Who Am I Lord?

On 2020-02-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Holy, Humble, Humility, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2020-02-07

Bible Reference: 1 Chronicles 17:16-19
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: ¹⁶Then King David went ins and sat before the Lord and prayed, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? ¹⁷And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! You speak as though I were someone very great,^[b] O Lord God! ¹⁸“What more can I say to you about the way you have honored me? You know what your servant is really like. ¹⁹For the sake of your servant, O Lord, and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known.

OBSERVATION: Can you imagine? Can you even think, why a perfect and holy God, the Creator of the universe, would take a moment to look at us, be concerned about us and the things that concern us? Why? Does that not blow your mind why a King would live and die for a sinner such as you or I? David had a very intimate relationship with God, yet he was overwhelmed with all that God chose to do for him and through him. Think about the ways that God has blessed you?

APPLICATION: I wonder how often we stop asking, begging or pleading with God long enough to just soak in the awesome work He has already completed in our lives? Do we ever stop long enough to give God credit for the wondrous ways that He has blessed others through us? David wanted to excel by building a temple for the Ark of the Covenant to be placed in, for he was feeling guilty that he had a palace, yet there was not a single place that could be considered ‘God’s home’. Notice how God put David in his place and ordered him to stand down, as this was not something that he would construct, but one of his descendants would have that pleasure. Now, with that added information, David is going before his Maker, not to show how upset he is over God not accepting his offer to give, but to thank God for all He has done for him, and continuing to do through his children. Friends, I would love to be able to give, and if I could do it through a friend or relative, I would be thrilled. My desire is to see the work of the Lord flourish, so I pray that God will be lifted up and magnified for all that is received for His work. Remember, God blesses us with our jobs and with a good income. What we give back to Him is just a token of all that He blesses us with. Let’s also remember that we receive many gifts that are not necessarily monetary in nature. Considering all those who work diligently for the kingdom, who am I that God should bless me? Like David said in the preceding verses, there is no one like my God. Let’s thank Him and praise Him for who He is, and for the love and honor He has bestowed upon each of us that call Him – LORD!

PRAYER: Thank You Heavenly Father for accepting me, just as I am. Like David, I acknowledge that I barely understand how You could love me knowing exactly how I act, and how I fail in so many ways. You alone are God, and You love me in-spite of my shortcomings and inadequacies. In fact, I could only imagine that it’s because of who You are and because You are alive in me. Thank You Heavenly Father for loving even me, and blessing my readers and I beyond anything we deserve based on our own merit. May You be honored, praised and glorified because of Your Holy Spirit being alive and well in us. Thank You dear Jesus. 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. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would encourage you to attend my home church. 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!

Revive Us Again Oh Lord

On 2020-02-06 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Draw Me Close to You, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Revival, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2020-02-06

Bible Reference: Psalm 85:4-7
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: ⁴Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.
    Put aside your anger against us once more.
⁵Will you be angry with us always?
    Will you prolong your wrath to all generations?
⁶Won’t you revive us again,
    so your people can rejoice in you?
⁷Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,
    and grant us your salvation.

OBSERVATION: Less we take the words of our theme today too lightly, I would like for us to consider what will be expected of us in order for God to consider reviving us again. Prayerfully read the Scripture again, and ask God to open your eyes to what needs changing in your own life. We want to rejoice in the God of our salvation, but we must seek an intimate relationship with Him.

