Tag: faith

No Not One

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Obedience, Obedient, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-02-13

Bible Reference: Psalm 14:2-3
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text:  2 The Lord looks down in love, bending over heaven’s balcony, looking over all of Adam’s sons and daughters. He’s looking to see if there is anyone who acts wisely, any who are searching for God and wanting to please him. 3 But no, everyone has wandered astray, walking stubbornly toward evil. Not one is good; he can’t even find one.

OBSERVATION: Created by a holy God, who demonstrated His love for us, even while we were steeped in sin and disregard of our Master; yet in spite of all that, can you imagine all that God sees when He looks down on His children – is it the unselfish desire to serve, the sacrificial love shown towards others, and persistent love and appreciation shown towards the Creator of this universe? Or is that really the ‘norm’ and the common theme that God sees? With sober and honest hearts, let us meditate on this Scripture today.

APPLICATION:  We hear it all the time, that our children looks like us, or they speak like us, or they act like us! That’s quite amazing at times, but very humbling and possibly even embarrassing at times, because then we realize that we have not been successful in hiding our attitude, or our closed minds to certain things, or the words that we spoke in private were indeed overheard by others! But let’s stop to ponder over what we are challenged with in our Scripture today. Imagine God, who created the universe, created you and I and placed us in His lush garden to enjoy all that He handcrafted just for us, yet we complain daily about our lack of food or provision. Imagine God, who gave us minds to think independently and make personal choices, yet to look on His children choosing to ignore Him and follow the ways of the evil one. Imagine God, who taught us to love one another, demonstrated His love in multiple ways, yet we show hatred towards one another and devise plots against each other – a total opposite to what we were taught. Imagine God, who gave us everything on earth for our food, our enjoyment and for our edification, yet He sees us storing up gifts that He blessed us with, and feeling content to see others go hungry, not ministered to, unloved, and feeling totally destitute. Friends, is there any wonder that verse 3 tells us that God looks down on us and sees that everyone has gone astray, everyone’s walking towards evil, no one is good, no one is holy, NO NOT ONE. Oh how this must break the heart of our God, our maker and our soon coming King. What’s your excuse today dear friend? Is it a priority in your life to obey God in ALL things? Is it a priority to love God and love others, because of the ways that He first demonstrated His love for you? This whole Christian life is unimportant to you if you have not made it a priority to seek God and His righteousness and follow Him in ALL your ways! That’s something only you and God can settle. I pray that Jesus will not return and find no one ready, for my desire is to know Him personally and live my life in line with His will, and obedient to His commands, so help me God. Would you join me in that commitment my friend?

PRAYER: I love that old hymn ‘Just A Closer Walk with Thee’, for that declares the words of my heart dear Lord. I am reminded in the Scripture today that I fail a lot more often in obediently following You, than I do at anything else that I attempt to do. Oh Lord, please forgive me for my weakness in my faith, and my disobedience to Your will and way. As my readers and I evaluate our position with You today, please open our eyes of honesty wide, so that we will not just say with our lips, but demonstrate throughout every aspect of our lives, that we are children of the King – as evidenced in the things we say, our actions, and our love and respect demonstrated in our very aspect of our existence here on earth. May You be glorified today in us, and because of us, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. AMEN!

Pay Attention Folk

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, Trust2 Comments

Monday, 2019-02-11

Bible Reference: Matthew 13:41-43
Translation: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Bible Text:  41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom everyone who does wrong or causes others to sin. 42 Then he will throw them into a flaming furnace, where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain. 43 But everyone who has done right will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. If you have ears, pay attention!

OBSERVATION: The Holy Spirit impacted me when I read through these verses, but as I went back and meditated on these verses, something really popped out off the pages of my Bible. Jesus said in verse 41 that His angels will gather from HIS kingdom – meaning HIS children, in other words – those who claimed to belong to the Master, and they would be taken out and thrown into the flaming furnace. We need to really meditate on, and understand, this today.

