Daily Devotions from The Word Of God… From the heart of Ed Algreen

Posts tagged ‘faith’

Allow God’s Word to Nurture Your Hearts

Saturday, 2019-04-20

Bible Reference: Mark 4:8 & 20
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 8 But some of the seeds fell into good soil and yielded thirty times as much as he had planted—some of it even sixty or a hundred times as much!……..
20 “But the good soil represents the hearts of those who truly accept God’s message and produce a plentiful harvest for God—thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as was planted in their hearts.”

OBSERVATION: There are certain things that we hear, that will make no difference in our hearts, for the words simply go in one ear and out of the next. We are taught in this parable today that the extent to which we listen, absorb and use what we hear is a ‘heart’ matter. More on this as we meditate on the parable of the sower.

APPLICATION: I bet you remember as a child, that some things you were told by your parents were intended to hold a lot of significance, and there would normally be strong implications if you ignored or avoided following the instructions given to you. However, there were certain things that they told you not to do that you saw them practice almost every day, so you took those instructions very lightly. But thanks be to God, Jesus told this parable to help us better understand why some hear His Word without very little impact, while a friend who hears the same message, with a heart that is open and willing to let it serve its full God-given purpose, is fully impacted, taught and motivated to use that Word for the glory of God. Friends, I believe that this should speak to our hearts about how we are sometimes so out of tune with God, that we might be in the right venue (church); we might be under the right preaching (minister of the gospel); and we might have no problem with our hearing, yet we walk away without having heard, or at least without being impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Have you ever noticed that when there is purpose in your heart about a project that you want to do, how carefully you read instruction; how carefully you listen to teaching; how earnestly you seek after advice; and how ready you are to listen to the experience of others? So why is this not happening to us in our Christian walk, and our learning of God? Are we not serious about drawing closer to God, and desiring to do the things of God? Are we back in our childhood days, where we easily brush off, or ignore the things taught to us that oppose our fancy – even in the case of those things ordered by God? I believe that this would be a perfect day for us to have God cleanse our hearts and renew a right spirit within us, so that we might become fertile ground for His Word taught and preached tomorrow – Easter Sunday! Oh, may the words that we hear, be sent by God with the specific purpose of growing our relationship with Him, and for the enrichment of our souls that could then be used of God in our everyday lives, with our everyday friends. Father, please look down in love and be glorified by the work of Your Holy Spirit in the minefield of our hearts and souls. Friends, we are not here because God needed a drop-off place to put us until He returns. We are here as His hands, His feet and His mouthpiece, to be used for the salvation of the lost, and to bring glory to His Son, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Oh that we may be found faithful to the work that You have laid out for us to do, precious Lord. May the sincerity of our hearts, the words from our lips and every action that we take, be avenues of ministry to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and our faithful Redeemer. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Category:

Commitment, Committed, Easter, Faith, Heart, Rewards, Trust

Tagged with:

It’s Done

Friday, 2019-04-19

Bible Reference: John 19:28-30
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, “I’m thirsty.” A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.

OBSERVATION: Without sounding too morbid, I believe the reality of Jesus’ last words will no doubt be echoed by someone today as they wrap things up here on this earth. What does the term mean? What does it mean for you to say those words? What does it mean when you hear someone near to you say those words? Let us meditate on these words in the light of our eternity, in our time together today!

