Promises Made, Promises Kept

On 2022-08-262022-08-26 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Promise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-08-26
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Samuel 9:6-8
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁶…. When he arrived, Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, laid facedown on the floor and honored the king.
David: Mephibosheth!
Mephibosheth: At your service, my king.
David: ⁷There’s no need to be frightened. I intend to treat you kindly for the sake of your father, Jonathan, who was my loyal friend. I will return to you all the territory that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always be welcome at my table.
⁸Mephibosheth again prostrated himself before the king.
Mephibosheth: What am I to you that the king should look with favor on a dead dog like me? I am as one of your servants.

APPLICATION: Although we personally would never do this (ha ha), there are many who will make a promise on a whim, with little hope of ever fulfilling that promise, especially if the person is dead and gone. This might be expected from an unbeliever, because they have no basis on which to fulfill their promise regardless of the circumstances between them and the person they made a promise to. But with the child of God, I believe that we could read for ourselves how God was faithful in all that He promised. To our ancestors, God promised forgiveness of their sin through the sacrifices and blood of animals. Later He sent His only Son for the atonement of our sin, and at that same time, God promised that anyone who would believe in His Son and accept Him as Lord of their life, they would experience forgiveness of their sin, and be considered holy even in the presence of an omnipotent and holy God. One thing that God has always proven to mankind, even from the very beginning of time, is that anything He promises, can be considered complete – forevermore, right up to and until He returns or takes us home to heaven. In Acts 13:22, we are told that God considered David to be a man after His own heart. As such, perhaps it is easier for us to understand why David did what he did for Mephibosheth, for if he didn’t, would we ever think about counting him as a God-like person? I believe the challenge for Christians in today’s Scripture is that we also are expected to be Christ-like, and to live according to all that He teaches us in His Word. How do you suppose God might look at us? A man/woman after God’s own heart? Is it common for us to honor promises we made to our deceased parents, to our best friend? or even to God? Can the world say about us, compare us to David, and say about us – ‘he/she is or was a man/woman after God’s own heart’? Is it obvious in our promises, our actions and our words? Friends, God not only sees our outward actions and evidence of our promises, but He knows our very heart? Will you automatically respond from your heart like God would? If there is any doubt, may I suggest that you consider drawing close to God so that He might draw close to you and direct your path? Be sure that you have a ‘relationship’ with Jesus Christ, God’s Son, and not just had a passing glance at Him when you attended church once while under pressure from a parent or a friend. More of Jesus into your life, will result in more of Jesus out of your life through your words and actions. Daily intake from His Word and daily conversation with Him through prayer will make all the difference in this world, and the next.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: David allowed so much of God into his life, that his words, actions and promises reflected what God would do and say, not just what ordinary man would do.

PRAYER: Lord, only You really know the heart of man. Despite the failures by David, yet You knew that he had a heart that was compassionate, forgiving, loving unconditionally, sacrificial, and enduring – just like You. There are times that we wonder if we could ever be like You, for we cave into every trick of Satan and his demons, that seem to be on the lookout for us wherever we go. Forgive us Lord for assuming that You will just lay on Your goodness and Your character, while we continue to live like the world. Oh, that You would bless us with a heart like Yours, so that we may desire to know You better and to practice the instructions You gave to us in Your Holy Word. You made lots of promises to us who are called by Your name, please embolden us and give us strength and desire to always keep our promises in being Your faithful servants here among the evil that surrounds us much of the time. I want to be just like You, Lord, but I can only do that under Your strength, guidance and provision. Be glorified today through Your faithful servants, is my humble plea. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

The Prescription for Success

On 2022-03-142022-03-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Devotion, For His Glory, Glory of God, God's Glory, LoyaltyLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-03-14
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: 2 Chronic les 31:20–21
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: ²⁰Throughout all Judah, King Hezekiah did what was right and what was pleasing to the Lord his God. ²¹He was successful, because everything he did for the Temple or in observance of the Law, he did in a spirit of complete loyalty and devotion to his God.