APPLICATION: To read that there are thorns among the wheat, and how these thorns will stunt the growth of the wheat if left there during the growing period, yet we are told that the thorns should remain there. What do we make of this? I believe we would understand it very clearly if the Scripture said that those thorn bushes must be removed and burned, so that the wheat would mature without hindrance from the weeds. But that’s not exactly what Jesus said, is it? In my studies, I found out that back in verse 24 and following, Jesus told His audience that these weeds were planted to look just like the wheat, among which the weeds were planted. Now, to consider this idea in its proper context, let us consider our beautiful, plush and proper churches today. Wouldn’t it be extremely challenging to look out over our congregation, or even rub shoulders with them, and try to imagine who might be the ‘wheat’ among us, and who are the ‘weeds’. But I believe that Jesus is reminding us that because everyone walking through our doors are dressed just like us, look just like us, sing just like us, and may even give to the ministry just like us, we must not conclude that they are children of the kingdom. In Psalm 1:5, we are told that “sinners will have no place among the saved” on Judgment Day. So let’s try and conclude what Jesus is teaching here. Friends, I believe that way too often we look at what our coworker is succeeding at, or how happy that new Sunday School member seems to be in their life, and we start emulating their lifestyle, or we join them in the things that seem to successfully bring joy in their life. But Jesus is teaching us today that we have only one role model, one Savior and one Lord. He tells us throughout His Word how we are to seek His righteousness, and the things of this world will grow strangely dim. I believe that when we start desiring what another person has – whether it’s happiness, a great spouse, wonderful children, a healthy lifestyle, an expensive car, etc., then we are permitting ourselves to seek our happiness and pleasure in another person (wheat or thorns), rather than in the joy, peace and wisdom of our almighty God, who proved His love for us on Calvary. Our times of meeting at church, or any gathering, with fellow believers, or those we assume are fellow believers, we tend to lift up and encourage each other. We are supposedly there for one purpose – to corporately lift up the name of Jesus and worship Him from the very depths of our heart. It’s a given fact that some of these folk may have more knowledge than us about the teachings of God, and some may even have experienced miracles from God, but if you miss your one-on-one encounter with your maker, and if you confuse His direction that He has planned for your life, by following the lead of your fellow worshipper, then you are missing out on the importance of growing closer to the Master. Remember, He has laid out a plan for you, and that plan will involve experiences that you may totally miss, if you receive your guidance and leadership from a friend. We all must accept Jesus individually, and we all must seek His perfect will for our individual lives, if we are to live the perfect life He has in store for us. How are you doing with that my friend? Do you have a really intimate relationship with Jesus, and listening to His every command for your life? If not, let me encourage you to seek Him while He may be found. Draw close to Him, my friend, and He will draw near to you. You are the apple of His eye. He loves You and would like nothing better than to welcome you through the gates of Heaven when He calls you out of this world. Sure things up today, won’t you?

PRAYER: A challenging parable, but a much needed message for each of your children, dear God. Thank You for speaking to us in such unexpected, but important ways throughout Your Word, O Lord. Thank You for drawing our attention to the real source of revival in our land. It’s not my brother, or my sister, but it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer and needing to draw even closer to You. Please speak to the hearts and souls or Your people today, draw them to yourself, so that all doubt will be removed whether they are Yours – redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Lord, may Your children be reassured of their stance with You today, so they may proceed with Your work, designated for them individually. People need the Lord – yes especially those who feel comfortable in church, even without ever having experienced You in their lives. May today be the day that they are introduced to the Master, and may they surrender their whole being to You and Your will for their life. AMEN!

To Know Our Shield, Our Protector and Our Guard

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-02-08

Bible Reference: Proverbs 2:6-10
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text:  6 For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. 7-8 He grants good sense to the godly—his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. 9 He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. 10 For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy.

OBSERVATION: Imagine with me today, and believe that we serve a God who shows us how to distinguish right from wrong, and how to find the right decision every time! But this is not something I made up, it’s not my imagination – read verse 9 above, again! Don’t you feel sometimes that you wish you could have this kind of wisdom every day, with every decision you make? Let’s be reminded of who God blesses in these ways!