APPLICATION: As a young man maturing in the Lord, I remember ‘revival’ services that would last between 3 and 5 days. These were special services dedicated to encouraging the believers to return to a closer relationship with the Lord, or to restore fellowship with God and His church. The active church body would generally petition God to speak to the hearts of His people and to achieve a great work among them so that His church might flourish. It seems like today, pastors are satisfied that they lead the charge for revival every Sunday, but more than that, I believe that we have become a society that has brought the ‘instant’ demands of the world into the church. What do I mean by that? Drive-Thru restaurants provide ‘instant’ food; Microwaves provide ‘instant’ warm-ups for food, coffee, etc.; Computers provide ‘instant’ results for very complex spreadsheets; etc, etc. So with all the ‘instant’ conveniences that we have, why do you suppose that we can’t attend church every so often, sing that hymn ‘Revive us Again’ about once a year, and receive ‘instant’ revival from the Creator of this universe? Friends, our God went to great lengths in the miraculous birth of His very own Son, and setting Him up for cruel punishment and an awful crucifixion, because He wanted to show us through His miraculous resurrection that His very life, death and resurrection was a vivid expression of His love for us. He loved us enough that He gave – He gave His very own Son, so that we might be forgiven of our sin, through faith in His Son, and that we may receive the gift of eternal life – that’s life eternally in heaven with the Father and the Son! So when we think of ‘Revival’, and/or asking God to ‘Revive us again’, please stop and be reminded of what God did for us. I believe that we must ask God to help us to get our lives in order, center our minds on Him, be prepared to rid ourselves of this ugly/dirty world, to draw us close to Him, and also make us more like Him in every aspect of our lives. This will mean turning away from many things that the world finds attractive, but that may totally distract us from looking like, or being like, Christ. I don’t believe that there is a need for us to seek revival, unless we are prepared to acknowledge the greater value in our relationship with Christ. Saying ‘no’ to this world, and ‘YES’ to Jesus Christ – this is what might bring revival in our lives, and a closer walk with our Master and Lord.

PRAYER: Oh dear Lord, may the love You expressed through Your precious Son, be something that we acknowledge, have a desire for, and strive towards imitating daily. Please strengthen us to have no desire for the things of this world, and instead be totally devoted to being more like You. Lord we want to be more like You in every way. The world needs You. May we not be a stumbling block that would prevent them from seeing You, desiring You and knowing You personally. Oh that You may be glorified in my readers and I today. AMEN!

By Grace We Are Saved

On 2020-02-05 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Grace, Merciful Savior, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Saved, Savior, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2020-02-05

Bible Reference: Acts 15:8-11
Translation: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: ⁸God knows everyone, even their thoughts, and he accepted these non-Jewish people. He showed this to us by giving them the Holy Spirit the same as he did to us. ⁹To God, those people are not different from us. When they believed, God made their hearts pure. ¹⁰So now, why are you putting a heavy burden^[a] around the necks of the non-Jewish followers of Jesus? Are you trying to make God angry? We and our fathers were not able to carry that burden. ¹¹No, we believe that we and these people will be saved the same way—by the grace of the Lord Jesus.”

OBSERVATION: Paul and Barnabas dealt with a divided people because of their heritage – Jew or Gentile. Unfortunately today we permit many things to separate us – even those who call themselves ‘Believers’. My Bible tells me that there is only one God, one cross and one heaven. Our Scripture tells us that Jews and Gentiles had a tough time getting along. Today there are many things that divide us here on earth. As we meditate, let’s be reminded that Paul and Barnabas said in verse 11 something that still applies to us today ‘we will all be saved the same way – by the grace of Jesus!

