With One Voice, Praise & Glorify God

On 2020-04-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-04-20
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 15:5-7
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁵May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. ⁶Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁷Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

OBSERVATION: I believe that Paul could very easily preach this same sermon to each of us in our respective churches the next time we meet. Think about it as you meditate with me today. I’ve seen churches refuse to participate in a community evangelism event because a certain church was also participating and they believe so differently. I’ve seen a preacher stopped in his tracks while preaching, for saying something slightly different to what a certain church practiced. In our Scripture today, we are reminded that Jesus accepted us, just as we were. If Christians (little Christs) were to accept other believers just the way they are, vs 6 tells us that then perhaps we will be able to praise and glorify God.

APPLICATION: I won’t dare point a figure at you dear Brother or Sister, because I’ll have 3 or 4 pointing right back at myself. So let’s look at the only thing that we have control over – our own hearts, as we study this passage today. I remember while studying ‘Experiencing God’ in a group of about 10 people, that we were given certain scriptures to study and listen to the voice of God on. Weekly we would come together and discuss how God spoke to us. I was always amazed by the various ways that God spoke to us individually, but in such varied ways. It helped me to realize that our God does not support us or love us in a rule-based and defined fashion, but rather from a very personal standpoint. He cares for us individually, and therefore ministers to us personally. But this creates a lot of challenges for the church as a whole, for they are therefore challenged to establish bylaws and rules for the entire community to follow. Friends, our God created us individually, and He cares for us individually. It is obvious from vs 6 that with Him as our central theme, that our corporate worship should be centered around Him and not on our differences. I found vs 7 to be a mind blowing challenge, for it reminds me that I was far from perfect; far from holy; far from righteous; and far from obeying the commands of God that are detailed in His Word, yet He was willing to bring His Son into this wicked world, and die a cruel death on a cross, to save me – a nobody in the kingdom of God; a sinner that could only be saved by God’s wondrous grace. And if God could do that for me, and since I am striving to be just like Him, who am I to not like what that Brother said from the church down the street, or to cause division over which way that church in the country decides to baptize? Friends, we are reminded in verse 5 that we are to be ‘fitting to be called children of God’, and to ’live in harmony as HIS children’. In verse 6, we are promised that if we fulfill the previous verse, we will stand in awe of our King and sing praises and glory to OUR God, with ONE voice – period! Vs 7 reminds us that Christ accepted us just as we were, and so should we do the same for others who are also called by the same name. Notice that nothing was said about us believing some of the practices brought in by ‘religion’ or ‘denominationalism’. Instead, if they know Jesus, and we know the same Jesus, then we are family and we could easily join hearts and hands with each other and lift up our praises to OUR Jesus. Hum that chorus ‘He is Lord’ for just a moment while you meditate on these words. Be reminded that every knee shall bow to the one Jesus, for He alone is Lord!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ! Oh the grace of our Heavenly Father, to send His Son so that those who believe on Him shall not perish, but instead have everlasting life! (John 3:16). Loving Father, I believe You would have done this if I was the only sinner who needed Your grace. However, there are millions who have accepted that call to salvation. Yet the world probably looks on at the separation created by churches and want no part of it, or the God who they claim to serve. Thank You for the reminder in today’s Scripture that Your children must be able to get along, so that they could join hearts and hands together in worship and praise to the one and only Jesus – their Lord. Please Lord, awaken Your church even today. I pray that You would begin with me, and I also pray that as You remind us of whose we are, that we will learn to worship You in one voice and in one spirit. Oh Lord, may Your will be done, and may Your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven. 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!

Here is What’s important

On 2020-04-18 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-04-18
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 14:17-19
TRANSLATION: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁷…. Here is what is important: a right way of life, peace, and joy—all from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸Whoever serves Christ by living this way is pleasing God, and they will be accepted by others. ¹⁹So let’s try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith.

