Benefits of Peace with God

On 2018-08-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Control, Dedication, Live in peace, Peace, RelationshipLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Philippians 4:5-7 (VOICE)

TEXT: 5 Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. 6 Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. 7 And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.

OBSERVATION: Paul, a coworker and friend had worked alongside the Philippians, and had seen their struggles, weaknesses, and their needs and wants. Paul also heard from God that for his Philippian followers, or any of us today, to succeed in staying close to the Savior, of whom he preached and wrote about, we need to be reminded that it all begins, endures and ends with the relationship we develop with God. Let’s look into where and how this may help us today…

APPLICATION: Based on our distractions today, and our selfish desire for more personal time, things and belongings, I believe that we could identify with where the Philippians may have been in their life-standards. So placing ourselves squarely at Jesus’ feet, and listening intently to His precious Word that He provided for our growth and benefit, how might we grow from this scripture today? Friends, I believe that although we may frequent our respective churches and the many services and programs they have developed in order to enrich our lives here on earth, yet we tend to become engulfed in the wants and desires of this world. We tend to constantly want more, go more places and be the kind of person that our society looks on as ‘successful’. However, as a child of God, we surrendered our lives to the Savior so that His goodness, mercy and grace may be evident in our daily walk. So as we meditate on this scripture, I believe we must look deeply into all that Paul is teaching us, so that we may look more like Christ than anything this world has to offer. First of all, I believe that Paul is teaching about the importance of having a gentle spirit, so that people around us would know what a true son/daughter of God really looks like. Now as you meditate on that, you may ponder what do you need to change in your life. Friends, if you change something, it will most lightly be a change from one bad habit or character flaw, to another much like it. I believe that what Paul is teaching here, is that we surrender our will to that of our heavenly Father, and allow Him to change us from the inside out. It is only then that the world begins to see God in us. Notice some of the other things that we are to concentrate on: a). Don’t be anxious about anything – after all, if we allow God to take control, then we must depend on Him, and accept the good and the bad – all as part of His perfect will. And if that be the case, what’s the need in worrying? Let’s learn to let go, and let God! b). Pray about everything – When dealing with a child, we want them to run everything by us so we could be sure they make decisions and do things that align with our principles. If we truly want God to have full control of our lives, then we will follow the same principles that we expect of our children. Communicating with God is through prayer. Let’s make it commonplace in our lives. c). Thankfulness – It’s good to ask God for direction and help, but even better to celebrate in return, through expressing our thankfulness to Him and making it evident in our actions with others, that we are a thankful people. Friends, there is one huge thing that results from living a life dedicated to Jesus Christ – He fills us with a peace way beyond our wildest expectations. And Paul declares that our Savior watches over our hearts and minds – in other words: He controls the gateway, or the origination of our words and actions! I need this peace each and every day friends, how about you? It takes surrender to the Master, for we can’t do our own thing and expect Him to do His thing through us also.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we are your masterpiece, for we were created in the image of God. I believe that you intended that to especially be in word and deed. We have lots that we could blame our failures on in these areas, but I believe it is more important that we cut to the chase and seek Your face so that we may be better aligned with Your will for our lives. Lord, please resume control of our lives, both for our peace and for Your glory. May this world be drawn to You because of what they see in us, and may they never be hindered in their walk with You, because of our weaknesses. 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 Only One With The Answers

On 2018-07-21 By Ed AlgreenIn Creator, God Cares For Us, HumilityLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Isaiah 55:6-9 (VOICE)

TEXT: ⁶So turn your attention and seek the Eternal One while it is still possible; call on Him while He is nearby. ⁷Let those who are busy plotting violence and doing wrong stop right now, turn, and do right. Let them turn back to the Eternal so they can experience His compassion. God will excuse our past wrongs. Our God’s forgiveness is inexhaustible. Eternal One: ⁸My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do. ⁹My thoughts and My ways are above and beyond you, just as heaven is far from your reach here on earth.

OBSERVATION: I believe that each of us could benefit from the words of the prophet Isaiah, because very often we come to crossroads in our lives where we just don’t know which way to turn, or what decisions to make under the current circumstances. In these verses today, God is saying that He has left us here long enough to call on the Creator of this Universe, the One who has all the answers to all of life’s dilemmas, including the understanding of, and answers to, eternity itself. Our God is an awesome God friends!