APPLICATION: If we ever expect to see the world, and in particular our own world of influence, saved from their sin and see them surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ, then Christians MUST know the answer to this question: ‘What must I do to be saved?’ It’s not the preacher, nor the pastor or not even another spiritual leader that will save them, it’s their recognition of their sin and their invitation to invite Jesus to be their Lord. This may result from intimate friends that they trust, who will plant the seed of faith in them and cause them to turn their eyes and inquiring minds towards Jesus. It is God’s Holy Spirit working through each of us that will impact our unsaved loved ones! However, I believe that this passage comes as a warning to each of us today, for we must be extremely careful not to try and impose upon these ones we are witnessing to, any non-biblical values, or additional conditions, that we may hold as ‘good moral practices’. Our Scripture teaches that it is ‘GRACE’ alone that will save mankind. That’s the unmerited favor of Jesus Christ. So be careful not to complicate what God has made simple for us. Be reminded also that salvation is not reserved for you and your family alone, or you and your church/denomination alone, for this was dealt with in today’s Scripture. God made us all, and He looks on each of us as His children who are all subject to the benefits of His grace. You may be a foreigner in the country in which you are living and worshiping, but you are considered a child of the only King! You may have a different color skin from the majority of your church members, but you are still a child of the same King who made us all. God loves us all, and holds His hand out with readiness to accept us all, so I pray that we would never try to place a roadblock in the path of one of His precious kids looking for a simple relationship with their Master and Lord. At the foot of the cross, we all look alike to Jesus. We are either accepted into His kingdom because He sees nothing but the blood of His precious Son, or we are turned away because of our stubborn rejection of His Son. Friends, there is nothing in this world more valuable than knowing Jesus personally. That’s the only thing that will last, or make a difference for eternity. Stop looking around dear friend, know my Savior today and know peace – the peace that passeth all understanding. I look forward to seeing you at the feet of our Savior one day – very soon!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, I am reminded that as I address You intimately today, there are many who are also addressing You as Father, who may look very different to me here on earth, and may believe Your Word differently to what I believe. Through Grace, we are saved! So in Your eyes, I believe that You are looking at my Brothers and Sisters from all parts of the world, the same way that You look on me as Your precious son. Lord, I want to live like You here on earth. Please help me to look on others through the same lens that You see us – Children of One Lord and Savior. Oh that You may be glorified through my readers and I today, so that unsaved loved ones will want to know You – this is my humble please oh Lord, AMEN!

Show Me Your Way Oh Lord

On 2020-02-01 By Ed AlgreenIn Faithful, Humbleness, Obedience2 Comments

Saturday, 2020-02-01

Bible Reference: Psalm 119:33-34
Translation: The Voice Translation (VOICE)

Bible Text: ³³ Eternal One, show me how to live according to Your statutes,
and I will keep them always.
³⁴ Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law
and keep it wholeheartedly.

OBSERVATION: We know from the life of David that there were many ups and downs, or highs and lows in his life, and perhaps that’s why many of us can identify with David so much. However, David became pretty special to God though, and we can see from our verses today that David’s heart was one of humbleness before God. He had a desire to learn more of God’s Word, and His perfect will for his life, feeling like if he could only understand it, he would put his whole heart into being obedient to it.

APPLICATION: Ever had a time in your life where you were about to get upset with a child because they were about to do something that you had corrected them on many times before? Then you realized that they were doing their very best to do what they probably understood from you, but just not as perfectly as you were hoping for? Isn’t that the way it is with God’s Word sometimes? You want to do things according to your understanding of God’s teachings, yet you become confused by all that is being taught from various pulpits, classrooms or media platforms. Friends, I believe that we need to pay close attention to the method used by David. Notice how he went to the Source to ask for wisdom and understanding? Notice how he had determined in his own mind that with this understanding and additional wisdom, came a determined heart to be obedient to whatever God revealed to him? I believe that often we become so hung up on wanting to hear an explanation of the Bible that fits our own personal desires and wishes that we tune out the teachings and explanations that are contrary to predetermined ideas. I believe that when we seek God’s face, like David did, we will often be led in opposite directions to what was determined in our minds, because God’s ways are so different to our ways. The bottom line for us though, is that only what’s done for Jesus will last. Only when we do what’s pleasing to Him and in full obedience to Him, will we truly align our lives with His will for us. So shall we seek to follow David’s example and seek God’s face, asking for Him to clarify exactly what it is that we need to do, so that we may be a pleasing fragrance in His nostrils? It’s not about what self wants or desires. It’s all about pleasing God in all that we do, friends, so that His perfect will might be accomplished through even us – His humble servants.

