Tag: Jesus

Be Strong and Courageous – The Lord is with You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, direction, Lead me, Leadership, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-08-06

Bible Reference: Joshua 1:8-9
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

OBSERVATION: I believe that often we are challenged with a BIG point of indecision, similar to what Joshua must have been facing in the story from which I chose these two verses today. It is so awesome to reflect on how God worked in the past and to know that He is still the same today as He was back then. Spend a few moments with me today as we meditate on this Scripture and apply it to our lives.

APPLICATION: At this point in the journey by the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, they are just across the river from their final destination. However, Joshua is faced with a huge challenge, much like we might feel at certain times in our lives. I’m sure in his mind Joshua sees a river that is way too deep to ever cross over, and he can’t see enough of the other side to know if it’s something that he should even struggle to find a way to get over to it. You know those kinds of challenges, for you’ve had a few of those yourself during your short lifetime! For example, I’m faced with retirement – it will be the first time in my lifetime that I will enter such an awesome change in my life’s journey! I’ve dreamed about it, and I’ve asked God to help me attain it, especially after so many years of working relentless hours. But I needed these verses today to tell me how my future will be successful. Oh the comforting words whispered by God Himself, that I just need to stand tall and be courageous, for He will be with me, just like He was with my ancestors Moses and Joshua. So ‘HOW’ will my decision be successful? God said in His Word that if Joshua meditated on His Word day and night, and be sure to obey what is written in His Word then, and only then, will he succeed in what he does. I have every reason to believe that God demands the same thing of me as I ask Him to guide me successfully through the unknown that lies ahead in retirement. Further, I take great courage in the words that follow in today’s Scripture, for I believe that my God looks on me like He did with Joshua, and says ‘take courage my son, and be strong, for the Lord God Almighty is with you wherever you go’. The interesting thing is that there are several other huge decisions that I needed to be encouraged in through this promise today, and I sincerely thank God for drawing me to these verses today for this awesome encouragement. But for my dear readers, I believe that God led you to read this devotional today because you may have some possible mountains ahead that seem uncrossable to you also. Take courage my friend, be of good cheer, be strong in the knowledge and comfort of the One who loves you enough to give up His life as a sacrifice for you – HE will be by your side, HE will lead you through the fog of the unclear future you might see ahead of you. Let’s remember, HE is our Father and HE will see us through every walk of life as we head towards the Promised Land that He went on ahead to prepare for us in Heaven. Those that know Jesus as their Savior will have this wonderful assurance today. Those who have not accepted Jesus as Lord, will have no idea what I am joyfully referring to today, but I hope that I have peeked your interest enough to read my Footnote and the pages hyperlinked in my Footnote. Jesus wants you to surrender your all to Him also my friend. Do it today, for you have no promise of tomorrow.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on to the end…. In the words of that old song Lord, I need You more than ever to take my hand and lead me on every day. Oh that my readers will take courage from Your promises in Your Word today that You will lead them on also, just as You promised Moses and Joshua. Oh that the unsaved who may stumble across this devotional today, oh that they may be in such a position of uncertainty in life, that they might be encouraged to reach out and accept you as their Lord, their Savior, their Director in life and their Encourager for making good decisions, in confidence, knowing that the King of kings and Lord of lords, is right by their side. Have Your will and way today oh Lord, as you lead and direct our paths. AMEN!

How Christians Avoid Heartaches

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dedication, Devoted, Devotion, Focused, Heaven, WorryLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-08-05

Bible Reference: Colossians 3:1-3
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text:  1 Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arose from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power. 2 Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here. 3 You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God.

OBSERVATION: What occupies your time? What do you tend to become worried about? Do you feel like your mind, and your life is properly aligned with the Creator of heaven and earth? Jesus displayed an incredible love for you, and He wants His very best for your life, but He needs your undivided attention. So STOP and meditate with me for just a short while today! It may be the most meaningful out of anything else you do today!

