Tag: master

Living A Godly Life

On By Ed AlgreenIn Godly actions, Godly lives, Like Jesus, SincereLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-02-19

Bible Reference: 2 Timothy 3:12
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text:  Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

APPLICATION:  On reading the subject of this devotional, one may have thought that our study might give reasons to worship today, because surely we could rejoicing over the joys of living a godly life! Yes, there is much to rejoice in as we, Christians, think about our eternal home in glory with our Master. However, what Paul is warning about in this short verse, is what we might expect to see while we remain here on earth. Of course you might respond that of course, we spread the joy of the Lord with everyone, and we worship and adore our Savior at every opportunity. As true as that may be friend, notice carefully the verbiage used by Paul, for he said that for us to live a ‘GODLY’ life, we should expect persecution. Living a ‘godly’ life means that you are not just going to obey the commands of God, but you have committed to study His Word carefully and then live your life patterned after Jesus. It means that your life will be so different to that of the general public, that they might look at you like you are really ‘strange’! Think about this friends, Jesus was not a ‘yes man’ to all that the Pharisees expected of Him, for He showed them the true meaning of unconditional love; of unselfish leadership; of placing others before themselves; of standing up for God in every aspect of life, even in our careers; and of changing certain rituals because they may not be aligned with the image or expectation of Jesus Christ. In short, Jesus upset the ‘apple cart’ every time He recognized wrong or ungodly living, regardless of who was caught in the crossfire. Let’s look at this from our current scenario. In almost every conversation with Christians, we recognize that we have mellowed a lot from the ways of our ancestors, because we have calculated that their ways were just too strict, or too literal, regarding Biblical teachings. We allow things in our churches now that were unheard of in the early church. When last have you heard of a summit where church leaders would humble themselves before God and surrender totally to His will for the churches they are leading? How long would church leaders be permitted to stay in their roles, if they returned from a conference and started making changes, because they felt God was wanting them to help steer His church back to Him? Are we ready to challenge our work bosses because we see the need to stand up for what we discern to be ungodly principles and/or practices? I don’t believe we will find anywhere in the Bible that Jesus caved in to the practices of the day because He was being too literal with the commands of His Father. If we have committed ourselves to live just like Jesus, should we cave in to worldly practices and demands? How will we explain that to God on Judgment Day? Although it is very easy to look at the general public and see the wrongs, and softening effects of the Gospel, I want to encourage each reader to look deeply inside of self, and examine yourself in light of the Gospel that you claim to be your guide. Allow God to speak into your life, will you?

PRAYER: Dear God, You have placed Your perfect Son before us so that we might have the pattern for life that would be pleasing to You. Yet, much like the Pharisees, we have designed our own pattern of living. Unfortunately not all aspects of our design meets the standards that were demonstrated by Jesus. Father, we want our lives and our churches to be aligned with You, yet we tend to place our own little spin to the truth You have taught us. Please forgive us for doubting; for changing Your ways to conform with the ways of this world; and for assuming Your role, when we should really be seeking Your face and Your will. To win the world for Jesus Christ, I feel like we should first be willing to demonstrate before them a sincere ‘godly’ life so that they can clearly see what they are committing to. Lord Jesus, please have Your will and Your way in the lives of Christians today, beginning with me. Please work miraculously in our churches so that we may truly be the cornerstone of Your worldwide mission to reach the lost while we wait for Your Big Day when You will come to take us home with You. I ask these things in the name of Jesus, AMEN!

2019

It Originates in the Heart

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Heart, Heart Knowledge, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-02-18

Bible Reference: Matthew 15:17-20
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text:  17 Is it hard to understand that whatever you eat enters the stomach only to pass out into the sewer? 18 But what comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart. Words can pollute, not food. 19 You will find living within an impure heart evil ideas, murderous thoughts, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lies, and slander. 20 That’s what pollutes a person…..

OBSERVATION: Jesus overheard arguments from certain religious leaders who were criticizing his disciples for not following every little detail about their rules regarding ceremonial hand washing and food choices that conflicted with the restrictions of their religious beliefs. However this criticizing was coming from the hearts of those who were truly burdened by multiple other issues that were a lot more serious. Sounds a lot like some of the issues believers still face today? Let’s look deeper into this.

APPLICATION:  A lot of money is generated from diets, and pills and procedures that help people reduce the effects of what they put into their mouths. Many doctors, and some religions are convinced that certain foods are just not good for a human diet, and they try to work diligently with patients, and/or followers, to develop alternate diets. Some religions base this on Scripture, and therefore try to enforce the idea based on the Word of God. I find it interesting that Jesus never told the Pharisees they were untruthful, or inaccurate, but what He did tell them was that they should strive for removing the boards from their own eyes before pointing out the small specks in the lives of others. In fact, I am convinced that this Scripture was God breathed for each of us reading this today also. For just as the Pharisees saw the challenges the disciples had, we might be very apt to look at the Pharisees and denounce their faults. But I believe that what God is truly trying to say to His children today, is that we have a full time job in trying to stay focused on the issues that derive from our wicked hearts, and in seeking to correct our own issues first and foremost. I believe that only then, do we have the audacity to approach someone else and show them up for their apparent weaknesses. Friends, we are not God, and while we may find ways to try and help others to overcome challenges they fight with, we are far from having the authority to act like God and try to straighten out their sin. Jesus points out to us that we have a huge responsibility to ensure that our hearts are filled with His grace, His goodness, His perfect love for mankind, and His forgiveness. For unless we are, then we might easily tend to judge others, or even be prone to many more acts that might be even more serious than those of the Pharisees, the disciples or anyone else we feel may be failing. I love that old spiritual that includes the words: “It’s not my brother or my sister, but it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer”. Yes, I believe that we personally have so much need in the sight of God, that I’m not sure how or when we will ever find the time for correcting a neighbor who is in need, or may be failing in some walk of life.