PRAYER: Father in heaven, You have demonstrated Your love for us by sending Your only Son as a sacrifice for our sin. Yet we love grudgingly and with many strings attached. You gave us Your Word – Your book of instructions for life, so that we might know the way to eternal life, and that we might know what pleases the Father. Yet we often choose to do our own thing, in hopes of selfish returns and personal achievements. Your servant David demonstrated through this Psalm today, that it’s not until we stop and surrender wholeheartedly to You, and Your perfect will for our lives, that we truly become a pleasing aroma to You and usable instruments by You to reach unsaved loved ones. Lord, may this be a day that You will be busy at work in our understanding of Your statutes and commands, whether we are sitting to ‘soak in’ the words from Your Holy Bible, or whether driving along being blessed by all that You have made, or whether through the spoken word of another believer. Lord, may Your will become perfectly clear to us today, is my honest plea and heart’s desire, with total thanksgiving for all that You will do today, AMEN!

What Your Character Should Look Like – Because of God

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

Friday, 2020-01-31

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Mission, Our Passion

On 2020-01-30 By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelize, Needs of others, Obedience, SalvationLeave a comment

Thursday, 2020-01-30

Bible Reference: Acts 26:18
Translation: The Voice (Voice)

Bible Text: ¹⁸It will be your mission to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God. This is so that they may receive forgiveness of all their sins and have a place among those who are set apart for a holy purpose through having faith in Me.”

OBSERVATION: Paul is known as one of the prominent writers of the gospel, in what we know today as the New Testament. However, it is good to reflect on all that Paul shared with King Agrippa in the testimony included in this scripture passage from which our verse is taken today. For you see, Paul was not born in a preacher’s home and spoon-fed the gospel all of his life. In fact, quite the opposite, for he was a persecutor of the Christian church and was feared by them, for his cruelty to Christians. However, once God got a hold of Paul, and he redirected his life, it was ‘all in’ for him, and he stayed consistent to His call by God, even if facing personal persecution, or death.

APPLICATION: In today’s society, we are so determined to have things done our way, or to make sure that self is well taken care of, but way too often we cave in when faced with opposition to our witness, or hardships for our stance on the things of Christ. Paul stood before the most powerful leader of his time, knowing that one wrong word could result in death or extreme times of imprisonment or persecution, yet he testified of his life changing event that took place on the road to Damascus. He further told the king of the extreme change made in His life by his Savior, and how everywhere that he went, he chose to preach the saving news of Jesus Christ. I wonder how far into the interrogation by the King would each of us have lasted? Let’s fast-forward to today. Hopefully each of us try to find a ‘safe’ place to gain our confidence each week, by meeting with fellow believers in a church setting. As we leave the doors of our sanctuary, I pray that we may have the tenacity of Paul to share the glorious gospel that saved us on our road of self destruction that was leading us to Hell. I further pray that we may we be so burdened for the hearts of those still headed in the wrong direction, that we may become as bold and determined as Paul to allow the power of God to minister through us, as we minister to others in His name. The world must know that there is a Savior who loves them so much that He bled and died for their sin, so that they might have hope for eternity. Friends, for all who have sought Jesus, and surrendered their lives to His sovereign reign and Lordship, be reminded that He has promised eternal life with He and His Father in heaven one day! Can we commit to sharing this with the same boldness that Paul did? They may accept the invitation that we give to them, however if they don’t, we would have at least been obedient to the call of Christ. Remember, we can’t save anyone. However, as we respond in obedience, God can do His mighty work through us. Are you willing to facilitate the call on a friends life today?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please forgive us for our selfishness in keeping the awesome news of Jesus all to ourselves. Please help us to empty ourselves of pride and fear, and to be bold in our openness and willingness to allow You to have Your way even through humble men and women. Please help us to mirror the boldness of Paul today, and may You use our obedience to accomplish Your awesome work in the lives of those that we rub shoulders with today. For thine is the kingdom, the glory and the honor, for ever and ever, 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. If you are anywhere near the Sebring, 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!