OBSERVATION: Ever feel like you wish that you knew a lot more about certain subjects? Ever started your day wishing for wisdom to help you do a lot better today than you feel like you did yesterday? Much like today, Paul saw where his people were bickering over very trivial things that only brought division, rather than purposeful things that unite and draws the whole group closer to God. Paul had to address the sore subject of arguments over what foods each group ate, or didn’t eat, and the challenges that created for those who felt they were right. Yes, we do the same thing today, and yes, we need reminding again about what’s important to God.

APPLICATION: Churches have split over very silly things – oftentimes it happened when one or more members felt it was more important to have their own way, rather than win the lost, or see the body of Christ draw closer to God through their sweet communion together; or through Bible studies; or through prayer for each other. Arguments still exists today among churches as to the right day to worship, the right way to baptize, or the foods that should be eaten. Paul told the church that they were missing the point, as God intended for us to be much bigger than that. In fact, if we ever want to win the lost and dying world, we must pay attention to the things that Paul taught as being of great importance: Seek first the Holy Spirit and follow His lead in living a life that is right, and in accordance with the God of this universe; Live in peace with God and with each other; And, seek joy for those you come into contact with, before seeking after your own selfish joys. Friends, this is just a short list, but it takes a child of God to do these things, and when you have spent time before God seeking His will and making every effort to obediently follow His commands, you will start to act like Him and imitate the example that He set for us while He was here on earth. Remember, God has established His way for mankind to live in love, and at peace with each other. Trouble starts when we stray away from His ideals and mix in some of our own selfish ways. When this happens, it becomes increasingly challenging for unbelievers to see enough difference between the church and the world that they are used to, and therefore little reason or necessity for any change in their belief, or in the God that we claim to honor, adore and worship. Friends, when I got married, I put aside things that I did as a boy, including some of the friends that had a bad influence on me. I promised God that I would love and care for the woman of my dreams for the rest of my days. That was a challenging promise to fulfill if I kept on pleasing my friends and ignoring my beautiful wife. This was very similar to the decision I made to serve Christ. It is virtually impossible to please my old friends and the God who sent His precious Son so that I could have eternal life with Him in heaven. I believe it is time for all of God’s children to rededicate themselves to the One in whom they believed and be faithful to Him until the day He calls us home. Will you join me in this rededication dear friend? People/friends/family need the Lord, and the sooner they see Him alive and well in our lives, the sooner they may be willing to dedicate themselves to Him. Please contact me if I could help, support or encourage you in anyway regarding the change you would like to make.

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. Please help me Lord to show in every aspect of my life, evidence of the One who lives inside of me. I want to show You daily that I love You and I want everyone that makes contact with me to know that it’s only Jesus that could make a change, like You’ve made in my life. Please touch the lives of my readers and all those that are in my circle of influence. May we all strive to know You more and through the work of Your precious Holy Spirit, may others be influenced to also want a relationship with you. AMEN!

For Such A Time As This

On 2020-04-17 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Worship2 Comments

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2020-04-17
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Esther 4:14
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)

BIBLE TEXT: If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.”

OBSERVATION: I believe that if you had just read the title of this blog today you might jump to the conclusion that this is directed towards the expert that has a resolution for Covid 19, or perhaps the cure for cancer, or even the secret to making you rich! However, as you meditate with me on this, I would really like for you to click on the Scripture link above, and see how this phrase is used in context. Are you being asked to do something today because of the unique position you are in, or because of the friends you hang out with? Perhaps! Listen closely to your instructions and stop looking for excuses!

