A Facilitator of Jesus’ Work

On 2016-08-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Believe, Faith, Faith in Action, TrustLeave a comment

Thursday, 2016-08-25

Scripture

Bible Reference: Mark 6:4–6

Bible Text: 4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I know that I have read this scripture many times over my years, but this morning my eyes were opened to the fact that because of the doubt and unbelief of many in Jesus’ hometown, He was not at liberty to perform many miracles there. Friends, I don’t know about you, but I probably have more of a heart for my hometown than almost anywhere else on earth. I could only imagine that Jesus had the same ‘soft spot’ in His heart for his hometown folk also. It must have been extremely disappointing to Him at the reception He received there. It must have been heartbreaking to know of the many needs of His people, and to know that He had answers for those needs, yet He was rejected or looked down on by His very own people. Unfortunately I believe that a lot of this could be attributed to the selfish motives of the people and their jealousy in imagining that a ‘son of the soil’ could possibly be holier or more powerful, or closer to God, than them. After all, they knew Jesus’ earthly parents and the poverty from whence they came. They knew of no royalty that would place Jesus at any advantage to them in performing unusual miracles for them, so of course they doubted that He could do anything special, or more impactful than any of them could do. Friends, my mind went immediately on the church – a gathering of people in need of a touch from the Lord. As we gather at our respective times to worship, do you suppose that we may be made up of folk just like Jesus encountered at Nazareth? Will Jesus find enough who sincerely believe in Him, and who truly have faith in His awesome power, that He would feel at liberty to perform miracles in your midst? Or will His work be hindered by the high degree of unbelief that He will find among those gathered? Let’s remember friends, that this Jesus of whom I speak, is the same Jesus born miraculously by the power of God; the one who is on record in the Bible for performing miracle after miracle – including bringing the dead back to life; the same Jesus that was crucified, died and was buried, yet He arose from the dead and lives on at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for His children (us). What is there to doubt about friends? Have faith in God, won’t you? He loves you and wants to see His very best lived out in you – even if that requires a miracle. Trust Him today, won’t you?

Prayer

Lord, may I not be a stumbling block to the blessing/miracle You have in store for my friends and/or fellow worshippers today. Lord, I believe in You, please help my unbelief. May I also ask that You touch each heart that may read this devotional today. May we be acceptable in Your sight and may our faith be so strong that others may be encouraged in their faith and trust in You. Lord, please touch Your people once again. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may gain strength and full allegiance to You Heavenly Father. 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!

Introducing The One Who Can

On 2016-08-24 By Ed AlgreenIn All-powerful, Answered Prayer, Savior, The power of GodLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-08-24

Scripture

Bible Reference: Mark 4:39–40

Bible Text: 39 Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped, and everything was calm. 40 Jesus asked his disciples, “Why were you afraid? Don’t you have any faith?”

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

I am amazed at the various challenges that my friends and I face each day. Some very bizarre situations and some that seem downright impossible to overcome. I believe for most of us, when we are in the middle of a disaster or extreme scenario, we often feel like there’s a good possibility that we won’t come out real good on the other side of the circumstance. Imagine for a moment the growing challenge that the boat passengers envisioned before they finally went and woke Jesus up. Not only was there no calmer waters within sight up ahead, but the boat was now taking on water from the huge waves. Based on what the disciples said to Jesus, I believe they were thinking much like we do today when we face, what appears to be, impossible situations. HELLO, does anyone care out there? I’m losing my life partner; The doctor has just given me my death sentence; My young child appears to be weakening in this health crisis instead of getting better; I’m about to be homeless because of my worsening financial situation; I NEED HELP! I would imagine that similar thoughts must have crossed the minds of the disciples, only they were also deeply disturbed or disappointed about how Jesus just layed content without being concerned about the grave situation they were in. Don’t we also tend to feel self-pity and feel like no one cares? But friends, I was reminded that when we know the God of this universe – the One who created this massive world and put all of the intricate parts into place to begin with, then of course He is the only One who can change the course of events that impacts us and/or His creation (this world). So friends, I believe that our comfort in this devotional today is in being reminded that we need Jesus. He created us and everything we touch, so we will daily need to depend on Him for understanding and help in coping with all of life’s circumstances. We had nothing to do with the creation, nor do we have any control over changing any of its natural course of events, so let’s learn to surrender to the only One who can. I accepted this awesome Jesus many years ago, and it would thrill my heart to know that you also acknowledge the same Father. If you have not already accepted Him as Lord of your life, please read my Footnote and see from the scriptures noted how you could also accept my Savior.

