He’s Watching You

On 2020-05-21 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Jesus Loves you, Love of God, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-05-21
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Job 34:21-22
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: “He has his eyes on every man and woman.
He doesn’t miss a trick.
There is no night dark enough, no shadow deep enough,
to hide those who do evil.

OBSERVATION: Job had been placed through a lot, lost a lot and felt forgotten after going through one test after another by Satan. Although his friends tried to help him snap out of his depressed state, one friend, Elihu, took issue with the way that Job spoke to God about this tough time he was going through. These verses were part of the correction given to Job by Elihu. However, in our time together today, I want us to be reminded of how our loving Father watches out for us, and therefore how applicable these words are to us today.

APPLICATION: In a recent blog I mentioned how differently we may act when we are out of town, on vacation, or otherwise, because we feel freedom in knowing that no one is watching and judging us for what we do, where we go, what we drink, or who we hang out with. I remember as a child I had an accident while doing something, that my mom told me not to do during my early return to school after lunch. I avoided going home to be treated for the large cut on my arm, but instead went to a nearby aunt. That afternoon I went home after school with my arm behind my back, hoping to hide the injury from mom! Don’t we also try to do similar acts with God when we sin? We are tricked by Satan into believing that we could do whatever we please, and that we would never have to tell God about our sin. Notice that Elihu did not tell Job that God is reviewing the acts that he (Job) told Him about, or that he gave God permission to evaluate. I believe that way too often we get caught up in thinking that what we do with our friends, is our own personal business, so outsiders should just bug off and leave us alone. Can you imagine saying that to your mom or dad and expect them to accept that, and even more so, turn their heads from what you are doing that is sure to get you in trouble? But you believe that you could get away with saying something like that to God? I don’t think so! Friends, please allow me to remind you that God created you in His own image, because He wanted you to look and act like Him. He allowed His one and only Son to die a cruel death on a criminal’s cross, so that through His shed blood you might be redeemed and live eternally with the Father in heaven. With that type of love and admiration, do you think for a moment that God is content to see you abuse the wonderful life He gave to you and ignore the opportunity to one day join Him in glory? Absolutely not. God is very much like Elihu shared with Job. He loves you unconditionally, and He is so concerned about your eternal destiny, that He watches your every move. Further, please know that God does not need your permission to watch out for you, and also know that He is aware of your every move – whether you are running around in the brightest sunlight with friends you love and adore, or whether you are surrounded by the darkest night hoping that no one sees what you’re up to. Please know that our Heavenly Father takes His job of loving and caring for us and watching our every move – with or without our permission. After all, how else will He justly judge us on that day when life ceases here on earth? Please know that as long as you have breath in your body, there is still time to accept this precious love of our Savior. Most of you purchase insurance in the event of an accident or disaster. I pray that all of you will seek that assurance for your ultimate destination even today – while there is time to do so. Please also know that there is so much joy in this, because God knows and cares about your condition every moment of every day! There is nothing like the love of Jesus for you and I! I know Him personally, and I pray that you will also commit your life to His keeping – today!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we are reminded that You are looking out for us, even though many of us never doubted that. Please humble the hearts of my friends and readers today, so that they may be awaken in the middle of their personal agendas and know that Your love is unconditional and without borders. That nothing could stop You from loving them! Please also awaken us to the fact that although we might tell mom, dad, sister, brother or friend that we will do our ‘own thing’ regardless of what they think, Your love will not permit You to accept such commands from Your own creation. Although it makes me sick to hear friends talk about how they will do what they please, without permission from anyone, I know that You will always care and always love, for You cannot hate that which You have made. For every time that we selfishly feel like we could handle life alone, please remind us of how much You love and care for us, and of Your power to do ALL things for our good. We know that obedience is important and expected, please grant us Your grace and power to be humble and obedient children. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org 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 or listening to this devotional, please go to 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. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Accept and Use Your Gift

On 2020-05-19 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Gift, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Spiritual Gifts, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2020-05-19
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:

wise counsel
clear understanding
simple trust
healing the sick
miraculous acts
proclamation
distinguishing between spirits
tongues
interpretation of tongues.

All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.

OBSERVATION: In Sunday School and in sermons we hear a lot about the Spiritual Gifts Spoken of by Paul in our Scripture today. However, be reminded from this Scripture that a gift is given to each believer by the Holy Spirit. So what does It mean when one says that they are just an attendee at church, or they are really unimportant, or they don’t run the show? Are they saying that the gift given to them is really unimportant in the whole scope of ministry? Think on these things as we study this Scripture today!

