Tag: Know Jesus

The Impact of Sin by Our Leaders

On By Ed AlgreenIn Church Leaders, Government Leaders, Leadership, Power of Prayer, PrayerLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   2 Chronicles 24:18 (NLT)

TEXT: 18 The king and these leaders stopped worshiping in the Temple of the LORD, the God of their ancestors. Instead, they began to worship the Asherah idols and other idols. Because they did wrong, God was angry with the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

OBSERVATION:   It is terrifying for God’s people to sit and watch while their leaders worship idols and foreign gods, because we know that our God is a jealous God and that He deserves all of our praise. However it is an awful thing when our leaders ignore God’s warnings and continue in sin to the point that God demands the punishment of all people under their rule. In our Scripture today, God was very angry with the people under the reign of these leaders, and I believe that it’s because they sat idly by while the leaders took the whole country to Hell with them. Don’t we feel the same way even today? Let’s look to the Scriptures!

APPLICATION:   Growing up we were warned about staying away from certain kids, because we are known in our community based on those we hang around with. There are many other things that parents wisely share with their children about our relationship with the wrong crowd: guilty by association; you will quickly become like those you hang around with; their evil intentions will rub off on you a lot quicker than your good intentions will impact them. So how then do we have any control over our leaders? Good question, right? Because we can disassociate from our friends, but we can’t as easily disassociate from our country, or our state, or city or church. Friends, I believe that it all comes back to the level of commitment we have with our Father. A ‘Christian’ who accepted Jesus because of peer or family pressure, will probably struggle with standing firm in their faith that they have supposedly committed their lives to. Compared to a saint that was called by God, and they accepted His call to be Master and Lord of their life. However friends, there are many times in the Bible where Jesus stood up for what was right, and publicly denounced what was wrong. Does congress have a clue that there are Christians out there that disagrees with a law they are about to enact? If your senator came to your city and stood on a street corner where there was open opposition to something you joined other believers in asking him/her to promote in congress, can you speak the truth in love at that public meeting? Because of the way our Scripture is worded, I really believe that God punished the two nations because they sat back and allowed these two leaders to do whatever they pleased, knowing full well that their actions would impact each citizen. When last have you prayed for the leaders of your respective country, state, city or church? If you haven’t, then God is answering your desire to care less about what these leaders do, or how it may impact you. If we don’t pray for our leaders, then we show that we don’t care about them or about how their actions may impact each of us. Friends, I believe it is clear that no matter how much we want to stay out of politics, we are obligated by Scripture to pray for those who rule over us. I believe it is also clear from today’s Scripture that there are consequences when we disobey God’s commands. 

PRAYER:   Lord, thank You again today for Your Word. May our minds always be opened to sharing our faith and praying for our leaders, so that the decisions they make may be influenced by You, and that they may ultimately serve to bless Your children while living here on earth. Give us boldness oh Lord. For I ask all this in the precious and strong name of 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

How To Live Freely and Unconcerned

On By Ed AlgreenIn How to Live, Live in peaceLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

TEXT:  28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

OBSERVATION:   Our God is so caring about us, that He recognizes when we are getting at the end of our rope on life’s issues. Extraordinary issues normally require extraordinary attention and care, and normally by someone or something outside of your daily routine, since that’s what caused you to become despondent in the first place. Our God is an awesome God, and no one cares for us like He does, so let’s look to Him for answers on this dilemma.