APPLICATION:  When Christians worry, do you suppose it’s because we are worried that God will not do what He promised? When we doubt and stress out to the limit, do you suppose that we are concerned that God is unfaithful? When we feel unloved and like no one cares, do you suppose that we allow ourselves to ponder why God must have left us alone and no longer care about us? Friends, I believe that when we allow these types of feelings and/or thoughts to enter our minds, it’s because we have taken our eyes off Jesus and becoming overwhelmed by the the things of this world, and perhaps looking for the attention of earthly friends or loved ones. I believe it is times like these that Satan moves in for the attack, for he sees that we have taken our eyes off Jesus and allowing the distractions of this world to take hold in our lives. I would highly recommend these verses to all Christians today, for if we follow the advice in verse 2 and fill our thoughts with heaven – our future home, then we will be reminded that it is a place prepared just for us. A place where we will unite with Jesus at the foot of His throne and worship Him with unending praises. A place where we will hear the voice of the Father who will encourage us with words such as “well done good and faithful servant”! A place where the creator of love, the One who loved us enough to die on a cross so that we might have everlasting hope and assurance of heaven. A place where there will be no distractions, but instead where our full undivided attention is attracted towards the Savior of the world! Try getting away where you are totally disconnected from cell phones and devices for a week. Wow, what a release! Oh how our attention is quickly drawn to the things and people who are truly important to us! Friends, I must remind you that we have allowed so much interference in our day that we not only lose sight of our one-on-one time with the Lord, but we also have lost sight of one-on-one time with our spouses, our children, our friends, our coworkers and all others. Is it any wonder that we have trouble evangelizing to them? If we can all agree that verse 3 is totally spot on and accurate, then we will agree that our real life is in heaven! I would dare say that our minds, our attention, our aim and our devotion should be there today and everyday also. Do these thoughts apply to you, friend? If not, why not? Is this something you need to take time to talk with God about?

PRAYER: Lord God, we are such worry warts, but it’s always over things that really don’t matter – things of this world. Being reminded in this scripture that our minds are to be set on our heavenly home, and our time with You, we humbly come before You today asking for forgiveness for our misguided thoughts and worries. We realize that all these things do is to distract us in our walk with You and our witness of You. For when we become solid in our faith and demonstrate it in our walk with You, we will influence those who follow in our steps. Lord I pray that You will do an awesome work in my life and in the lives of my readers, so that we might become healthy Christians focused on the ‘main thing’ – our heavenly home. I further pray that this new focus will have such an impact on others that Your name might be lifted high as Your children become better aligned with Your perfect will for us. I ask these things in the strong, mighty and holy name of Jesus – your Son, and my Redeemer, 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!

Telling The World To Whom You Belong

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

Friday, 2019-08-02

Bible Reference: Luke12:8-9
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 8 “I can assure you of this: If you don’t hold back, but freely declare in public that I am the Son of Man, the Messiah, I will freely declare to all the angels of God that you are mine. 9 But if you publicly pretend that you don’t know me, I will deny you before the angels of God.

OBSERVATION: Today people that you come into contact with will know who guides your life. But I’m a boisterous type person who openly speaks my mind on every subject, you might say, and you know how to hide your private feelings, so your audience will never figure you out. Another might respond, but I’m a very quiet and reserved type person, so they will never figure me out. As we meditate today, let us consider what we say to friends every day regarding our faith and the one who has a lasting impression on our lives.

APPLICATION: Isn’t it interesting how God covered all types of individuals in the two Scripture verses chosen today, even the two mentioned in my Observation? Yes, for the one who is hyper and keeps talking endlessly, they may have a weak self image, so in their attempt to be seen or heard, they look for ways to be recognized. Often, this is a self image they are trying to develop, or make up for, and often this individual will tend to speak first and think afterwards. They might ask a lot of questions about their new found Savior, and eventually they may be some of the first to speak up in a Bible study class, or perhaps one of the first to pray in a prayer meeting. Friends might recognize a change has occurred in their lives, but I feel like they will quickly learn more about that change as they interact with this individual. Most individuals live to please others, and not to ‘rock the boat’ in their relationships with others. Therefore most will tend to hide their relationship with Christ as a private matter, if they suspect that talking about it would hinder relationships. Friends, if we’re not careful, this type of undercover Christian might easily be the type that Jesus speaks of in verse 9 – for these individuals may go along with the flow so often that friends will not even recognize that a ‘Christian’ is in their midst. Does this equal being ashamed of Christ? Or pretending to not even know Jesus as Lord? Let me encourage you to answer these questions. But consider this: If you were carrying around a 9″ cross as a witnessing tool, would there be situations and/or places and/or people groups where you would either hide that cross, or leave it at home? By chance, are you a little ashamed of the Christ who once hung on that cross to save the world when you are around certain people? Would you prefer that the world not know your association with Christ in certain crowds or situations? How then would you feel when Jesus tells the Father, I never knew this one? He said that He would do that if we pretend that we don’t know Him. Friends, I don’t believe for a minute that Jesus expects us to walk around with a huge Bible that we would bang over the heads of unbelievers. However, in much the same way that you would unashamedly associate yourself with your spouse, or parents, in any crowd or company, I believe that a man/woman/child should just as freely claim their submission to, dependence on, and allegiance to, their Savior and Lord – their Almighty God. Think on these things today child of God. Are you for Him, or against Him? Are you willing to tell the world that you love Him and claim Him as Lord of your life?