APPLICATION: How many times have you said it, that you are just a pion, or a nobody, that sneaks in the back door, listens to the sermon and quietly leaves to be about your own business. Now, in light of the above Scripture, I believe that it is evident that God saw fit to bless His children with a special gift, for very specific reasons. So when we choose to ignore the gift given to us, and in disobedience try to do something assigned to someone else, or hide our gift because it emanates from simple old me, can you imagine what a disaster that could be for the ongoing work of the Lord? When we ignore our God-given gift, we leave the church body in want. We leave an important part of the ministry undone, because we chose to ignore what God gave to us, to bless the church (others). Don’t you see that we are preventing the church from given praise to their almighty King? Nowhere in the Scripture does God say that He would withhold a gift from someone because they just can’t do anything to help others. In fact, the Word says just the opposite: when we are weak, or when we are incapable God shines through all the more. When we accept Jesus as Lord, we are not only asking Him to forgive us of our sin, but we want Him to give us power and strength and wisdom, so that He could use us for His glory. His Word says that He separates our sin from us as far as the east is from the west, so we can’t use it as a crutch to say that God won’t speak through a liar, or a drunk, or a criminal, or any other worldly sin that we may have been guilty of. He truly cleanses us so that His Father sees a bright and shiny star even in the lowliest of men, for the Father sees the blood of Jesus that was shed for us. So child of God, I pray that you would receive a similar message from this Scripture today as I did. When the church (others) needs a pianist to help keep the congregation in tune during our worship time, may that person be at the piano. When the pastor is ready to preach, may he do so boldly knowing that the prayer warriors that God placed in his congregation is on their job and has been praying for hours before that pastor stands to preach. When the janitor comes to clean the church, may he bless each and every pew as he walks through picking up litter and preparing the books for others to sing from during the next service. When a fellow believer reports the loss of a loved one, may they be overwhelmed with love, as their fellow worshippers obediently accepts the call of the Master to take care of the widows and widowers. Friends, it is evident that the list of gifts mention in the Word is not one that you may choose from, but rather a sample list of gifts that God uses to bless us with, so that we might shine as His children. For those without Christ, may I suggest that you urgently seek His face while you still have time. We know from the Word that Jesus will return at a moment that we least expect, and that it could be today – even before you read all of this devotional. Don’t delay any longer, seek Him now and accept His offer of salvation NOW. Jesus wants to use you for His glory also, and welcome you home to heaven when the Master says ‘it’s time’!

PRAYER: Lord we often say to others that God will take away their gift if they don’t use it, but how often do we sit back when volunteers are needed to complete a task, teach a class or visit a shut-in. Based on Your Word, I believe that You set us aside as warriors in our field, and that You gave us extra power to do Your work in such a way that others would be blessed and that they would sing sweet praises to You. This means that when we allow Satan to sway us towards disobedience and from using our gifts as You intended, that others hurt, or perish, or go without and often have no will to sing Your praises. Precious Lord, what we have is Yours alone, please touch Your children once again and remind us from whence we came. Remind us of Your awesome power, especially when we feel inadequate and unfulfilled. Please have Your will and way in our lives and bless all those that we come into contact with today, so that You may be glorified in all things. AMEN!

Why Do You Do It?

On 2020-05-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Evidence of Faith, Faith, Faith, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2020-05-15
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ³¹Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God. ³²And make sure you’re not offending Jews or Greeks or any part of God’s assembly over your personal preferences. ³³Follow my example, for I try to please everyone in all things, rather than putting my liberty first. I sincerely attempt to do anything I can so that others may be saved.

OBSERVATION: In this life we tend to stand tall and announce our rights, and we tend to live out our rights, often without regard to the impact our actions might have on others. As we meditate on these words from Paul, I would suggest that you think about a time when you were guilty of such actions, and if you have been a perfect angel, think about a time when you witnessed another Christian who thought they were exercising their own rights, without regards for you or anyone else around them. Our thoughts for today are: Why do we act like that? and who does it wind up hurting?