APPLICATION: I was once involved in a boating accident where it appeared like two young men would drown after being hit by my boat. However, God saw to it that a commercial diver was on my boat, and upon impact he immediately jumped into the water and saved the two young men. Was that diver catching a ride with me that day, for such a time as that unfortunate accident? I believe so. On the night that I surrendered my heart to the Lord, there was a gentleman in the audience of my church that knew how bashful I was, and although my wife had already gone to the altar to pray, I continued a tight grip onto the bench in from of me. Through God’s direction that gentleman came over and not only encouraged me to move towards the altar, but made that long walk with me. Was he there, in that place, for such a times as that? I believe so. We are going through some very tough times, where many people are dying, because of the Corona Virus (Covid 19). Where has God placed you during this endless lockdown period? Has He made an appointment for you to share your faith with someone in your place of isolation, or someone who might be in close proximity? I believe that the worse nightmare for you or I would be to lose a loved one that we wish we would have shared our testimony with, or shared the gospel story with. Let’s remember that we can’t save anyone, nor can we give them Jesus, but we are told in God’s Word to share what we have. The Word says ‘go and tell everyone about your Lord‘! As you meditate today, perhaps you will consider how you might respond if a message was sent to you today from God similar to what was sent to Esther: ‘perhaps you were placed right where you are, for such a time as this’. Esther was asked by her adoptive father to act in such a way that could save the lives of her fellow Jews. You might be reminded to act deliberately to help save the lives of those around you who could awake in Hell, where they will spend eternity with Satan and his demons, without knowing about, and accepting the love of our Savior who sacrificed His life just for them. You have the secret resolution that could help save lives, if you are willing to share, right where you are and with all that are with you. Perhaps it all was arranged this way by the Master, for such a time as this! Act now, won’t you, dear friend? Esther acted and was able to see the lives of many Jews saved.

PRAYER: I thank You Heavenly Father for placing us in appropriate places for times such as this. Unprecedented times, so nothing that we could have prepared for and booked our place to stay in advance, while we fight this pandemic virus as a country. I believe that we each have examples how You’ve placed us in certain places before for specific reasons, and in many cases we are able to praise You for working through us in those circumstances. Please do it again Lord? Many of us are stuck in places where we have a captive audience, and many that are in our group may not know the Lord. Oh that this would be a time where You are busy at work, touching the lives of our family and our friends that have no choice but to watch us closely and listen to the words You might share through us. May we be willing servants – like empty vessels that come to You daily and wait to be filled with Your wisdom, Your grace, Your power, Your words and most of all Your love. May they see the Jesus in our actions that we try to share verbally, and may our loved ones accept You as Lord – for now is the day of salvation. Into Your hands Lord, we place our humble lives and willing hearts, for Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, AMEN!

Fully Immerse Yourself In The Lord Jesus

On 2020-04-16 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-04-16
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 13:10-14
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹⁰Love makes it impossible to harm another, so love fulfills all that the law requires. ¹¹To live like this is all the more urgent, for time is running out and you know it is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up! For our full salvation^[e] is nearer now than when we first believed.
¹²Night’s darkness is dissolving away as a new day of destiny dawns.^[f] So we must once and for all strip away what is done in the shadows of darkness, removing it like filthy clothes.^[g] And once and for all we clothe ourselves with the radiance of light as our weapon. ¹³We must live honorably,^[h] surrounded by the light of this new day, not in the darkness of drunkenness^[i] and debauchery,^[j] not in promiscuity and sensuality,^[k] not being argumentative or jealous of others.
¹⁴Instead fully immerse yourselves into^[l] the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, and don’t waste even a moment’s thought on your former identity to awaken its selfish desires.

OBSERVATION: Warning from weather forecasters: A tornado is heading your way. Our Typical Response: We immediately gather our whole family and run to our safe room. Warning from Homeland Security: Smart intelligence is in that we will be attacked by terrorists tonight. Our Typical Response: We make sure that all of our neighbors heard the warning, and together we plan our safest defense that would protect our families. Warning from God’s Word: Jesus will return and it could be today. Our Typical Response: Surely He will let me graduate college first, or …. As we meditate on our Scripture today, perhaps we will be reminded that Jesus could return even today.