APPLICATION: These simple words are widely used today in many ways, with a variety of meaning. A chef who has labored over a meal for an important couple, might say to his butler, ‘It’s done!’ Meaning, we are now ready to present the best meal this important couple has ever experienced, and that they have longed for since they entered our restaurant. The chef is proud of how everything turned out, and he can’t wait to peek through the kitchen window and watch the expression on the faces of royalty as they taste this meal! In a similar scenario, a contractor has just completed a 2-year project in building a world class hotel. It’s done! As the doors are opened and the hotel begins to fill up, the contractor stands back with great pride as he sees that his attention to detail and perfection has paid off! For he sees the look on the face of the owners who are filled with pride, enjoying the grand opening! The contractors job is done, and the hotel is being used as it was designed and built. When Jesus was born, the angels declared that this baby was born in purity, to bring the purity of heaven to mankind. His whole purpose in life was to bring salvation to a lost, hopeless and powerless world that didn’t stand a chance of seeing the glories of heaven based on anything they could do or say on their own. In His short life here on earth, Jesus was obedient to His Father, and through many miracles; extensions of love to the unlovable; care and healing for those without any hope; and encouragement for those who felt helpless; He brought the miracle of everlasting life! Something that every generation had strived for, but failed so miserably at. Yet God, in His awesome mercy, sent us His very own Son to bring life – everlasting life in heaven for all eternity. Something that we were incapable of on our own. On a day, just like today, the Jews were tired of the good our Lord did in their midst, so they did what they thought was their only option – they condemned Him to death, on a cross, like other criminals of their day. But friends, we commemorate that horrific day still today – literally today on the calendar we commemorate Good Friday. For our Lord had to die to fulfill the work of His Father. Had there not been death, there would be no resurrection – that we celebrate on Easter Sunday, and every Sunday of the year! So when we hear the words ‘It is finished’, or ‘It is done’, let’s remember that Jesus had completed the tasks for which He came – He was done! And because He died and rose again, we have insight into what will happen to those for whom He came to earth. We too will rise to meet our Lord, our Savior, our Father, our God – in heaven, where we will live eternally. So don’t be sad today as you remember the death of our Lord, for Sunday’s ‘a comin! Praise the everlasting name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Please find yourself in church on Sunday to join hearts and voices as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and Lord! You ask me how I know He lives? My friend, He lives within my heart!!

PRAYER: Precious Lord Jesus, thank You for putting up with mankind while You were here on earth. Thank You for all You did on Calvary, so that we might have hope in tomorrow – our everlasting future in Heaven with You and the Father. Please forgive us – all of mankind for our selfishness and ungratefulness, as dished out to You on the cross. Oh Lord, please prick our hearts every time that we turn our eyes away from You. Please draw us back to the cross, back to You – our only hope for eternity. Lord we are in awe of You and all that You did for us. May we truly and sincerely worship You all the days of our life. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Category:

Easter, Faith, Rewards, Salvation, Saved, Trust

Tagged with:

One More Time

Wednesday, 2019-04-17

Bible Reference: Psalm 27:13-14
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: Yet I totally trust you to rescue me one more time, so that I can see once again how good you are while I’m still alive! Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!

OBSERVATION: David had witnessed the power of God in His life many times, yet he didn’t take that for granted. We see in this Scripture today, that David is asking God to intervene – one more time. The powerful thing about these verses is that David is not approaching God as a stranger, for he shares with us lessons he had learned from times past. Hopefully we can approach God with that same confidence today!

APPLICATION: Hopefully we all can remember a time that God was especially real to us. It may have been a time when we couldn’t figure out where to turn next, or who to turn to for help, when suddenly we sensed the power of God intervening in our life and giving us purpose to go on. At some point we may have learned that someone was praying especially hard and persistent for us, and that convinced us even more that it was the hand of God that touched us in our time of need. Friends, I believe that God especially gives us times of refreshing like that, so that we might have a memorial to refer back to and be encouraged by, for He saw our need and responded to our prayers when times were really challenging for us. The glorious truth is, that He could very easily ‘do it again’, if only we would seek Him and depend on Him. While I believe that these very special times might be refreshing times for us individually, I also believe that they sometimes serve as a tool that we may use to encourage others that may encounter similar challenges. Another real purpose that these special experiences, might serve, is to encourage our own selves when challenges come our way. Have you ever experienced a time when you sat down and almost cried, because the burden seemed so heavy? The need for power, or for encouragement, or perhaps healing may have been overwhelming. You may not have known which way to turn next – until the Holy Spirit suddenly brought to remembrance a time where God clearly responded to a similar need in your life. It was times like this, that you regained purpose in your relationship with the Master, and you were able to return humbly before the Lord and seek His forgiveness as you acknowledged your need and your weakness before the Creator of this universe, the Master of the land, sea, and every living thing. Friends, it is unfortunate, but way too often we try to assume control over our circumstances for which we have no power. And it’s not until we humble ourselves and rededicate ourselves completely to the lordship of Jesus Christ in total surrender, that we make room for Him and His awesome power to move mightily in our lives. I believe that God is waiting for us to surrender, or re-surrender ourselves to His will, so that He might move in our lives personally, and corporately, one more time. I need that, friends. I hope and pray that you will also see the need to be totally surrendered to Jesus – yes, even today!