APPLICATION:   I’m sure that many of us can identify with being tired, for we all seem to be over-committed and overworked. And what do we tend to do about that, see a doctor or a therapist? But don’t they most often recommend that we exercise more, and try to distract our brains from the same old routine – which may stress some folk out even more? The other matter addressed in verse 28 speaks to being burned out on religion. For those heavily involved in church work, I bet you can identify with this one, for it seems like we are often involved in one ministry and often multiple ministries. Outside of that we often are committed to more than one committee with several projects or concerns at one time, correct? Well you see what today’s Scripture reads, but let me share an example for you to consider: A friend, who was a pastor at one time, started a new ministry as a result of something he felt led to try with his church leaders. He planned a weekend retreat, and here’s what he did: He and his group arrived at the retreat location with an empty sheet for the agenda. He shared with the group, that they will seek God’s face through His all-powerful Word (the Bible), and they would pray as they are led to do so by God, or they would sing praises to God as also led by Him. From an empty agenda, they were soon inundated with Scripture, prayer and singing out on a mountain top with no cell phones or other matters to worry about, but merely one-on-one time with God. Friends, when God says to us that we should learn to get alone with Him and share our burdens and concerns with Him – perhaps about why we feel so tired, or worn out, or so overwhelmed in ministry. Perhaps then we might see His wonderful face and be reminded through His love and care, why our mission is so important and understand more clearly that when we allow God to be a vital part of our lives and ministry, how rewarding it is. Oh that we might see people in our church, our community, our family and our friends reaching out to the Creator of this universe! I believe that not only will God be glorified, but this will bring peace, contentment, and rejoicing to us, instead of added stress with its associated burdens. It’s all about God friends. Let Him be God. Allow Him to use us in the process of winning people to the Lord and rejoicing in Him as we see Him glorified by all the people! Let’s strive for peaceful times with God, away from the hustle and bustle of this world, so that we might enjoy times of freedom and contentment in Him. Oh that we might be encouraged and prompted along in the ministry in which He has placed us to serve.

PRAYER:   Dear Lord, thank You for being so available to us. Thank You for caring enough for Your children that You encouraged us to find peace in You for You alone are our Shepherd, our Lord, our Majesty, our King and our Deliverer. As we seek to draw close to You, we will live in freedom and without the burdens of this world. Thank You Lord for helping us to find that peace, especially in the stresses of life that bombard us each day. Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

Allow God To Own the Problem

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, SurrenderLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   2 Chronicles 20:15 (VOICE)

TEXT:   Jahaziel: 15 Listen to me, all Judah, citizens of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The Eternal has responded to your pleading: “Do not fear or worry about this army. The battle is not yours to fight; it is the True God’s.

OBSERVATION:   King Jehoshaphat was extremely concerned about the large army heading his way, so he had a very serious prayer meeting together with his people, asking God to protect them. However, God spoke through a Levite named Jahaziel, who then went to Jehoshaphat and shared the words in our Scripture today. What a message, and oh how applicable it is to us today!

APPLICATION:   Take your time and think about your most urgent prayer request. You’ve shed many tears over the matter, and you’ve made this the top priority in your personal prayer time for days.  You’ve asked your pastor to join you in prayer; you may have asked the church elders to anoint you with oil and pray over you; and your family knows exactly what you’re burdened about. What must you do now? Friends, reflect on our verse today, and spend some time letting that sink in. Our God’s not dead, and you’ve given your problem to Him. You’ve asked Him to hear your prayer, know your concern and please heal your body, or guide you into saying the right thing to your relatives in need of a Savior. But wait a moment, we can all hear doubt in your mind. In our Scripture verse, the king and the people were told that God had responded to their prayers (their pleading), so they needn’t worry any longer. What’s different with you? Oh that’s right, God is not doing what you told Him to do. Child of God, may we all be reminded today that our God is not a puppet. Yes, He still a prayer answering God, and yes, He will guide you in the right path. But always be reminded that we are asking God for His will to be done. Let me share a story from a friend, that may serve to illustrate my point. He had a relative who had been in a bad wreck. The family prayed endlessly that God would keep this young man alive. They had their church join them in the same request of God. Years later in reflection, my friend questioned if they prayed the right way for this younger family member, as the young adult lived many more years, but was a mere vegetable. Friends when we plead with God in prayer, let’s please be willing to ask God for His perfect will in the situation, and as His obedient children, let’s respect His decision. It may be right in line with what we are asking, but I believe that the end result will cause us to shout praises to our Lord and King, for He alone is worthy of our praise. Can you imagine saying, in response to questions from an unsaved loved one, that God allowed my daughter to live; or God wanted this to happen in order to get our attention; or God wanted to remind us that He’s in charge, and what he responds to this problem or any other situation, is the best for them and us, plus it will ultimately create an atmosphere of praise to God for all that He will achieve through His touch on their life. Remember, the battle, the dire situation, the urgency of the situation we took to Him – it’s all His, once we are willing to surrender it to Him.