PRAYER: Oh Lord Jesus, we are grateful for our salvation and the awesome sacrifice that You made at Calvary. As our Creator, we are also grateful for the precious gifts You give to us each and every day to enjoy here on this earth. We thank You for all that You have done, and continue to do, so unselfishly just for us. Please fill us with a deep commitment to serve You, and to honor You, and to share about Your goodness in every circumstance of life. Please encourage us to not only be mouthpieces for You here on this earth, but may we also express Your love for us, through every action, regardless of the audience we might find ourselves in. AMEN!

Choose Life

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

Wednesday, 2019-07-31

Bible Reference: Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long……

OBSERVATION: From a heart of love and deep concern, Moses explained to the Israelites that their decisions and actions from that point forward would direct their future chances of survival, and that of their children. Doesn’t it seem like a very clear-cut, simple decision for the Israelites? I believe that in meditating on this today, our eyes will be opened on how challenging it is for us to make similar decisions.

APPLICATION: For a kid ridding down a path, that you know leads to a dangerous cliff, I believe that you will shout, run after, and call friends to help you stop that kid before it is too late. Agreed? That’s similar to the dilemma that Moses faced. God made it obvious to Moses that He had two choices on how He would handle the multitude of people, whose ancestors started on a 40-year journey with Him towards a Promised Land filled with milk and honey. Each promise came with predetermined results. 1). If they would simply follow the commands that Moses shared with them, and stayed true to the Living God, then they and their future generations would remain under the care and protection of God, who would continue to provide for them. 2). If they chose otherwise, in verses 17-18, Moses was very clear that they would not live a long, good life in the land, and they would be destroyed. However, this provided a choice that the people had to make for themselves. Now if I was to stop right at this point and ask you what should their choice be, I’m sure you would quickly respond that the people should choose life over the serious, dangerous, critical, ludicrous second choice that would lead to certain misery, harm, hurt and certain death. Seeing that Moses pleaded with his people to make the same choice, I would say that your answer was probably the only choice in the matter. HOWEVER, just like many who live all around you, and who sit all around you in church, the Israelites made the same decision as your friends do each time a pastor or teacher gives the invitation to accept Jesus as Lord. Unspoken responses will vary, but they probably sound something like: ‘I need to live my (worldly) life out before tying myself down to Christ only’; or ‘I heard there are beautiful ladies, or handsome men, in the town I am moving to and I must enjoy some time with them first’; or ‘Wow, let me list the fun things I will miss if I make this serious commitment’; etc, etc. Friends, is it not obvious that the Israelites must have had their minds centered on the many pleasures awaiting them in the Promised Land, that they didn’t want to commit until they saw if there was something better, or if there was going to be a need for God? Is it not very similar thoughts that our unsaved friends must ponder when faced with the same choice in our churches? Please allow me to suggest to you that only prayer will break the barriers that Satan presents to his followers, so if you love, and are concerned about a loved one or a friend standing next to you in church, pray, pray, pray. For God has the power to overcome Satan in every battle that he starts! For my unsaved friends reading this devotional today, allow me to plead with you to ‘choose life’ my friend!

PRAYER: Thank You Father for leading me to ‘Choose Life’. I have relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors, blog readers and even church attendees that are faced with this same choice today. Please, oh God, soften their hearts and draw them unto yourself. Please open their eyes to the truth of Your Word and to the love and promises that You offer. Oh that they may accept You as Lord and Savior today is my humble plea. I pray that my Christian readers will take priority in going before God today on behalf of all those in their circle of influence who are headed for Hell, begging with God for their salvation, and that they may ‘Choose Life’. AMEN!