Prayer

Being reminded of Your awesome power has renewed a sense of calm over my deep concerns about all that I face today and every day. What an awesome privilege to know that I can place my hand into the hand of the One who designed and created this whole creation. Thank You Jesus for caring about me and loving me unconditionally. Please also touch the lives of my readers and give them comfort in accepting you and/or knowing You personally. Being in this world is a challenge, but knowing the Creator of it all and the joy You bring to us, is worth it all! Thank You Heavenly Father! AMEN!

Footnote

Are You Listening?

On 2016-08-23 By Ed AlgreenIn Heart Knowledge, Know God's Heart, Listen, Listen to the Word of God, ObedienceLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-08-23

Scripture

Bible Reference: Mark 4:23–25

Bible Text: 23 “Are you listening to this? Really listening? 24–25 “Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”

Bible Translation: The Message (MSG)

My Take

In verse 23 Jesus re-emphasizes what He said in verse 9 – “Are you listening?”. I believe that Jesus would have the same concern today, for we can fill our churches if we throw in a meal, or if we were giving away something to everyone that attended. Some fill their churches by preaching only the positive aspects of the gospel, and not challenging their congregations with the plain truth about hell and the grave. Friends, the Word of God is widely known as the ‘Good News’, however there are consequences for sin. Satan is constantly trying to steer folk in his direction and away from God. So whenever you feel like you have failed in your invitation to have your neighbor attend church with you, please be reminded that you are probably fighting against the evil one who is trying to keep his grip on one of his followers. It is unfortunate, but churches often fill up when there is a disaster. So I am convinced that many believe there is a God, however He is only called on as needed, much like we do with the gas station. Friends, Jesus told these parables so that His listeners would be reminded of the importance of knowing the Savior of this world intimately, that you would give Him full control of your life, and that you would live in total obedience to the Word of God. Evidence of you having received the gift of salvation will reflect in your willingness to give more than your natural desire to receive. May I encourage you to evaluate your life, or better still try asking God to evaluate your life and show you if you are more of a receiver than a giver? There has been no mention of money, so please don’t ever use that as a crutch on why you can’t give. Just give, as God has given to you – perhaps a helping hand; a prayer; a phone call; a hug or a word of encouragement. These will be worth more than money to a lonely person or one who is hurting. These characteristics will reflect Jesus more than anything you can buy at the store.

Prayer

Father, You gave Your very own Son for our good, yet we seem so selfish with what little we own here on this earth. Please help us to give sacrificially as You did, and may others see Your character in every aspect of our life. Lord, please draw the lost unto You this day, and if You can use us in the process, may we be willing servants, all for Your ultimate glory, AMEN!

Footnote

God Provides Our Needs Plus Some

On 2016-08-22 By Ed AlgreenIn Blessings, Humility, Power of Prayer, PrayerLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-08-22

Scripture

Bible Reference: 1 Kings 3:10–13

Bible Text: 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame!

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

Solomon was crowned king at a very early age, and while he could have done like previous kings and depended heavily on his royal team of experts that surrounded him in leading the Israelites, he had a sincere heart for God and wanted to rule in a way pleasing to God, regardless of his personal heartfelt inabilities. In the presence of the Creator of the universe; the God who brought thousands miraculously across the desert from slavery into a land filled with beauty and promise; the same God that was such an awesome blessing to his father David; it is only natural that Solomon could have asked for almost anything, and it would have been very possible that God could have answered his requests. However, in greatest humility, Solomon acknowledged his weaknesses in light of the tremendous task ahead, and he recognized the strengths of the Master, so he asked that he might be given wisdom to properly lead the Israelites. Friends, this may sound fairly unimportant to you, but you and I face the same challenge every day that Solomon faced. Imagine with me that as we leave home today and enter our respective workplaces. How many of us know what we will face? The questions; the personal problems of each coworker; knowing exactly what would please our bosses today. And to top this off, as children of God, we want to do each of these things pleasing to God. What do you think? Do we need to ask a similar prayer of God that Solomon asked? In all humility, I feel like we should seek the face of Jesus and ask for wisdom in all things today, so that He may be lifted up by all those that we may touch in some way. Let’s remember that Jesus is Lord, and that we are merely servants seeking to serve Him faithfully and in obedience to His perfect will for us. Perhaps He may see fit to bless us as He did Solomon, by providing far more than we ask God for!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the examples that You have placed in Your Word to help us reflect on the awesome works of God. Thank You for the story of Solomon – a powerful earthly king, yet he saw the need of God to help him rule in a way pleasing to Him. Just as Solomon described himself as being so helpless in knowing the right thing to do or say, we find ourselves in exactly the same predicament. Lord, we have no way of knowing what we will face today, and rather than just ‘winging’ it, we humbly ask that You touch our hearts; our understanding; and our lips; so that we may be adequate representatives of Yours in whatever situation we may find ourselves. May it be evident who ‘runs our show’ of life, as we want You to be glorified and praised because of every word that we may speak or action that we may take today, AMEN!