PRAYER:   Oh Lord, please give us the faith to surrender our needs to You at all times. Just like any kid would do to their parent, may we be willing to plead with You for our needs and concerns, and to always return thanks and offer up praises for Your response to our requests. Lord, help us to be so attuned to placing our needs before You, that when we come with the urgent, earth shattering cases, that You would recognize our voice, and that we would be comfortable in presenting yet another case at Your feet, knowing that You will hear our prayer and respond in Your way and in Your best timing. Please help us to be comfortable in surrendering our battles to You, knowing that You’re in charge of everything that goes on in this world, yet our humble request is a top priority to You, because of Your love for each of us. Thank You Lord for saving my soul! You’re my King! 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

Careful to Pass on God’s Judgments

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dependence, Dependence on God, Judgment, The Mind of ChristLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (MSG)

TEXT:   “This is serious work; do it carefully. You are not merely judging between men and women; these are God’s judgments that you are passing on. Live in the fear of God—be most careful, for God hates dishonesty, partiality, and bribery.”

OBSERVATION:   King Jehoshaphat appointed judges, and issued them the decree quoted in our text today. While we have judges today, and yes, we could easily ask our congress to apply this standard to their job description and court rooms, but I believe that God wanted me to apply this to all jobs that may bring along with it a sense of judging.

APPLICATION:   Never having been a judge, I believe it would be easy to study the law, compare it to the offense brought before you, that has been confirmed by witnesses and attorneys, and then pass judgment based on the variances. I realize that it is not as simple as it appears, because I believe that a judge will also take into account all that he/she has been told about the individual, to help determine if the offense was habitual, premeditated, etc. But what I want us to think about today, is that we make judgment calls in our home, at work, in church leadership and even in our every day walk of life. We may tend to believe that most daily decisions, or every day judgment calls, are just a necessity in life that requires little thought. However, I would like for us to think for a moment about the parts of our being that’s responsible for making these calls – our bodies, our soul and our mind. Can you see where many other conflicting ideas muddy the waters for us? I believe that our decisions might be more sound, and appropriate for the kingdom, if we take today’s Scripture to heart. Think about it. If we fill our hearts with so much of God’s Word, don’t you know that our decisions and our judgment calls will be made based on what the Word of God teaches? Think about how others will look to God and question why He just passed certain judgment on their friend(s), instead of allowing them to live the rest of their lives being mad at the message deliverer, perhaps the judge, or even one of us. I’m afraid that when we stray, and when we are not saturated in the Word, we are way more apt to make decisions based on our own biases, prejudices, bribery, partiality or just plain dishonesty. May I encourage you friends, to seek God’s face daily, because you have no idea what sorts of decisions you will be forced to make today. Ask for the guidance and wisdom needed to be God’s representative today. Allow those decisions and judgment calls to be His, and not your human, selfish, sometimes twisted decisions that may be impacted by a number of personal biases.