Key Responsibilities for the Christian

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Evangelize, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, Serve, Service, Share, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-07-30

Bible Reference: Hebrews 12:14-15
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 14 Try to stay out of all quarrels, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.

OBSERVATION: We hear a lot about family divisions, church splits, and of course divorces, but in God’s Word He tells us that we are to stay away from quarrels and always seek to live holy lives before the Lord. Oh, and while aiming for that perfection, make sure that no one in your group wanders away from God’s best blessing, and creates a point of bitterness, envy, distrust, that may therefore cause others to avoid the rich blessings of the Lord.

APPLICATION: In life, we hear a lot about how people look out for themselves – how they earn as much money as they possibly could, so that they could have everything they desire, and go places that others barely think of. This may prove to be a successful path for some, while for others the same path may lead them into selfish attitudes, who may think that they worked so hard, so that they could make it to the top, and they deserve everything that they have, so that they could enjoy travel and the other joys of life that they have dreamed of over the years. Very successful people, you might say, for they set their goals and worked hard to achieve them. I will not try to disagree with how you might feel about your friends that you identified in my description above, but as a Brother in Christ I feel compelled to draw your attention to what the Scripture demands of us individually, in hopes that we will never find ourselves in that ‘selfish’ corner. I believe that God created us to be successful, but first and foremost, I believe that God created us in His own image, so that we might never lose sight of our creator. In fact, I believe that He has built into us a deep desire to obey and imitate Him, and to even worship Him as our Creator. These things will cause us to always remember Him as our Father. When we place ourselves in the position of the created one, the worshiper and the obedient servant, why do you suppose that we would desire anything that displeases our Master and Lord? Friends, this whole devotional can be summed up in short by admonishing you to: Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior; worship Him in humility as your Lord; Obey His every command; follow in His footsteps, guided by His Word, so that you may act, look and sound just like Him to a lost and dying world. When you do this my friend, you are bound to avoid the things He avoided, live the way He lived, and desire the ‘good life’ for others around you, just the way that He chose you and called you unto Himself. I love the way that verse 15 admonishes us to feel secure in our relationship with the Lord, and to show proof of our oneness with God by looking out for our neighbor – those around us, just like He did with us. If our neighbors neglect the Lord, or if Satan tempts them in ways that affect their good standing, then we had best look at supporting them and encouraging them, before their negativity, hatred or other hideous actions start to affect us. Furthermore, when that neighbor hurts, we should also hurt and we should be drawn to help them turn their life around. So yes, we must stay in close relationship with God so that we might mirror His goodness here on this earth, BUT we also have a responsibility to look on and help our neighbor as well. I trust that you will make every effort to help your neighbor along this tough road of life, just like God held out His hand and pulled you up from the sin that held you back.

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! Now I beg You Lord, to help my readers and I to not only boast in that oneness with You, but to share that love, and Your salvation, with all those around us – our neighbors. People need the Lord, amen? May they see our Savior so prevalent in our lives that they will want to know Him, accept Him and serve Him the rest of their lives. AMEN!

Whose Side Are You On?

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

Monday, 2019-07-29

Bible Reference: Luke 11:23
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: 23 “Anyone who is not for me is really against me; anyone who does not help me gather is really scattering.

OBSERVATION: In response to the question ‘Whose side are you on?’ most Christians will quickly respond ‘well of course, I’m on God’s side’. But I wonder how the response will change if asked ‘whose side will the world say that you’re on, based on your words and actions?’. Come, meditate on this small verse for a few moments with me today.