APPLICATION: At the end of a day, sometime ago, when I had been bombarded with many questions – from personal issues to business challenges my staff were having, I reflected on the fact that it was impossible for little old me to have enough smarts about myself to answer so many varied questions. I knew that there was nothing I could have studied for, or done, to prepare myself, as I would never have known what questions would come my way that day. Then it clicked! The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the fact that my prayer to Him each day in seeking His wisdom, and in pleading for opportunities to represent Him well, were not going unnoticed! He heard my prayers, and He provided the wisdom as, and when necessary! It opened my eyes to my selfishness in not returning to thank God at the end of each day for every prayer that He answered for me that day. I believe that way too often we get a little cocky and tend to think that we were just that good today. Oh my, what a lie and confusion of Satan himself. Think of the scenarios where you might come up on an accident moments after it occurred. Did you ever stop to reflect on the aggravation you had at the last traffic light which detained you three whole minutes at that one light? That 3 minutes allowed you to arrive at the scene of an accident, instead of being involved in it! In verse 8 God is telling us through His servant Solomon, that He shields us; He protects us; and He guards our path. That means that He intercedes in the very things of earth that’s needed to build a shield around us! Are you opening up yet to the fact that we serve an awesome God, who loves, cares and protects His children? Friends, ‘Our God is an Awesome God’! Do you know Him and have an intimate, daily relationship with Him? Salvation is not just a ticket to heaven for those who sincerely accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, it opens the door to a relationship with the Savior who said that He sits on the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf! Do you understand why it is so awesome to have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, our Lord? Would you like to know the roadmap to having that relationship? Please read my Footnote, and take time to visit the link ‘To Know Jesus’ so that you may understand from God’s Word the ‘Who’; ‘Why’; and ‘How’. This will be the best, and most important decision of your life, my friend!

PRAYER: Thank You Heavenly Father for loving me so much that Your sent Your one and only Son as a sacrifice on a cruel cross, just so that I may have a relationship with Him; forgiveness of my sin, and assurance of my salvation – the open door to Glory where I will spend eternity in adoration, worship and praise of God the Father and Jesus the Son. Thank You for assuring me that although this was something You did for me personally, the same invitation went out to ALL who would humble themselves and accept Jesus as Lord. Lord, we are all struggling here on this earth, and we all need You in our lives today. Please soften the hearts of my readers who may be in agreement with me, but have not sought You out personally. Oh that this may be the day, precious Lord. AMEN!

The Intolerance of A Righteous God with The Unrighteous

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, Trust2 Comments

Thursday, 2019-02-07

Bible Reference: Psalm 11:4-7
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: 4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
    he has his throne in heaven.
He watches people everywhere
    and knows what they are doing.
5 He examines the good and the wicked alike;
    the lawless he hates with all his heart.
6 He sends down flaming coals[c and burning sulfur on the wicked;
    he punishes them with scorching winds.
7 The Lord is righteous and loves good deeds;
    those who do them will live in his presence.

OBSERVATION: It seems like David saw in his day, like we might be seeing today, that some of the folk that God sent His Son to die for, have accepted that gift of love and forgiveness, and they are striving to live a life of holiness that emulates the life Jesus lived while here on earth. However there are others who have no regard for God and therefore live in total opposition to His laws. Praise God, He allowed David to share His warnings with those that may disregard and disobedience. Let us meditate on this today.

APPLICATION: Many of us will remember the warnings given to us
by parents when we were growing up. We will also remember that some parents were quick to whip us into obedience, while some were weaker – and somehow we figured out what we could get away with, when they discovered our misgivings! David is reminding us in our Scripture today that God is still on His throne, and that He still watches us and cares enough about us, to create in those who are committed to obeying Him, a mind of obedience. Friends, I believe that it is easy to see that there are times that people become so filled with the ways of the world, that Satan is free to roam in and out of their lives, and to work in them, his plan for their total destruction and downfall. Fortunately, we are reminded in verse 6 that God, like any loving Father, has some pretty serious discipline in store for the disobedient and unconcerned. I am reminded that this is one of the reasons why the unsaved have such a deep concern in the hearts of God’s children, for no loving child of God would want to see their friends punished, or destroyed by the command of our Holy and Righteous God, who receives anything but holiness and righteousness from them. However, while we have every good reason to continue loving, caring and praying for our unsaved loved ones and friends, we also have every good reason to thank our merciful Father for His goodness to us, and His wonderful promises that we are reminded of in verse 7. For we are a holy people, loved by a holy God, who has prepared a home for us in glory where we will spend eternity with our Father and His precious Son. Oh that today may be another day of praise, adoration and worship to our God! For He is awesome in all of His ways, and He will do all that He has promised for those who have accepted His Son as Savior and Lord. We are a blessed people friends!