PRAYER:   Lord God, we are quick to look at others and the decisions they make, but seldom do we reflect on the decisions we made personally, without involving You. Lord, if we are to represent You in every way in our lives, then it is important that we place our daily decision making before You and ask for Your wisdom, guidance and direction. You know the right answers and You can direct us to making right decisions, but Lord we need You daily to humble us so that we would be more dependent on You. I know that works totally opposite to our normal tendencies to be independent, but Lord we want You involved, and we want You to receive the honor and glory from Your people for all that You do. We surrender today to You Lord. May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer! 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

Desire Things At Your Destination

On By Ed AlgreenIn God's Glory, HeavenLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Colossians 3:1-4 (AMP)

TEXT:  1 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. 3 For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory

OBSERVATION:   Paul spoke God’s wisdom to the followers at Colossae, because he saw that they were struggling to stay on track for the Lord. God showed Paul how wrapped up they were getting in the world, and how the heart follows the eyes and mind of a person. For those that Paul felt were impacted by the gospel, and surrendered themselves to the God of this universe, he encouraged them to keep their minds fixed on what lies ahead for them, and not on the temporary things of this world. Aren’t we the same way today?

APPLICATION:   I was born and raised in the Bahamas, and although I have lived in the United States for over 30 years, there are times that my wife cooks Bahamian recipes and we reflect back on the fays of our growing up in the Bahamas. If we plan a trip to visit back home, we begin thinking of what local dishes we will look for while we’re there, who we will attempt to visit, and where we might want to visit (landmarks)! Friends, for those of you that invited Jesus to be Lord of your life, you know that you are destined for heaven. What are you anxious for? When you set your minds like Paul taught, I believe that you will start living like God wants you to here on this earth. Furthermore, just like I’ve share with friends how beautiful the Bahamas is, I should also be telling them about how beautiful heaven is to me, and how much I am looking forward to my residence there with my Creator. We know quite a bit about our eternal home, for in Revelation the Bible says: ‘…the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him. — Revelation 22:3.  It also says: I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands. — Revelation 5:11. We are reminded that we will have new bodies; there will be no crying there; no sickness there; And that there will be no clock watching there for we will praise our Savior forever and forever! So why do we let so many things worry us here on this earth, friends? These are all temporary! We know that we will die, so if you want nothing to do with my Jesus, may I suggest that you think really seriously about what your future will be like before your eyes are closed in death? The only alternative to what I described above is eternal damnation – worse than anything you’ve ever witnessed here on earth. You would terribly disappoint me friend, for I share this blog everyday with hopes that each one who reads it, might catch a glimpse of Jesus, and would come to accept Him as Lord of their life. Please consider this carefully today, don’t delete it as you would do a pesty email.

PRAYER:   Lord Jesus, only You know the heart of each person that will be reminded of Paul’s plea, and my wish today. I believe that You have a plan for each of us, but I pray that You would tender hardened hearts today. Please draw men unto yourself – my great friends who will read this blog today, both men, women and children. Thank You for preparing a home for us to celebrate with You throughout eternity. ‘Oh I want to see You, look upon Your face, there to sing forever, of Your saving grace, on the streets of glory let me lift my voice, Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice!’. As you sing that chorus, prepare your mind for heaven! It is out of this world!! 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

My Help Comes From The Lord! Really?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Healing, PraiseLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   2 Chronicles 16:9 (TLB)

TEXT:   9 For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward him, so that he can show his great power in helping them.

OBSERVATION:   When faced with the onslaught of the Cushites and the Libyans, who had large and powerful armies, King Asa sought God’s help, and God gave the two armies over to Asa. However, like Asa, we soon become self confident when our teams overcome the odds and win the overwhelming challenges ahead of them. So Asa thought that if only he had help from his friends, then he could also win the battle against Israel, so he sought the help of Ben-Hadad. It is very mind sobering to think about what the Lord spoke through Hanani, the leading priest/seer to King Asa about his plans. It is so applicable to us today.

