God Will Give Us What We Deserve

On 2016-07-16 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Choices, SurrenderLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-07-16

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 2:23

Bible Text: Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I would encourage you to click on the Scripture Reference and read the related verses to the one published. You will realize that there is good and bad that results from such a statement as the one I used as my title for this devotional. It’s the same as every other aspect of life, for when you are called to the principal’s office, or to the boss’s office, you could receive a pat on the back for the fine job you are doing, or you May have been called in to be disciplined for the bad you have done. What then shall we do? Some find it ‘fun’ to continue living in sin, in spite of knowing about the end result. For others, we acknowledge the love of our Father and His awesome goodness to us, so we surrendered all that the world offered for all that God offered through the sacrifice of His precious Son. The change that resulted when Jesus moved in, has caused us to gain the desire to love, live, talk and act like the Savior who took up residence in our lives. Because Jesus showed such love and concern for us, we too should have a strong desire to pray for and encourage our friends who have chosen to accept the mediocre life that this world has to offer them, as it leads to eternal punishment and separation from God. Friends, this should keep us on our knees for our lost ones. Yes, we have good news and bad news in this passage today. On which side of the ‘fence’ are you? This is not based on a lotto as to who will gain this precious life filled with God’s Holy Spirit. You have made your decision. Fortunately, as long as you are alive you still have the option of changing your decision to receive eternal damnation, for a life forgiven by God and alive in Him. May I encourage you to use your good judgment and make decisions today that will guarantee your eternity? Make it count friend, meet my Savior and surrender to Him. This is THE only way to guarantee your eternity in Heaven – according to the Bible. I’m looking forward to seeing each of you there!! Drop me a note using the below email link and let me know that you’re in! Let’s rejoice together today!

Prayer

Father, I know it must hurt You to know that You have sacrificed right down to Your very own Son so that we may have peace on earth and eternity with You, yet some are satisfied to go on living without accepting Your precious gift. Please touch hearts today. I really would like to see all reading this devotional today be sure in their own heart that they have surrendered to You and are living according to Your Word. May it be so, please dear Jesus? For I ask this in Your most worthy name, AMEN!

Footnote

If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. 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 could 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 www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, 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!

The Penalty For Disobedience

On 2016-07-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Preach, Teach, WitnessLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-15

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 3:17–19

Bible Text: 17 “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. 18 If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 19 If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I believe that way too often we find so many excuses and reasons to not do the work of God, that we tend to doubt if it was really Him who directed us to do the work in the first place. We talk ourselves out of the things we one-time thought that God may have called us to do. Friends, you will note from the above verses that Ezekiel was not only instructed what to do, but he was given the penalties up front for both himself and the people he was supposed to minister to, if he didn’t fulfill his assignment. What? Not only will I be punished for my disobedience, but the kindhearted people that I am instructed to minister to? Wow, that has put a whole new dimension on the impact of disobedience. All along, I thought that I might suffer if I chose to do ‘my own thing’ out of deliberate disobedience, but never gave a second thought that I was also bringing damnation on those I would have ministered to. However, think carefully about this friends. If you were given the foresight into the day and the hour that a disaster would hit, wouldn’t you and those around you punish, if you chose to keep that news bottled up inside of you? I believe that God is warning us, as He did Ezekiel, that there is coming a day when Jesus will return for His children – those who have accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior. Being filled with that knowledge and not sharing that to a point of trying to convince your family, friends or coworkers, would that not show that we are uncaring, unconcerned, unaffected by their lost condition and really don’t care if they go to Hell or not? Does that not leave room for God to say, as He did with Ezekiel, that He will hold us responsible for the death (eternal death – Hell bound) of those individuals who were depending on us being obedient to God? Why not address this with the Master when you pray today? This really spreads to all walks of life friend. If asked to preach, teach, witness or evangelize and you do everything but your assignment, aren’t you guilty of disobedience?