Footnote

The Reason Jesus Came

On 2016-08-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Effective Ministry, Reflective of Jesus Christ, The ChurchLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-08-20

Scripture

Bible Reference: Mark 2:17

Bible Text: 17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

The attention given to the unrighteous, reminds me of a friend who is attracted to the one who sits at the back of the church and may be feeling dejected. I am also made keenly aware of why our churches are not reaching many of the unsaved in our communities. Think about it, who do most of our church members hang around? Fellow Christians, right? What happens to a pastor or church leader who may be seen hanging around a questionable crowd? Jesus said that He came for those who know that they are sinners. Wouldn’t that be a bold statement for a church to acknowledge that they exist for the sake of the unsaved? Who generally devours most of your pastor’s time, the saved or the unsaved? Where do most of your budget dollars go – towards reaching the lost, or patting the backs of the saved and keeping them entertained? Will the unsaved feel welcomed at your worship services, or will they feel looked down on by the masses? Are you a part of a ministry that imitates the desire of Jesus, or are you ministering in opposition to the plan of Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, may we Your children be willing to minister to those in need of a Savior more than we minister to those just like us. You came so that the lost might be saved and see the Kingdom of God. Please help us to keep that as our focus of ministry. I ask these things in the strong name of Jesus, AMEN!

Footnote

How Did You Respond?

On 2016-08-192016-08-19 By Ed AlgreenIn Disciple, Follow Christ, Follow Jesus, Follower of Christ, ObedienceLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-08-19

Scripture

Bible Reference: Mark 1:16–20

Bible Text: 16 As Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were fishermen and were casting their nets into the lake. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come with me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.” 18 Right then the two brothers dropped their nets and went with him. 19 Jesus walked on and soon saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat, mending their nets. 20 At once Jesus asked them to come with him. They left their father in the boat with the hired workers and went with him.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

There are three calls by Jesus that I want to share with you, and the response I believe God expects from each. In the above scripture there are two examples highlighted in purple where Jesus called out to fishermen to follow Him. Their responses are almost identical. They are highlighted in green and to summarize, they both say that the fishermen saw no greater priority than to drop what they were doing – things they were familiar with, and coworkers that they knew and respected. And they did this to follow this Jesus who was passing along on the shoreline. Perhaps they had heard of Jesus before, and perhaps they had not, but they responded obediently to His call. Now the third call is probably the most important one for you to ponder today, for I am convinced that Jesus still calls His children today – that’s you and I friend. How you might ask? We are told in scripture that our experience with Jesus is ‘Good News’, in fact I might add that it’s the BEST news that one could hear in any given day. So may I help answer the ‘How’ question, by asking you:

When last have you been so determined to keep ‘Good News’ bottled up inside?
How can you say that Jesus hasn’t called you to follow Him into service, when you have already turned down so many opportunities to serve Him through your local church?
What do you mean that you are incapable, when we see that Jesus used uneducated fishermen to start off the whole Christian movement?
Why would you refer a family member or friend to your pastor, when Jesus placed the person and their situation right into your lap, expecting you to merely share your story with them, and the Good News of the One who rescued you from a life of sin?

Friends, I believe that Jesus is just as anxious about using you and I to spread the gospel as he was with the first disciples He called. They immediately responded by following His commands. Perhaps you should consider doing the same!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we have been blessed with the greatest gift ever, and our blessings continue as we worship, adore, praise and serve You. Please help us to be as liberal in sharing this good news with others as we do with even the smallest successes in life. Lord, You know how blessed we are with the friends and family You have placed in our life. Please help us to show our deepest appreciation by sharing the Good News of our Savior, who actually sacrificed His life to provide our means of getting into Heaven. This is the greatest news ever, so let us be bold in sharing it with everyone we come into contact with. AMEN!

