The Consequences for a Watchman

On 2016-08-01 By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelize, Share God’s WordLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-08-01

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 33:7–9

Bible Text: 7 Ezekiel, I have appointed you to stand watch for the people of Israel. So listen to what I say, then warn them for me. 8 When I tell wicked people they will die because of their sins, you must warn them to turn from their sinful ways. But if you refuse to warn them, you are responsible for their death. 9 If you do warn them, and they keep sinning, they will die because of their sins, and you will be innocent.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version. (CEV)

My Take

Some translations refer to the responsibility title given to Ezekiel as a ‘Watchman’. Because this position brought with it the responsibility of reinforcing God’s Word to His people, it really reminded me of the positions that today we refer to as pastor, evangelist, revival speaker, elder or other church leader. In fact, even us as Christians we have a responsibility to share the love of Jesus with our lost loves ones. Let me challenge you to look at the job responsibilities laid out by God for Ezekiel and note the similarities. Friends, we would never think of keeping the news inside of an impending hurricane, as we want our friends to seek shelter and avoid danger and possible loss of life. Yet we know of the imminent return of Jesus Christ, and that those who have not prepared themselves for His return, are destined for Hell, and we do nothing, because of our fear of rejection or a hundred other excuses. What if we took the consequences, or options given to Ezekiel and owned them? Realizing that if we fail in our responsibility and the people perish, we will be held responsible by God? Do we really want to continue living foolishly in keeping our knowledge and responsibility bottled up inside, knowing full well that there will be consequences ahead for us?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You exampled a perfect life for us to follow. A life filled with evangelizing the lost, and correcting and encouraging the saved. As Your followers, and especially after being jolted back into reality with the story of Ezekiel today, Lord may we be found faithful today and every day of our lives. If You allow us to leave our homes and get to work, we WILL find unsaved friends. These are folk that You have placed us as a ‘Watchman’ over, because they need correcting and redirecting. Lord, may we present the gospel to them, which has the power to save them and see them into heaven. How will they know, if we keep it bottled up inside of us? Lord, please work through us today so that Your Holy Spirit might work mightily in the lives of our family and friends. May heaven become richer today because of our obedience to Your call on our lives. 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!

Know Today About Tomorrow!

On 2016-07-29 By Ed AlgreenIn Assurance, TomorrowLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-29

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 14:12–13

Bible Text: 12 God’s people must learn to endure. They must also obey his commands and have faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die.” The Spirit answered, “Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done.”

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

Some might find the subject of today’s blog ‘catchy’, because you might really want to know about tomorrow so you can make appropriate plans today. I bet if there was an app that promises to accurately foretell the occurrences of tomorrow, it would probably be a super hit! I would imagine that stock markets would crash many days, if investors had a glimpse into what will occur tomorrow or in future days. Yet God has given us His holy Word that not only tells us about all that has transpired, but also all that is about to happen tomorrow and in to the future. In fact, reading through the portion of my Bible study in Revelation this morning, brought exciting thoughts of the day I will see my Savior face to face! In chapter 13 John told us all about the beast and the mark of the beast. However in chapter 14 we are given a glimpse of what happens when our King of Glory walks in! The glorious sounds of angels singing in chorus reminded me of the scene at the birth of Jesus! But in verse 13 we are told about our tomorrows and what we could expect when we see Jesus. Friends, this caused me to reflect on the differences between today and what we could expect in heaven. Some may say that they knew my earthly dad, but they didn’t just march into his home and pretend that they were right at home to do or take whatever they wanted. However, as his kids, we knew that what was dad’s was ours also, so we were very much at home when we visited him. Now, notice that John had a qualification for what he said in verse 13 also: the blessing, the rest and the rewards are for those who have faith in Jesus Christ when they die. What impact does that have with your tomorrow friend? Are you assured of your blessing, rest and rewards? The alternative is not good, so may I encourage you to prepare today (accept this Jesus whom I love and speak about) so that your tomorrow will bring you great joy, peace, love and hope? Some on earth may say that you’re in good hands with …., however I want to assure you today that you will be in best hands, with the most comfort about tomorrow, if you know Jesus and have faith in Him. Please be sure to read my ‘Footnote’ for help and to sure this up for yourself. Only you can do this for yourself, with God’s help.