Prayer

Dear God, You went to the cross willingly for us, even though You had the power to reverse that. Jesus, You showed love for us by doing Your Father’s will, knowing that this act alone would bring eternal life to Your children who would follow in obedience. Although You knew that all would not accept Your offer of love, yet You followed the commands of Your Father in total obedience. As Your children, wanting to please You in every way, we need to follow Your example of obedience. You made it clear to Ezekiel that both he and the people he was instructed to minister to, would suffer if he disobeyed. Lord, please touch the hearts of your children once again today, beginning with me, and help us to accept our responsibility seriously. We’re talking pretty serious stuff here – eternal life vs everlasting death. We know what we want, and what we desire for our family and friends, now help us to do Your will in total obedience under Your awesome strength, guidance and wisdom. In the powerful name of Jesus, AMEN!

Footnote

Toughened For The Battle As We Serve

On 2016-07-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Determined, PreparedLeave a comment

Thursday, 2016-07-14

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 3:4–7

Bible Text: 4 The LORD said: Ezekiel, I am sending you to your own people. 7 They are Israelites, not some strangers who speak a foreign language you can’t understand. If I were to send you to foreign nations, they would listen to you. 7 But the people of Israel will refuse to listen, because they have refused to listen to me. All of them are stubborn and hardheaded,

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

Friends, there are a few substitutions I would like for you to make in the above verses: (1) Substitute the name of Ezekiel with your name, and (2) Substitute the reference to Israel or Israelites with the name of your country. Now re-read the verses with these substitutions. Hopefully you will see why this is just one more reason why God’s Word is so applicable to our current day, because people are still people – just as prone to sin and be hardhearted as indicated to Ezekiel. Although facing the same obstinate people as Ezekiel faced in his day, we may often feel like our country folk today are much worse at times! I believe that there are many times that our pastors and church leaders may often feel like throwing their hands up and saying ‘What’s the use’, until they read a story like this where God told Ezekiel that He would make him as stubborn and hardhearted as the people, but in a good way, so that he would toughen up for the task ahead. Friends, it is easy to cave in to the will of the people so that you may stay on good terms with them, and therefore feel like such a good cooperating citizen, but when we do that we become as bad as they are in their habits and likes and dislikes – in other words, we quickly become just like them in the face of a holy and righteous God. Friends, I am convinced that if God sends us, He will prepare us for the battle, and He will toughen us up to handle the scars of battle. Perhaps you are ready to give up your fight to imitate Jesus Christ in every aspect of your life and ministry, because of the opposition you are facing. Please be encouraged by the words of God to His servant Ezekiel, and know that this is the same God that we serve today. Let me encourage you to call out to God, and watch Him toughen you up for the battle also!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are holy and righteous, all-powerful and honorable in every way. You have prepared us for the tasks You have assigned us to, so please help us to keep our minds de-cluttered from any attempts by Satan to distract us from Your work/assignment. Many times it appears like there may not be an chance of success, but please help us to trust in You and allow You to do Your part in reaching the lost. We could never ‘save’ anyone. Please help us to do the work assigned to us and then watch the work that You will blossom in those lives. Please give us strength and wisdom every day to do Your perfect will, and may You receive glory for all that is accomplished through us, AMEN!

Footnote

Put God To The Test

On 2016-07-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Giving, TitheLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-07-13

Scripture

Bible Reference: Malachi 3:8–10

Bible Text: 8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!
“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’
“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I would imagine that most of us would get highly upset, and probably angry, if someone accused us of cheating. But what if God accused you of cheating? I believe that we would be extremely saddened, because for those of us who study the Word; or attend church to learn more about the Word; we try desperately to adhere to the expectations of Jesus. We want to please Him, right? But wait a minute, this is the same example given in the verses above, so let’s examine the church today – ‘us’. In the Bible, God gives us guidance on what he refers to as a ‘Tithe’ – 10% of all that God has blessed us with. But there are also liberties taught around the idea of giving: from a cheerful heart; Giving from the abundance of the heart; and giving as the Lord impresses upon the individual; just to name a few. Therefore, some tend to give a tithe (10%) of their gross income and they make it the first check that they write, based on the teaching that the first fruits belong to God. I believe that You will notice some tend to think that the heart will hurt too much if they give so much to the work of the Lord, so they give 10% of some other figure – either of their net check or net after all expenses are paid for the period. God is our Judge, and I will not assume His exalted position on this subject, but a simple analysis of the facts that I have shared will indicate that God can still accuse us of cheating – either cheating Him, or cheating our families of extra income. I have heard of folk who count the pills received in their prescriptions, to make sure they were not ‘cheated’. When we find our own descriptions or explanations for something that God has declared, and wind up not giving God the full share of what He has ‘prescribed’ for us, could that be considered ‘cheating’? The work of the Lord through local churches is shutting down in many instances because folk are ‘cheating’ God of their time (to worship and fellowship together with other believers) and their money, through not bringing their tithe to the storehouse (the church) to help it meet the physical and spiritual needs of the body. God has promised to bless us by pouring out His blessing on us, if we obey His command to tithe. He has even offed somewhat of a guarantee to us by promising to fill our barns. He also dared us to test Him and see if He wouldn’t do what He has promised. From a personal testimony, I can assure you that if you are obedient, God will meet your every need, as if you had access to your full check to spend it any way you would like. There is never too little, or too much income. 10% may result in a $1 tithe, or perhaps a $1,000 tithe. The same principle applies friend. Take God at His word – Test Him!

