Tag: He is Lord

In Prayer, Recognize Who God Is

On By Ed AlgreenIn A Lamp unto My Path, Adoration, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Awesome God, Beyond Description, Blessing, Celebrate God, Needs, Praise, Praise-worthy, Prayer, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED: Saturday, August 5th, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE New Living Translation (NLT) IS FOUND IN Luke 18:10-14

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 
I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God…..

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: At times we become so entrenched in our current situation, that we often forget from whence we came or overlook the awesomeness of the one we now owe our allegiance to. Case in point – our spouse. When we first met them, we treated them like royalty, and we looked at every opportunity for ways to express our love to them. Then, through ongoing familiarity, they seem to have become just like everyone else in what we are prepared to do for them. Another case in point is the Lord Jesus. Think about your first 30 days of being a Christian and compare that with your mindset about your Savior now. Examine yourself before pointing fingers at the Pharisee or the sinner in today’s Scripture.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Although a very familiar story for those who have attended church very long or studied their Bibles for very long. Yet, we can’t help but see some stark, eye-opening, differences between these two characters that may cause us to look upwards and acknowledge to God that you might be that Pharisee, or possibly the Publican identified in this word picture. I have relatives who went home the night they surrendered their hearts to Christ and burned magazines they knew might be offensive to Jesus, or they poured remaining liquor from previously bad habits down the drain. For they were serious about their commitment to the only One who had never sinned, and the only One who is holy, and the only One whose bloodline related directly with the God who created this universe and everyone in it. In recognizing that, they realized that they had quite a gap to close in trying to align themselves with the Master. I wonder if there was a malignment in the life of the Pharisee in recognizing Jesus, and the power of His Almighty Father? Perhaps the Pharisee may have lost sight of whose presence he had entered into. How is it with you? Using the first 30 days mentioned above as an example, I wonder how many of those first days that you neglected to pray or open the Word of God to learn more about what God is demanding of you. Probably not many, right? But compare that to the last 30 days. Are you still in love with Jesus and expressing that love in multiple ways each day? If not, I wonder if you might not be just as liable to pray like the Pharisee in our story today. Please don’t throw stones at me, if this message is really stepping on your toes. I don’t claim to be perfect either, but in sharing this with you, I believe that the Holy Spirit is dealing in my life even more harshly as I pen these words for you to consider. Friends, we must be so careful in remembering who God is, so that we don’t join the ranks of the Pharisee in self-righteousness and pride. You see, when the Pharisee compared himself to others, he was acknowledging his self-righteousness. God’s grace extends to the humble, for the proud will not inherit eternal life (James 4:6). Jesus said that He only said the words given to Him by His Father, so He acknowledged that He was subordinate to His Father’s will. Do you feel the same way about your relationship with the Father? If we are to be Christ-like or imitate Jesus in every walk of life and in our speech, then we will need His strength and His support. Reading His Word on a daily basis will keep our minds freshly tuned to what He said and did, and therefore guide us to how we are to respond in circumstances throughout our day. Always keep Jesus lifted high and seek to follow in His footsteps every day. He alone is worthy of our praise and our obedience!

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Jesus was able to think outside of the box that we tend to build around what we call ‘religion’. Jesus saw the heart of the sinner, even though we tend to brush them aside as unworthy. Trust in the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and He will direct your path – today and every day!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord, who am I that I might be privileged to stand before the King of all kings and Lord of all lords with my petitions? Yet I know that You died and rose again so that I might become Your precious son, as I live in anticipation of life eternally with You in glory. Thank You Jesus for accepting my cry for forgiveness and mercy! However, in this Scripture today, I believe that You are warning us that we have no room to boast like the Pharisee, but instead we must approach You like the Publican who knew that his every move, his every recovery from illness, his every ability to face another day, and his only hope of eternity in Heaven with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is dependent upon a right relationship with You dear Jesus. Please Lord, remind me of this should I tend to boast, or feel superior to the sinner that I come into contact with. At the foot of the cross, and kneeling before You in prayer for forgiveness, we are all equal – sinners, whether saved by grace, or sinners seeking Your grace. Please teach us Lord to live as sinners forgiven by the grace of a holy God, and never, ever, assume that it is anything good thing we have done to deserve Your grace and Your forgiveness. May Your grace abound in my life, and may it be a source of inspiration for the sinner seeking to know You as Savior, please oh Lord, I ask this only for Your honor and Your glory, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this 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 you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to 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!