APPLICATION: Lord, You were beaten and treated like a criminal, even though you didn’t have to endure any such treatment, for You are God. You hung embarrassingly on a criminal’s cross, even though You had the power to call a legion of angels to rescue You. These are just two ways that you chose to endure, so that others might be rescued from the pits of Hell and instead be redirected to heaven with You and the Father. Because of Your Word, we know that You stand for everything and anything that convinces a sinner of their lost condition. In our Scripture today we read about how Paul acted in the same way as you. Yet we allow the demons of Satan to infringe on our relationship with You and provoke us into actions that are not Christlike. Unfortunately, and regrettably, I remember as a young man I did exactly that which Paul was preaching against. I had relatives who, because of their faith, chose not to eat certain meats or seafood, yet I chose to eat whatever I felt like while in their presence. Fortunately they were strong in their faith and their determination, so they seemed to have ignored my ignorance and immaturity. But I wonder what else Christians and/or churches do today that Paul may have seen the need to correct? We have so much separation because of the day we worship, the foods that we eat, the way that we baptize, the way that we observe communion, and the frequency that we are saved, that I’m sure that unbelievers must be looking in with the thought that they might decide to join God’s army here on earth if they could ever get their act together and appear like they are serving the one true God. Paul offered that we follow him as he follows Christ. Can we truly say that today and still have such a mixed bag of beliefs? Why do we get so hung up on the things that we believe and practice? I know that God wants us to know the Truth, trust in the Truth and imitate the Truth in every aspect of life, but do we need to pull down another church in order to build ours up? Can we not preach/teach the Word of God and let the chips fall where they may? I am convinced that the practices that cause division and distracts the unsaved, are those things that man has allowed to come between us. The Word of God is true, it is powerful, and it can save mankind. Please join me in seeking to make it known to mankind, not the extras that we learn from denominationalism, seminaries or additional books. Let’s share Christ and Christ alone, so that others might be saved. Hell is ugly, and unless we show heaven just as Jesus did, it will also look ugly to the unsaved because of the confusion and division we practice, teach and/or preach. We are Christ’s ambassadors, so let’s show only His good and His teachings to the world, not our own nor those of our church or denomination.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for all that You provided so that we might have the promise of salvation and the excitement of uniting with You and the Father in Heaven one day! Please work on us – Your stubborn, selfish children who want their own way and who try to add our own twist to what You have clearly taught in Your Word. People need the Lord, and I believe that they are distracted in that journey when they see how badly we do in practicing what You taught, and imitating the One who died for us. Lord, we want Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done, on earth, in our lives, in our churches and in front of those who have yet to accept You as Lord. Please rule and reign through Your children more than ever before, for I believe that Your eminent return is near and I want my readers, my family and my friends to see You in my life and accept You as their Savior. All honor and praise to the lamb that was slain – Jesus, my Savior and Lord! AMEN!

To Appreciate God’s Power

On 2020-05-13 By Ed AlgreenIn All-powerful, Almighty, Appreciation, Awesome God, Miraculous, Wonderful Savior2 Comments

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-05-13
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Job 26:7&14
Translation: New Century Version (NCV)

Bible Text: ⁷God stretches the northern sky out over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing.
¹⁴And these are only a small part of God’s works. We only hear a small whisper of him. Who could understand God’s thundering power?

OBSERVATION: As we meditate on these verses, I want to remind you that this is Job speaking to one of his encouragers! For he had been beaten up on and robbed of everything by Satan, yet he knew deep inside that no matter what happened to the flesh, his God still loved him and cared for him! Wow! In fact, although I only chose to show two verses, the whole chapter of 14 verses are filled with the many praises of Job! He showed us that no matter what earthly trials come our way, let us never lose sight of the mighty hand of God, whose love constantly abides within us and is available to us.