APPLICATION:   I want you to assume that it was you who testified in church recently how God brought you safely through surgery and took care of you, but I also want you to carefully recall the ordeal you had in making sure that Dr. XYZ was the only doctor who would work on you, and that nurse Tee was directly in charge of getting the best nurses for you. Over and over you shared with visitors how your doctor saved you one time before, and how confident you were that he could do it again this time around. Friends, I believe that we are all guilty of this at times, but I hope that we are reminded today through this Scripture that when our hearts are perfect towards God, He looks for ways to show His great power through us. I heard a guy on television last night who seemed like he believed in God when telling his story about how cancer gripped his body, and especially his voice. However, when it came down to giving public glory, he stated that it was music that brought him through and healed his voice. Really? Wouldn’t we be filling hospital rooms with music, so that each patient might listen and be healed? Friends, let me implore you to join me in examining our hearts in the light of our awesome God, and when we recognize changes in our lives, be willing to give Him glory for what He is about to accomplish in and through His work in us. You see, we have nothing to boast about but God. When healing or any other miracle is brought about, it’s God that we glorify and lift up above all names. If we asked God to protect us and be with us through our dilemma, then let’s be careful to lift His name on high so that the world might know that He lives, and that He lives and works in our lives! So where does your help come from? My dear friends, if God found a pure heart in you in which He could perform a miracle, then please be careful to give Him the praise while still in the hospital, in your home, in the nearby cafe and in the church. Be sure that the world knows that God’s not dead, no, He’s still very much alive, because He performed a miracle in you!

PRAYER:   Thank You for this reminder today dear Lord. Like King Asa, we often feel so independent that we want to apply ourselves and take care of our situations our way. Yet we know deep inside that it’s You who holds the key to heaven, and only You who could save our souls and heal our bodies. As we come to You for help, please guide us to never forget where our help came from, instead help us to use that as a great opportunity to lift up your name on high, so that the world will know that you’re still alive and that You rule and reign in our lives. To God be all glory, honor and praise, 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

Feeling Abandoned By God?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Jesus Loves you, Love, Love of God, Loving God, The Father's Love, The love of God, Unconditional loveLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   2 Chronicles 12:5 (GNT)

TEXT:   ….. “This is the Lord‘s message to you: ‘You have abandoned me, so now I have abandoned you….

OBSERVATION:   Solomon’s son, King Rehoboam was touched by the Master when he was told not to fight with his brothers. He also listened to the Man of God on other occasions, that is, until he felt like his kingdom was established. Soon, Rehoboam felt like he had things under control, so he saw no further need for God. This is when God sent His messenger with the above message, as quoted from Scripture. I know this still happens today, so I want us to meditate on this.

APPLICATION:   I believe that we will all agree that at one time or another we may have drifted away from God. I believe that some who may read this devotional today may still be feeling abandoned by God. I hope that some will read this blog today who may not truly understand the full value of walking with the very Son of God, so you may question how one might be comforted or reassured in knowing that Jesus, our Lord and Savior really cares for us and the direction we are to walk. Friends, I am so comforted when I open God’s Word and He speaks so confidently to me. I can reflect back on circumstances where I was obedient to His direction for my life, and how awesome it is to savor the sweetness of seeing God work through those circumstances. These are scenarios where people thought I was nuts, but thank God, He received glory in the success of what He was accomplishing through this humble and obedient servant. We have no idea what will happen later today or anytime afterwards, so when we feel compelled to do something, or say something, or be somewhere in particular, our response should be like that of Samuel: Yes Lord, your servant stands ready to obey. On the contrary, I want to humbly plead with those who have drifted away from God, like Rehoboam had done, and additionally plead with those who have not accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior yet. You may very well be in the abandoned by the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, because of choices that you alone made. You have deliberately erected a wall between you and God where you are basically asking God to stay in His corner, because you intend to stay in yours. Please know that our God is very much a gentleman, and He will not interfere where He has not been invited to. Just as in marital separations and divorces, please don’t just barge in and start demanding certain things. Remember, you have abandoned God, and asked Him to abandon you. Please come back to Him just as a lost person would seek salvation. Ask for forgiveness, and acceptance into His kingdom. Please friend, if you have distanced yourself from God, let me encourage you to become reacquainted today. Don’t waste any time, for He wants to love on you today, and reassure you that He will be there for you in your time of need and/or celebration.