PRAYER: Lord, please help us not to get caught up in the ways of this world, where it would be easy to question Your Word and question why You are so hard on our fellow human beings – the unsaved. Help us Lord to always remember that You are true to Your Word in every way, so if we obediently follow You, there are great rewards, and if we don’t, there is awful condemnation. Right up front You told us how life will work, so there is no need to now plead with You to change Your mind. Help us Lord to share Your warnings with those who refuse to follow Your plan, so that they will have a clear picture of what to expect in their final judgment. There is a plan for eternal salvation, filled with the love and peace of the Creator of every human, and of this whole universe. Individually we make the decision of whether we want that, or not. Oh that today will be a turning point for many in our circle of influence. AMEN!

For, or Against?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dedication, Determination, Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-02-05

Bible Reference: Matthew 12:30
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 30 ……he who is not with Me is against Me, and he who is not doing the Father’s work of gathering up the flock may as well be scattering the flock.

OBSERVATION: This verse is taken from a section of the New Testament where Jesus was clarifying for the Pharisees that His miracles were not of the devil. However, Jesus challenged them to consider their actions and attitudes as something that is tearing down the Kingdom, not building up. That same challenge is something we should review today, in the event we might be guilty of the same thing.

APPLICATION: A piece of advice given by my wife and I several times over the years is ‘be careful, blood is thicker than water’. This applied to situations where the individual was talking to a family member about one of their relatives. That family member might be upset with their relative, but they refuse to hear an outsider say something derogatory about them. However, they would gladly accept positive reinforcement, or help that will mend the fences between them. Jesus witnessed the spiritual leaders of the day looking for every opportunity to entrap Him and/or imprison Him. He heard them speak evil about the good that He was doing in their community, yet they walked around pretending to be more holy than anyone else. Aren’t you glad that with our advanced education system, and our many computers and smart people, that we have learned to overcome this weakness in the church today? Hopefully I received no ‘Amen’ responses after that last statement, because it was really meant to highlight that even after all these years; after having the Word of God to show us the errors of our past generations, yet churches today are torn apart by the same wickedness. In fact, I believe that we would all be very surprised to see what would happen if Jesus walked down the isles of our churches next weekend and pointed out the folk who should leave, because they have a godly spirit about them, and they are 100% honest in their words and in their actions. Of course the folk remaining would be the ones in much need of ministry as the Word of God is yet again explained to them in meticulous form. Friends, please allow me to remind each one reading this blog, that when God is working inside of us and using us for His purpose and the good of His kingdom, then no matter what position we hold in church, or in our community, we would promote the awesome love, power, wisdom and saving grace of the one true God – our Lord, and our Savior. When you are for Him, you will pray for those who open their mouths to speak for Him; you will lift up and encourage those who sing His praises; you will renounce evil and promote the goodness of God. There will be no need to look around to see who’s nearby when you speak to your neighbor, because your words will be intended to lift up, and not tear down. Friends, there are many in my community who need the Lord, and I bet your community is very similar. They may be looking at the proof of God’s work in our midst, before they make a decision to join a movement that claims they know Jesus, but show no living proof of His power or teaching. I believe that our takeaway today is that if we are for God, then let’s be extremely dedicated to living like He taught us, and like He exampled for us while here on earth. Jesus made it clear that we live out our beliefs, because when we don’t, it becomes clear that we are against Him. Talk with God today and allow Him to open your spiritual eyes to discern whose side you’re really on, both in words and in your actions.