Know That The Lord, He is God!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-04-08
WRITTEN AT: Astatula, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Deuteronomy 4:35-39
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 35 “He showed you these things so you would know that the Lord is God and there is no other. 36 He let you hear his voice from heaven so he could instruct you. He let you see his great fire here on earth so he could speak to you from it. 37 Because he loved your ancestors, he chose to bless their descendants, and he personally brought you out of Egypt with a great display of power. 38 He drove out nations far greater than you, so he could bring you in and give you their land as your special possession, as it is today.
39 “So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.

APPLICATION: I believe that if we thought for a moment that some in our church were acting like the defiant Israelites, we would probably shun them so as not to become infected by their sin. However, Moses had a heart for the people God had directed him to lead out of slavery, and it appears evident that Moses would have done anything to help them recognize their shortcomings and instead draw close to the God who loved them. The encouraging words shared by Moses should help us today also, for if God went to great extremes to help His children then, we can be confident that He would do it again for us. Think about it – God heard the cries of His people enslaved in Egypt. These were the same people God had promised would be blessed to populate the whole earth, but if they were not free to do so, and if they were constantly beat down and downtrodden, what good would they be to anyone else. But there were some who prayed, and some who wanted to be freed from their oppression. So God began the process by finding a good leader – Moses and his brother Aaron. After years of hard lessons in the wilderness, God found it necessary to awaken the people from their sinful stupor and from their stubbornness in recognizing, praising and worshipping the awesome God that singlehandedly took care of them over their years of freedom. Doesn’t that sound a lot like our world today? We have been blessed beyond measure, yet mankind has used every vice to pull away from the God who loves them. Covid is the latest vice. Especially at church time, many are now using the excuse of sleeping in, or staying at home, because they don’t want to catch the ‘germ’ from the crowd at church. The same crowd that they welcome into their businesses during the week, dine at the same restaurants with, and attend the same social functions as they do. God has been actively working in the lives of our people, although not as severely as He did in the wilderness when our ancestors chose to follow their own vices instead of honoring the God who took such awesome care of them. Read today’s Scripture again dear friends, and be reminded of all that God did for our ancestors. Stop the busyness of your life long enough to evaluate the awesome gifts God has blessed you with, and dare to honestly question yourself if you have any reason to fall short in glorifying the God of this universe who loves you beyond our wildest imagination. Let me encourage you to lay aside the devices and the noise of the television, or even family interaction, for just a few minutes each morning, so that you could dedicate that time to: speak to God – in prayer; hear from God – thru Bible reading; and praising God – because of His infinite mercy, provisions and blessings. I believe you will come out on the other side of that time realizing that there is no other God, for you have been in communion with the One True God and He is in charge of your going forth that day, and your coming home that evening, and everything in between. Learn to give Him recognition for who He is, my friend, because He has proven His love for each of us through His sacrifice on Calvary. There is no greater love than that.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: When life is not going the way we would like it to go, we need reminders such as the ones given to the Israelites, to know that God’s got this – every aspect of our lives today. We can then stand firm in the faith!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for being so good to my readers, listeners and I! Unfortunately it seems normal for us to get bogged down and caught up in the worries, concerns, gossip and fault of the unsaved world, even though we know who’s in charge, and all the good You have already proven to us. Forgive us Lord for our unwillingness to stop and recognize You as our Master, Lord, and giver of all good things in life. Please help us to stop following the world and its losing battles here on earth, for we have the ruler of this universe who loves us, cares for us and beckons us to come unto You all that are weary and heavy burdened. Lord, we surrender all. Helps us to spread the Good News to all that we come into contact with. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. 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!

Where Can I God But To The Lord

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-09-26
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Hebrews 4 14-16
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

OBSERVATION: Some may remember that old gospel song ‘Where Can I Go But To The Lord’, and no doubt you will hum it all day after listening to it again. But in spite of life’s frustrations and struggles, we are assured in our Scripture today that all we need do is to come boldly to the throne of God, where we will find mercy, grace and help. As we meditate on the Word, I believe that many things will come to mind that you could use help on today. Take it before the Lord in prayer dear one.