APPLICATION: As a child, dad would tell me to do certain things that seemed so far out. Without hesitation, I would often question: but why, dad? I’m sure you also remember those days! Often the response would be something like this: because I said so! Sounded ridiculous and often, very condesending, but now that I’m grown I can tell that it was because dad had been there and done that, and in some cases had the scars to prove it. Our Father is very proud of the children He has placed on this earth, and because He loves us unconditionally, I believe that He wants so badly to see us just listen and obey Him, because He has our best interest at heart. One advantage that our Heavenly Father has, is that He knows what tomorrow holds and what lies ahead in our future, so I believe that He is anxiously awaiting our turn to truly get all that He has in store for us. The Word says that our God is near, and all we need is to call out to Him. We don’t need to go searching, for He’s as near as the mention of His name. Isn’t it interesting how we live in this world with others who struggle just like us, yet it seems like we are constantly developing schemes to get our neighbor in trouble, or to place a stumbling block in their way. I believe that it will serve us all well to be reminded that this God of ours that we strive to be more like every day, He is constantly looking out for our best interest and for our eternal good. When I say that I want to be more like Jesus every day, this means that I want to see the very best for my neighbor, my family and my friends. When I’m stuck with decisions to make or with options that are available to me, there is only One in whom I will place my trust, for He cares for me and is constantly looking out for my very best interest. Jesus is the answer my friend, to all of life’s peculiarities and strangest decisions we may be faced with. There is no other that deserves our obedience and our praise. Won’t you join me in taking our needs before our Maker? He cares for us!

PRAYER: Lord You are good! Thank You for loving us enough to care about what happens to us, and for the decisions we make. Please humble us to always seek Your face and Your outstretched hand that is constantly looking out for our good. Lord, we have no idea what tomorrow holds, but we sure know who holds tomorrow, so please help us to always seek You in times of decision and to always hold You in high esteem in our worship and adoration. Thank You Jesus that we have access to the Creator of this universe and the everlasting God who has all the answers! AMEN!

Indicators of Whose You Are

On 2018-07-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Character, Characteristics, Our CharacterLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Ephesians 5:1-5 (NLT)

TEXT: ¹ Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ²Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. ³Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.⁴Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. ⁵You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

OBSERVATION: Paul gave to the Ephesians, and to us, a gift. He gave us some indicators that help direct us in our attitudes and character so that the world might know who we truly are; the principles that we stand for; and the influences that drive us in all of these things. What does the world think of you, friend?

APPLICATION: Ever find yourself talking to someone and reflecting on how much they remind you of someone else? They may look nothing alike, and they may not be related, but there is something about them that makes you think of the two while chatting with them or dealing with them in some way! I believe this is something like what Paul shared with us in these focused verses today, for folk will look at us and feel pretty convinced that we are a child of the King, or they may look at us and know that there is no likeness in us of the Prince of Peace. Let’s be reminded of what characteristics they may see in us if we know Jesus as Lord and we are striving to live like Him in every way:

Imitate God in everything we do – the Bible is filled with the character of God;
Life filled with love – the kind of love that Jesus showed when He offered (sacrificed) His life for us out of obedience to His Father;

Likewise, there are characteristics that others will see in us that confirms in their mind that we are not in a serious relationship with Jesus Christ, or we may know know Him at all:

Sexual immorality – Generally, as used here, it means physical sexual behaviors, including premarital sex, adultery, and same-sex acts;
Impurity;
Greed – For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Obscene stories;
Foolish talk;
Coarse jokes;

PRAYER: Father, we approach our day and we encounter individuals each day knowing that they are left with an impression of us. I pray that after studying Yoor Word today, we will be much more conscious of our character, and that we will be good representatives of Yours. I believe the most crucial opportunities tend to be when we go unprepared and meet people we never expected to, for it is then that our real character comes through. Touch Your children oh Lord and help us to awaken each morning being reminded of Your grace and Your life demonstrated while here on earth. At the end of each day, may we reflect on the value of each word we spoke and each action that we took, and may we in good conscience be able to praise You and thank You for being our constant guide throughout our day. May You be glorified each day because of our actions and interaction with others. AMEN!