Prayer

At a time when so many churches are closing their doors because of lack of income, we also find that many are closing because of lack of attendance. Father, please melt the hearts of Your precious children and help us all to draw closer to You. As this occurs, we will want to draw closer to other children of Yours – our Brothers and Sisters, and we will want to learn more about our awesome Savior. As we do this we will want to be obedient to You, and this will include being faithful in our giving, as instructed in Your Word. As You continue to bless us financially, please help us to also bless the work of our local church so that Your ministry might continue, especially to the end that more and more non-Christians will come to accept You as their Lord and Savior. In Your name I pray, and with a heart filled with thanksgiving, AMEN!

Footnote

Be Kind to God’s Messengers

On 2016-07-112016-07-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Forgiveness, Persecution, PerseveranceLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-07-11

Scripture

Bible Reference: Acts 26:10–11; 13–14

Bible Text: 10 ….. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.

13 …. as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

In some translations, the word ‘persecute’ is used several times in the few verses referenced. Here’s what that means: “to treat (someone) cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs“. I feel like God opened my eyes and reminded me that when we treat God’s messengers with contempt, then we are actually persecuting the Lord Jesus himself. This reminds me of a loving parent who feels condemned when their child is persecuted or ill-treated. So what is our lesson in this? After all, we don’t go about ‘persecuting’ our religious leaders. Or do we? How often do you hear corners of conversation that tend to chew up the sermon from your last service, or the dress code of the pastor, or the makeup on the worship team leader, or the audacity of the pastor to say what he did during his sermon? Is that complimentary of God’s messenger? Is that the precursor to a time of prayer that the group will have for their pastor? I’ve always said that one will get as much from a sermon, as they have prayed into it. Do you feel like we tend to persecute the pastor because God didn’t respond like we expected to our prayers for His messenger who stood in the pulpit? Friends, over in 2 Chronicles 7:14, God said that if we would humble ourselves and pray (not belittle or try to humble the pastor), and if we would seek His face, and if we would turn from our wicked ways, then He would hear from heaven, forgive our sins and restore our land. Notice the personal application there? Nothing about God taking care of all that we feel are inadequate, or who screw up at every opportunity. Friends, I believe that these scriptures are warning us that we have a full-time job doing all that God expects of us, so if we find that we are ‘persecuting’ anyone, then we are meddling and need to get back to the basics. Take care of self first, then perhaps we will not be near as critical of everyone else. Please don’t shrug this off as being super applicable to all of your friends. Allow God to search your heart and convict you of your sin and shortcomings. I believe you will find that there’s lots there to keep you on your knees for a very long time, including praying for your spiritual leaders. There just won’t be time enough to persecute others.

Prayer

Lord God, You created all things and You are above all things. Thank You for sending messengers, Your angels, to minister to folk like me, even though we tend to persecute the very ones that You send to bless us, love on us and warn us about our sinful lives. Please help us to love these ones, in spite of them not meeting all of our expectations, and in spite of our sinful desire to persecute them. I believe it is obvious that Paul was not the only one that persecuted Christians. Please dear Lord, rest Your hand upon Your children today, beginning with me, and help us to accept Your power and desire to help us succeed in this Christian life, so that we may serve You better and more fully. We are your messengers as well, please encourage us to treat other messengers in the same way that we want to be treated. May Your kingdom come oh Lord, and may we be ready and obedient in every way, every day! AMEN!