APPLICATION: I deliberately included a lot of Scripture today because I wanted you to join me in getting the full picture of what Jesus is telling us through His servant Paul. Perhaps today we should consider all the sources that we truly trust to give us accurate warnings. I believe that we see more today than ever before how warnings are used to prompt people into buying; into driving better; into being at work and on time; attending to the welfare of our family; attending church; etc. etc. Some of these warnings really pay off, because their intent serves to raise a sense of urgency in our minds. So I wonder how we could read Scripture like we have above, see the warnings, and still go about our lives without a care or concern about our own destiny, or of family or friends that we know will be left behind, unless they make a decision to accept Jesus as their Savior. But it also bothers me to see how relaxed we could be about seeing our loved ones make silly mistakes or show unconcern about their eternal destiny. We could look at ways that people respond to current events and we know that they care about others. They make sure that neighbors heard the warnings and that they are doing everything possible to insure their safety. However, when we look at Scripture and the warnings included there, we tend to crawl into our shell and blame our selfishness on not wanting to be rejected, or not wanting to push our beliefs on someone else. Wow, let’s go back and consider the sources again. We’re OK sharing news from forecasters who depend on trends and current radar, and we’re OK sharing news from the media from whom we have been bombarded with lies and one-sided stories, but then we clam up when it comes to sharing the very Word of God? What has become of our world folks? Has Satan gotten such a hold on people because of his assurance to help them drink themselves to death; party their income away; and reach for the stars at work by beating up on fellow workers and creating havoc for them – to make sure they fail? Please notice how simple God makes this life for us: Love makes it impossible to harm one another (vs 10); Love fulfills ALL that the law requires (vs 10); God provides a huge tip in advance that time is running out for the people on earth, so we are to ready ourselves for the day that we stand before Christ (vs 11); Warning signs about decisions that will hinder us are given in vs 12 & 13; But tips on what we should be doing as children of the Light is included in vs 14. I was amazed by God again as I ready my Proverb for the day: It pleases God more when we demonstrate godliness and justice than when we merely offer him a sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3). I believe this reaffirms that there is nothing more important than to know God, and to serve Him faithfully each and every day by obediently following His commands written in His Book – The Bible. Take time to be holy my friend. Draw night to Him and let Him guide and direct your paths until He calls you home to glory!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Please work in the lives of Your children today as You reassure us of our eternal home. Thank You for the warnings given in Your Word, because even after accepting You as Lord, we quickly become lax in applying Your teachings to our lives. People we know, need the Lord. Master, I believe that Your children is in dire need of revival – a time where the saved might be renewed in spirit and encouraged by the Almighty to go on stronger than ever before. Our family and friends are dying and going to Hell, while we hold the secret to eternal life with You in Heaven. Please prompt us to remove all selfish desires, and may there never be a sense of fear that would prevent us from sharing our love for You, with all of our friends. With Your help, Your power and Your guidance, we want to immerse ourselves in You. May Your perfect will be done today, dear Lord. AMEN!

Give God the Glory

On 2020-04-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, For His Glory, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-04-13
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 11:33-36
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ³³We cannot wrap our minds around God’s wisdom and knowledge! Its depths can never be measured! We cannot understand His judgments or explain the mysterious ways that He works! For, ³⁴Who can fathom the mind of the Lord? Or who can claim to be His advisor?^[g] ³⁵Or, Who can give to God in advance so that God must pay him back?^[h] ³⁶For all that exists originates in Him, comes through Him, and is moving toward Him; so give Him the glory forever. Amen.

OBSERVATION: In our Scripture today we are reminded that God is still in control; that His ways are far greater than anything we could imagine; and although He owes us nothing, He still loves us with an unconditional love and will do whatever it takes to see us through our circumstances and events of this life that seem so impossible to us. Hard to imagine? I believe it was for Paul also, and therefore the reason he told us to just give God the glory forever! A good reminder for us to meditate on, especially when times seem to be at the most challenging – ever.