PRAYER: Lord, may others see so much of Jesus in my speech and in my actions, that there will be no reason to question who guides me, who teaches me, who directs my path, and the direct in which I am headed for eternity! May all those meditating on this blog today be of the same mind and spirit, and may our dedication and commitment to you be contagious for all to see and subsequently follow. May we say like Paul did, if you want to see Jesus, follow me! AMEN!

The Source

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Obedience, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-02-02

Bible Reference: Genesis 22:13-14
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text:  13 Abraham looked around and saw a ram caught in a bush by its horns. He went and got it and offered it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 Abraham named that place “The Lord Provides.” And even today people say, “On the Lord’s mountain he provides.”

OBSERVATION: In obedience to God, Abraham followed though in going up the mountain to sacrifice his very own son, even though it may have sounded like the most horrible command ever given to man. However, Abraham demonstrated to the rest of mankind that in our obedience and total surrender to the commands of God, He will provide, for He alone is at the root of (or source of) all things created.

APPLICATION: Some phrases we hear all the time are things like: If I had more money, then I could….; If I had a wife, then I could….; If I had a good job, then I could….; If I had a good church, then I would…. Isn’t it interesting that in our minds we believe that if we had one more thing, then we could be a more successful person? What about: If I had a personal relationship with God, and faith enough to trust in Him fully, then there is nothing too big for me? Did you realize that Christians and non-christians alike know that all power rests in God Almighty? Think about it. What is the first thing to pop out of a person’s mouth, regardless of their religious persuasion? “Oh Lord help me!” For you see, they are fully aware of the source of all life; the source of all power; the source of miracles; the means to life (eternity), after death here on this earth. And they will therefore call on God when facing a need in any of these areas. Friends, as we reflect on the reaction by Abraham in our focal verses today, where God tested his obedience even to the extent of sacrificing his precious son, we could see where Abraham knew full well the source of his power, his direction, his strength and his understanding. Therefore, when Abraham saw God intervene and extend his hand of mercy on his situation, he quickly rose up and turned to an immediate attitude of prayer and praise. There are numerous other ways that God provides for us each and every day, for He is the Source of all good things from above! Do you recognize those gifts and are obedient to His commands? Is your heart filled with praise when you stop to worship and adore Him? Do others tire of hearing you brag on the mercies of your loving Savior? Do you have a place marked, where you return to in thanksgiving, because you remember what God did for you in, or near that place? Are your corporate worship services filled with sincere praise and thanksgiving because of all that God has done in the lives of His people?

PRAYER: Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all…. All that You have blessed me with, all that You have showered upon me, and protected me from, each and every day. Who am I that a King should live and die for? Lord, You created mankind, yet my readers and I kneel before You in great humility, acknowledging that You are the Source of all life and everything that we need to survive each and every day. Please oh Lord, continue to bless, continue to heal, and continue to miraculously work out Your will in our lives, so that we may imitate Your holiness and character in every way. We need You oh Lord, and we fully depend on You every day, knowing that only You can provide in ways like you did for Abraham. Please help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and obey Your commands, knowing that You will make all things clear to us – in Your time. AMEN!

Wisdom – A Gift From a Generous God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Knowledge, Rewards, Trust, WisdomLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-01-30

Bible Reference: Proverbs 2:6
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text:  Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you.

OBSERVATION: While there are some who, at least think that they know everything, most of us wish that we were wise enough to understand what is going on now, and what impact it might have on tomorrow. However, Solomon shares with us how we might learn to fear the Lord and grow in our knowledge of Him.