Footnote

The Faithfulness of God

On 2016-08-18 By Ed AlgreenIn Committed, Faithful, FaithfulnessLeave a comment

Thursday, 2016-08-18

Scripture

Bible Reference: 2 Thessalonians 3:3,5

Bible Text: 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

Throughout the books written by Paul, it is very obvious of his love and concern for the people that he ministered to. At the end of each book, during Paul’s parting thoughts with each of the churches, he often shared his thoughts on what bothered him most about leaving a town. Unfortunately, Paul’s concerns, are still areas of concern today for most ministries, for the people do well while the heat and excitement of revival continues, but the sincerity of the people become evident when the evangelist leaves town and they are left on their own. I believe that these parting thoughts and prayers were not just for the benefit of the people, but represented the deepest concerns that Paul had for their spiritual self preservation. These thoughts could also serve to benefit us today friends. For when we feel like we are getting sucked into the temptations of this world, or that the evil one is working overtime in our lives, I believe it is important that we remind ourselves of what Paul shared in verse 3: our Lord is faithful, and we can depend on Him to strengthen us and protect us from the evil one. Let us therefore look to God for all things, especially when we feel like we are being pulled away, or distracted in our relationship with God. In Paul’s prayer, he is also reminding us that the same God who expressed His love for us by sacrificing His very own – His one and only Son, so that we might live eternally with Him, this is the same God who we can depend on to lead our hearts into a full understanding of His mercy and grace. I also love the conclusion, for in Paul’s prayer, we are reminded that we are to continue depending on the faithfulness of God until the time His Son returns to take us home to glory, so be patient as you wait! My encouragement to each reader today, is that we remain faithful to our Lord in every way, each and every day, for He’s coming back again real soon, and this time it will be for those of us who know Him and have been faithful to Him. How are you doing with that friend?

Prayer

In all aspects of life, may You find us faithful dear Lord. Thank You for this reminder today Heavenly Father. May we always remember the source of life itself, and may we always be faithful to the Sustainer of all life, until the day we are called home to be with You, our eternal Father, AMEN!

Footnote

Characteristics That Exemplify Christ

On 2016-08-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Imitate Jesus, Imitator of Christ, Our CharacterLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-08-15

Scripture

Bible Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:14–22

Bible Text: 14 My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 15 Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else. 16 Always be joyful 17 and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. 19 Don’t turn away God’s Spirit 20 or ignore prophecies. 21 Put everything to the test. Accept what is good 22 and don’t have anything to do with evil.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

Paul in the conclusion of his letter to the church at Thessalonica, shared some parting words that ring out as being very timely advice for Christians even today. Meditate on these things friends, and ask God to give you wisdom and strength to apply them in your life each day. Here are the highlights:

Warn those are not living right – this shows love, friends. If you love them you will care enough to warn them in love. You never stop to consider how they might respond if you warned them of a natural disaster heading our way, so warning them about their ultimate, eternal destination is far more critical;
Encourage those who feel forsaken – remind them of the love of Jesus for all, not just the rich, or just those important to society, but for all;
Help the weak – some are just unable to help themselves, and one day that might be your position in life. Be willing and ready to help those who are unable to help themselves;
Be patient with everyone – of course everyone may not be the perfectionist that you are. Of course they may not be able, or willing, to do everything you do. Just as God is not finished with every detail of your life, He may still be working on the one you are impatient with. Furthermore, God may be using that particular scenario to deepen this particular characteristic – patience!
Don’t be hateful to people because they may have been hateful to you. Instead, be good to others;
Always be joyful;
Never stop praying;
Because of what Jesus did for you, always be thankful;
Don’t try to escape the Holy Spirit or the prophecies, but try to prove them;

Friends, I could find something to share on each item, but I believe you will agree with me that it would benefit us to pin this list up somewhere handy so that we might be constantly reminded of the way we should strive to live. As we do this, I believe we will grow more and more to be like Jesus. We need this, and the world needs to see this so that they might know that we are, who we say we are.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we are so weak and so susceptible to the attraction of this world, that we are often misrepresented as children of the world rather than children of God. Please forgive us for our failure to honor You and Your Holy Word. Through Your servant Paul, You have taught us about characteristics that would help us to imitate the qualities of the true and living God. Lord, we want to be just like You, and we want the world to see enough in our character that they might see a ‘better way’ the way to the cross – the way to Jesus. Please touch, and empower Your children once again today Lord. Please fix our eyes on You and give us the will to lay aside the desires of this world for the overwhelming joy of being more like You so that we may serve You better and more effectively. I ask these things in the awesome and powerful name of Jesus, Son of the living God, AMEN!