APPLICATION: Wow, what an example for those of us that whine and complain our whole day. We just have to look outside of our personal problems, many of which we have brought on ourselves. We have to look for the ways that God has provided for us, especially when we see so many in need around us. We have to thank God for the good health we enjoy, especially when we look at the number in our hospitals and the numerous sick people who are much worse off than we are. We must remind ourselves of the serious need for diet in our lives, while we reflect on the number of persons that go to bed hungry worldwide. We have so much to be thankful for that it would take much more than 14 verses to truly reflect our praises. So much to be thankful for, that we should never have time to complain! We should express so much praise from our thankful hearts that others who truly have needs would be encouraged by just listening to our praises, and there would be ample proof to those praying for desperate needs in their life that they would pray in renewed confidence, knowing that they are praying to a God who cares and loves them, seeing how much we are constantly bragging about Him. God is truly, amazingly and wonderfully amazing to us friend! Let the whole world know to whom you belong!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I praise You this morning for who you are! Not just someone I have read about, although I have read the praises of Job, but I too can testify of Your love and goodness towards me! Not just for the love that I read about, or that the pastor preached about, but for the genuine love that I feel deep inside when reminded of the sacrifice that You made for mankind (especially myself) when You hung on that cruel cross at Calvary, with all the power to totally reverse the scene, but yet You chose to show Your love towards all mankind, by suffering under the hands of those You were dying for. Please forgive me Lord for my ungrateful spirit. Please help me to always look for the ways You have blessed, and still are blessing, so that I might exalt You for Your active role in all these things. You have created us with a free choice, please always remind us that we have a choice to praise You or to complain. I pray that we will always make the right choice to praise You in our storms of life, and let You control and help us to overcome the difficulties. I ask all this in Your loving and wonderful name Lord Jesus, AMEN!

What A Glorious Hope!

On 2020-05-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Faith, Faith, Faith in Action, Hope, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-05-07
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Job 19:25-27
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ²⁵“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. ²⁶And I know that after this body has decayed, this body shall see God!^[a] ²⁷Then he will be on my side! Yes, I shall see him, not as a stranger, but as a friend! What a glorious hope!

OBSERVATION: I have heard some of the saddest, hopeless and most terrifying statements during this temporary shutdown of almost everything on this earth, because of Covid 19. I won’t dare make light of it, for some individuals were impacted in unimaginable ways. However, in my study of God’s Word this morning, I continued my study in Job and was trying to comprehend all that he endured – until I came to the above verses that Job proclaimed to his friends. Oh that we could use these same words during our times of disaster, and when it seems like Satan only has us (individually) to pick on this month. Yes, we’re in the middle of a pandemic friends, but oh what a glorious hope that we have!

APPLICATION: In our Scripture today we are shown that for the child of God, no matter what may come our way, we have a glorious hope that one day soon our Savior will return to take His bride/the church/you and I, back to glory with Him! Now I realize that those words are fairly easy to say when others are hurting, or dealing with many of life’s ups and downs, but we all must be prepared to imitate Job? This man had everything taken away from him as a test of his faith. God, in a conversation with Satan, referred to Job as a man without sin. There was one thing and/or loved one taken from Job one right after the other. Yes, he was human, for he became very depressed over all that was happening to him. Friends came and tried to offer help, but nothing seemed to help. Then in this chapter, it seemed like Job must have remembered who he belonged to. He realized that no matter what transpires here on this earth, and no matter how much of our lives are impacted, a child of God has a glorious hope to look forward to. For one day, and I don’t believe that it will be very long, all Christians will rejoice at the feet of our Savior and sing unlimited praises to Him as we glory in the presence of He and the Father! No doubt some of you reading this devotional are going through some pretty rough times, and you may even be angry at me for being insensitive enough to write these words at this time. Friends, I am merely following a reading plan that takes me through the entire Bible, so I am convinced that the timing of me studying this passage was ordained by God right from the time I established my reading plan. You see, He is all-powerful and all-knowing so He knew exactly what I would need on this very day, at this very time. He knew I would share this with those who also need these words TODAY. Let me encourage you to listen to the Word of God, and be encouraged to know that no matter what comes your way while still here on earth, you have a glorious hope in knowing that one day you will rejoice with Him in glory! For the unbeliever that God ordained to read this blog today, please know that God has a plan for you. Please know that you also could be encouraged by the hope that’s embedded in this message today. But please allow me to be candid with you, this hope is for the child of God – the one who has accepted Him as Lord and Savior. If you are encouraged by this hope that belongs to the believer, please carefully read my Footnote and especially click on, and read, the link ‘To Know Jesus’. The door has not been closed yet for the unbelievers to approach the throne of grace for salvation, but according to the Scriptures, know that today is the day of salvation, for you are not assured of one minute past the moment that you read this. Know Jesus today my precious friends, and know that glorious hope that is ours in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER: Thank You dear Lord for the assurance of salvation given to those who have invited You into their heart. Thank You Lord that we could sing and rejoice over the same statement that Job made many years ago – we have a glorious hope in knowing to whom we belong, and to our final home of peace when we are taken out of this world. Please Lord, be compassionate to the unbeliever who may be reading this today and unsure of whether they should accept You as Lord. Please soften their heart and draw them unto Yourself. Please help them to make that decision to which You have drawn them to. We look forward to that glorious day when we shall see You face-to-face. Please help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and not the temporary challenges brought on by Satan in the world in which we now live. AMEN!