PRAYER: In Your awesome expression of love, humility and power, You reached down and touched the life of this servant, and I thank You for loving even me that much. Oh that I may be reminded of whose I am, every time that Satan tries to discourage and pull me down. Lord, I believe that many who will read this devotional may have experienced similar times of discouragement, and may still be waiting for a touch from You once again. May this reminder for David be something that may return peace and encouragement to many who allow Your Word to penetrate their hearts today. Oh that they may be reminded of the mighty work You have already accomplished in their life, and may they be encouraged to seek You yet again, even in their current circumstances, knowing that You could just as easily ‘do it all again’! May You be glorified because of our surrender today dear Lord! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would 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!

Category:

Faith, Repentance, Rewards, Surrender, Trust

Tagged with:

The One Thing That I Crave from God

Monday, 2019-04-15

Bible Reference: Psalm 27:4
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: Here’s the one thing I crave from God, the one thing I seek above all else:
I want the privilege of living with him every moment in his house, finding the sweet loveliness of his face, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace. I want to live my life so close to him that he takes pleasure in my every prayer.

OBSERVATION: Before David became king, he had some intimate time with God. He reassured himself of the awesome God that he served, while seeking His face in every aspect of his life. Then in verse 4 of Psalm 27, David narrowed down his most important thing that he would ask of God, if he was only granted one wish. When last have you gotten that specific with God?

APPLICATION: Many things that we pray for each day, change with the circumstances of that day. For example, heaviest on your heart might be the well being of a friend that just had heart surgery, but when you followed up with their spouse this morning you were delighted to hear that they are now recuperating at home. However, when it comes to your relationship with the Lord, when it comes to the one thing that only can be attended to supernaturally and that may improve your walk with the King of all kings, what might that one thing be? By way of suggestion, you may want to consider the one thing that you feel stands in the way of your total surrender to the Lord; or it might be that one person that you become so agitated over, you are sure that the relationship stands between you and a perfect God; it might be a habit that you feel convicted about, but have found it impossible to give up. Friends, let’s be totally open to the fact that our God knows all things, so there is nothing that you might ask Him about that He is not already aware of. So the onus is on you alone in wanting to have a right relationship with God that is free from constraints. Seek Him while He may be found and surrender your life completely to Him – for His full and complete control. To make yourself moldable by God, He needs your full surrender. So may I encourage you today to ‘let go and let God’ have His way in your life my friend? Imagine what He could do through you when your life is totally surrendered to Him!

PRAYER: Father in heaven, You formed us and created us, yet we try to hold back on portions of our lives that should totally belong to You. Please forgive us for our selfishness, and our self-consuming desire to have our own way. Lord, we acknowledge that we are powerless without You, so we humbly ask that You melt our hardened hearts; renew a right spirit within us; make us more like You in every way; and then use us in ways that only You can – for Your purposes alone. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Category:

Faith, Rewards, Surrender, Trust

Tagged with:

Oh How We’ve Changed

Saturday, 2019-04-13

Bible Reference: Mark 1:40-45
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened….

OBSERVATION: In contrast to believers today, the leper could not contain the joy in his heart over the miracle that took place in his life. His joy was overflowing and it was obvious that a ‘God-thing’ had occurred in this man’s life. I don’t believe that this is exactly what our coworkers and friends see in our lives today, is it? Let’s let this sink in real good as we meditate on God’s Word today.