APPLICATION: I remember hearing my mom, after reaching a point of great frustration, she might say ‘Lord, where do I go now. Or What shall I do next’. Somehow I believe we all know that Jesus can solve all of our problems, but for some unfortunate reason we only use that option as a last alternative. I believe that for many who will read this devotional today, you might freely shout out that you are at the end of your rope on many aspects of life. Some are struggling with the stress of work; some have challenges with children; some are fearing bankruptcy because of financial issues; while others are dealing with family members or friends who have been affected by COVID. What seems most challenging is that your go-to person here on earth appears to be more overwhelmed than you are. For pastors have been dealing with many church families who are, like you, dealing with more than they could personally handle. As children of God, we are in a unique situation, for our Savior who, because of His time here on earth, could easily identify with us. However, because of Jesus’ return to glory and occupying His rightful place next to His Father, He is also our Great High Priest who we could call on in our time of need. Friends, why should we worry about life’s problems when we are blessed with such a High Priest, such a Savior, and such a Father? I love, love, love that very last sentence, for we are told that at the throne of our Master, we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. In our current situation, we might say that we need such grace, mercy and help each and every day! But doesn’t that remind us again that there is reason to seek the face of our Lord each and every day? Imagine the peace and comfort that is available to us as we approach the throne! Surely we’re not satisfied wallowing in stress and hardships. Have you sought out the Father today my friend?

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for opening our eyes yet again about the wonderful grace that is available to Your children. Please Lord, give us strength and wisdom to look beyond our troubles and to always seek out the Master as our only hope. Oh that You may be lifted up and magnified by Your children, for the supreme hope that we have in you. Please use this devotional as a reminder to those who may read this and do not have a relationship with You. For them to know God, is to know peace. Unfortunately, the opposite is also very disappointing, but true. Thank You Heavenly Father for loving me enough to claim me as Your own. 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!

Don’t Wait

On By Ed AlgreenIn Don't Procrastinate, Know Jesus, Knowing Christ, Wait PatientlyLeave a comment

Friday, 2020-02-14

Bible Reference: Acts 19:16-20
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: 16 The man who had the evil spirit in him attacked them with such violence that he overpowered them all. They ran away from his house, wounded and with their clothes torn off. 17All the Jews and Gentiles who lived in Ephesus heard about this; they were all filled with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was given greater honor. 18Many of the believers came, publicly admitting and revealing what they had done. 19Many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burnt them in public. They added up the price of the books, and the total came to 50,000 silver coins. 20In this powerful way the word of the Lord kept spreading and growing stronger.

OBSERVATION: Have you ever procrastinated, or waited enough that when you finally decided to take action, the object was no longer available to you? Often there are repercussions to waiting. Fortunately the Jews and Gentiles who witnessed the evil spirit in the man referenced in verse 16, had their eyes opened, and they realized that they were subject to such evil also, as long as they were separated from the Almighty. This caused them to commit themselves to the lordship of Jesus Christ, the only One with power to overcome the evil one. What will it take to open your eyes, or the eyes of your loved ones who have waited and waited before accepting Jesus?

APPLICATION: It seems miraculous how God got to the masses at Ephesus! I say ‘masses’ because we are told that many practiced witchcraft and sorcery. I’m sure that God was mightily using His servant Paul, but He also used a situation that actually involved a few of their own wicked bunch to get through to the people. In our focal verses we read where God brought great fear among the people by intensifying a situation between the wicked and the pretenders who tried to mimic Paul’s ministry. I find it so amazing, that in spite of all that God did at Calvary for us, yet He will still use scenarios that really affect our lives to get our attention and bring us to our senses. Oh, how He loves us! I know of situations where, through death of a loved one, a relative gave his heart to the Lord. Likewise, you may know of situations where others came to the Lord through war, or automobile accidents, etc. Friends, why do we need tragedy to bring us to our knees? God is still God, whether we are on a mountain top scenario, or whether we are at the very bottom because of a tragedy. What will it take to get your attention friend? Jesus showed great love for us on the cross. Let us recognize His goodness daily and allow Him preeminence over every aspect of our lives. When we do this, we prepare our hearts for the tough times, in that we know that our Master will be victorious even through those times. To those meditating on this today that have not yet accepted Jesus as Lord, please make this a day of salvation for yourself. Just as building muscle will help you withstand injury in a fall or other serious impact to the body, knowing Jesus will give you the calm assurance in good and bad times, that regardless of the outcome of a situation, you are assured, and have peace about your eternal destination. Just as we are told in verse 20 that the work of the Lord grew stronger, I want to remind you that when you surrender your life to Jesus, He will find ways to use your witness to also grow His work among your unsaved loved ones, for the ultimate glory of the Almighty God. Please don’t wait for God to use an unfortunate disaster in your life or the life of a loved one, for Him to bring you to your knees. He loves you enough that He would do anything to get through to you, so give your heart to Him willingly and not under due rest, please?