APPLICATION: I believe that we hear these words frequently: “If only I knew as much as that individual”, or “I wish I knew why God chose not to tell us about …..”. In the first five verses of Proverbs 2 (click on our Scripture reference above to see the whole chapter) there are several things that we are told to concentrate on if we are to grow in the fear and understanding of our God. Let’s look at those:

  1. Accept, or treasure, the Word of God – Don’t just read the Word and apply it to everyone around you, but take the words to heart and bury them deep within. God brought them to your attention for a current, or possibly a future circumstance;
  2. Listen to what God is saying to you – Too often we are so busy conjuring up our response to a teaching, that we totally miss what is truly being taught. Listen like a child, absorb what is being said like a sponge. We become wiser by learning as much as we could about a person, or a situation. God wants us to know all we can about Himself and His ultimate wisdom about all things;
  3. Cry out and beg for understanding – Avoid the frustration of not knowing why or how. Plead with God to help you understand all that you need to know about His teachings;
  4. Seek and you will find – rumble through all resources and sources, like you would if you lost a $100 bill. Ask God to help you find the answers. He knows your heart, and why you find it so important to find answers and understanding of His directions;

Friends, we are told in verse 5 that when we do the above things, we will learn to fear our awesome and all-powerful God, and He will place a fountain of understanding within us! Wouldn’t it be totally satisfying if we felt this way at the end of each day? My wife and I met a young man at a local restaurant at a time that our daughter was looking for a job. We asked how did he get the job, to which he responded “Persistence”. I didn’t settle for just leaving an application, I returned frequently to ask about a response. They saw that I was serious about the job, and they gave it to me. In the above bullet points you will note that these are all things that will indicate to God that we are serious about growing in His wisdom, and daily walking in the fear of His almighty hand. Does this sound like your position with Christ today, my friend? If not, you can make this happen – only you can!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, there are many things that I feel like I need to know more about – in Your Word, and in Your everyday plan for my life. Please tender my heart to diligently seek Your face, Your heart and Your will for all those things that You would have me gain more wisdom about. It is so easy to just read Your Word, try to take every word literally, and try to apply it to my life. However, in a relationship with my very best Friend, my Lord and Savior, I believe that You will be patient with me and help me to understand and fear Your decisions in all things. Please speak to my readers and I in very bold ways today, so that we may know and believe. We want to know You more. We want to understand Your ways and obey Your commands. Please draw us to Yourself and carefully work on our understanding, respect and obedience of the one true God, the God of all wisdom and power. AMEN!

Opportunities and Challenges of Following Jesus

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-01-29

Bible Reference: Matthew 10:17-20
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text:  17-20 “Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn (call into question) your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.

OBSERVATION: As Jesus prepared to send off His disciples, He prepared them for what they would encounter while on assignment. Our focal verses include some of the warnings they were given by the Master. Today men and women are still called to do the work of the Master, and some have and will encounter these same challenges/opportunities. Are you obediently following the call of Christ on your life – without hesitation?

APPLICATION: In calling and sending out His first disciples, Jesus took the time to warn them that they would not be entering into a world that is filled with love, compassion, caring, considerate individuals just waiting to accept their message and help them succeed in whatever they say, or attempt to do – just because they were going in the name of Jesus. Friends, these words were placed in the Bible, not just to make us feel sorry for what the early disciples went through as teachers and followers of our Lord. I am convinced that God wants us to be warned about what to expect when we follow in His, and their footsteps. I know that many of you may not understand, because all you ever hear about, is the graciousness of the people that your pastor ministers to, or the hospital folk that your Elders encounter when they visit the sick. May I remind my readers that there are foreign missionaries that are held captive in shipping containers, because they insisted on sharing the love, and teaching of the Word of God to people who have been sheltered from hearing the Good News, and experiencing the love of a Savior who actually sacrificed His life for the forgiveness of their sin. There are missionaries who are helping underground churches understand the Word of God sufficiently to then teach others who are hungry for the Word. They do this knowing that if they are caught by the authorities, they would be immediately killed. There are Christians who are picked on, beaten and imprisoned for spreading the goodness of their God to people in need. Notice that God is telling us that we are called to share the Good News with everyone, even the authorities, if we are caught. I have a friend who is in the prison system at this time, and while his family and friends mourn his absence in their lives, he is able to share with us how God is using him behind the bars, to reach the lost for Jesus! I’m sure that none of us would desire an audience with the authorities of some countries, and many of us would strongly refuse to share Christ with them if the opportunity presented itself, because many Christians refuse to even pray in public, or are terrified to say anything about their faith to a non-believer. Many are afraid that they would not know what to say, if presented with the opportunities like described in our verses. But look how God cleared up that fear for us in the very last part of the above verses! Friends, we have the Spirit of God living inside of us to lead us to the right folk, and to coach us on what to say. Are we doubting His ability when we refuse to go, or become frozen on what to say? Jesus commanded that we ‘GO’, the rest will be up to Him! Remember, we can’t save anyone – only God can, and He may even use us as a vital part of His team!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for aligning everything that contributed to me finding and accepting Your Son as my Savior. There will be many who will read this devotional today that will be impacted by Your Word today. Please strengthen Your church today and be a constant reminder to us that if we go in our strength, lead by our own desires, and using our own abilities, we might show our love for those we encounter, but unless we allow You into the equation, that’s all that we will achieve. Lord, we have nothing to gain, other than the joy of seeing our friends accept You as their Lord and Savior, so please help us to always seek You, and surrender our efforts to You so that You may do Your kingdom work in those that we touch. It’s about You oh Lord, and not of ourselves. May Your kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven. AMEN!