Footnote

When We Come To Our Senses

On 2016-08-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Control, SurrenderLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-08-13

Scripture

Bible Reference: Daniel 4:36–37

Bible Text: 36 “When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before. 37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

As I read about this awakening by king Nebuchadnezzar, I was reminded of the awakening by the Prodigal Son in the New Testament. In both cases they had to follow the advice given to addicts, who have to acknowledge that there is a problem, and that self must step aside to receive the help necessary to overcome the problem. Reading in earlier verses one can understand that the verdict given to the king was ultimate disaster, and would have led to great shame, embarrassment, pain and anguish. However, we can see how God’s grace, although so unmerited, or something we could never be good enough for, yet God pours it on us beyond measure. In this case, He graced Nebuchadnezzar with a heart of humbleness, that although he was king and could demand anything he wanted from his subjects, yet it would have no effect on his impending danger and ultimate verdict given by God through a vision.Once recognized that he had no control over the events foretold for himself, the king surrendered, or came to his senses, and realized that he needed the God of this universe to intercede in his life and help him. Friends, does it ever feel like each day presents yet one more ‘brick wall’ that you can’t seem to break through, or get over? Does it ever seem like you absolutely have no control over what happens, even though your are a hard worker, care for your family and love your friends? I pray that we will learn to humble ourselves, listen to God (through reading His Word); be obedient to His commands, and surrender our will to the perfect will of God. Until we do that friends, we are trying to run this complex ‘show’ that we call life, all by ourselves, and we do that without all the facts about what will happen tomorrow. Let’s be diligent about seeking the face of God. Let’s glorify our Lord and Savior! Let’s turn the ‘reign’s of our life over to the One who really knows what is going on right now, and in all of our tomorrows. Our Father is ready to lead His children, if we allow Him to. Won’t you consider doing this today friend?

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for being patient with us each day as we press on to live this life on our own. Thank You for reminding us through this scripture today that there is a better way; that there is One who can handle all of life’s circumstances; and One who actually knows what’s best for us today, so that our tomorrows will be filled with the joy of Your salvation. Lord, we look forward to being with You in heaven one day. Please continue to lead us in the right path while we live on this old earth. Please use us for Your glorification; the encouragement of the saints; and to challenge those not yet surrendered to You. I ask these things in faith and of the only begotten Son of God, AMEN!

Footnote

God Readies Us For The Moment

On 2016-08-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Chosen by God, God's Chosen People, SurrenderLeave a comment

Thursday, 2016-08-11

Scripture

Bible Reference: Daniel 1:9, 17

Bible Text: 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel.
17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I find it extremely interesting how, as humans, we try so hard to change certain aspects of what God has already perfectly made. For example: the color of our hair perfectly designed by God vs the color we feel we need, to be prettier or successful in life; if our hair is curly, then often we want it straight, or vice versa; numerous surgeries that are performed to transform us into the person we envision, vs what God has perfectly made in His perfect design; etc. Friends, I believe it is obvious from our scripture today, that God aligned everything for His servant Daniel so that lives would be impacted along the way. Think about this: Daniel was intricatly made with the looks and necessary smarts that would be later used in this scenario; Out of all the young men that could have been chosen in obedience to the king’s command, God designed it so that Daniel would be among the chosen, even with his peculiar eating habits; God gave the chief of staff respect and affection for Daniel (vs 9), therefore he worked with Daniel to provide the foods matching his diet; God gave Daniel and his three friends unusual, or extraordinary, smarts and understanding for literature and wisdom; God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret visions and dreams, and guess what? The king had a dream that none of his normal magicians could handle, and this opened the door for interaction between Daniel and the king. Can you see how God’s plan came together? However friends, the story doesn’t end there, for God showed Himself worthy in many other scenarios in the Bible, and even to me in my short lifespan, I have seen Him work miraculously to align His perfect will, so that lives would be impacted – in at least two cases I saw where the lives of two family members were physically saved, and in another where one was rescued and given the opportunity for an extended life. I believe that God is also working in many of Your lives to accomplish His will, and I believe that He desperately wants to work in the rest of you, who have not totally surrendered to God. Are you being humble, obedient and willing to totally surrender your life to His calling? May I encourage you to submit to God and let Him work out His will for your life? It will surprise you what our awesome God can do through a humble servant willing to be used by Him in His awesome plan!

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for providing for Daniel and all those who were touched by his life, because He was obedient to You. You have reminded us today that we too are Your special design, Your chosen children, and that there is much to be done and many to be reached for Your ultimate glory. I immediately thought of that contemporary song ‘I’m Yours Lord, everything I am, everything I have‘. Lord, may Your children recommit themselves to be totally Yours today, so that You may enact Your plan to reach our lost loved ones and friends, even through us. You used others we know to reach our hardened hearts, and I have every reason to believe that You can use us also – all for Your ultimate glory. I ask these things in faith, and for the enrichment of Your kingdom oh Lord, AMEN!