APPLICATION: Some will quickly argue that it doesn’t matter what the world thinks, you know what you believe and in whom you have placed your trust. But I want to remind all readers today, that if the world looks on and observes attitudes and outward expressions of a proclaiming Christian and they are made to question whose side we’re on, how much more will God know based on our heart, our desires, our actions behind closed doors, and our actions and words with unsaved friends? I believe that it is important that we remind ourselves that the God of this universe, is One who is everywhere and who knows everything. He is well aware of our thoughts, not just our actions and what might be shared through our lips. In this verse, Jesus reminds us that if we are not with Him in every sense of the word, then we are actually working against Him and scattering the sheep that He is trying to encourage and draw unto Himself. May I suggest that we take this opportunity to consider how badly it turns people off when we call ourselves followers of Christ, yet our lives display worldly actions, and every indication of the unsaved? When the world sees that sort of confusion, they run away from us, and from anything that we associate ourselves with. When that happens, we have scattered the sheep in a different direction than if they were following Christ. I can conclude with another Scripture where Jesus said that He wished that we would be either hot or cold. Meaning that we should be honest with ourselves and with Him, regarding who our Master is. God promised the Israelites a land filled with milk and honey – a Promised Land, if they would be obedient to Him and follow Him. Heaven is our Promised Land for those who are faithful and true to the One they have surrendered their lives to – Jesus Christ. Are you with me friend?

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, we have invited You to be our Lord and Savior, but having been left in this world, we are constantly battling the temptations and tugging by the world and all followers of the evil one. Please dear God, give us strength to stand firm in our faith so that the world might see, know and believe on the One True God. We need You desperately Heavenly Father. AMEN!

To Become A Holy People Dedicated To The Lord

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

Saturday, 2019-07-27

Bible Reference: Deuteronomy 28:9-10
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 9 He will change you into a holy people dedicated to himself; this he has promised to do if you will only obey him and walk in his ways. 10 All the nations in the world shall see that you belong to the Lord, and they will stand in awe.

OBSERVATION: Listening to the evening news, I believe we will all conclude that Satan has overpowered the world and has taken control of the minds of our people. However, in reading our Bible, God reminds us of what He promised the Israelite people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Because God wanted this printed in His Word, I believe He is saying to each one whose country is represented by my readers, that He could do it again! What a glorious thought for us to meditate on today!

APPLICATION: Don’t you feel like our world can’t get much worse in terms of the evil that we hear about through a multitude of criminal activities; the hatred displayed and lived out by many; the prejudices portrayed against people of different races, countries and economic statuses; and the overall disrespect for life itself? I would highly recommend that each reader take time to read the entire chapter linked in the above Scripture, for we can see clearly how God responds to His people when they are obedient to His Word, and to the contrary, when they choose to do their own thing and ignore the instructions of God. Friends, it is clear that God honors His people when they love Him, honor Him, and obey His commands. It is also clear that since He brought us into this world, He could very easily take us out, at His command. In addition to this eye-opening Scripture, I would also refer you to 2 Chronicles 7:14 where we are taught by God that if we humble ourselves, pray, and honor Him, He will heal our land of it’s sin-sickness and set us on a good path. I am so convinced that it is time for Christians to wake up and honor God’s Word, so that He may hear our sincere cry and heal our land. Lord, begin this great work in me – PLEASE, and may this become the prayer of many reading this blog today.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for you many blessings on me! I’m sure that most of your children will easily echo that praise today, for You are so good to us precious Lord! With the eye-opening reminder from Your Word on the reason for our setbacks and our struggles, I pray that You will help us to seek You personally and commit personally to beg for Your work to begin in us. Yes, we can look at all those around us who fail, but let Your work begin in us. For one by one, under the influence of Your power and love, we can become more than conquerors as You heal our land and draw us unto Yourself. AMEN!

To Live Forever In Heaven

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

Friday, 2019-07-26

Bible Reference: Luke 10:25-28
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 25 Just then a religious scholar stood before Jesus in order to test his doctrines. He posed this question: “Teacher, what requirement must I fulfill if I want to live forever in heaven?”
26 Jesus replied, “What does Moses teach us? What do you read in the Law?”
27 The religious scholar answered, “It states, ‘You must love the Lord God with all your heart, all your passion, all your energy, and your every thought. And you must love your neighbor as well as you love yourself.’”
28 Jesus said, “That is correct. Now go and do exactly that and you will live.”

OBSERVATION: Some people will try to copy what successful people have done, because they hope that they could also become successful. The religious scholar in our story today knew what the Bible said about what one must do to gain eternal life, but hoping to entrap Jesus he asked Him the question anyway. I wonder if others gain a fair assessment of how they might get to heaven, by following in our footsteps?