Prayer

What a glory to baste in Your beauty and awesome power today here on earth, and to be assured of an eternity of the same, should you call me home even today! While I rejoice in that oh Lord, I can only do that for myself, as relationships between You and others reading this devotional are strictly known to only You. I therefore pray that You will get right to the heart of those that may read this and still be uncommitted and unconcerned about their future. Lord, I have family and friends that show no evidence of having a personal relationship with You also, so I humbly ask, in fact plead with You today, to please touch their hearts also. May they be restless in knowing that the King of Glory loves them enough that He died for them, yet they stay at a distance rather than accept that gift that leads to life eternal in heaven. Lord I pray that right decisions will be made in my family even today, for it’s in the powerful, yet loving name of Jesus that I pray, AMEN!

Footnote

Stand Your Ground

On 2016-07-28 By Ed AlgreenIn Stand Firm, Take a stand1 Comment

Thursday, 2016-07-28

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 13:9-10

Bible Text: ^9-10Are you listening to this? They’ve made their bed; now they must lie in it. Anyone marked for prison goes straight to prison; anyone pulling a sword goes down by the sword. Meanwhile, God’s holy people passionately and faithfully stand their ground.

Bible Translation: The Message (MSG)

My Take

If I was to compare a person to a Chameleon lizard, I would probably say that it’s because the individual fits into any crowd as if he belonged there. The unfortunate part is that I might automatically assume that they are of the same attitude and character as the crowd also. Often we might fit into this lifestyle, for fear of indifference that may lead to persecution, abuse or even death. Our scripture is reminding us that we are to be passionate about our faith, to make sure that we stand true to God in good times, around good people, and in tough times while around people who would just as soon see us disappear. Friends, if we are unable to remain faithful to our God in both of the above scenarios, then we should question the depth of our relationship with God. We often teach around our churches that our mission field really begins the moment we walk outside the doors of the church building. The challenge for each child of God is to be as bold about our stand for Christ outside of the church as we are inside. Are you able to take a stand for Christ and be transparent about your faith, no matter what audience you are surrounded by? While I believe that God wants us to identify with our unsaved family and friends, I also believe that He wants them to truly identify us for who we claim to be, whether in the presence of like saints, or in a crowd that opposes the very thought of Christ. Where do you stand friend? Is it obvious to the world whose you are? Is your life a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ whether you open your mouth or not? Are you ready to take a stand for the Lord? If your friends know that you are married, why would you not want them to meet the One that you have surrender the reins of your life to? Take a stand friend!

Prayer

Lord, if our football teams caved in to opposition as easily as we do, they would never win a football game. Yet we expect to win the lost for the kingdom while still living like the world. Please forgive us for belittling the sovereignty and deity of our Savior. For a life totally dedicated to You, it should be very obvious to the world whose we are, and for whom we will take a stand. May we never be found in contempt. Lord may You be glorified in us today, even while we may be in the presence of friends who have not accepted You yet. I ask these things in the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, AMEN!

Footnote

Hope Even In Your Storm

On 2016-07-262016-07-26 By Ed AlgreenIn Hope, Peace, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-07-26

Scripture

Bible Reference: Matthew 14:28-31

Bible Text: ²⁸Then Peter called to him: “Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.” ²⁹“All right,” the Lord said, “come along!” So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him. “O man of little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Bible Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

My Take

Many of us face situations that seem virtually impossible to us. Our challenges appear so far out of reach that we often worry if we could ever overcome them and go on to live a ‘normal’ life. Let’s look at some attributes of Peter in the story told through the few verses chosen today, for he also faced some challenges that seemed way beyond human ability. Have a look at how Peter’s situation was handled and apply them to your ‘storm’ today:

Have courage – Peter knew that he served an awesome God, so stepping out of the boat onto water, which he had been around long enough to know that it was not of the consistency to walk on, yet because he knew Jesus, and because Jesus said ‘come to me’ then he was confident that Jesus would provide the means. May I encourage you to trust the Master more than what may appear obvious from your circumstances? Have courage to step out in faith and do what Jesus commands of you;
Have faith – To have have faith in God is to be ready to follow what He commands you to do, not what seems logical or practical to you. You may have messed up already and therefore in the position you are. Ask God what He would have you to do, then place your faith totally in Him and do as He commands. Because of his faith, Peter walked on water! What will you be willing to do?
Stay focused – The distractions of this world often gets us in the bad positions where we feel hopeless, so it is important that we keep our eyes on Jesus and not let the world mislead and distract us back into a state of hopelessness. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink – falling back into his human, hopeless state. Only in Christ will we find our answers friend.
Doubt – When we take our eyes off the prize – the encouragement and confidence of having our hand supported by the Creator of our universe, we submit to the mere power of self, and return to doubting if there truly is a better way. There’s no need to doubt friend, we serve a God who placed this world into existence, raised the dead back to life, caused the blind to see again and made the lame to walk again, to name just a few of His miracles. This is the same God that we serve and depend on, and there is no need to doubt His love or His abilities.
Praise God – There’s a really neat song entitled ‘Praise You in the Storm‘. Let’s pray that our hope in Christ will be so strong that we could praise God in the good times, and in our storms. If we have faith in Him, and we know His awesome abilities, then we can do this friend! Our situation may seem impossible and hopeless, but our God is not. Let us therefore keep our eyes fixed on Him, the author and finisher of our faith!

In this life there will be storms, but be reassured friend – there will always be our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has demonstrated His love for us on the cross, and will continue to demonstrate that love everyday as He watches over us! Trust Him, won’t you?

Prayer

Lord God, You are our strength; our stable, proven force; our fortress and our deliverer in whom we can place our faith and our trust. We are Yours Jesus, and yet we doubt. Please forgive us, and renew a right spirit within us oh Lord. Our situations are varied, and some seem very impossible to us. As we come to You, our Rock, may fear and doubt be overcome with faith and confidence. Please touch Your children once again today dear Lord. I ask these things in Your holy and precious name, AMEN!

Footnote

Is God Pleased?

On 2016-07-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Missions, Pleasing to God, Reaching the LostLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-07-25

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 22:30–31

Bible Text: 30 “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. 31 So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

There was so much going on in the day of Ezekiel, that God was hopeful that He would find a good cell of churches or Godly people that would convince Him not to destroy those who promoted the evil of the day. This led me to question whether God might feel like we (the church) are doing enough in our day that He might feel like the sacrifice of His precious Son was worth it. I am encouraged when I hear of what churches are doing outside of their four walls, but this is often limited to very few. Unfortunately, most churches are so caught up in denominational-ism that they are not allowed, or unwilling to tarnish their beliefs by joining hands with another group for the good of the community. In God’s statement through Ezekiel, He was looking for some hope that His message was penetrating the hearts of the people. Nothing was said about which ordinances we adopted or how we decided to administer them. Friends, I believe that we get so caught up in the small things of our specific churches, that we forget there are people in our community who have not accepted the simple love of Jesus, so they are dying and going to Hell without ever being told otherwise. Often we acknowledge needs across the world, and we send missionaries thousands of miles away to minister in God’s name, but do we do enough in our own communities to satisfy the concern of God? Are we truly bridging the gap in our own communities for God? Will God find us faithful to the tasks He has laid out for us, and indeed save our land? If we are satisfied that we have reached our communities, then we need to make sure that our state and our country is also in order. We need to be willing to let God work through us at all levels, so that all will hear and believe, God being our helper!

Prayer

Lord thank you for placing us in our respective communities with lots still to be done. How will the people know, if we don’t go out and tell them, is the thought offered in another part of scripture, that I feel is so applicable to what is taught in this lesson today. Please help us to continue thinking outside of the box of selfish desires and outside of the four walls of our respective churches, so that the world will know who Jesus is. Please make us keenly aware of the needs of our communities more than any other mission efforts we may undertake. For as our hometown people know and believe, we can join hands to reach the state, country and the world. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to serve in Your army. Use us now to be Your instruments of change. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Footnote

How to Find ‘Real LIFE’

On 2016-07-232016-07-24 By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Biblical Decisions, HeavenLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-07-23

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 20:11,13

Bible Text: 11 There I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them.