How To Make One Another Stronger

On 2018-07-172018-07-17 By Ed AlgreenIn Encourage, Servants of God, Serve, Service, StrengthLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Ephesians 4:11–13 (ERV)

TEXT: ^{11 …..}Christ gave these gifts to people: He made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to care for and teach God’s people. ¹²Christ gave these gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger. ¹³This work must continue until we are all joined together in what we believe and in what we know about the Son of God. Our goal is to become like a full-grown man—to look just like Christ and have all his perfection.

OBSERVATION: While many of us wish that we could help others more than we feel like we have the ability, or capacity to, I believe that we are challenged with ideas on ways to accomplish this feat. Look again at verse 12 above. God gave each of His children important gifts – but notice that they are given so that we may serve others in order to make the body of Christ stronger. To help one another achieve their best in God. Wow!

APPLICATION: Wow, how often do we receive a gift, told how to use it, and then rewarded for using it? I believe the part that really touches me, is that God would trust me enough to bless me with a gift from His precious hand. I believe it is awesome that God would then direct me to use that gift to enrich the life of one that I might come into contact with! Ever thought of the fact that God is constantly looking for ways to touch His children and make us stronger in the faith? Ever thought about the fact that when we accepted Jesus as Lord of our lives, we committed ourselves to be more like Him every day, and live to mirror His ways and His character before a lost world? So would it be impossible to think for a moment that God could actually prepare us to be a ‘holy people’ who will serve others for the benefit of making the church stronger? Friends, we might tend to think that we are nobodies and that we don’t count in God’s big scheme of saving the world, but did you also consider that the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents! Friends, we will find that a sinner repents after receiving convicting evidence that Jesus is alive and that He loves and cares for all who will call on His name in repentance. Often that conviction will come through you and I, as friends of the individual, or even as an acquaintance. God can and will use all means possible to reach the hearts of His lost children. I truly believe that you and I are a vital part of that team, fellow Christian! So when we read the Word and read the exciting news that God will strengthen and embolden us to serve His church and make it stronger, please don’t brush that aside as being the responsibility of the pastor, or the elder or deacon. Take it personally, as He can and will use all of us who are trying to be just like Him in every way to actively work in His service and strengthen the lost who are searching for the Savior of the world.

PRAYER: Lord I believe in You, so I take my role seriously that You could use even me to serve Your church and make it stronger. Lord, I can only imagine the awesome work that a ‘STRONG’ church can do in it’s community, and the impact it could have on the lost, who need a Savior. Please help us to take our role seriously. It may be as simple as sharing Your love with those who feel unlovable, or it may be as extreme as preaching or teaching Your Word, so that the world will know about You. Our abilities mean very little, but our availability to be used by the King of kings is the ultimate soul winner and encourager. May You be glorified in all that You accomplish through us, and may Your kingdom be enriched from every possible thing accomplished through us. AMEN!

A Personal God who Cares about YOU

On 2018-07-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Boldness, Christian Living, Exemplary Living, Forgiven, Holy Living, Living with purpose, Righteous LivingLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Isaiah 43:1-3 (TLB)

TEXT: ¹ …… I have called you by name; you are mine. ²When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. ³For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel….

OBSERVATION: Notice the personal involvement of God in the phrases throughout these 3 short verses! Notice the person to whom these blessings pertain – you, not ya’ll; not the church in general; not the city of ???, but ‘YOU’. Now theologians might want to correct me and say that this was specifically spoken to the family of Jacob and of Israel, but when I read Ephesians 2:15, I am reminded that we are all children of the King, not just Jacob and the country of Israel. God is bold enough and personal enough to pinpoint His intention to us personally, and has no need to generalize. He’s my God, and I’m His child! You can say the same if it pertains to your commitment with Jesus Christ. How awesome is that?!!