Confident In Prayer

On 2020-01-29 By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Faith, Humility, Obedience, Righteousness, SurrenderLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2020-01-29

Bible Reference: Psalm 17:3-6
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: ³You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
    You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
    I am determined not to sin in what I say.
⁴I have followed your commands,
    which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
⁵My steps have stayed on your path;
    I have not wavered from following you.
⁶I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
    Bend down and listen as I pray.

OBSERVATION: David went before the Lord in prayer, not as a stranger, but as one who had already aligned himself with the laws and will of God. Because of this, he went confidently before God, KNOWING that God would answer his prayers. As we turn our thoughts towards the encouraging words by David, let’s meditate on our own personal relationship with the Almighty. We need Him to listen to our heart’s cry every day.

APPLICATION: Oh to have the heart, determination and will of David! Too often we barge into conversations with God, demanding our own way and expecting God to respond like a puppet would, to all of our wishes and demands. But what if God truly responded to us exactly in the same way that we think things should go? What an awful mess that would be, friends! I believe our attitude for prayer must be one of honor and gratitude for who God truly is. Then there is Scripture that guides us into the remaining attributes of prayer, for in 2 Chronicles 7:14 we are told that if we are truly known as His children, in fact, if we are called by His name, and if we get off our ‘high horses’ and humble ourselves and pray with every intention and determination to turn from our wicked and sinful ways, then He would hear from the Father and heal us and all those around us (our land). Friends, this is not rocket science, nor is it unreasonable, for which of you will walk up to a total stranger and ask for anything substantial with full confidence that they would reach into their treasury of physical assets and just start handing them over to you? May I suggest to you that although my Savior knows each of us intimately and, while I am convinced that He will hear our cry, I believe that He is wanting most of all to know that our heart is totally in tuned with Him, and that He has the liberty to work freely in our lives. Friends, if you are not seeking God’s face as your own personal Savior and Lord, then no matter what your other needs are today, you must settle the ownership question first – you must be born again – new birth in Jesus Christ. This requires a conversation (prayer) with the Master, where you would surrender yourself to Him, and invite Him to rule and reign in Your life. There is no greater need of mankind today friend, and there is nothing more important, for what if you gained the whole world through your own efforts and finances, but yet have no hope of tomorrow, or a Savior who loves you more than anyone else in this world, and who is looking forward to your arrival in heaven one day. Jesus is the key to heaven friend, know Him and know total peace for today and always. I would be tickled to death to introduce my Lord to you! Drop me a note using the contact information below. I might also suggest that you click on the link below ‘To Know Jesus’ and there you will find scriptural references on what you might do to have eternal life. I look forward to meeting you in the most exciting worship service ever – at the feet of Jesus when we graduate to heaven!! Oh, what a day that will be!!

PRAYER: Lord You are good, and Your mercies are everlasting. You have opened the means of us communicating with You and seeking Your face. You have shown us the way to Your throne and ultimately to the glories of heaven with You and Your Father! What a blessed people we are! Lord, I am concerned about my friends that might read this devotional and brush off the truths of Your Word. There may be some that will seek Your hand for all they may need or want, but who may ignore the fact of first knowing You intimately. Please soften the hearts of the hardened, and please touch the hearts that simply read and choose to ignore a relationship with You. Thank You Lord for being available to us, and for loving us enough to demonstrate it through the sacrifice You made on Calvary. I am eternally thankful, and I desperately want to see all my readers, friends and family accept You as Lord, so that we may one day rejoice together around Your eternal throne. I commend them to You Lord. Thank You dear Lord Jesus! AMEN!

Fix Your Thoughts on…

On 2020-01-28 By Ed AlgreenIn Bless Others, The Mind of ChristLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2020-01-28

Bible Reference: Philippians 4:8
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.