Who Will Make Up The Kingdom of God?

On 2020-05-04 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Faith, Faith in Action, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-05-04
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁹Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, ¹⁰or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. ¹¹Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

OBSERVATION: I believe that many who we know and love, will quickly sit with us and explain how they know that they would be accepted into God’s kingdom. However, Paul was addressing a church that had started accepting so many practices of its day and considering it acceptable to the church. Perhaps even acceptable to a loving God. As we meditate on this Scripture today I would ask that you compare this to what we are seeing today. Our responsibility is to examine what God expects of His people and what will be acceptable to Him.

APPLICATION: In talking with various family, friends and loved ones, we could easily be drawn into various ways of looking at life situations, which may often be viewed by God as ‘sin’. You see, when we look at television, we are introduced to what the world accepts as ‘normal’ and acceptable. At work, we are guided by laws that the world classifies as ‘normal’. So, of course, we go to church and expect similar activity that we see in our world, and so we try to find ways to twist biblical truth, to make our twisted minds feel like their actions may be acceptable to God. However, history shows that the ‘world’ has changed, but only to the extent that it is impacting our personal space and challenging our personal views. I found it very interesting that part of my reading from the Word this morning came from the book of Job. One of Job’s friends, in responding to Job’s list of reasons why he felt picked on, feeling downhearted and forsaken by God, said to Job: ‘Your sins are telling your mouth what to say’ (Job 15:5). Think about that in the light of what Paul was facing in our scripture today, and in light of what we face every day with the sins of those close to us. Can you be bold and forthcoming like Paul? Don’t you know that you can only do that when you are certain that your life is squeaky clean? Can you say like Paul did in one of his other letters ‘Follow me, as I follow Christ’? I believe that it’s only then that we could possible help a brother or a sister recognize the sin they are involved in, and overcome that sin with the help of the Great I Am. Yes Paul preached this sermon to the church of Corinth, but don’t think for a moment that God only wanted this included in His Word so we could know what type of people made up that church at Corinth. God knew full well that our churches today, and our circle of family and friends would be made up of similar folk to those addressed by Paul. I am convinced that God placed everything strategically in His Word that He wants us to benefit from today. The words were inspired by God and given to the respective authors. He wanted the words penned so that we would always have a perfect reference point – a place to see what God thought about the same situation we need answers on today. Friends, I don’t believe any of this will reveal anything new for you, for God has already been working on your conscience about whatever it is in your life that He doesn’t approve of. Please be obedient to the voice of God today. No need to tear me apart for anything I might be guilty of. Be obedient to the Word of God and how it applies to your life. Don’t twist its meaning into whatever you need it to say, but rather seek God and His righteousness so that you might be welcomed into the Kingdom of God when He calls you out of this world.

PRAYER: In Job 15:14, Job was questioned by his friend: ‘Who is man that he could be pure and clean before a holy God’. Yet You designed us to be like You, dear Lord. So often we feel like we are so unworthy, yet we know that You are worthy of our praise, and that we could do all things through Christ who strengthen us. So we are reminded that life is all about You. Please help us to always seek Your presence, always sing praises to our awesome God, and always seek guidance from Your Word about decisions we are faced with at the moment. Bottom line is, that we were placed here on earth by Your mighty hand, and until You call us home to glory, we remain here fully dependent on Your strength, Your guidance and Your protection. Please help us to live with our eyes fixed on You and our practices shaped by Your teachings and Your guidance. May we be worthy of Your Holy Spirit working through us to bless others and draw them to the Savior. AMEN

Tested and Tried – Joy Comes in the Morning!

On 2020-04-10 By Ed AlgreenIn Joy, Protection, Protector, Proven, Tested, TriedLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2020-04-10
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 1:6–7
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ⁶So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. ⁷These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.

OBSERVATION: Often we will purchase a used car, or a previously owned home, because we want to make sure that all the bugs have been discovered and repaired, rather than us being faced with the challenges. Christians who face challenges in life, will often look to the Bible for similar examples, so they could be comforted by the resolution that occurred. Despite what the world may feel about the absence of struggles for the child of God, Peter shares in our Scripture today that yes, trials will come, but we serve a God who is much bigger than all of our trials. Currently, the whole world is facing a huge challenge/trial. Let’s meditate on Peter’s word today and be comforted in the power of our awesome God!