13 ……. They wouldn’t obey my regulations even though obedience would have given them life.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

No matter if we are talking to friends, listening to advice from our doctor or watching television, there is always tons of advice for us on how to improve our lifestyles, improve our health, enjoy our lives, look as good as the top model, etc. However, as with all other aspects of life, we have access to life’s Instruction Manual (the Bible), and It has answers for all walks of life for us. And I don’t know about you friend, but I would much prefer listening to God, who created us and loves us enough to have sacrificed His very Son for us, than to listen to a product manufacturer compelled to sell their product in order to save their company. So let’s take a peak into what God has placed in His Word for us. He reminded the prophet Ezekiel about His love, and all that He had done, for the Israelites. He also reminded him of how He had given the Israelites very special instructions so that they could preserve the awesome life He had brought them to. It was a simple thing of: here’s my instructions to life, now obey these and you will have all those aspects of ‘life’ that I have promised you. Does this not sound familiar friends? God created the beautiful planet of earth for His children that He would later create. He even took things into consideration that He knew we might find fault with, for there are various places where we can ‘plant our roots’ with just the right temperature that we enjoy! God then gave us life’s Instruction Manual – His Word – The Bible. Follow this, and you will not only find peace, love, joy and happiness while on earth, but you will also have everlasting joy in Heaven with our Father. Of course everyone in their right mind would assume that God’s children would automatically do these things, for ‘life’ could never get any better than promised by God. Unfortunately everyone with a sound mind will quickly recognize that we are still very much like the Israelites that God referred to in verse 13 above. In the greatest love that I can can possibly offer friend, I must warn you that the Israelites who disobeyed God and didn’t follow His decrees, never saw the wonderful gift of the Holy Land. This will be no different for those on earth who choose to disobey the Word of God – we will never see the gift of Heaven promised to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and obey the wonder gift of God’s special instructions to us – The Bible. Where do you stand on this Brother? Will you receive the prize Sister? Why not settle this today friends? Speak with God about your decision, won’t you?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for providing the means for me to have eternal life in heaven with You and the Father one day. Thank You for my friends who are reading this blog today and have not only been rescued from sin, like the Israelites were rescued from Egypt, but I pray that unlike the Israelites, each of us will dig deep into Your Word each day and not just look for Your glorious promises, but also be challenged to live according to Your teachings/decrees. As this occurs, I pray that those that we come into contact with each day will be impacted with the love of Christ that will be evident in everything we say or do. It’s all about You God. May we look and act just like You. I ask these things in greatest humility and love, 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 http://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!

Toughened For The Battle As We Serve

On 2016-07-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Determined, PreparedLeave a comment

Thursday, 2016-07-14

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 3:4–7

Bible Text: 4 The LORD said: Ezekiel, I am sending you to your own people. 7 They are Israelites, not some strangers who speak a foreign language you can’t understand. If I were to send you to foreign nations, they would listen to you. 7 But the people of Israel will refuse to listen, because they have refused to listen to me. All of them are stubborn and hardheaded,

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

Friends, there are a few substitutions I would like for you to make in the above verses: (1) Substitute the name of Ezekiel with your name, and (2) Substitute the reference to Israel or Israelites with the name of your country. Now re-read the verses with these substitutions. Hopefully you will see why this is just one more reason why God’s Word is so applicable to our current day, because people are still people – just as prone to sin and be hardhearted as indicated to Ezekiel. Although facing the same obstinate people as Ezekiel faced in his day, we may often feel like our country folk today are much worse at times! I believe that there are many times that our pastors and church leaders may often feel like throwing their hands up and saying ‘What’s the use’, until they read a story like this where God told Ezekiel that He would make him as stubborn and hardhearted as the people, but in a good way, so that he would toughen up for the task ahead. Friends, it is easy to cave in to the will of the people so that you may stay on good terms with them, and therefore feel like such a good cooperating citizen, but when we do that we become as bad as they are in their habits and likes and dislikes – in other words, we quickly become just like them in the face of a holy and righteous God. Friends, I am convinced that if God sends us, He will prepare us for the battle, and He will toughen us up to handle the scars of battle. Perhaps you are ready to give up your fight to imitate Jesus Christ in every aspect of your life and ministry, because of the opposition you are facing. Please be encouraged by the words of God to His servant Ezekiel, and know that this is the same God that we serve today. Let me encourage you to call out to God, and watch Him toughen you up for the battle also!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are holy and righteous, all-powerful and honorable in every way. You have prepared us for the tasks You have assigned us to, so please help us to keep our minds de-cluttered from any attempts by Satan to distract us from Your work/assignment. Many times it appears like there may not be an chance of success, but please help us to trust in You and allow You to do Your part in reaching the lost. We could never ‘save’ anyone. Please help us to do the work assigned to us and then watch the work that You will blossom in those lives. Please give us strength and wisdom every day to do Your perfect will, and may You receive glory for all that is accomplished through us, AMEN!