OBSERVATION: There are so many things that get our attention in this world with television, provocative dress options and with various habits, that these may force us to feel like they are needed in order to be the popular kid on the block. However, many of these things often distract from the true virtues of a person, so God ordained His servant Paul to share with us things that we should really concentrate on, if we are serious about reflecting Christ before a lost world. This is worth being reminded about as we meditate on this one verse today. Join me, won’t you?

APPLICATION: When a cup is filled with water, it replaces the air that the cup was filled with. When leaving your child at college, and you’re pulling out to head back home, what are some the last minute things that you tell your child? Paul was about to leave his brothers and sisters at Philippi, and he didn’t want them to fall back into the condition that he had found them when he first visited with them, so he was coaching them on how they might stay strong in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Imagine how the pastor who led you to the Lord would feel if he chose to leave your town and move elsewhere in the country? Don’t you know that he would have some wise words of wisdom for you? I believe that God got my attention in reading about Paul’s words to his people, because these are included in the Word of God for my benefit. God knows that I needed to hear this today, and I am sharing this with you, because I feel like God wants you to hear this. So friends, may I therefore encourage you to displace everything ungodly in your mind with these things:
* Those things that are true;
* Those things that are good;
* Those things that are right;
* Think about things that are pure, and lovely;
* Dwell continually on the fine, and good things in others. Even in those ones that you have never been able to get along with;
* Be diligent about looking for things you can praise God for; and
* Be glad in all things because of the love of God for even you.

And the God of all grace will be with you dear friends, even until the end of time!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord, for Your blessings on me! As I sing that song over and over in my mind Lord, I realize how blessed I am to be Your child and to be the recipient of Your boundless grace. These words of encouragement from Paul reminds me that the minds of Your chosen people should be filled with the bounties that You generously pour out on us. When this happens Lord, then our thoughts and our actions will follow our mindset and therefore cause us to be a blessing to others. In doing this, there will be no time or reason for saying or doing those things that tend to destroy and tear down the work that You need to do among Your people. Please soften our hearts and our minds so that we might seek Your face and not Your hand, as we always tend to do. I believe that Your work through us here on earth will be richer if we reflect Jesus in our lives. Please grant this today dear Lord, for I ask this in the precious name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, AMEN!

A Warning From God

On 2020-01-27 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Heaven, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Monday, 2020-01-27

Bible Reference: 2 Kings 17:13
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: ¹³The Eternal One gave fair warning to Israel and Judah. He gave His warning through the mouths of prophets and seers throughout the land: “Abandon your wickedness, and obey My commands and laws which I gave to your ancestors through the mouths of My servants, the prophets.”

OBSERVATION: How seriously do we take warnings from almighty God? Do we feel like He knows what He’s talking about? Do we believe Him? Do we do anything about His warnings? The Israelites paid no attention to God and His warnings, and in verse 18 we are told that He removed them from His sight. Meditate with me on this Scripture today. This should make a difference in what we plan to do today, and throughout the year.