APPLICATION: I wonder how personal we become with God? I wonder how often we stop to think that He created us and placed us in a world that He created. He saw the challenges we had in living life to the fullest and in line with the glorious provisions that He provided, so He created, miraculously, a Son that would mirror the Father, but yet He would live among us to show how personal and caring He truly is. I wonder how often we stop to ponder that when God created us, it was in His image that He chose to create us. So the choice He gave us then is: what will we decide to do personally? God strategically placed here on earth for such a time as this? To be ‘Christ-like’ and then act like Christ’s oppressor, His enemy; His mocker, His persecutor, wouldn’t that make us extremely miserable inside? Friends, these verses from Isaiah reminds us of the awesome God who created us. What He told us through the prophet has already been proven, so to sit back and question, or analyze whether God can do these things through us, is nothing short of you looking for an excuse to be disobedient and follow your own imperfect will, or to give Satan full reign in your life. Where are you at today, friends? Are you convinced that you are God’s and that He is yours? Are you convinced that what He says is actually true, possible and in fact happening in and through you as you place your faith and trust in Him and allow Him to love you, guide you and give you strength for each day? I would like to encourage you friend, not browbeat you into a feeling of guilt and worthlessness. I am just like many of you, where I struggle with the temptations of life every day, and find it extremely challenging to live in total opposition to the world around me. But praise the almighty power of God, I am a child of the King, saved from my sin by the grace offered through Jesus. Although I live on earth and face the challenges of this world, greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. My whole purpose in sharing these journals with you friends, is that you might be encouraged by my experiences and in my joys with the Lord. Today will be a perfect day for you to place yourself before the Master and ask Him to examine you and see if there be, any fault or sin that might separate you from His most gracious Son, Jesus. Please read my ‘Footnote’ for Scripture references surrounding a close(er) walk with the Lord. Please contact me so that I may pray with You as you strive to draw closer to the Lord.

PRAYER: Lord You are good, and Your mercies endures forever! Thank You for being patient with me and for prompting me through Your gracious Holy Spirit each and every day. Lord, may You be glorified in everything that I do and through everyone that I encounter, for I want so bad to be a living sacrifice for You, and a mirror of all that You want sinners to learn and witness from You. Lord, may You be praised, lifted up and honored this day, especially while sinners surrender their lives to You. This is my prayer, my deepest requests and my plea as I walk with You daily, AMEN!

Renewal

On 2018-07-112018-07-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Renewal, SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Isaiah 40:27-31 (TLB)

TEXT: ²⁷….. how can you say that the Lord doesn’t see your troubles and isn’t being fair? ²⁸Don’t you yet understand? Don’t you know by now that the everlasting God, the Creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary? No one can fathom the depths of his understanding. ²⁹He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. ³⁰Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. ³¹But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

OBSERVATION: These verses speak to the ever daunting problem of mankind, where one becomes overwhelmed with the differences between what they desire, or want, and the perfect way that they feel something should be done, versus the actual way and means in which things occur. Added to this, mankind will often feel like no one listens, or cares about their explanation of how they feel. Not personally being a psychologist, I’m sure that there are lots of holes that you might poke into that description of what might cause one to become disheartened or disillusioned or depressed. Let’s meditate on how God responds to us through His servant Isaiah on similar matters….

APPLICATION: I was encouraged when I read these verses again, and was reminded that the God we serve is the one who created this world! He created mankind, to live in this world, and because He carefully put everything into place around the globe, where might He ever send us, that He wouldn’t best direct our path and make sure that we would wind up serving His children for His ultimate glory? There are times in our life that we feel like no one truly understands how we feel, or why we act the way we do. In fact, we may embarrass some very close to us, and we may actually look to God and question why we are so unique. Friends, we are talking about the God who created us with every piece of individuality that exists in us. The One who would one day cause a scientist to stop and question, how in the world can everyone have a truly unique fingerprint? Can you imagine a time that something would be going on in our lifetime, or that awaits in our future, that God is surprised about, or caught unawares about? May I be the first to remind you today that: There is nothing too big for our God! Nothing that He is unaware of; Nothing that He wouldn’t do for His precious children (us); Nothing that He would lead us into that He will not bless and carefully help us succeed in; and no one that He would place in our presence that He would not allow our influence, or Christ-likeness to rub off on! Therefore friends, please tell me: Why would you not trust your Father? Why would you not consult with Him when you feel like you don’t have all of the answers? Why would you not consult with the only One who knows the future, when you look for direction in making the right decisions about tomorrow? Why would you not be faithful to the end, after being reminded of how faithful Jesus was right up to His final moments? Why would you not share often about the Savior who stood in the gap for you and saved you from eternal damnation. The same One who declares the best news ever heard of, when He assures us of our eternal home in Heaven, where we will rejoice around the feet of He and His Father for all eternity? Friends, for those of us that rest our faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God declares that He Will Renew our Strength! For it is then that we will spread our wings like eagles, run but yet not get tired or weary, and walk our daily path of life without growing faint! Run to the source of all this friends, and you too can enjoy the exciting benefits that I have given you a hint of today! Jesus loves you, and wants you to love Him also! Praise Him for His goodness, and Chat with Him about your uncertainties, for He’s your Friend, your Savior and Your everlasting King!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for reminding us yet again how awesome You are, and how truly powerful You are. We are such spoiled children, who forget so easily about the Savior who gave His very life for our salvation. Please forgive us Lord, and please renew a right spirit within us – one that will open our blinded eyes and cause us to become obedient, humble and totally surrendered to You. Please help us to connect these dots first, so that in the eyes of the lost, they will truly see ‘children of God’ and not spoiled children wandering around trying to gain the world for our own selfish needs and wants. 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! AMEN!