PRAYER:   Probably one of the most dangerous things we could do, is to distance ourselves before our Creator, our Lord, our God, our Savior and our Friend. He loved us even when we were unlovable, and He sent His one and only Son to die at Calvary so that we might have hope, eternal life and unconditional love. Please join me in making Jesus Christ first and foremost in our lives. He loves us, and wants to see us ready for the welcome party He is preparing for all of His children, one day in Heaven.

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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

Reasons That We Worship

On By Ed AlgreenIn Jesus Loves you, Love of God, Love others, Love your Neighbor, The Father's Love, WorshipLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Psalm 89:13-16 (GNT)

TEXT:  13 How powerful you are! How great is your strength! 14 Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness are shown in all you do. 15 How happy are the people who worship you with songs, who live in the light of your kindness! 16 Because of you they rejoice all day long, and they praise you for your goodness.

OBSERVATION:   David grew up as a shepherd boy, so he was used to the idea of the outdoors and looking around at all of the wonders of the Almighty. Furthermore, we could tell that he was one that had no problem expressing himself to God. It seems like he was always bursting at the seems to praise and worship his Master. I believe we should be the same, so let’s look closer at this passage.

APPLICATION:   When our hearts are filled with what we see and what we hear, we could only imagine how many of us must look to God and talk about the game last night, or the TV show that we were so engrossed in, or the gossip that the neighbors called about. My wife and I went to a Marriage Enrichment conference last weekend, and we realized that our marriage is probably last on our priority list, considering the amount of time that we actually set aside for just husband and wife. Is this not the same in our time with the Lord also? I know, you just don’t have time, right? Friends, let me encourage you to say that a little differently. Replace the words “don’t have time” with “didn’t make that a priority”. I know, it means the same thing. But friends, try it in your prayers tonight. Lord, I just didn’t make it a priority to look around and take in the beauty of the morning sky, or look for the value of the sunshine in making my garden grow so wonderfully. It never crossed my mind how healthy I am, compared to my neighbor who is in and out of hospital. I truly believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, we should always strive to look back to the focal point of our existence. It began with God, He reinforced His love when He sent His Son to die at Calvary for our sin, and He maintains that love each and every day – if only we will recognize His goodness and His presence. Let’s learn to praise God for all things, especially those things that we are sure were customized just for us! God is so good, my friend, thank Him and glorify Him today for all that He does each day for you. He promised to never leave you. May I encourage you to do the same, and never leave God alone by ignoring His blessings!

PRAYER:   Lord, it is so challenging for us to imagine the kind of love that You display for us each and every day. We feel so unworthy – like a speck of dirt in Your huge universe. But Lord, I believe that Your children are the apple of Your eye, and that there is nothing You wouldn’t do for us. Thank You Lord for Your mercies on me, and for the love You show to even me. Lord, may I be just as conscious about the love I give to You in return. Bless each reader today and draw them all to You dear Lord. 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

The Love of Our Wonderful God!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Healing, Humility, Power of Prayer, Prayer, Seek God's Face, Seeking GodLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (TLB)

TEXT:   13 If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust swarms to eat up all of your crops, or if I send an epidemic among you, 14 then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.

OBSERVATION:   To build an awesome sanctuary, like Solomon did, and receive the blessings of God on it, must have been overwhelming for Solomon. But it was also made clear to him by God that the beautiful temple would not exonerate the people, should they continue in sin. In fact, God even warned that at times He may have to perform certain acts to get their attention, however in His love and compassion, He also gave Solomon the formula for the people to reconcile themselves with Him again. This living, loving, and caring God that we worship, has not changed, and I believe that He is just as ready to forgive us today, if we will also seek His face.