APPLICATION: I can hardly imagine what our families, our churches, our cities and our nation would be like if we had men following the example of King Hezekiah today! We are told in verse 21 that this king was extremely successful because….. everything he did was in a spirit of complete loyalty and devotion to God! Wow! In Bible Studies we are often reminded about the importance of loving our spouse in complete loyalty and obedience to God, and we might hear testimonies about the difference these characteristics make in the life and marriage of couples who remain in love with each other through good, and yes, even through challenging times. I could only imagine how much better our workplaces would be if we (Christians) went to work with a spirit of complete loyalty and devotion to God. Friends, I know that many employers will not allow Christianity to be promoted within the confounds of the workplace, but what is inside of us cannot be taken away! We take Christ into our jobs through our lives – our actions, our stands on certain things, through our sincere dedication to our work and our bosses. Christians should be the best employees for any employer, if we do our jobs in complete loyalty and dedication to God. He will stop us from cheating, stealing, lying, gossiping, and any other ungodly actions. God will drive us towards being the best in everything expected of us by our employer. In addition to committing yourself to loyalty and devotion to God, please remember to daily pray God’s blessings on your supervisor and on your employer. Yes, even the boss that may seem hard and uncaring towards you. Just as Jesus made a difference in your life, He will also impact the life of your boss, or that difficult supervisor! As you meditate on this devotional and consider following this commitment, please notice that Hezekiah had no conditions to his commitment, and I believe we could deduce that his commitment was evident in every aspect of his life. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, but our churches, our families, our workplaces, our schools and our social clubs are all suffering from the lack of commitment by those who tell the world that they belong to God. The Word says that as a result of Hezekiah’s commitment, many conditions changed for the good, and he was successful in everything he did. So will you join me in committing to be completely loyal and devoted to God in every aspect of your life? The world so badly needs Jesus, perhaps one dedicated child of God making a difference in their workplace, their homes, etc. will bring hope to those who need the Lord. Do your part dear friend, and pray for the same success that Hezekiah had!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I’m sure that You never intended for us to be an image of You for others to look on, but rather that we might imitate You in everything You have taught us though Your Word and Your actions, so that they may be convinced of their need for Jesus. Thank You for the life of Hezekiah and the commitment displayed by this servant in loyalty and devotion to You. This impacted his world! But still today, our world is in trouble and many need to see a few good men and women who are dedicated to the One they say they belong to. Lord, may they see from our commitment, loyalty and devotion to You, that Jesus is alive and well, because of the evidence they see each day in us. Please forgive us Lord for the times we have acted just like the world, and not been a pure replica of You. Please help us to never be a stumbling block that prevents Your impact on the lost. Oh that You may be glorified and recognized in us, and may You be glorified on earth, as You are in Heaven! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Successful Men Look Like This

On 2020-03-14 By Ed AlgreenIn Devotion, For His Glory, Glory of God, God's Glory, LoyaltyLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-03-14
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

Bible Reference: 2 Chronic les 31:20–21
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

OBSERVATION: I don’t know that you will learn anything new from this devotional today, but I believe that you will be reminded of why you might have an employee who is very successful and doing well for your company, or you might be challenged with something that is lacking in your life that prevents you from succeeding in your job. The formula is spelled right out in our Scripture, but fearing that you might gloss right over it, I want us to meditate on the necessary qualities, and how these were evident in king Hezekiah.

APPLICATION: I can hardly imagine what our families, our churches, our cities and our nation would be like if we had men following the example of King Hezekiah today! We are told in verse 21 that this king was extremely successful because….. everything he did was in a spirit of complete loyalty and devotion to God! Wow! In Bible Studies we are often reminded about the importance of loving our spouse in complete loyalty and obedience to God, and we might hear testimonies about the difference these characteristics make in the life and marriage of couples who remain in love with each other through good, and yes, even through challenging times. I could only imagine how much better our workplaces would be if we (Christians) went to work with a spirit of complete loyalty and devotion to God. Friends, I know that many employers will not allow Christianity to be promoted within its confounds, but what is inside of us cannot be taken away! We take Christ into our jobs through our lives – our actions, our stands on certain things, through our sincere dedication to our work and our bosses. Christians should be the best employees for any employer, if we do our jobs in complete loyalty and dedication to God. He will stop us from cheating, stealing, lying, gossiping, and any other ungodly actions. God will drive us towards being the best in everything expected of us by our employer. In addition to committing yourself to loyalty and devotion to God, please remember to daily pray God’s blessings on your supervisor and on your employer every day. Yes, even the boss that may seem hard and uncaring towards you. Just as Jesus made a difference in your life, He will also impact the life of your boss! As you meditate on this devotional and consider following this commitment, please notice that Hezekiah had no conditions to his commitment, and I believe we could deduce that his commitment was evident in every aspect of his life. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, but our churches, our families, our workplaces, our schools and our social clubs are all suffering from the lack of commitment by those who tell the world that they are involved with one or more of these groups. The Word says that as a result of Hezekiah’s commitment, many conditions changed for the good, and he was successful in everything he did. So will you join me in committing to be completely loyal and devoted to God? And that we will ask Him to prompt us into a strong commitment in everything that we do, so that there would be an impact on those around us for the glory of Christ!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I’m sure that You never intended for us to be an image of You for others to look on, but rather that we might imitate You in everything You have taught us though Your Word and Your actions. Thank You for the life of Hezekiah and the commitment displayed by this servant in loyalty and devotion to You. This impacted his world! Yet today, our world is in trouble because of our lack of commitment, loyalty and devotion to You. Please forgive us Lord, and as we seek Your face, please be faithful to show us the way. We desire nothing personal in any of these things, but that You might be glorified and recognized by those impacted by our actions. Your is the glory, and all for Your kingdom’s sake, oh Lord. AMEN!