APPLICATION: We can hear story after story about how challenging the times are in which we are now living. In fact, these are unprecedented times and even Christians are standing back in question about when things will return to ‘normal’, or when God will show forth His power. Friends, I trust that you will really take time to read our focal verses carefully today, and allow God to speak to you about how much He is in control of everything – yes even our trying times with Covid 19. I find it fascinating how God is still showing His powerful works through our weather patterns (floods, tornadoes, cold fronts, etc); how He is really speaking to the hearts of His people, especially now while they have time to listen; how this awful virus has no regard for the color of our skin or the value of our net worth, or the positional status of the individual (prime ministers, movie stars, pastors, military, etc). This is a time where those of us willing to open our eyes and truly observe, we may find where it seems like this a precursor to the return of Christ to take His bride home to glory – for the streets are empty, the business places are closed, governments of the world are in a panic, doctors don’t have the right medicine for the virus, loved ones are taken away and some remain with empty hearts, those alive can’t even bury their dead loved ones, and there really only seems to be One with the answers – the God who always was, always is and always shall be. So if you are like me and recognize all these interesting facts and have come to the realization of the awesome power of our God, how are you dealing with it? For the unbeliever, perhaps you have enough questions in your mind that you are finally recognizing that the God who created you, the God who keeps the earth spinning on its axis every day, the God who gives you breath to get out of bed each morning, He is the God who will also face you with some very challenging questions one day when you stand accountable before Him. Please allow me to share with you, based on the Word of God, that there will be no trial where you could offer your excuses, for my God already knows every little detail about you. So you will merely stand before Him for your verdict – Heaven, or Hell. No doubt you know the answer to that already, for God will only allow into Heaven those who have asked His Son, Jesus, into their hearts as Lord and ruler of your life. That’s it! No credit for good behavior or for what you gave to the poor, for we are told over and over in the Bible that there is only one way. Let me encourage you to seriously consider this during this down time where you are not overwhelmed with the cares of this life. I would love to have you standing next to me at the feet of Jesus, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t get you in. Only you can accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, for yourself. Please consider doing this today my friend. Contact me if you would like for me to pray with you, or in any way help you with this decision.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for Your daily intervention in our lives. Normally we will recognize this when we are on top of the clouds with extreme joy, success and happiness. However, through our challenging times You also help us to recognize Your power and Your authority over everything that exists. Please speak to the hearts of each one today, especially those who have struggled with recognizing and accepting You as Lord. May this be a day of decision for many, as we see Your hand at work in our lives and in our communities as we struggle to survive through the anxieties of today’s challenge with this pandemic. You are always there, always available and always reaching out to receive all who will call on Your name. May we do our part today, is my humble, but urgent plea. AMEN!

Praise God For His Faithfulness

On 2020-04-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Come Soon, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-03-11
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Psalm 100:3-5
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ³…. We have the privilege of worshiping the Lord our God.
For he is our Creator and we belong to him.
We are the people of his pleasure.^[a]
⁴You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise.
Come right into his presence with thanksgiving.
Come bring your thank offering to him
and affectionately bless his beautiful name!
⁵For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you.
He’s so loving that it will amaze you—
so kind that it will astound you!
And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all.
Everyone knows our God can be trusted,
for he keeps his promises to every generation!

OBSERVATION: To reflect on the Easter weekend, is like reflecting on the Thanksgiving weekend, because we are reminded of all that our Lord did for us on Calvary, and we suddenly become very thankful. However, in our time of meditation today, let us ponder the words of the Psalmist and be reminded of †he great God that we serve. Notice the words that I bolded – He is famous for His faithfulness! Friends, be thinking about how you will worship Him and lIft up praises to Him – without the physical church and the leadership of your pastor!