APPLICATION: A man scorned by society, but who realized where his healing might come from, found his way into the presence of the Master. Just as he was assured of, Jesus had mercy on him and healed him. However, because Jesus didn’t need any more publicity, He demanded that the man simply go directly to the priest and follow the traditions passed down by Moses, concerning his clean bill of health. But being so full of joy, the man made it known everywhere what had miraculously happened to him. So just for a moment, I would like to explore how this story compares to the trends of Christians today. For we attend church, and are encouraged to go and spread the good news of what Jesus has done for us. But isn’t it shocking how many believers live alongside non-Christians and, other than seeing us rushing out to church, they may never know what is different about us. Do they really know that a prince/princess lives next door? Yes, as sons of the King of all kings, we are automatically a ‘prince’ or ‘princess’. How about our coworkers, do they know that they are working alongside royalty? How about the many friends, who walk along hopelessly, and with no vision of what lies in their future, yet we walk alongside them with knowledge of the greatest story ever told, and the everlasting hope of tomorrow inside of us. Friends, we know full well that the same Jesus who died and rose again, would like nothing better than to see us share His story with those who need hope. Our command is just the opposite of what Jesus commanded the leper, He wants us to share His story, so that others may experience His love and the hope of life after death here on earth. A future that includes an eternity of worship around the throne of God. No more pain, envy or strife, but peace and communion with our God and His precious Son! Praise be to God!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for the promise of heaven – a time to look forward to where Your children will spend eternity worshiping You. We are instructed in just the opposite way to that of the leper, for we are instructed to go into all the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. To all my readers, and all those who love my Lord, may we unseal our lips, raise our hands in joyous thanksgiving, and celebrate the Healer of all our diseases, the only Savior of this world, the One through whom Salvation is possible, so that others might see the glory of God in us, and have a desire to meet our Savior! There is no other Savior – no other means under Heaven that man might be saved, than through the precious name of Jesus. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Category:

Change, Changed, Faith, Rewards, Trust

Tagged with:

What Might Jesus Find at our Churches Today

Friday, 2019-04-12

Bible Reference: Mark 1:23-28
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you’ve come to destroy us!” Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!” The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.  Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. “What’s going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!” News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.

OBSERVATION: Jesus had just called 4 disciples to follow Him – to learn about Him and then to be His example, as He gave them power to do so. A good first stop was the Temple, a normal place of worship and teaching. But what Jesus found there, was anything else but normal. I hope to draw our attention into what Jesus might find at our churches today when He walks in. Allow the Spirit to open your spiritual eyes, and remove all prejudices because of your love for your church, as you think about he might find right at your church!

APPLICATION: The first time that you visit a church, hopefully you will find a sweet spirit of corporation, love for each other, and preaching the pure, unadulterated Word of God. Of course, I hope that years after attending that church, you will still find the same thing there. But if we are to be totally honest with ourselves, it really becomes like anywhere else, because we get to know about the attitudes and actions of those that Satan has planted among us to stir up trouble and strife between God’s people. We find those who feel like they could do a much better job in the kitchen, or as a teacher in Sunday School, or even in the pulpit. We find those who are determined to fix the pastor, or the elder, or perhaps a deacon. Those who find fault with everything, and everyone. In fact, it becomes like a fog as we search in earnest for those who are strictly there for the purpose of worshipping God, learning more about Him, and to enjoy a sweet fellowship with the saints, as they search for ways to build one another up. But I wonder what God truly sees? I wonder if He was to send His Son, in person, through the doors of my church this weekend, what might He stop, touch me on the shoulder, and tell me to cleanse my heart of? Friends, we need not look for Him to point out the criminals in the church, or the backbiters, or those who habitually lie, steal or try to distract the saints, although I’m sure He knows each of our weaknesses very well. But may we soberly connect with the Master and hear Him say ‘well done good and faithful servant’, as that should be the desire of every believer. However to achieve that ultimate goal, no doubt there are several things that God might need to point out to us that tend to separate us from His perfect will. So do you suppose that we should look for the one in our midst possessed with a demon, that Jesus might have to call out, or would each of us have a full time job seeking God’s forgiveness for all that lies within us? Oh that we may pray like the psalmist, ‘Cleanse me oh God, and know my heart, my thoughts, my will and my desires’.