Persistence

On 2018-07-062018-07-06 By Ed AlgreenIn Eternal Life, Heaven, SalvationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Hebrews 10:35-37 (TPT)

TEXT: ³⁵So don’t lose your bold, courageous faith, for you are destined for a great reward! ³⁶You need the strength of endurance to reveal the poetry of God’s will and then you receive the promise in full. ³⁷For soon and very soon, “The One who is appearing will come without delay!”

OBSERVATION: It seems like the whole human race is built around reacting to situations and circumstances in response to the impact that these things have on our emotional and personal gains. Think about the things that make us happy, versus the things that really upset us. In our Scripture today, we are being encouraged to look at our end goal, which never changes. Can you do it, even when things are tough? Let’s examine this a bit closer…

APPLICATION: It seems natural that we rejoice when things are happening around us that tend to make people happy, contented and satisfied. We tend to praise God for these things, as we often hope and pray that these things will happen every day while we wait for the soon return of Jesus. After all, we are anxiously awaiting the day when we will sit at the feet of Jesus and worship Him, and the Father, endlessly. However, let’s review the circumstances that tend to make people sad, disappointed and unclear, as to the end results of these circumstances. How often are we strong enough to stand in the middle of these scenarios and look beyond the obvious ‘box’ of challenges and always see the ‘end goal’? I know that it is virtually impossible to praise God in the storms of life, but friends I can assure you that there is peace in the heart of the believer knowing that God is in control of the most challenging situations that they may be faced with. Our Lord Jesus, He is the One who encourages us and blesses us at every opportunity. That’s what true ‘LOVE’ is all about friends. He proved His love for us by giving everything, when He hung on that cruel cross at Calvary. He still loves us today and watches out for us at every circumstance of our lives. Do you know Him, friend? Are you experiencing that peace in knowing that He cares for you in every circumstance of life? Are you persistent in your walk with Christ, reflecting that you trust Him and that you know the ‘end goal’ is always in sight and available for you? Verse 37 encourages us to be ready, because at any moment now, the Master could appear and come to earth to gather His own. My life’s desire is to be one of those that Jesus takes back with Him, and I would be overjoyed if He includes each of you that dig into the Word each day with me through Nuggets From God’s Word! It will be worth it all, friends!

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! To reflect back on the span of a lifetime and recognize all that God did to prepare us for eternity with Him, will be the crowning glory of heaven. For to see my Savior, and to enjoy His love, compassion and ti immerse myself in His eternal peace, will be more joy that I could imagine! Thank You Heavenly Father for loving even me! Please bless my readers today, and may they also catch a glimpse of You through this devotional, AMEN!

The Reason(s) We Worship

On 2018-07-03 By Ed AlgreenIn WorshipLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Isaiah 29:13-14 (ERV)

TEXT: ¹³The Lord says, “These people come to honor me with words, but I am not really important to them. The worship they give me is nothing but human rules they have memorized. ¹⁴So I will continue to amaze them by doing powerful and amazing things. Their wise men will lose their wisdom. Even the most intelligent among them will not be able to understand.”