APPLICATION: Don’t you find it fascinating to watch a child’s actions, and especially how they tend to imitate an adult that they tend to admire? I believe that each of us have a deep desire for success, and that depends on whether we are looking to improve our stance here on earth, or if we think about what happens after our struggles here on earth. Many believe in God, especially in times of personal crisis, but many tend to not surrender to Him in the prime of life, because they feel there might be something better here on earth. I believe that although this Jewish scholar initially started out to try and trap Jesus, he may have felt like he was challenging Jesus with the question in verse 25, with hopes of reassuring himself that he knew everything possible about securing his eternity. Fortunately, the scholar chose the right person to question, for Jesus not only knew the answers to his questions, but He also knew the details of this man’s life, and what in particular needed attention from God’s point of view. I believe that there are some today who might ask Jesus the same question that the scholar asked, because they want to make sure that they are doing, at minimal, everything to gain favor with God, in case they ever need Him during their earthly travail. Please re-read the above verses again, and notice that Jesus was emphatic about the relationship that the Scholar had with His Lord – Jesus Christ, and with his fellow man. Friends, you may hear about our Lord and Savior, and you may appreciate all the miraculous things He did for mankind when He was bodily upon this earth. Knowing that the Bible also teaches that You can only achieve heaven through Jesus Christ, you may be looking for a set of standards – rules that you can follow, to make sure that you never wind up in Hell after life on earth is over. Notice how God made it as simple as ABC: Accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior – this means that you surrender your self-will and stubborn determination to the simple act of trusting Jesus with every aspect of your life; Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ – that He died (was crucified) and He was buried, yet He arose from the dead so that we might have eternal life in heaven around the throne of God for ever and for ever; and Confess your sins before Him, knowing that He knows everything about you, then acknowledge your sin to Him and ask His forgiveness of your sin. If you are concerned about whether Jesus would ever accept such a sinner as yourself, please read John 3:16, for Jesus assures us that whosoever comes to Him will be saved. He loves us that much dear friends!

PRAYER: Thank You Heavenly Father for loving me enough to accept me, just as I was, and for cleansing me and making me as white as snow in the eyes of our Father. Only a God like You could do such an awesome work in love for even the worst of sinners. Lord Jesus, I beg You today to reach into the hearts of all those that might surrender their heart to You today in response to the Scripture presented, and the humble expression of simple faith shared by the writer. Lord, I lift Your name on high today. Please draw mankind unto Yourself as You promised in Your Word! AMEN!

A Reflection of Oneness

On By Ed AlgreenIn Disciple, Oneness, UnityLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-07-24

Bible Reference: John 17:20-23
Translation: God’s Word Translation (GW)

Bible Text:  20 “I’m not praying only for them. I’m also praying for those who will believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that all of these people continue to have unity in the way that you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they may be united with us so that the world will believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me. I did this so that they are united in the same way we are. 23 I am in them, and you are in me. So they are completely united. In this way the world knows that you have sent me and that you have loved them in the same way you have loved me.

OBSERVATION: The world will look to the church in hopes of seeing Jesus. Will they see enough oneness to know that Jesus abides there, or will they tell from the division and backbiting that Jesus has no place there? Let’s consider how well our church is doing today in the light of the desire of Jesus in the Scripture today.

APPLICATION:  In this chapter Jesus prayed to His Father for His disciples and the church at large. In these verses He prayed in all sincerity that those (Christians) who know Him would be in such unity, that the people to whom they speak (the unsaved world), would believe in Him and accept Him as the Savior of the world sent by God the Father. Friends, I often reflect on what the opposite effect must have, and also how that must have an impact on the unsaved as they fight the will of God. That leads me into considering what happens to the ministry of Jesus Christ when children of God can’t agree – when they fight and bicker among themselves so much that the unsaved world wants no part of the confused mess they see occurring in and among churches. Is it any wonder sometime why we stop and ponder why our ministries are ineffective? It seems like even among ‘friendly’ denominations, we go out to minister in Jesus’ name, and wind up putting down another denomination. Oh my, friend, that is not a sign of ‘oneness’. When our job description dictates that we spread the love of God, and our lives reflect the joy of the Lord living inside of us, doesn’t that mean that we should be so busy praising and bragging on our Lord that there will be very little time or desire to find fault with another believer who may not show their Christianity in exactly the same way that we do? In fact, when I reflect on this prayer of Jesus and really gain the breadth and depth of His heart as He prays to His father, I see where He really wants us to reflect the ‘oneness’ that He portrays with His Father. There is no where in scripture that Jesus puts down His Father or speaks evil against Him or disagrees with Him. Instead, it is just the very opposite, for He respects the role of the Father in ultimately making decisions (especially about the second coming of Jesus), and He speaks as one and the same when conveying the truth and love of the gospel. So where do we get off at in being His follower, imitating Him in every way, yet being critical of fellow disciples who are working towards the same goal of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ? This type behavior or ministry will not serve the ultimate wish of Jesus in verse 21 when He prayed that we will go out and minister in such unity that the world (the unsaved) would know that God truly sent the One in whom we believe, and the One we are spreading Good News about. ‘Oneness’ points to us truly representing Jesus, who was sent in the likeness of His Father. Anything else tears down the ministry of Jesus Christ and promotes the intent and heart of Satan. I believe we all know what we should be busy doing today and every day of our life. Let’s get to work – unified in the Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ!