APPLICATION: Peter tells his audience, and us, that there is a good chance that we will go through certain trials in our life, and this may really serve to prove whose we are, based on our response and reaction. Do you feel like Peter must have had some insight into 2020 in your part of the world, seeing that we are all facing the greatest challenge of our lifetime? Friends, isn’t it true that we find it extremely easy to worship God when everything is going like we expect, or want? Isn’t it true that we tend to feel like God really loves us when life is good and everything is going well? Conversely, don’t we tend to wonder if God has turned His face on us, or developed a deaf ear to us, when things are going poorly, even after much prayer on our part? I understand that certain religions feel like something is wrong if Satan is not using his forces to attack them – because they tend to wonder then if they are truly doing everything the Lord desires of them. While this may sound far-fetched, have you stopped to think that there is probably little in common between the believer and the non-believer? Shouldn’t this mean that there is a great divide between the two, and a strong sense of uneasiness between the two? I can assure you that Satan is very actively pushing his followers to aggravate believers, to tempt us, to push us to the limit, to test us beyond anything that he thinks we could handle on our own. So Peter is warning us that when these tests come, and when we feel the fiery trials target us, we must be confident in whom we believe. Yes, our current trial (Covid 19) is impacting believers and unbelievers, so many will question where God is at in a time like this. Let me encourage you dear friend, to be prayed up and united with the One in whom we believe and look to for our strength. We must always be aware that we are incapable of fighting in the fire all by ourselves, for it is only when we are in full armor and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit, that we can be victorious over Satan and his attacks. Remember, Satan has no need to heat up the battle for his own, he already has control of them, so we are prime targets for Satan. We can overcome, and be victorious, when we are actually as close to our Master as the mention of His name. Are you ready for battle today? May I encourage you to draw near to God and allow Him to draw near to you – with total protection against the evil one! Always be prepared friend! Prepared not just for the trials that will come your way, but also to be a strong and mighty tower for our Master. Many are questioning God during these times, and Satan is tempting them to question if our God really exists. Please be reminded that it was God who caused the sun to rise this morning, and gave us life to stand erect this morning. Regardless of life’s circumstances, God still stands strong and He is always able and willing to deal with life here on earth, while we wait for His return. He’s still God, my friend! Know Him today and know the peace that surpasses all human understanding.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You alone have the power to fight the evil one. Please help us to remember that each day, so that we might plug into the power source that will guard and protect us when evil comes. We acknowledge that we can’t handle the fiery trials that Satan will send our way, so we need You more today than ever before. My fellow believers and I want to come through this life victorious and standing firm in our faith, but we need You in everything we do dear Lord. Please be our guide, protector and strong deliverer today, and help us to stand firm in our faith. Our world needs Jesus, which is especially evident now as panic strikes over the uncontrollable virus that is hitting our world. You’re still in control, and we still need You, precious Lord. We commit ourselves to You anew. May Your will be done and Your kingdom come at just the right time! AMEN!

Our Intercessor

On 2020-04-03 By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Eternal Life, Faith, God Cares For Us, Holy Spirit, Humility, Love, Love God, PeaceLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2020-04-03
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 8:26-28
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ²⁶…..by our faith^[e]—the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words. ²⁷And the Father who knows all hearts knows, of course, what the Spirit is saying as he pleads for us in harmony with God’s own will. ²⁸And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.

OBSERVATION: As many of us reflect on the events of this year, this month and even today, it may be clear that we didn’t know how to pray for all that has, and is occurring. In the workplace things may change strategically that we don’t hear about until it’s time for us to be involved. In our families, we look back and often say ‘wow, now who could have imagined that my spouse, or my daughter may have been changed in such a way today. We are reminded over and over that God has blessed us with the present as a gift, while tomorrow He may be ready to bless us with His presence in heaven. God gave us His Holy Spirit to steer us straight when we accept Him and place our trust in Him. As we meditate on these beautiful reminders today, let’s learn to have the faith of a child and release ourselves to God to accomplish His will in our lives.