Footnote

Attitude of Prayer

On 2016-07-092016-07-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Power of Prayer, PrayerLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-07-09

Scripture

Bible Reference: Habakkuk‬ ‭3:2

Bible Text: “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

Bible Translation: New International Version (NIV)

My Take

A Very short verse today, but a lot is being revealed to us about the attitude of Habakkuk as he entered into prayer before the God of this universe. Because this is still very applicable to us today, I wanted to draw a few things from the verse to our attention:

I have heard about your fame – For any of us attending church, or reading the Bible or fellowshipping with each other, we have probably heard about the miraculous hand of God, and how He has answered prayer already. Knowing that our request is not the first He is being presented with, gives us a reference or reassurance to fall back on. Try verbalizing that friends. Let self know that the same God who has answered many prayers already, is the same One beckoning for all who are weak and heavy laden to come unto Him. He wants you to bring your petitions before Him;
I stand in awe of Your deeds – Our bottom jaws should drop when we consider the unique power of our God. Imagine, He: healed the sick; restored sight to the blind; raised the dead; overcame death on the cross and rose again, so that we may have eternal life! That’s our God, friends! Do you know Him?
Repeat Your miracles again today and let me be a witness to them – The confidence of knowing that our God is so powerful, so awesome, and loves us so much that He would repeat His miracles even in our midst, is nothing short of overwhelming. Our faith grows beyond measure as we see God’s miracles performed right before our eyes!!
In wrath remember mercy – After all of the above, aren’t we reassured that we can ask God for such impossible things as giving us peace in the midst of our storms, and for showering His mercy on us even in the middle of total wrath and mega problems! That’s our God who calls us to Himself!

So friends, whom then shall we fear? What issue or problem, what governmental issue, what worry or doubt shall we burden ourselves with, instead of surrendering them at the feet of Jesus?

Prayer

What a reminder of the God that we serve! Praise the Lord! We consider all of the worries and concerns that seem to bother us Lord, but after reading this verse today we can only conclude “Whom or what shall we fear?”. Our God is an awesome God and it is You that we place our faith and our trust. Please help us to always be in awe of Your presence and Your power and Your love for Your children. May we always commit ourselves fully to Your care, Your direction and Your wisdom, knowing that because of Your love for us, we are in the best hands. We are such a blessed people! AMEN!

Footnote

If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. 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 could 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 http://www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, 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!

A Nation Blessed By God

On 2016-07-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Humble, Humility, Live in peace, Peace, PrayerLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-08

Scripture

Bible Reference: Zechariah 8:15–17

Bible Text: 15 I am determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. So don’t be afraid. 16 But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. 17 Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the LORD.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I believe that the blessing that God had for Jerusalem is a good indication of the blessing He has in store for your nation today friends, but I believe that the warnings and conditions are just as applicable. We serve a holy and righteous God, and I believe that His Word clearly shows us that He will not condone sin, unrighteousness and unfaithfulness. In fact, in these verses God declares to the people of Jerusalem what He is looking for, and I believe that these things are still applicable to us today. Here are a few things that God demands of a nation expecting to be blessed by Him:

Tell the truth to each other – another scripture says that we should let our yes be yes and our no be no. Never give a reason for doubt in anything you say, knowing that it is the truth and nothing but the truth. It is a rare thing today for folk to trust everything we say. This would be a clear indication to them that God must be influencing us;
In your courts, render fair decisions that lead to peace – I don’t believe that this indicates that our judges must let things slide, but I do believe it means that they should judge fairly, and without bias or prejudice, based on the laws of the land. When the law is fairly placed on everyone, in spite of their skin color or their financial means, then the people will live in peace knowing that they have been fairly judged;
Don’t ever plan evil things against others or tell lies under oath – When we scheme to hurt someone or treat them unfairly, we often bring in other sins that tend to help us apply the planned evil. God will have no part of that. When we love someone back into our good graces, our relationship will last much longer and blossom with goodness and joy!