APPLICATION: Although it probably goes without saying, we are living in the very dismal days of Covid 19, where it is challenging to view the news or talk to friends, without the sad and challenging news of those impacted by this dreaded virus, for which a true cure is still pending. In spite of this, we are hearing of some positive results arising from times together as a family, and the opportunities for friends and loved ones to look full into the eyes of God almighty, and commune with Him. In our Scripture today, we are being challenged by a great encourager of ‘Praise’, as David was instrumental throughout the book of Psalms in teaching us to worship, and to praise God in all aspects of life. Unfortunately, I believe that for many of us, we have been challenged to get our families together and have our own worship service, without the pastor being present and hearing him preach. I believe that these are real times of reflection. First of all, reflection on what a Christian truly is. It’s not just one that does good for others, although most Christian will do that from a sense of imitating Jesus. It’s not just a regular church attendee, although most Christian thrive from obeying God’s Word to gather together as fellow believers and grow from the experiences of each other, and they also want to be together in one place with those of like faith and practice. Secondly, let us consider what causes us to consider ourselves a ‘Christian’ at all. The moment we surrendered our heart and life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, we were filled with His Holy Spirit, and became known as Christ followers, or as Christians. This consisted of a personal conversation between us and God. Seeing that this was a ‘personal’ decision or relationship means that our Christian lives should be one that consists of personal conversations with God, personal praises to God for His goodness, personal pleas to God for His mercy in our life situations. Praising God That the church, becomes the icing on the cake, for it gives us support in magnifying Jesus together with others of like faith. It’s a time that culminates a week of personal praises to our King, our Creator, Our Master and our Lord. Without our personal times of prayer, Bible Reading and communion with God, what is there to celebrate when we join hearts and hands at Church? Remember, we can be led in worship, and we can be encouraged in worship at church, but real worship is what we do personally between us and our God. So when you question what you should do while the church doors are closed, please let me quickly suggest to you that you get with your Maker in one of the ways mentioned above, and praise Him, thank Him, worship Him, petition Him, and celebrate Him for preparing an eternal home for you that could be occupied at any time now! He’s your God – worship Him and give thanks to Him more intense than you ever thought possible, dear friends! On that great day when you are called home to glory, God will Have no need to see your pastor on whether to let you into His kingdom, He will either know you as a Son or Daughter, or He won’t know you at all. Only You can make that choice, and I pray that you will do that today, if you have never received Jesus into your heart.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You For creating us in Your image. Thank You for providing the means for us to overcome the ills of this world and to come into the very presence of a holy God as one washed in the sacred blood of Jesus Christ, meaning that You will see us as one without sin. In the mind of the unbeliever, this seems impossible and inconceivable. In the heart and mind of the believer, we can rejoice and be forever thankful that ‘You are famous for Your faithfulness’, as shared by the Psalmist today. Thank God You are faithful to fulfill all that You have promised us in Your Word. May those who know You truly praise Your holy name this weekend for the occasion that we celebrate – our risen Lord! For those who have yet to decide their own fate, please show them Jesus once again this weekend, oh God. May our friends, family and loved ones come out of this weekend knowing without a shadow of doubt, that should our world be shut down again, and should it be because of Your decision to finally take Your bride home to glory, that they all will be fully washed in the blood of Jesus, and ready for their exit from this world. Thank You for Your faithfulness dear Lord, and thank You for the hope of Your soon return to take us home with You! Come soon dear Lord! 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!

The Mystery of Christians

On 2020-04-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, Saved, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-03-09
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 10:9-10
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁹For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation.

OBSERVATION: Often times we never know what others think about us, and sometimes that is good! However, as we meditate on the Word today, let us consider how some may look at Christians and wonder about the mystery of how they became a Christian, and they may even be curious about how difficult, or easy, it is for them to become a child of the King. Today’s verses should help everyone that reads this devotional to see how simple God intended this to be. He provided the sacrifice so that we wouldn’t have to. Do you claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