APPLICATION:   At times we may sit and ponder the trials that we face personally, then if we consider friends at church and all that you are praying for with them, you may wonder: “where is God?” After reading this Scripture today, I believe that we should be ever so thankful for the awesome God that we serve, for we are told that in spite of the beautiful sanctuaries we build, yet God will still finds ways to get our attention. However, He showed Solomon how the Israelites should recognize the correction of God, then how they should humble themselves and pray – in other words, don’t go before God in pride or as a know-it-all. But seek His face and ask His forgiveness, turn away from their sin and get over themselves. Then God – only God, will hear from Heaven and heal their land. Friends, we can hardly watch television news for the constant bombardment of crime that goes on in each of our communities. Could this be the correction of God for us? Have you tried humbling yourself before God, seeking His face and asking Him for His forgiveness? I can only assume that often we try to exclude ourselves from the sin, because we are far removed from the crimes. However, in all sincerity I believe that God is the only one excluded. For Christians allowed certain laws to be approved by sitting back and convincing ourselves that it was not meant for us, or we don’t want to offend others that could be impacted. Friends, its time that we stand up against sin and take responsibility for the evil works of Satan in our communities. It’s me – standing in the need of prayer. It’s you (Christian) – standing in the need of prayer. The verse states that ‘If MY people….’ – that’s you and I Brother and Sister. Let’s do our part, then we will be amazed at what God will do with His part!

PRAYER:   Thank You Lord, for Your blessings on me, and I believe that each of my readers could give an ‘Amen’ to that also. Thank You for getting our attention, and thank You for giving us the secret on how to adjudicate ourselves, so that You may hear from heaven and resume blessings on our families, our churches and our country. Lord, You are good, and Your faithful mercies last for evermore. I love You Lord! 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!

 

Tactics For Fighting Savage Wolves

On By Ed AlgreenIn Defense against the enemy, Power of Prayer, PrayerLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Acts 20:28-30 (NIV)

TEXT:   28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.

OBSERVATION:   Paul called the elders of the Ephesian church together, as he was about to leave town. I wonder if they were aware of the items that Paul was about to warn them about? However, Paul wanted to make sure that they were aware of the challenges they might face, so he wanted to part some advice to them on those challenges. Knowing that our local churches today run so smoothly, with all ‘sheep’ super excited about they Lord and therefore getting along with each other, I know that it will be challenging to apply the truth declared in this passage, but let’s try!

APPLICATION:   Churches today split over such minor things, that I believe we could easily reflect on what God may have been showing Paul, and encouraging him to mentor the leaders he had developed in Ephesus. I believe that the easiest thing for church leaders to do today, is to bury their heads in the sand and falsely see everything working to the growth and benefit of the gospel at their church. Friends, I hate to burst your bubble, but if that’s happening, then the gospel of Jesus Christ is not being declared without compromise. For when the Word of God is preached under the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit, then it will cause men to whimper in their seats and hang their heads in shame. So what exactly might be considered ‘Savage Wolves’ in our churches today? How about: a). Gossip about pastors and elders; b). Teaching or preaching being so worldly based that the Word of God is hardly opened; c). Small Groups’ teaching material without the knowledge, or approval of church leadership; d). No follow-up or accountability to unbelievers attending, or on folks who are struggling; e). Members with other priorities, such as sports, fishing, hunting, etc; or f). lack of commitment to prayer, daily devotions, attending church, visit shut-ins, etc. It is so sad that often people have heard about the Lord, know His power, and will call on Him every time there’s an issue, but don’t expect to see them doing anything in return. Thankfully our God is much more forgiving than most of us, so He stands ready to receive Christians who have fallen prey to the above, and are now ready to serve God faithfully. Run to Him child of God, for the Savage Wolves’ are lurking at every point to distract you from your commitment to your Savior.

PRAYER:   Lord, we need You today more than ever before, for Satan has ramped up his attack on Your children. Please help us to be quick to run to You for help. We know that only You can fight the likes of Satan, and we know that anything that serves to pull us away from You, is of the Devil. Lord, we commit ourselves to You again, and we pray that our relationship with You will become so strong that Satan will have to clear all attacks through You before he could lay a hand on us. For I ask all this in the all powerful name of Jesus, my Lord. 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 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 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!