PRAYER: Dear God, in Your precious name I want to ask that You again tender the hearts of my loved ones that don’t yet know You in a personal and intimate way. Please cause their hearts to look up to You in surrender and then plead forgiveness of their sin. Please may it be enough that they be stirred in their spirit to surrender, without having to use drastic measures to get their attention. Lord, may I have that same urgency today in sharing Your love with someone who needs that final word of encouragement before making this vital decision. Please bless in wonderful ways today, is my humble prayer made in Your most holy name, AMEN!

Jesus – Most Important

On By Ed AlgreenIn King, Ruler, SaviorLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-01-23

Bible Reference: John 3:27-30
Translation: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Bible Text:  John replied: No one can do anything unless God in heaven allows it. You surely remember how I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am only the one sent ahead of him. At a wedding the groom is the one  who gets married. The best man is glad just to be there and to hear the groom’s voice. That’s why I am so glad. Jesus must become more important, while I become less important.

APPLICATION:  John’s disciples were rather indignant that the crowds who once followed John, were now hot on the trail of Jesus. However, John quickly reminded his followers that he was only sent as the precursor, the one who would prepare the hearts of the people for the Messiah. And that whenever He came, that his ministry (John’s) would decrease as Jesus became known to the people. This made me think of ministry today, for we often attribute the success of the church to the pastor, or the music minister, or something other than God. I heard of a great preacher from our past who, while preaching, had a team of prayer warriors in the church basement praying for God to soften hardened hearts and impact lives while the gospel was being proclaimed. That church was especially successful in ministry, but I believe that we will hear Jesus say that it was more because of the people praying, than the preacher who tried hard to proclaim the Word of God in a form that would touch lives for the Creator. I believe that churches that succeed in ministry today, are those who lift up the name of Jesus, and who give Jesus full charge of their church. Logically speaking, I believe we can safely say that church attendees will only see Jesus when they hear the Sunday School teacher talk more about Jesus than anything else. When the Music Minister clearly gives control of the praise and worship time to Jesus and that the lyrics declare Jesus more than anything else. When the preacher concentrates on the Word of God and does his very best to apply Biblical principles to everything that members face, and struggle with today. When invitations are given to accept Jesus, more than to join the church. When giving is tied to Biblical principles more than the wants of the church leaders for bigger buildings or more comfortable pews. Friends, I believe by now you are probably getting the picture. This Christian life, and the ministry of the Christian church, is more about God than anything else. We must decrease – the church, its leaders, its members, its followers. Jesus must be promoted and/or increased. Then, perhaps there may be a breakthrough for unbelievers who are searching, and then perhaps, the eyes of church attendees looking for answers to life’s challenges might be opened. It’s not about us friend. It’s all about our Savior who sacrificed His life just for us, and for those we think that we can minister to. Let’s give the reins back to God friends.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for allowing Your humble servant to mix with others and proclaim Your praises in many different ways. Please touch my life that I will never promote self for any achievements of my own, but to give You full charge over all that I say and do. Lord may You be lifted up in everything that my readers and I attempt today. May it be obvious that our lives are all about You, and that it’s only because of Your grace that we can even claim You as Lord. Father, there are many in our circles that need to know You as Lord, may they be inspired by our actions and/or our words to reach out to the Savior that we know, and have surrendered to. We want You to rule and reign in our lives, our families, our churches and our workplaces so that You may touch lives of individuals that we touch. We love You Lord, we lift up our voices to You, we claim You as Lord, and we ask our deepest desires in the name of Jesus, AMEN!

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

2019

A Right Start for Your Day

On By Ed AlgreenIn Praise, Sovereign, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-01-16

The Bible Reference For Today: Psalm 59:16–17
The Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

The Bible Text: But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.


