, the immediate response is often but. ‘we’re only human’. However, for what purpose have you given your heart to the Lord? Is it not to promise Jesus that you will leave these earthly desires and sin, so that you might live a holy, dedicated, life for Him? As you do this, are you not saying to the world, ‘follow me as I follow Christ’? So, when you choose to deliberately defy the commands of Christ, ignore the love of Christ, and totally destroy your witness to the unsaved, have you not betrayed the trust that Jesus placed in you when you promised Him that you would love and represent Him for as long as you live? Friends, I believe that if Jesus walked into a room filled with, who we might consider to be the most respected christian leaders, and He said that one of them would betray Him, I believe they all would stand in open guilt, knowing that it could be either one of them. Do we set out to be like that? No, I would never believe that. But let me remind us today that when we become unconcerned and uncommitted in our faith, we tend to start accepting more and more of the world back in. When that pollution reenters our lives, we are easily swayed into doing the former things of life. The hurtful thing about that, is that you are now subjecting the Holy Spirit to all of the filth, because you invited Him to come and live inside of you the day you gave your heart to the Lord. Do you suppose that the heart of Jesus was broken when He realized that one of His own disciples would betray Him? How do you suppose our risen Lord feels when He sees you and I betraying Him still today? Just living in this world, we will be tempted, but let me assure you today, based on the very Word of God, that greater is He that lives in you, greater is He that is available to you when you cry out to Him for help and guidance, than he that is in the world! For those who know Jesus personally, know that we serve an awesome God – one who is greater, stronger and always willing to empower us to overcome the struggles of this world! Know Him today my friend, and know peace everlasting!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, Your weak and sinful children need You each and every day. The temptations of this world are real, and they are often stronger than we can personally overcome. Please teach us to always lean on You for the strength to face the challenges of this world, and to live noble lives ordained by our perfect Savior. For those that may find this whole devotional unreal, I pray that You would please speak gently to them and melt their heart of stone so that they may see Jesus in all His glory. Lord, I know that Jesus is the answer to all of man’s challenges today. Oh that sinful man might see Him and accept Him as Lord and personal Savior, and may we commit ourselves fully to Your care, Your power and Your direction. We need You precious Lord, every hour of every day. AMEN!