APPLICATION: Some times pastors will go undercover! In other words, they will introduce themselves as Dick Jones, not the Reverent Dick Jones, or Dr. Dick Jones or Pastor Dick Jones. The reason for this is often an effort to help people relax and feel open to being themselves, for asking any question on their mind, without feeling dumb. Some might feel this way when they’re around you, because they feel like you are better than them, or that you have something they wish could be theirs also. Friends, although I believe that friends will identify quicker with your actions instead of your speech, eventually you will want to share with them who Jesus is to you. In the Christian realm, we call that your testimony. You see, I could tell my friend about my pastor and what a great preacher he is, what good he does in our community and how he loves the Lord, but they will soon look at me and wonder: So what is your story? Can I quote Scripture after Scripture, and would that truly help? Perhaps, but when I share my personal story, there is no doubt about what I personally experienced. So if I share that one day in 1988 (give a rough idea of the date if you don’t remember the exact date) I discovered that I was going to Hell without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Someone shared with me that if I would announce with my own mouth that Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I believe deep within my heart that He died and rose again for my salvation, then I would be saved. I had heard that phrase many times before, so I knew if was TRUTH, and this led me to proceed with this action. I have since learned that the Bible says that this salvation is open to all who would call on His name. I would therefore extend that invitation to you, my friend. Notice that I didn’t first attend Bible School or seminary. Salvation is open to all who call on the name of Jesus Christ, as shared by Paul in today’s Scripture. Friends, this mystery is very simple. For those who have accepted Jesus as Savior, please clear up the mystery for your friends. Share your story. For those still looking at this as a mystery, please know that Jesus loves you more than anyone else that you could imagine. He created you to praise Him. Won’t you consider reading today’s Scripture again, and in all sincerity read it as if you are speaking directly to Jesus? You too can be saved today, precious friend!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You may return to take Your bride, the church, home before I could even post this devotional. Thank You for loving us enough to send Your precious Son to die on Calvary, so that I may live forever with You in glory. Just as You influenced me to cry out to you in 1988 for salvation, I pray that You would also speak to my friends, family and readers who will read this devotional. I would love to celebrate with them, as we worship together at Your feet in Heaven one day. Oh that the angels in Heaven will rejoice today because of one sinner who sought You and believed in the miracle of salvation! AMEN!

You Are Still God!

On 2020-04-08 By Ed AlgreenIn All-powerful, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2020-03-08
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Nehemiah 9:32
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ³²    Our True God—You who are great, majestic, and awesome,
    You who always keep Your covenant of loyal love—
        do not overlook the trouble we are facing here today.
    This trouble confronts us all:
        our kings and our princes,
        our priests and our prophets, our ancestors and all of Your people—
    From the time of the Assyrian kings until today.

OBSERVATION: This chapter of Nehemiah is one that is very timely for us during the time that we are currently dealing with. The Israelites were led into times of reflection about the awesome work of the all-powerful God. This was in light of the awful time they faced with the fallen walls around Jerusalem. We too are facing very challenging and unprecedented times. It’s discouraging and very depressing, and the news media seems to make sure of that! However, let Christians meditate on the goodness of our God. Let us reflect on all that He did for us and our ancestors, and let that reassure us that He can do it again!

APPLICATION: I love this chapter of Nehemiah! Up in verse 3 we read about how Nehemiah, Ezra and the Israelites went to the temple and for the first 3 hours of each day, they spent their time listening to the Word of God being read. After hearing from God, they spent the next 3 hours confessing their sin and worshiping the Almighty God. Friends, I don’t know about you, but I had to stop and talk with God about my complaining when our church services extend beyond their normal one hour. I had to ask Him why others and myself look for excuses not to attend certain services – especially prayer services. As the chapter progresses, we are enlightened on how Nehemiah and Ezra led the people to reflect on the awesome God they were in the presence of. All that He had done for their ancestors, and all the ways He had blessed them, in spite of their sin and evil minds. I was forced into seeking forgiveness for my complaining about the rough times we are going though worldwide, because I often fail to recognize the goodness of God in making sure that I have food on the table; grocery stores available to help me replenish my pantry; doctor’s offices available to take care of my medical needs; medical experts who are sacrificing every day to help attend to the serious needs presented by Covid 19; a comfortable bed to lie in and a place to call home. Thank You Jesus that You are still the same all-powerful God who has control of every fiber of our being. You have carefully watched over and protected us in every circumstance of life, and I have no reason to believe that You will turn away from us now. You were powerful enough to take our ancestors across a river that instantly became dry for their path; You restored sight to the blind; Healed the sick and even brought the dead back to life again. We also are Your children, and we are in dire need today. Oh that You may do it again – restore Your people to good health and our land back to a sense of normal activity. Please give us the faith we need daily to trust in You and expect the miracles that only You can perform. As told boldly in the focal verse today, please precious Lord, don’t overlook the trouble we are in today.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord Jesus, when all things around us are crashing in and life seems to be failing at every point, we know that there is One who is in total control. So we turn to you, like our ancestors did, and we ask that You please don’t overlook the trouble we are in today. Every time we listen to updates on the television we hear about how out of control our world is, and how medical experts don’t know where to turn for the needed help in the challenges of today. I know that You are still God, and I know that You are able to see us through. Please give us the confidence we need to look only to You for all of our needs, and to rest in peace knowing that You can still do all things. Oh that we may glorify You for all that You have done, all that You can do, and for all that You will do as we seek Your face. AMEN!