Friends, think about it. For God to bless our respective countries even when the above sins are blatant, is like asking Him to turn the other cheek and let us have our own way, without regard for His holy instructions for us. I want to encourage Christians to stand tall in your faith; know what God demands of us and our nations; and pray daily for the growth and stability of God’s church, as this would be our encouragement to know that our prayers are being answered for our nation. 2 Chronicles 7:14 might be a good scripture to pin in a spot that will be a visible reminder to you every day, that if our people will humble themselves and pray, then God will……

Prayer

Dear God, please touch Your children once again today, please? For Your Word is very clear what we must do in order to see Your rich blessings poured out on us, yet we continue to live such sinful lives without proper regard for the King of all kings. Every time we listen to the news, we hear of such horrific happenings. Please help us to not shrug off these things to a God who must have forgotten us, but instead help us to look inward, and to look to Your Word for guidance as to what must be blocking our blessing. We are reminded that You will not bless or condone sin. Please help us to example righteous living before our unsaved family, friends and coworkers, for we may be the only ‘Jesus’ that they will have eyes for that day. Your Word is a lamp unto our feet – please help us to take that literally and seek to follow the way prescribed for us in Your Word. May You be glorified in us today, is my humble prayer that I ask in the name of the only holy and righteous One who set the example for us, AMEN!

Footnote

How To Treat Others

On 2016-07-07 By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Christian love, Imitate Jesus, Love, Love others, Love your NeighborLeave a comment

Thursday, 2016-07-07

Scripture

Bible Reference: Zechariah 7:8–10

Bible Text: 8-9 So once again, I, the LORD All-Powerful, tell you, “See that justice is done and be kind and merciful to one another! 10 Don’t mistreat widows or orphans or foreigners or anyone who is poor, and stop making plans to hurt each other.”

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

As I reflected on these verses I thought what would God possibly add to this list for the world He reflects on today. We often tend to compare back to a day when we were younger, and then stand in awe about where the world is today. I believe that if we were privy to just the questions posed on Google each day, it might give us a glimpse into the mindset of our people. In another part of my study today, God challenged His people to even look at the reasons they fast and pray, for often this is centered around their selfishness, and not necessarily His will for His church, His disciples and His people. Friends, let us challenge ourselves to pray for the will of God. We are not qualified to tell God what He should do, or how He should fix the many things that we feel are totally broken. I believe that these verses also helps us to acknowledge that we are slow to accept God’s commands and obey Him, because we must always remember that the Bible is very much alive, and speaks to our current day issues as much as it tells a story about how God ministered to saints of old. Please read the verses over again. Now please evaluate the portion of the verses that may not apply to us today. How many times do we whine about judicial or governmental decisions that are made and how we wish justice would be administered? Isn’t it because the decisions were not in our favor, or handled in a manner that we prescribed – often without all of the facts? Furthermore, who put those in authority in their place? Now before you pull out the books on me, to show who voted for who, let me first ask you to read Romans 13 and then answer my question. While some parts of the world may have made strides in taking better care of widows, orphans, the poor and foreigners, may I remind you that many of these depend heavily on the church and government programs in order to survive, because they have been abandoned by their own families? I believe that the very last point probably got my attention more than the rest. “Stop scheming against each other”, or “stop making plans to hurt one another”. This is not speaking to the friend or neighbor behind you, but rather to each of us. I believe the opposite of this, may be better aligned with God’s Word: “make plans to bless someone today” or “think about how you might encourage someone today” or “show more love towards each other today” or “look for ways to help someone succeed today or feel better about themselves”. In a nutshell, I believe that we are being taught how we are to treat each other in ways that might better reflect the heart of God for His children. We can do this friends, because these are the ways that we would want to be treated. Let’s seek God’s power to help us be more like Him in every way – everyday!

Prayer

Father God, thank You for loving me, and for showing love through so many different folk, to encourage me in my walk for You. Your Word is always a lamp unto our feet, and today is no exception, as You have shown us how we might enhance our love for one another, and how we should be especially careful to scheme only towards love and good works towards one another. May we not only be Your hands and feet today, but may we love one another in much the same way that You showed Your love for us. This might be the greatest sermon we can preach today! Please have Your will and way in and through us today dear Lord. AMEN!