PRAYER: May the meditation of our hearts and the praise, worship and words from our lips, be acceptable to You oh Lord, our Rock, our Redeemer and our soon coming King. Please help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, and always conscious of our own weaknesses in trying to imitate You in this life here on earth. This is my personal prayer Oh lord. Help my readers to search their hearts and petition You for their needs, so that we will be found humble, pure and true before Your throne each and every day, especially at the unannounced time of Your return. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Category:

Faith, Ready, Ready to Go, Rewards, Trust

Tagged with:

In The Presence of Jesus, Worship Him

Wednesday, 2019-04-10

Bible Reference: Matthew 28:8-9; 16-17
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 8-9  The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. | 16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

OBSERVATION: In these two incidents told about in Matthew 28, we are reminded that when we find ourselves in the presence of Jesus, we will worship Him. In another Scripture we are told that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord – That is ‘Worship’! As we meditate on this, let’s look at today’s opportunities to ‘worship’ the King of all kings and Lord of all lords!

APPLICATION: Those looking for excuses on why we are not impacted like the women were in verse 8 above, might say that the advantage the women had over us was that they actually saw Jesus physically in all His glory; they saw Him crucified; and they would therefore have reason to be emotionally attached to Him, especially in His risen state. But I really would like for us to examine that excuse carefully, for I could see the glory of God in everything that I see and touch throughout my day; I could follow the evidence of Him being with me as I reflect on protection from a near accident while driving to work, or saving my youngest child – at a time that doctors had given up all hope of survival; I knew it was the power of my Lord that healed my aching body and gave direction to my physician. So my God’s not dead, no, He’s very much alive and evident in all aspects of my life. Therefore I can’t say that the women had one up on me. How then can you and I possibly use any excuse to not lie prostrate before Him in worship and adoration? Let’s look at the second set of verses, and be reminded that those who lived with, and worked alongside, Jesus, had doubt in their hearts and were unable to truly bow at His feet and worship Him. Could it be that we are like those disciples who may have doubted the healing touch of the Master; or perhaps looked at the miraculous experience of Lazarus being raised from the dead – just like the gathered crowd may have whispered – that he really wasn’t dead at all? The crowd doubted because the knew that Jesus was just the son of a local girl Mary, and that carpenter’s son, Joseph. What’s our excuse? Friends, this really brings us to the point of examining our own hearts, and our tendency to worship our Lord, or not. We say that ‘we have met to worship’, when we come together at a church building on weekends. How is that? Do we find a prod at the door that enables us to sing, and/or listen to a messenger of God speak his heart to us? Did we truly find opportunities to ‘worship the King’ since we last met together at church? In these verses, I was touched by the Spirit of God, to believe that when we see Jesus and witness His divine presence among us, particularly those that know Him as ‘Father’, or ‘Lord’, or ‘Master’, or ‘Friend’, or ‘Savior’, and as ‘Creator’ of this whole universe, shouldn’t our very souls immediately, and automatically, burst forth in worship to Him. Out of respect and honor, we may fall to our knees, but I don’t believe that anything could prevent the overflow of excitement and reverence that we experience internally, when we enter into His presence. Please don’t wait for the weekend services for this. Allow God to envelop you, fill you with so much of His holy presence, that praise and worship will burst forth even today! He’s our Lord and soon coming King, my friend, if we expect to worship Him throughout eternity, then let’s not hesitate doing just that even now – today!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord, for making Yourself known to even us – sinners saved by the wonderful grace of Jesus! Our love to Your Son, and our appreciation for all that You have done for us, should be reflected in worship and praise at frequent intervals. May our praise emanate from us in ways that are very obvious to You and to those around us. Oh that my family, friends, coworkers, church members, and all who come into contact with me, see Jesus today, and may they be drawn to accept and worship this same Jesus that I love, honor and look forward to seeing one day in glory! There will be readers of this devotional today whose desire it is to also see, worship and share Jesus with everyone in their circle of influence. Oh that their wishes may become a reality today dear Lord, so that You may be magnified through them. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

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Faith, Know Jesus, Rewards, Trust, Worship

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