Footnote

Attitude of Prayer

On 2016-07-092016-07-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Power of Prayer, PrayerLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-07-09

Scripture

Bible Reference: Habakkuk‬ ‭3:2

Bible Text: “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

Bible Translation: New International Version (NIV)

My Take

A Very short verse today, but a lot is being revealed to us about the attitude of Habakkuk as he entered into prayer before the God of this universe. Because this is still very applicable to us today, I wanted to draw a few things from the verse to our attention:

I have heard about your fame – For any of us attending church, or reading the Bible or fellowshipping with each other, we have probably heard about the miraculous hand of God, and how He has answered prayer already. Knowing that our request is not the first He is being presented with, gives us a reference or reassurance to fall back on. Try verbalizing that friends. Let self know that the same God who has answered many prayers already, is the same One beckoning for all who are weak and heavy laden to come unto Him. He wants you to bring your petitions before Him;
I stand in awe of Your deeds – Our bottom jaws should drop when we consider the unique power of our God. Imagine, He: healed the sick; restored sight to the blind; raised the dead; overcame death on the cross and rose again, so that we may have eternal life! That’s our God, friends! Do you know Him?
Repeat Your miracles again today and let me be a witness to them – The confidence of knowing that our God is so powerful, so awesome, and loves us so much that He would repeat His miracles even in our midst, is nothing short of overwhelming. Our faith grows beyond measure as we see God’s miracles performed right before our eyes!!
In wrath remember mercy – After all of the above, aren’t we reassured that we can ask God for such impossible things as giving us peace in the midst of our storms, and for showering His mercy on us even in the middle of total wrath and mega problems! That’s our God who calls us to Himself!

So friends, whom then shall we fear? What issue or problem, what governmental issue, what worry or doubt shall we burden ourselves with, instead of surrendering them at the feet of Jesus?

Prayer

What a reminder of the God that we serve! Praise the Lord! We consider all of the worries and concerns that seem to bother us Lord, but after reading this verse today we can only conclude “Whom or what shall we fear?”. Our God is an awesome God and it is You that we place our faith and our trust. Please help us to always be in awe of Your presence and Your power and Your love for Your children. May we always commit ourselves fully to Your care, Your direction and Your wisdom, knowing that because of Your love for us, we are in the best hands. We are such a blessed people! AMEN!

Footnote

A Nation Blessed By God

On 2016-07-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Humble, Humility, Live in peace, Peace, PrayerLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-08

Scripture

Bible Reference: Zechariah 8:15–17

Bible Text: 15 I am determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. So don’t be afraid. 16 But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. 17 Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the LORD.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I believe that the blessing that God had for Jerusalem is a good indication of the blessing He has in store for your nation today friends, but I believe that the warnings and conditions are just as applicable. We serve a holy and righteous God, and I believe that His Word clearly shows us that He will not condone sin, unrighteousness and unfaithfulness. In fact, in these verses God declares to the people of Jerusalem what He is looking for, and I believe that these things are still applicable to us today. Here are a few things that God demands of a nation expecting to be blessed by Him:

Tell the truth to each other – another scripture says that we should let our yes be yes and our no be no. Never give a reason for doubt in anything you say, knowing that it is the truth and nothing but the truth. It is a rare thing today for folk to trust everything we say. This would be a clear indication to them that God must be influencing us;
In your courts, render fair decisions that lead to peace – I don’t believe that this indicates that our judges must let things slide, but I do believe it means that they should judge fairly, and without bias or prejudice, based on the laws of the land. When the law is fairly placed on everyone, in spite of their skin color or their financial means, then the people will live in peace knowing that they have been fairly judged;
Don’t ever plan evil things against others or tell lies under oath – When we scheme to hurt someone or treat them unfairly, we often bring in other sins that tend to help us apply the planned evil. God will have no part of that. When we love someone back into our good graces, our relationship will last much longer and blossom with goodness and joy!