My Take Away: In almost every aspect of life, a good beginning sets the stage for a good ending, and everything in between. Take for instance the construction of a house. If care is not taken to get the foundation perfectly level, can you imagine the disaster you will be faced with in every other phase of the construction, and even when you try to live in the house? So what happens then to your day when you wake up disgruntled, start by grumping at the dog and being less than respectful to your spouse? Can you possibly turn that around when you arrive at work and find the air conditioning or heat broken and the first employee to arrive prepared to quit your company and move on in their career? What if we had to imitate David and begin our day reflecting on, and singing about God’s power? You know, the same God who showed His gracious love for you by sacrificing His only Son, Jesus, to facilitate your way into heaven? You know, the same God that you witnessed bringing sunshine to your previous day – especially when you stopped and reflected on the number of friends and family who seemed doomed for an eternity in Hell and, had no hope here on earth? You know, the One who helped you to reflect on the satisfaction of having a job to go to and subsequently support your family – especially when you stopped and considered the relatives and friends who did not have a job? You know, the One who made sure that you had a safe place to rest your head the night before – especially when you turned on the news channel and saw stories of some sleeping under bridges or in tents? Friends, I believe we would have no difficulty at all finding a number of things to praise God for each morning, if only we could concentrate on the precious gifts that He gave to us the previous day. Yes, we live in an imperfect world, and I’m not naive enough to believe that everything went perfect in your previous day, but what I do know, is that if we learn to praise God for His many, undeserved, gifts then the stuff we didn’t like wouldn’t look near as bad. Furthermore, reflecting on the miracles, and the blessings, and the good things, and giving God credit for all that He did for us, gives us a sense of assurance to present our new day to that same God and plead His presence, His refuge, His guidance and His blessings on us as we strive to represent Him in every aspect of our lives. Imagine placing yourself in the hands of the Creator of this universe! Can you imagine any mountain that may be too tall or too tough for Him? Your anticipated path may seem impassable to you, but just remember friend, our Designer and Creator put those mountains in place for a purpose, and if we are to walk over, or through those mountains, He has the power to level the ground for us to pass! Praise the wonderful name of the Lord!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, glorious and almighty in all Your power, we are humbled before You today, feeling a little ashamed about how we tend to concentrate so much on the impossibilities of life instead of the accomplishments that were obviously handled by You on our behalf. Lord, we are so weak and helpless, but praise to Your wonderful grace, we who have accepted You as Lord, can praise You today for Your powerful hand intervening in our lives and protecting us from Satan’s destructive and misleading hand. Father, please inspire within us the desire to praise You with all assurance that You’ve got control of all things in the life of a believer, and for that reason we should always recognize Your power and Your might in all things, because of Your love for us. You are holy and so worthy oh Lord, and we are so needy. We humble ourselves before You in recognition of these things. Thank You for being our God, our Deliverer, our Protector, our Guide, our Savior and soon coming King! AMEN!

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

2016

Our God Reigns!

On By Ed AlgreenIn King, Ruler, SaviorLeave a comment

May I encourage you to get your spiritual ‘Nuggets’ to start your day off right? Pretty amazing that our awesome God would consider feeding even us with His Word! May I encourage you to read the whole devotional, and look for a blessing, friend!………

The Bible Reference: John 3:27-30
The Bible Text: John replied: No one can do anything unless God in heaven allows it. You surely remember how I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am only the one sent ahead of him. At a wedding the groom is the one  who gets married. The best man is glad just to be there and to hear the groom’s voice. That’s why I am so glad. Jesus must become more important, while I become less important.
The Bible Translation: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take Away: John’s disciples were rather indignant that the crowds who once followed John, were now hot on the trail of Jesus. However, John quickly reminded his followers that he was only sent as the precursor, the one who would prepare the hearts of the people for the Messiah. And that whenever He came, that his ministry (John’s) would decrease as Jesus became known to the people. This made me think of ministry today, for we often attribute the success of the church to the pastor, or the music minister, or something other than God. I heard of a great preacher from our past who, while preaching, had a team of prayer warriors in the church basement praying for God to soften hardened hearts and impact lives while the gospel was being proclaimed. That church was especially successful in ministry, but I believe that we will hear Jesus say that it was more because of the people praying, than the preacher who tried hard to proclaim the Word of God in a form that would touch lives for the Creator. I believe that churches that succeed in ministry today, are those who lift up the name of Jesus, and who give Jesus full charge of their church. Logically speaking, I believe we can safely say that church attendees will only see Jesus when they hear the Sunday School teacher talk more about Jesus than anything else. When the Music Minister clearly gives control of the praise and worship time to Jesus and that the lyrics declare Jesus more than anything else. When the preacher concentrates on the Word of God and does his very best to apply Biblical principles to everything that members face, and struggle with today. When invitations are given to accept Jesus, more than to join the church. When giving is tied to Biblical principles more than the wants of the church leaders for bigger buildings or more comfortable pews. Friends, I believe by now you are probably getting the picture. This Christian life, and the ministry of the Christian church, is more about God than anything else. We must decrease – the church, its leaders, its members, its followers. Jesus must be promoted and/or increased. Then, perhaps there may be a breakthrough for unbelievers who are searching, and then perhaps, the eyes of church attendees looking for answers to life’s challenges might be opened. It’s not about us friend. It’s all about our Savior who sacrificed His life just for us, and for those we think that we can minister to. Let’s give the reins back to God friends.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for allowing Your humble servant to mix with others and proclaim Your praises in many different ways. Please touch my life that I will never promote self for any achievements of my own, but to give You full charge over all that I say and do. Lord may You be lifted up in everything that my readers and I attempt today. May it be obvious that our lives are all about You, and that it’s only because of Your grace that we can even claim You as Lord. Father, there are many in our circles that need to know You as Lord, may they be inspired by our actions and/or our words to reach out to the Savior that we know, and have surrendered to. We want You to rule and reign in our lives, our families, our churches and our workplaces so that You may touch lives of individuals that we touch. We love You Lord, we lift up our voices to You, we claim You as Lord, and we ask our deepest desires in the name of Jesus, AMEN!