This is Why We Praise!

On 2020-04-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2020-03-07
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Psalm 98:7-9
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁷Let the sea rumble and roar, and all the creatures it holds shout praise; let the whole world and all those who live in it join the celebration.
⁸Let the rivers applaud and the mountains join in joyful song ⁹In the presence of the Eternal because He is coming to judge the earth. He is coming, and His judgment will be what is right for the world and just to all people.

OBSERVATION: When disaster strikes, such as COVID 19, we hear reports of how countries all over the world are scrambling to protect and save their people. But what if something great was happening, such as the return of our Lord, where all peoples from all over the world who claim Jesus as Lord, are out in the streets overwhelmed with praise? Can you imagine the choir? Can you see the ocean of hands raised as we glorify our risen Lord? Amidst all that is currently going on, and that bears heavy on our hearts, let’s take a moment to rejoice and sing praises to our soon coming King today!

APPLICATION: For the business person faced with the decision to close the doors of their business and send their staff home in order to avoid the spread of a virus, it must have been devastating. No income, no ability to open the doors and help their awesome customers. Imagine pastors who constantly struggle to get folk out to church, but now forced with the only choice of closing the doors and asking parishioners to stay at home for their own safety. Disaster and contingency plans will be updated to cover such a recurrence in the future, and businesses will be forced to ensure that they have it all covered, better than ever before. However, as indicated by David in the above verses, there is a day coming when the Creator of this universe, the one true God, the Savior of the world, will return to take His church home to glory. There are Christians on staff with many employers, and there were probably times where they were snubbed for their beliefs; and they may have often heard snickers about their decisions to not participate in certain activities. However, on the day when Christ returns, I don’t believe that they will take time to clear their desks or lock up important papers, for there will be only one thing on their mind: their Master and Lord has kept His promise and has returned to take them home to glory with Him. I believe they will be signing and shouting as they exit the building. According to our Scripture today, us Christians will be in good company, for music and rejoicing will be coming from everything God made, including the mountains and the rivers! Friends, there won’t be added pressure about how businesses will continue or what others will think as they see us rejoicing, for our long awaited King will be present and with opened arms, waiting to accept us into His kingdom! Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be! Please make sure that you are ready to be included in the resurrected number. Don’t wait for Sunday to attend church, because that may be too late. Don’t wait for the preacher, although I’m sure he would be happy to pray with you, but instead humble yourself before the Holy of hollies and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Allow Him to rule and reign today dear friend!

PRAYER: Thank You precious Lord for the reminder today of that time we have to look forward to when You will return to take Your church home to glory with You. There won’t be any worry about filing unemployment or about when to reopen businesses or the church building, for Your return will be unique and clearly defined, while our hearts will be content worshiping at Your feet throughout eternity. Unlike sudden tragedies here on earth where we always try to prepare ourselves for continuing our businesses, Your return has been promised to us, and we have the blueprints on how we are to be ready. Please deal in the hearts of every reader, every friend, and every family member so that they may firm up their eternal destination today. We long to be with You precious Lord, thank You for preparing our home in advance! AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Tag: God