Meeting the People Where They Are

On By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, Evangelize, Evidence of Faith, Faith, Needs, Needs of others, RewardsLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-01-26

Bible Reference: Matthew 9:35-38
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 35 Jesus traveled around through all the cities and villages of that area, teaching in the Jewish synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And wherever he went he healed people of every sort of illness. 36 And what pity he felt for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn’t know what to do or where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. 37 “The harvest is so great, and the workers are so few,” he told his disciples. 38 “So pray to the one in charge of the harvesting, and ask him to recruit more workers for his harvest fields.”

OBSERVATION: Having just returned from a visit to the Bahamas, I can check off my list for having attended church there, and having spoken to many individuals with various needs – both obvious needs and some that were buried deep behind their serious faces. But Jesus’ visit into the cities and villages seemed to have been with a lot more purpose, and He obviously observed a lot more than I did on my casual visit to the Bahamas. Let’s meditate on the things that concerned Jesus, so our eyes might be opened to more as we visit people and places.

APPLICATION:  I feel like God got my attention through this Scripture today, because I was reminded how calloused I am about the needs around me. I love visiting new places, and often I will drive away from those places with things embedded into my memory, but in reflection, the things that I remember are so insignificant in the light of eternity, or in light of the needs of the people that I met in my travels. You see, restaurant or hotel staff will often respond to you with the usual courtesies that we would expect, but how insensitive we are to the hurt behind those sad eyes, or the aching body that they try very hard to hide from us. Let’s look closely at how caring, purposeful and deliberate Jesus was in this short story: 1). Notice that He was deliberate in sharing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. Imagine having missed an opportunity to tell folk about the love of Jesus, and the Kingdom that awaits each of us when we graduate to Heaven, when many are often burdened beyond their ability to bear it here on this earth; 2). Jesus saw the need for healing, and He not only said that He would remember them in prayer, or told them that He loved them, or wished them well, but He healed them of their afflictions. How are you doing with that friends? Do you pray for those who are sick when you visit them? Do you follow-up over the next few days to see if they are doing better? 3). He had pity on the folk that were hurting. Do you feel the pain of the people you come across, or do you casually brush it off by telling them that time will heal all wounds, or telling them about a situation you had that was much worse than theirs? 4). It seems like Jesus was really saddened that folk were just wandering around without any direction, or hope in their life. Friends, there are many like this in our world today, and we have the answer, tucked under our arms, in our glove compartment of the car, or on a table at home gathering dust. Jesus is the answer to all of this world dilemmas, complications and issues, but unless we share that with them, they too may wander around aimlessly, like sheep needing a shepherd. The most important thing about this Scripture is wrapped in the idea that Jesus went out… He went through… He saw the needs of….. and He ministered to… ALL that He came into contact with. We may never see the sick, the downtrodden, or the needy in our plush sanctuaries, but we know they are out there. Shall we imitate our Master and actually get up, get out, and meet their needs where they are? I believe that Jesus expects us to: GIVE, since we have been given; BLESS, since we have been blessed; LOVE, since we have been, and are always loved; SHARE, since we have been blessed with so much more than many we would meet. Let us aim to be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus today dear friends!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, You rescued me from my sin and distress, and You placed me on a mission that will land me safe on the other side – heaven with You and the Father. Thank You Lord for Your wondrous grace and Your tender mercy. I pray that all who will read this devotional today may stand in worship and adoration, with arms raised, and hearts that are warmed, because they too know without a doubt that Heaven is their final destination. If there is the slightest doubt in the minds of any, please Lord, tender their hearts and call them to Yourself. Many who know You are not as compassionate as You are about the lost condition, and the hurt that exists in the hearts and lives of those in our own communities, and especially in the lives that we touch while out of town. We need You precious Lord. Your tenderness, Your forgiveness. Your humbleness. Your unconditional love for ALL Your children. Oh that the ‘church’ will be so sold out to You, that the lost in our areas of influence will see You in us, and believe in You. May You be glorified today oh Lord! AMEN!