APPLICATION: There is such peace in these verses! Actually these verses reminds us of the peace we have in knowing God as our personal Savior! When we accept Jesus as our Savior, He provides His Holy Spirit to live inside of us and to commune with God on our behalf. Paul reminds us that even when we are about to give up (tired of waiting), the Holy Spirit is there praying for us. When we have totally run out of words to pray, the Spirit interprets our moans and our groans before the throne on our behalf. In fact, He knows us so well that He is petitioning the throne of grace on our behalf. He has our best interest at heart, and knowing that we really want to step above our weak sinful selves, He keeps us represented before God. Friends, as we live our lives loving God, praising Him and glorifying Him, every aspect of our lives is worked into something good, something beautiful for God! Whom then shall I fear? Why then should I worry or complain? There is no god like this God of ours friend! Know Him today and know the peace that surpasses all human understanding. Experience His love that surpasses all other descriptions of love that you can imagine. Know that everything is under control with God in charge of your life, because these verses so vividly reminds you of that. I believe that real peace comes from knowing God and allowing Him full control of our lives, and every circumstance, even when the world seems totally out of control. Are you tired of living life under your own power, and would like to know this Jesus of mine in a personal way? I would be honored to work with you and/or pray for you, if you would drop me an email using the contact information at the very end of this devotional. I would love for you to know this peace that is ours as children of God!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, how can I say thanks enough for all You do for me? So undeserved, yet You loved me enough that You turned Your world upside down by sacrificing Yourself in humility, all because of Your awesome love, and that I might have peace in knowing You. Thank You Lord Jesus! Please tender the hearts of those that might read this devotional today and may not have ever invited You to be their Mediator and Lord. Father, I know that they have no control over the time they have left to make such a decision, please may it be today that they allow You to take charge of their life? I humbly ask all this in Your precious and all powerful name, Jesus my Lord and soon coming King, AMEN!

Right With God

On 2020-03-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Encourage, Evangelism, Faith, Faith, Genuine Faith, RighteousnessLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-03-25
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Romans 4:20-25
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: ²⁰Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. ²¹He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. ²²And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. ²³And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded ²⁴for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ²⁵He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

OBSERVATION: No doubt, there are others who struggle with confidence in their faith, because God sure got my attention when I meditated on this scripture today! I believe it is evident that verse 24 simply states that we need to believe in God and His awesome, infinite power in much the same way that Abraham did. But we all know how challenging that is. When something happens that seem impossible to overcome, at least in our eyes, we go into distress mode and shut down, or we go ballistic. Let’s stop and really meditate on the love, power and grace of our awesome God. His Son put His life on the line for our righteousness. Let’s recognize that and savor the thought of such a sacrifice today.

APPLICATION: I believe that if you ask most folk on the street if they believe in God, they will say: ‘but of course – that’s the only explanation for all that we see around us’. So what is the difference between that kind of faith, and the kind referred to by Paul? This might explain – there was a gentleman who had confidence that he could easily walk a tight rope across the Niagara Falls, but one day he said that he would push a wheelbarrow across on the tight rope – with a person inside of it. There were a lot more people than normal who showed up to watch this new feat. A reporter walked around asking folk, who had seen him do similar feats in the past, if they believed the man was capable of this particular feat. Most of them reply positively, but when asked if they would volunteer to ride in the wheelbarrow, there were a lot fewer who would agree! So did they really have faith that the man could successfully accomplish his challenge? To a degree perhaps, but they weren’t willing to put their life on the line for it! We have so much in our favor to support our faith in God, for there are so many examples in the Bible on the evidence of faith and all that it produced. Read the story of Abraham and how, in spite of being a childless father, yet he became the father of many nations because of his ‘faith’. Moses stood at the edge of the Red Sea with thousands of followers behind him and when, through faith, he followed God’s instructions, he and his people saw a way paved for them where there was no other way. There are many more examples of faith in action friends. There is no need to doubt, just listen to God and ‘BELIEVE’! I believe that many of us are living an unfulfilled life without faith. Let me explain – if we are doubting in your faith in God, how could we possibly show others the true wisdom, love and faith of the God that we serve? We must be firm in our faith in order to convince others that our faith, and our God, is real. Having this kind of faith is not just happen-chance, we must draw close to God and allow Him to draw close to us. We must exhibit our faith in God and allow Him to prove Himself to us. Let’s be consistent in meditating on His Word, and speaking with Him regularly. Let’s build and maintain a relationship with God so that we may know Him and trust Him in a personal way. When witnessing to a friend, our testimony is more valuable than gold. They may doubt what we share with them from the Old Testament, but when we tell them about what God has done in our life, how could they possibly question or doubt? So let me encourage you to meditate on those times where you have seen God at work in your life, then use them as memorials that you can reflect back on any time Satan comes knocking with his evil and deceptive ways. Also use these memorials when you speak with a friend about accepting the Lord, for those are personal times you encountered with the Lord – as real as the testimonies spoken of in the Bible, they would be from a personal experience. This will strengthen your faith friend, and it will serve to strengthen the faith of your friends as you witness to them. As always, please ask God to miraculously work in and through you as you go out to be His witness.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, there is so much evidence of Your existence, and Your handiwork, and Your mighty power – yet we doubt. Please forgive us for our lack of faith. I believe that it is impossible to win others to the kingdom, if we have trouble believing, or have little faith, in the One whom we are promoting. So Father, I come before You not telling You anything that is new to You, but simply asking that You might fill me with the confidence of Your mighty power, Your awesome love and Your miraculous works. I pray that You may work on my most inner being to help me gain the faith that I need to be a better witness for You, especially to those in my circles who are dying and going to Hell because they may not have seen real evidence of a ‘real Christian’. Please help me to turn this around in my life, and as my friends meditate on this devotional today, I pray that You may invoke Your Holy Spirit to be very active in their minds so that they too may speak to You about the needs in their lives. Please bear with, and help, us to overcome the weaknesses in our lives. Give is strength to practice our faith and lean on You like never before. This is my humble and heartfelt prayer that I ask in Your precious name, Lord Jesus, AMEN!