Friends, think about it. For God to bless our respective countries even when the above sins are blatant, is like asking Him to turn the other cheek and let us have our own way, without regard for His holy instructions for us. I want to encourage Christians to stand tall in your faith; know what God demands of us and our nations; and pray daily for the growth and stability of God’s church, as this would be our encouragement to know that our prayers are being answered for our nation. 2 Chronicles 7:14 might be a good scripture to pin in a spot that will be a visible reminder to you every day, that if our people will humble themselves and pray, then God will……

Prayer

Dear God, please touch Your children once again today, please? For Your Word is very clear what we must do in order to see Your rich blessings poured out on us, yet we continue to live such sinful lives without proper regard for the King of all kings. Every time we listen to the news, we hear of such horrific happenings. Please help us to not shrug off these things to a God who must have forgotten us, but instead help us to look inward, and to look to Your Word for guidance as to what must be blocking our blessing. We are reminded that You will not bless or condone sin. Please help us to example righteous living before our unsaved family, friends and coworkers, for we may be the only ‘Jesus’ that they will have eyes for that day. Your Word is a lamp unto our feet – please help us to take that literally and seek to follow the way prescribed for us in Your Word. May You be glorified in us today, is my humble prayer that I ask in the name of the only holy and righteous One who set the example for us, AMEN!

Footnote

Respond To The Work Assigned By God

On 2016-07-04 By Ed AlgreenIn Committed, God's Will, God's WorkLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-07-04

Scripture

Bible Reference: Acts 20:22–24

Bible Text: 22 “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

This is a lot for us to think about on this special day – US Independence Day! Let’s first look at Paul’s scenario: He was on his way for a ministry that he was convinced God had called him to. Where? – Jerusalem; Job Description? – Unknown; Fringe benefits? Jail and suffering; Why should he continue on to do this? – because his life would be meaningless if he knew God had assigned something to him, and he chose to do anything else but that work. So let us look inward, and how we are responding to our God assignments. Would we be willing to go into an area of our own country that is extremely poor, or always in the news because of the extreme criminal activity? How about to another country where they have not been able to keep up with the modern day conveniences that we are accustomed to? Having your doubts? I probably would have also, but notice that there is no indication that Paul had any doubts. How about assignments right around your own church? Do you willingly accept them, knowing that your life might very well be miserable if you don’t accept the work that God has in store for you – to tell others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God? ‘Unqualified’ was your best response? May I encourage you to read the above verses again? Paul was headed out on a journey not knowing what God would have him do, so do you think he felt qualified to do it? Friends, as children of God, striving to obey the will of God, we make ourselves available to Him to be used for His ultimate glory. For such a specialized work as that, do you suppose for a moment that He expects you to do it in and of your own strengths and abilities? He wants our availability, not our abilities! Oh that we, the children of the most high God, might learn to move and act in faith, and learn to allow God to move mightily in and through us, perhaps then our relationship with Him might be stronger, and His work become more effective even through us. Won’t you consider being a ‘Paul’ today? Go where God sends you and do what He orders you to do, friend. It’s all for His glory anyway, so let’s facilitate the work, God being our helper and guide.

Prayer

Merciful Father, Master and Lord, You have everything under Your perfect control, yet You use even us – your children to work through us, like You did with Your servant Paul, to tell others about Your grace, Your love and Your saving power. Lord, please help us to respond to You with confidence, know that You can use even us to accomplish Your perfect will. Please give us strength to brush aside the attacks of Satan that cause us to find excuses when it comes to answering Your call. There was no excuse when You were ordered to the cross for our sacrifice. You did it because of Your love for us. Oh that we might love You enough to do Your will and share Your Good News with a world that is dying and going to Hell. Please touch Your children once again Lord, May it be today. AMEN!