OBSERVATION: Isaiah was told by God that people were gathering in His name to worship Him, but that He was not really important to them. They were taught how to worship, so they were following that pattern and doing as they were told. Doesn’t this sound very similar, especially from outward experiences, at our weekend services? Let’s look deeper into this as we apply the Scripture today…

APPLICATION: Can you imagine with me how we might feel if we entered into a basketball arena and as soon as we sat down we were encouraged to start cheering? We look to the courts and there’s nothing. How enthusiastic do you feel like you might get? As the team starts entering the courts, you’re still not feeling anything, because this is your first time to an official basketball game. However, there’s a whole row in the back of you where the fans are going nuts, as they cheer their favorite team onto the courts. So what’s the difference? Why are you not feeling anything? Could this be a sample of what happens in our churches? Could we have folk that leave church on a Sunday morning and get into their busy lives and a multitude of other priorities, and if they feel like it, and have nothing else to do, they may show up the next Sunday morning? Could this be due to there not being any personal interaction with God throughout the week? Would the divorce rates skyrocket if we acted with as little enthusiasm and interaction with our spouse? My understanding from what God is sharing through his prophet, is that when we have no relationship with Him, we may go through the motions of attending a worship service, but it may prove very challenging to worship Him, when we’ve had no personal interaction that promotes a reaction from us. If we attend a worship service we may do so with hopes of stirring up an emotion inside of a dead, silent, non-relational body that we walk around in, or we may want that wife, mother, or child to get off our back for a while, in forcing us to attend church. On the flip side of all this friends, there are many of us who have accepted Jesus as our personal Savior, and we have surrendered Lordship of our lives over to Him, to guide, protect and enable us to walk this earth imitating Him in every way. In fact, we make this a daily affair, for we turn to His Word for encouragement and direction, and we call on Him to walk us through all situations in life. In return for seeing Him treat us as His very own child; care for us unconditionally every day; see evidence of His love through His Word, and in all aspects of life, we become so full of adoration for our Lord and Savior, that praise becomes a vital part of our lives, including group services that we look forward to on Wednesday and Sunday. If you’re not feeling an attitude of praise friend, it may not be the praise team at church, nor the pastor, it may be because there is just no relationship there that causes you to worship a very personal Savior in whom you place your faith and trust in every day. I’m merely helping you recognize any shortcomings in your life friend, for God is looking for an honest, sincere, soul-searching attitude of worship from you – regardless of what is, or is not, happening around you. Seek God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you my friend!

PRAYER: Thank You Heavenly Father for touching our lives in every way every day. Please help us to recognize You and acknowledge You in all the miraculous things that happen to us, or around us, and may we seek to worship You in all sincerity each and every day. To God be the glory, for all the great things that You do at every turn, for such an undeserving generation. AMEN!

A Transformation

On 2018-06-29 By Ed AlgreenIn New beginnings, Renewal, Transformation, TransformedLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Romans 12:1-2 (TPT)

TEXT: ¹Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. ²Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.

OBSERVATION: Two things really stand out in these verses that ultimately pleases God: (1) Paul addresses the subject of genuine worship; and (2) How we should be doing what pleases Christ, and not necessarily what the world is doing around us. Let’s open these two things up and see how they could be applied to our scenarios today.

APPLICATION: As we delve into this, I want to acknowledge that each of our lives are based on the things that are available to us, and to the culture of where we live. So I found it interesting that Paul warned us about our cultural demands. Here’s a case in point: I am a banker by trade, and the area in which I live and the one where I work, are all attracted primarily to traditional brick & mortar banking, even though many are becoming accustomed to digital banking in various ways. However, less than 2 hours away, there are certain communities that have accepted, and indeed flourish, with totally staff-less bank branches. Culture, median age of the customer-base in a specific city or area, will help drive banks to decide what type of branch to offer. I believe that we tend to think along similar lines when considering the type of church we want to attend, because we have a certain mindset about what we believe should happen at church, and what type of worship will soothe our souls. So do me a favor, if you agree with me so far, read the two verses again very slowly and deliberately. Did you notice that there was no reference to pleasing yourself, but rather that you worship in a manner that pleases God. Now think about your typical worship service. How prepared are you when you walk in the doors of a church? Before you sing the first word, pray the first prayer or open your Bible for the first time in the past week, did you stop to consider that you are standing in awe of the King of all kings and Lord of all lords? Have you considered the awesome gifts and blessings that He passed on to you since you last worshipped Him? Are you truly prepared to worship the Majestic King of the ages, the One who gave His very life to satisfy your sins? In your prior life you may have paid close attention to what friends, or the rich and famous do, but in accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior to Scripture says that Jesus will direct your paths, and that He will transform your life into something new. I believe that means more humble than ever before, more loving, more kind, more forgiving and more identifiable with Jesus, than with anyone or anything in this world. Friends, this is the type Christian that will get the attention of our lost world. For they are looking for someone who looks, sounds and acts like Jesus and not imitators of anything this world has to offer. This type of life is not something you learn at college, or you see on the street, or you study about at home. A Jesus-filled life happens because of your relationship with Jesus. He directs your heart, your ways, your thoughts and your inner person, and from this you express yourself to others. How are you doing on that friend?