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

2016

Start Your Day Off Right

On By Ed AlgreenIn Praise, Sovereign, WorshipLeave a comment

May I encourage you to get your spiritual ‘Nuggets’ to start your day off right? Pretty amazing that our awesome God would consider feeding even us with His Word! Read on and be blessed friend!………

The Bible Reference For Today: Psalm 59:16–17

The Bible Text: But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.
The Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take Away: In almost every aspect of life, a good beginning sets the stage for a good ending, and everything in between. Take for instance the construction of a house. If care is not taken to get the foundation perfectly level, can you imagine the disaster you will be faced with in every other phase of the construction, and even when you try to live in the house? So what happens then to your day when you wake up disgruntled, start by grumping at the dog and being less than respectful to your spouse? Can you possibly turn that around when you arrive at work and find the air conditioning or heat broken and the first employee to arrive prepared to quit your company and move on in their career? What if we had to imitate David and begin our day reflecting on, and singing about God’s power? You know, the same God who showed His gracious love for you by sacrificing His only Son, Jesus, to facilitate your way into heaven? You know, the same God that you witnessed bringing sunshine to your previous day – especially when you stopped and reflected on the number of friends and family who seemed doomed for an eternity in Hell and, had no hope here on earth? You know, the One who helped you to reflect on the satisfaction of having a job to go to and subsequently support your family – especially when you stopped and considered the relatives and friends who did not have a job? You know, the One who made sure that you had a safe place to rest your head the night before – especially when you turned on the news channel and saw stories of some sleeping under bridges or in tents? Friends, I believe we would have no difficulty at all finding a number of things to praise God for each morning, if only we could concentrate on the precious gifts that He gave to us the previous day. Yes, we live in an imperfect world, and I’m not naive enough to believe that everything went perfect in your previous day, but what I do know, is that if we learn to praise God for His many, undeserved, gifts then the stuff we didn’t like wouldn’t look near as bad. Furthermore, reflecting on the miracles, and the blessings, and the good things, and giving God credit for all that He did for us, gives us a sense of assurance to present our new day to that same God and plead His presence, His refuge, His guidance and His blessings on us as we strive to represent Him in every aspect of our lives. Imagine placing yourself in the hands of the Creator of this universe! Can you imagine any mountain that may be too tall or too tough for Him? Your anticipated path may seem impassable to you, but just remember friend, our Designer and Creator put those mountains in place for a purpose, and if we are to walk over, or through those mountains, He has the power to level the ground for us to pass! Praise the wonderful name of the Lord!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, glorious and almighty in all Your power, we are humbled before You today, feeling a little ashamed about how we tend to concentrate so much on the impossibilities of life instead of the accomplishments that were obviously handled by You on our behalf. Lord, we are so weak and helpless, but praise to Your wonderful grace, we who have accepted You as Lord, can praise You today for Your powerful hand intervening in our lives and protecting us from Satan’s destructive and misleading hand. Father, please inspire within us the desire to praise You with all assurance that You’ve got control of all things in the life of a believer, and for that reason we should always recognize Your power and Your might in all things, because of Your love for us. You are holy and so worthy oh Lord, and we are so needy. We humble ourselves before You in recognition of these things. Thank You for being our God, our Deliverer, our Protector, our Guide, our Savior and soon coming King! AMEN!

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

2016