PRAYER: Father, please forgive us for our weakness in allowing so much of this world to indwell us, and interfere in the ministry, that You have assigned to us. As these verses today reflect, You actually prayed for us to be one with You and You are with Your Father. Our lack of success in ministry is a direct result of our disobedience to You and Your Word, and caused by our selfish desire to tear down another while trying to promote our selfish goals. Reading these verses today causes me to seriously consider keeping these pinned in an obvious place for daily inflection, and as a guide towards my daily goal. Lord, I need Your power to overcome the desire to tear another down in order to promote self. May I ask that You grant me strength to overcome this weakness, but also to touch the heart of Your followers today and embed a deep desire within them to also do the same. Please strengthen and guide us towards ‘Oneness’ – the kind that You exampled before us in being ‘One’ with the Father. I ask this knowing that Your desire is that through our ‘Oneness’ the world will know that You were sent by the Father to save them. May this be accomplished today in and through your earthly representatives, for this is my pray that I ask in the name of Jesus, AMEN!

Amazed By The Healing and Power of God!

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

Tuesday, 2019-07-23

Bible Reference: Luke 9:43
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 43 The crowd began cheering and discussing this amazing healing and the power of God….

OBSERVATION: Jesus had just healed the demonic filled son. at the request of his dad. All the people around Jesus that saw this shouted cheers of joy and amazement as they marveled over the power of God. Does that sound like the ending of your church service each Sunday morning? I believe that the excitement of seeing Jesus at work in the lives of our fellow worshipers will cause us to leave our services rejoicing and filled with hope that we could be next! Let’s meditate on why this may not happen often enough for us!

APPLICATION: I once had a discouraged pastor share with me about a parishioner who got on to him because he was allowing too much sharing time by members at our weekly prayer meeting. For the accuser felt like the pastor was being paid to teach and preach at the Wednesday night service, so in his opinion, he should do so. Unfortunately we may hear very complaints if we allowed something similar at our Sunday services. I wonder if we have become so used to the idea of being entertained at home, at the movies, and almost anywhere else we go, that it actually creates animosity when we are not entertained in the same way at church. Think with me for a moment about attending church each weekend and you are entertained by good singing and preaching, but back at home you sit back and wonder: was anyone in the congregation touched by God? Think about the fact that you were really hoping that you would have been encouraged in some way about the possibility of knowing that God was at work in at least a few fellow worshipers. Imagine how exciting it would be to end a church service in a time of celebration of how God miraculously healed a friend right next to you, and how a church member felt relieved from the burden they were carrying when they entered the service. Do you suppose that you would be more led to believe that our God is alive and well, and that there is great hope in knowing that He could also touch your life, heal your diseases, lead, direct and uphold you through every walk of life? Friends, our God has not changed. He’s still God and He is able to still do all that He promised in His Word. Won’t you consider drawing nigh to Him and allow Him to draw nigh to you? He loves you beyond anything you could imagine!

PRAYER: Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all thy hands have made… and all You have done for me, I can’t help but worship You and adore You for who You are. Thank You for the reminder in today’s Scripture that You are still in the healing business and Your wondrous works are beyond my comprehension. But more than anything, I know that You have not changed, and the same power I read about in Your Word is still available to us who believe today. Oh that we may worship You and honor Your holy name Oh Lord. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done, for thine is the kingdom and the glory, for ever and forever. AMEN!