The Reason Jesus Came

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-01-24

Bible Reference: Matthew 9:11-13
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text:  11 When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. “What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?” 12-13 Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.”

OBSERVATION: Imagine God sacrificing His precious Son so that saved folk might receive Jesus and be saved. Would that really make any sense? Without even digging into the scriptures, would it not make more sense that Jesus came to save those who are unsaved? So what about Christians, and churches today, do we exist to promote, pat on the back and lead the Christians in our community? Food for thought, isn’t it?

APPLICATION: Jesus knew that He would get the attention of the Pharisees, who were out to ‘get Him’ through every word that He spoke or every action that they saw, so He chose to include a reference to one of His prophets from their past, Hosea. In verse 13 Jesus referenced the words of Hosea 6:6, to give His critical hearers some reference to something familiar. It is sad to reflect on, but I believe that Jesus might be just as critical of Christians today. Not that we are necessarily looking for ways to find fault with Jesus and His miracles, but if our pastors and church leaders were to truly place a strong emphasis on the unsaved of our communities, what might our ‘prim and proper’ saints have to say when our attention turns away from them? Assume for a moment that every time you saw your pastor, he was either having lunch with, or sitting down with a rebel, or a known sinner. What might satan start putting in your head? What if you came to church this weekend and your seat was taken by someone you’ve never seen before, dressed in ragged clothes and looking very out of place? A good friend visiting my church with me was once asked by a lady to move, as that was her seat. Don’t you know that if something similar happened to a visitor without Christ, they may just walk straight on out the back door? You see, I believe that when we invite a member of the community to come and worship with us, they might very well assume that everyone is equal at the Master’s feet, and therefore gives them the privilege of sitting on the front roe or the back. Although feeling unworthy, or out of class with the other attendees, they may actually feel like Christians might be happy to see them finally come to church, rather than making them feel like rejects or out of place, or perhaps in their way by sitting in their favorite seat. Friends, I believe that Christians have become so accustomed to attending church with their same family members and friends, that it may even bother them to have some ‘strangers’ pop in and actually sit near by them. Don’t you see that this might also prevent us from inviting folk who really need the Lord, from attending, and hopefully find our Master, and accept him as Lord? Can’t you see from our Scripture today, that Jesus came so that we might be saved from the pit of hell? Don’t you know that means more than just you and your closely knit friends and family? May I encourage each reader, together with myself, to first of all examine our own heart, make sure that personally we are a follower of the King, patiently waiting for His return. And while we wait, let us place every effort into sharing with all those that we come into contact with each day. I truly believe that Jesus has ordained His kids to be His ambassadors here on earth with a mission to tell of His love, His mercy and His saving grace for all who would place their trust in Him. Whenever you see someone who needs the Lord, let that remind you how that’s the whole reason Jesus came, and it may very well be the whole reason God left you here on earth – to share His love with them and their need for the Lord.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for saving my soul, thank You Lord for making me whole, thank You Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation, so rich and free. Lord, may I not be a holding tank of that precious gift, but merely a channel that enables You to share that gift to all those that I come into contact with. There are many who need You in our communities Lord, may my readers and I be usable instruments through which Your love and Your message could reach the unsaved today, and every day until You return. AMEN!