Footnote

Respond To The Work Assigned By God

On 2016-07-04 By Ed AlgreenIn Committed, God's Will, God's WorkLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-07-04

Scripture

Bible Reference: Acts 20:22–24

Bible Text: 22 “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

This is a lot for us to think about on this special day – US Independence Day! Let’s first look at Paul’s scenario: He was on his way for a ministry that he was convinced God had called him to. Where? – Jerusalem; Job Description? – Unknown; Fringe benefits? Jail and suffering; Why should he continue on to do this? – because his life would be meaningless if he knew God had assigned something to him, and he chose to do anything else but that work. So let us look inward, and how we are responding to our God assignments. Would we be willing to go into an area of our own country that is extremely poor, or always in the news because of the extreme criminal activity? How about to another country where they have not been able to keep up with the modern day conveniences that we are accustomed to? Having your doubts? I probably would have also, but notice that there is no indication that Paul had any doubts. How about assignments right around your own church? Do you willingly accept them, knowing that your life might very well be miserable if you don’t accept the work that God has in store for you – to tell others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God? ‘Unqualified’ was your best response? May I encourage you to read the above verses again? Paul was headed out on a journey not knowing what God would have him do, so do you think he felt qualified to do it? Friends, as children of God, striving to obey the will of God, we make ourselves available to Him to be used for His ultimate glory. For such a specialized work as that, do you suppose for a moment that He expects you to do it in and of your own strengths and abilities? He wants our availability, not our abilities! Oh that we, the children of the most high God, might learn to move and act in faith, and learn to allow God to move mightily in and through us, perhaps then our relationship with Him might be stronger, and His work become more effective even through us. Won’t you consider being a ‘Paul’ today? Go where God sends you and do what He orders you to do, friend. It’s all for His glory anyway, so let’s facilitate the work, God being our helper and guide.

Prayer

Merciful Father, Master and Lord, You have everything under Your perfect control, yet You use even us – your children to work through us, like You did with Your servant Paul, to tell others about Your grace, Your love and Your saving power. Lord, please help us to respond to You with confidence, know that You can use even us to accomplish Your perfect will. Please give us strength to brush aside the attacks of Satan that cause us to find excuses when it comes to answering Your call. There was no excuse when You were ordered to the cross for our sacrifice. You did it because of Your love for us. Oh that we might love You enough to do Your will and share Your Good News with a world that is dying and going to Hell. Please touch Your children once again Lord, May it be today. AMEN!

Footnote

Yet I Will Rejoice

On 2016-07-01 By Ed AlgreenIn Acceptance, Acknowledge GodLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-01

Scripture

Bible Reference: Habakkuk 3:17–19
Bible Text: ¹⁷Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit; though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, ¹⁸yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. ¹⁹The Lord God is my strength; he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.
Bible Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

My Take

What does it take to break your will to rejoice in the Lord? Habakkuk had seen a lot going on in his day, yet he vowed to stay firm in his faith; recognize the strength that comes from God alone, remembering that God, and God alone offers salvation. Friends, I’m afraid that we play into the hands of Satan way too easily by caving in to our circumstances, and looking inward in self-pity. Think about it, when funds are low and we can’t do everything that our friends tend to do very easily, do we resort to thinking that God just doesn’t love us as much as He loves our friends, or are we able to rejoice in the Lord anyway? When we lose a loved one, do we remain strong in our faith, or do we tend to cave in and feel like God must have forsaken us? If only we can stay strong enough in our faith to recognize that no matter what our circumstances are, our God remains faithful, and He is still the one who provided salvation for us. What I find most praiseworthy, is that even through there are circumstances that really seem to hurt me individually, yet I reflect back on the time and see where God used the occasion for His glory. Perhaps a family member got saved, even though we may have lost a relative and went through a very sad time. I hope that we can learn to never accuse God, or blame him for things that happen in our lives in a slightly different way to what we would have ordered. Let’s remind each other that God’s ways are perfect and, just as a parent would tell us about their love for us, be reminded that no matter what happens – know that God loves us beyond anything we could think or imagine. No circumstance or life-happening could change that. Let’s be like Habakkuk and say that no matter what happens in this life, I will stay strong in my relationship with God, and will always praise Him in all of life’s circumstances.

Prayer

It is not always easy to shake the circumstances and lift our hands and hearts in praise to You dear Lord. So thank You for this reminder today. Please help us to always separate the circumstances in this life from the undeserving and limitless love that You have for us. Lord, You are good, and Your mercies are unending. Praise Your most worthy name! Should there be one who reads this devotional and is challenged to understand Your love, I pray that You will tender their heart and draw them to Yourself. May this be the day of salvation for that person today. All this I ask in the precious and loving name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, AMEN!