Your Faithfulness Will Prove To Whom You Are Faithful

On 2015-10-312015-10-31 By Ed AlgreenIn Disciple, Faithful, Obedience, TeachingsLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (New Living Translation – John 8:30-32): ³⁰Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. Jesus and Abraham ³¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

THOUGHTS: I believe that the phrase where I bolded two items (in verse 31) is really very applicable to many areas of life. For one will be fired if they were not loyal to their employer; or military authorities would not permit a soldier to serve unless he could be loyal to his/her country. So why then would we ever think that the God of this universe, the Creator of everyone and everything, would sit idly by and permit us to serve any god we want, or to blatantly disobey His teachings and still be acceptable in His sight? Friends, in the very words of Jesus, the evidence of whether we are His followers, or His disciples, is whether we remain faithful to His teachings. So what is your evaluation about yourself? Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? Often a good accountability partner would be very helpful to you with this, for they will look beyond your excuses and compare your actions with the Word of God – God’s teachings. If you don’t have an accountability partner, may I suggest that you look for one? Make sure this is not a ‘Yes’ man or woman, because you need their honesty and you need them to help you draw closer to God and His Word, not make you feel better about what you are doing. Friends, the time for us to meet one on one with Jesus is drawing near, for the signs of the times are very near. Please look closely into God’s Word and be obedient to His teachings. It’s for your own good! Based on your actions yesterday, to whom do you suppose the world think that you are faithful to?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your awesome Word – Your directions for righteous living and for testifying of Your love and care for mankind. Please work in my life today that I may be honest in all my ways and may my actions be a true reflection of You and show obedience to Your teachings. For all my readers, family and friends today, Lord may their eyes also be opened to the importance of declaring their loyalty to You through the things they say, do and practice. You know our hearts Lord, so You know where we stand. May it be evident to our family and friends through our actions today, I pray. I humbly ask these things in the wonderful and outstanding name of Jesus, my Lord, Savior and soon coming King, AMEN.

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! 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!

Try To Please Your Commanding Officer

On 2015-03-072015-03-07 By Ed AlgreenIn Commanding Officer, SoldierLeave a comment

THE HOLY BIBLE (The Contemporary English Version – 2 Timothy 2:1-4): ¹ Timothy, my child, Christ Jesus is kind, and you must let him make you strong. ² You have often heard me teach. Now I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others. ³ As a good soldier of Christ Jesus you must endure your share of suffering. ⁴ Soldiers on duty don’t work at outside jobs. They try only to please their commanding officer.

THOUGHTS: God designed us with a sense of choice in life. Parents and church workers teach children the right choices to make in life, but admittedly there are tons of other choices they could make, based on the friends they hang out, both their age and also older child-minders. However, the influence of teachers or daycare workers could also influence a child from a very early age. As adults, we grow up with these earlier age influences and we make choices impacted by the principles we have learned. Paul is teaching Timothy, and ultimately us, that when we become one with Jesus Christ, we are to live in a way that pleases Him. In fact, outside distractions and non-biblical principles will steer us away from the life our Commanding Officer desires of us. I was especially touched by the one command that we are to spread the gospel, not just to any and every one, but especially to those who will then also spread the gospel wherever they go. In fact, my takeaway on this is that I don’t just sit in Bible School and church each Sunday morning to allow the words taught, to tickle my ears, but to allow the Holy Spirit to open my ears of understanding and my eyes to the needs of those around me, so that I might share what I’ve been blessed to learn. I was taught that we are to be careful to whom we allow access to our belief system, as our allegiance to our Commanding Officer might be impeded or seriously distracted. As Christians, we are to practice that although we are in this world, we are not to be of this world and impacted by its sin and destruction. For our allegiance is to be to our Commanding Officer, Jesus Christ. Friends, your output will reflect where most of your input is coming from! Take time to evaluate self and see who has your allegiance today, please? If you need help in turning this around, please use my contact information in the ‘Footnote’. I will be happy to pray with you and give you some additional scripture that might help you realign your allegiance to our Lord and Savior!

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please show Your favor on us once again today by blessing us with power to overcome the evil of this world and to center our thoughts and allegiance on You. Our news reports are filled with the results of evil in men’s hearts, so I am reminded that it is even the more important that Christians stand firm in our belief and our stand for our Commanding Officer. In the military, many would have been charged with defecting, and I believe that there will be a price for ‘Christians’ to pay when we see You face to face for the many times that we have defected in our allegiance to You. For some have accepted You as Lord (joined the army of Saints) yet never have chosen to learn the rules of engagement, therefore have no idea what they should be doing as a soldier, nor do they have a desire to do it. Some of us know it, but have deliberately chosen to defect. Some of us know it yet we stand wishy-washy in our belief system and in our daily commitment to You. We are ashamed dear Lord. We badly need Your strength, Your guidance and Your patience to make us stronger in our faith and more committed to our decision to be Your child, Your warriors and Your messengers. Please continue to work with us today and every day that we remain on this earth. I ask all this knowing that You are the only one true God and the only One who can give such blessings, in the name of Jesus, my Savior, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will 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 blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! 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

Tag: loyalty