What Your Character Should Look Like – Because of God

On 2020-01-31 By Ed AlgreenIn Character, Forgiveness, Kindness, Pleasing to GodLeave a comment

Friday, 2020-01-31

Bible Reference: Ephesians 4:30-32
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ³⁰Don’t cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete. ³¹Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. ³²Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.

OBSERVATION: This is an awesome passage today, in that it tells us what pleases our Father; Some major things that we should strive to avoid in our character; but most importantly, some things that we should be doing that really exemplifies and pleases Christ.

APPLICATION: Many people look at the Bible as a Book of ‘don’ts’ for there is so much that we are told not to do. This could be the case for those who have a guilty conscience for all that they are doing that probably do not please our Maker. For I have found in several cases where, although we are told about our wrong doings, we can also find even stronger teachings on what we should be doing that would please God. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, told the Ephesians, and I truly believe that his Words are still echoing to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ today, that there are some things that we do that are so contrary to the will of Christ, that it downright sorrows, or grieves the Holy Spirit. No doubt there are tons of guilty consciences hitting each reader by now, for that same sweet Holy Spirit speaks to us personally about what displeases Him. But let’s have a look at what Paul taught, and let’s particularly draw a parallel between what the Holy Spirit dislikes, vs what pleases God:
* Instead of being mean; bad-tempered; angry; quarreling, using harsh words; and displaying obvious dislike for others….
* Try instead to be kind to each other; tenderhearted; and forgiving one another;

Now, although Paul didn’t say that the first list of characteristics were not of Christ, he did say that the second list – especially forgiveness, was the image, or practice that imitates how God has forgiven us because we belong to Christ. Friends, we must always keep in mind that our natural, sinful selves will lead us towards the characteristics mentioned in the first bullet. A surrendered life, seeking to please the Master – Jesus Christ, will always seek to do the things mentioned in the second bullet. It may be a good idea to keep the two lists posted in a prominent place to remind us when we are acting ungodly and displeasing the Holy Spirit, so that we may quickly seek God’s help to overcome and change our evil ways. Being a child in the Algreen home, caused me to always strive to please my Algreen parents. Being a child of the King of all kings, should always cause you and I to strive towards pleasing Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives. There’s a song that includes the words ‘they will know us by our love’, meaning that the world will recognize Christians by our love – the love and character of Jesus Christ. How are you perceived by others, Brother and Sister? Is it obvious to whom you belong, based on your actions and characteristics?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You set an awesome example for us to follow. So in reading this passage today, and hearing Paul teach on the characteristics that please the Holy Spirit, we can reflect back on Your Word and see example after example where You demonstrated these characteristics. Although the qualities on the ‘don’t’ list are all ones that You warned about in many of Your teachings, may we use this Scripture as a reminder of what pleases the Holy Spirit, and what grieves Him. Please touch Your children today so that we may make wise decisions in every aspect of our lives, especially in our character. May we please You by obeying Your teachings and Your example. In humbleness of heart and seeking to serve You obediently today, I ask these things in the worthy name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Tag: faith