APPLICATION: On New Years Eve at the grand party, where Time Square was filled with over a million people, what if someone stood before that crowd, instead of the next planned entertainer, and announced that the city of New York would be totally destroyed by March 31st, do you suppose that some might leave the square right then and begin packing their belongings so they could move out of the state before the March 31st deadline? In the southern states of the US, a large percentage of individuals take seriously the warnings each year about approaching hurricanes, and they either move out temporarily, or they purchase protection and supplies to help them survive the approaching hurricanes. Of course some do nothing for they feel they are invincible and that nothing will destroy their ‘fort’ (their home). At least weekly, many pastors will stand in pulpits, or on street corners, and they will warn parishioners about the soon return of Jesus Christ to collect His church. Some will listen to what God is telling them through the awkwardness of preaching, while some will simply consider such warnings only apply to their wicked neighbor, or the person sitting next to them at church. Friends, it is clear to see from the Word of God, that Jesus was born miraculously for one intended purpose – to show the world (you and I) how much God loves us. For God loved us so much that He gave His only Son, so that any, and all, who believe on Him, will enjoy life eternally with Him in heaven one day (John 3:16). Now you will notice that there is a condition to spending eternity in Heaven with Jesus, just like there was a condition given to the Israelites. In other words, there is an action for you to take, just like there was a condition for our ancestors. But here’s the warning, dear ones: If we believe, then we will reap the reward promised to us by God. But what about those who reject the warnings from God? Unfortunately, there are two destinations: For those who believe on the name of Jesus – Heaven. For those who do not believe on the name of Jesus – Hell. We are smart people, and we know exactly what each destination brings to the table for us. Please let me encourage all who will read this devotional, that you listen to the warnings and accept Jesus as your Savior, for I have done this, and I’m looking forward to meeting my Savior in Heaven one day. My greatest desire is that all my family and friends will be by my side, at the feet of Jesus, on that day that He calls us away from this wicked world. If you have not already heeded to God’s warnings, please let me encourage you to speak with a Bible teaching pastor or read my Footnote to gain the help needed. This warning is way more important than any other warning from government leaders or other earthly sources. Do it today dear friend, please?

PRAYER: Lord, You’ve put the rules and requirements in place, then You’ve gone on to put warnings in place for us to follow those rules. Thank You Heavenly Father! Please prompt us now to surrender our lives totally over to You, heed to Your warnings, follow Your example, and encourage one another on towards good works while anticipating Your soon return. We really want to be with You dear Lord. Please help us to live like men and women who love and serve the Lord, waiting for our greatest reward! Be glorified in us today oh Lord! AMEN!

Against All Odds

On 2020-01-24 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Worship1 Comment

Friday, 2019-01-24

Bible Reference: 2 Kings 23:25
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: ²⁵No king before him or after him ever gave himself to the Eternal so fully and deeply as Josiah did. He offered to the Eternal with all his being: all of his heart, all of his soul, and all his might, in accordance with the sacred law given through Moses.

OBSERVATION: Josiah was not afraid of standing for what he believed, even though it was totally opposite to what previous kings had lived up to. Christians who aim to please God through their living and in their principles will stand out in a society where people are living according to the world leader – Satan. As we meditate, let’s analyze our way of living and determine if others might know that we are followers of Christ based on our principles, our faith, our word and our loving attitudes.

APPLICATION: I believe that this story of Josiah could easily be labeled ‘Against All Odds’, because in spite of all that the previous kings did, this young man was determined to serve the Lord His God in all honesty and with greatest integrity. It seems like today the world expects Christian leaders to belly up and accept everything dictated to them, rather than standing firm in their faith and demanding that the people of God be the people of God. I pray today for great wisdom and awesome boldness from our Christian leaders in every step of their ministry and church leadership.

This young king took his commitment to God so seriously that he ‘cleaned house’ by ridding the temple and all other places of pagan worship and things that God spoke through His prophets about. I believe that sometimes we need to ‘clean house’ so that we can truly show to whom we are truly dedicated. Too often we dilute our commitment to God with so much of this wicked world. In verse 25 it was recognized that Josiah was one of a kind by obeying all the law of Moses. I pray that God will give me the wisdom and boldness to be so dedicated to Him that it would seem unreal to this world, but looked on by God as one-of-a-kind. What about you my friend? I believe that you are not only living out what you have asked God for, but I also believe that all too often we live in a way that will blend into what others believe and practice. Will God be glorified through you today?

PRAYER: Precious Lord, You are my Rock and my Redeemer. You are my strength and awesome example in life. I need You to direct my path and make me more like You in every way so that the world might see Jesus in every aspect of my life. I would also ask that You play a vital role in the lives of my family and friends today, especially those reading this devotional. May You be glorified in us today oh Lord. AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Tag: Jesus