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your timely reminders on how we are to worship You and to also be conscious about how we represent You in our daily lives. Lord, I believe that if You’re in us, then You will come out of us through our speech, our actions, our desire to win the lost and our care and concern for others. Please work in our lives today dear Lord, and may we do our part in offering ourselves as living sacrifices for Your glory, AMEN!

But Then God…

On 2018-06-272018-06-27 By Ed AlgreenIn Know Jesus, Salvation, SurrenderLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE FROM: Galatians 1:15-17 (TPT)

TEXT: ¹⁵But then God called me by his grace; and in love, he chose me from my birth to be his. ¹⁶God’s grace unveiled his Son in me so that I would proclaim him to the non-Jewish people of the world. After I had this encounter I kept it a secret for some time, sharing it with no one. ¹⁷And I chose not to run to Jerusalem to try to impress those who had become apostles before me. Instead, I went away into the Arabian Desert for a season until I returned to Damascus, where I had first encountered Jesus.

OBSERVATION: Much like we should do at every possible opportunity, Paul shared with the Galatians his testimony. An opportunity where you talk about where your life was headed before you met Jesus, then the experience with Jesus that made a difference in your life, and how your life was then changed when Jesus became a vital part of your life. This really opens the door of transparency in the eyes of those to whom you are mingling with, ministering to or praying for. Let’s look into this more deeply….

APPLICATION: Have you ever stop and wondered how easy it would be for you to change your life, if only you had been born into the circumstances of your pastor, or perhaps another church leader who shared their testimony? Have you ever felt so convicted of your sin, yet thought about your home life growing up, or even your married life, and convinced yourself that this Jesus that you’ve heard people talk about surely couldn’t be the Savior for people like you? I thought you may have given that some consideration, because at one time or another we all may have felt that way. But let’s consider the life of Paul for a minute. This man was so strongly in favor of living like his Jewish forefathers, that he felt like that must include ridicule and possibly even harassment and even killing of the Christians, if necessary. So picture for a moment what you may have felt like when Paul walked into the town that you once felt was safe, secure and possibly even ‘Christian’. Now fast forward to a period five years later, and you overheard that Paul was coming to visit your town again, but this time he is a very ‘changed’ man. How would you feel? What would convince you that he is a different man? Paul explained that the difference made in his life was all because of Jesus, for He was responsible for a 180 degree turn in his life (a turn in the complete opposite direction). What he (Saul) was once opposing and persecuting and destroying, he (Paul) is now promoting, celebrating and encouraging others to become a part of. How would you describe your conversion to an unbeliever friends? For Jesus to make a vital change in your life and help you make a complete 180 degree turn in your life, He must first be invited into your heart/life, and then given total control to do whatever is necessary to help you live a life totally devoted to Him. Only then can He change those evil thoughts into good ones, those evil desires to kill and destroy, into a life dedicated to Kingdom work. Paul was following in a very destructible way, a sinful direction, BUT JESUS took control and made a total change in his life. Ed was the same way, BUT JESUS make a huge change in my life. What about you friend? No matter how tough things might be for you or how evil you are, my JESUS can make the difference for you also. Please read my Footnote for tips on how to overcome your current circumstances and find hope and everlasting joy!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, my Savior and my King, thank You for reaching down in love and accepting my plea for salvation, in spite of the life that I used to live. I often think of the song, ‘I though so unworthy, still I’m a child of the King..’. But today I come before You Master, to have Your perfect will in the lives of my readers, my family and my friends that have not yet accepted You as Lord. Busy though they may be going about their daily lives, I sincerely pray that You, dear Jesus would melt their stubborn hearts and draw them unto Yourself. May this be the day of salvation for many who reads this devotional today, I pray. To those who may read this and already know Jesus as Lord, may I encourage you to send this to at least 3 friends and pray earnestly for their salvation today? May God’s work be done today because you gave of your time and effort, 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!

Nuggets From God's Word

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