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. Precious Lord, You are merciful and You looked down in love and saved even me, thank You! I am also grateful that You saved many of my friends who will read this devotional today that have also accepted You as Lord. We have such a huge job of minding our intake of worldly issues, bad attitudes and habits, that we’re not sure how we will ever get around to helping a Brother or a Sister, but Lord we need You to help us through every circumstance of life. Please draw us to Yourself daily, so that our hearts will overflow with the love and attitude of Christ. We want others to see enough of Christ in us, that they would have a strong desire to know You in a personal and meaningful way. I am convinced that You will return to take us home with You very soon, oh Lord, may we be found faithful until the end of time. AMEN!

The Distractions of Faith

On By Ed AlgreenIn Distraction, Distractions, Faith, Faithfulness, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-02-15

Bible Reference: Matthew 14:29-33
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 29 “Come and join me,” Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus. 30 But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he cried out. 31 Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?” 32 And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased. 33 Then all the disciples crouched down before him and worshiped Jesus. They said in adoration, “You are truly the Son of God!”

OBSERVATION: In Hebrews 11:1 we are reminded that faith is confidence in what we hope for, and complete assurance of something that we cannot see. Perhaps with that in mind, we could better evaluate the faith that Peter had in jumping out of that boat, and also the faith that we have in taking our petitions before a holy and miraculously working God. May our faith increase today as we meditate on this story of ‘faith’ by Peter!

APPLICATION: There are so many things we could learn from this story of Peter. I believe that most of us will share the reflection that this story shows us the faith of a man to attempt something that defies nature, and that he had never thought possible before. To jump out of a boat in the middle of the sea, one could only prepare for the intake of water through the nose and mouth, unless they know how to swim! However, things were a bit different with Peter, for: a). He had already experienced the power of the Almighty, and he knew that Jesus had the same power to do even those things that are impossible in the eyes of the world; b). He paid attention to what Jesus was doing, and knew that if Jesus could walk on the water, He had power and authority to empower him (Peter) to do the same; and c). Peter heard the command by Jesus, and in spite of the yelling from his fellow disciples, he obeyed Jesus. So what happened? Why did Peter’s effort fail? I am convinced that Jesus already knows how quickly Peter would become cocky about being given this special power, so Jesus demonstrated to Peter and to us, that faith requires that we keep our eyes fixed on the author of our faith – Jesus, and His Father God, lest we fall into the trap of bragging about our powers. I had a friend dying of cancer, and she traveled hundreds of miles to be prayed over by a TV evangelist who showed on public television that he had powers to heal. WRONG. Stop right there. Friends, as demonstrated in this story with Peter, and as we already know about healing powers – it is God, through His Son Jesus that spoke the word for Jesus to walk on water and who rescued him as he began to sink; it is God alone who heals a body that He created from dust, and restores it to perfect health so that He may be glorified. Our responsibility is to look to Him for all things and keep our eyes fixed on the author and creator of life itself, knowing that through His power, lives might be healed, souls might be restored to the Kingdom, and that the unsaved may recognize the grace and power of our God. It’s all about ‘God’, my friend. We are just instruments of His love and servants of our majestic King. The Master deserves all the praise for all that He does, for nothing of our own is merited, or worthy of praise, for what He has done. Please be careful of the distractions that Satan will place before us. For Peter, it was the wind and the rough waters that caused him to take his eyes off the Master. For us, unfortunately we live in a world that is totally filled with distractions that Satan places before us. Remember that our distractions are forces that draw us away from God – our primary power source. Don’t let Satan win over you my friend. In verse 31 we are reminded to not let ‘doubt’ win in our battle to ‘believe’. Trust in God, and all of this shall come to pass, child of God!

PRAYER: Oh Lord, You are my God! The same God that created this wonderful world, and also created all of creation. I acknowledge again today that there is nothing that You can’t do. Please forgive me for my doubt and my lack of faith. Thank You for the reminder in today’s Scripture that You had the power to walk on water to get over to Your disciples. I wonder what You must travel over, or through, at times to get to my readers and I, and the trouble we find ourselves in at times. But one thing that I am assured of, is that just as we saw where the water didn’t stop You from getting to Your followers, we need not let anything hinder our requests today, for many things will appear to be impossible to us, but with renewed assurance today, we KNOW that we can come before the throne of God and plead our case for an all-knowing, all-powerful, forever-loving God who says that ALL things are possible with God! You are our King, and we adore You and worship You today oh Lord, not just for what You can do for us, but for who You are! AMEN!

No Not One

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Obedience, Obedient, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-02-13

Bible Reference: Psalm 14:2-3
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text:  2 The Lord looks down in love, bending over heaven’s balcony, looking over all of Adam’s sons and daughters. He’s looking to see if there is anyone who acts wisely, any who are searching for God and wanting to please him. 3 But no, everyone has wandered astray, walking stubbornly toward evil. Not one is good; he can’t even find one.

OBSERVATION: Created by a holy God, who demonstrated His love for us, even while we were steeped in sin and disregard of our Master; yet in spite of all that, can you imagine all that God sees when He looks down on His children – is it the unselfish desire to serve, the sacrificial love shown towards others, and persistent love and appreciation shown towards the Creator of this universe? Or is that really the ‘norm’ and the common theme that God sees? With sober and honest hearts, let us meditate on this Scripture today.

APPLICATION:  We hear it all the time, that our children looks like us, or they speak like us, or they act like us! That’s quite amazing at times, but very humbling and possibly even embarrassing at times, because then we realize that we have not been successful in hiding our attitude, or our closed minds to certain things, or the words that we spoke in private were indeed overheard by others! But let’s stop to ponder over what we are challenged with in our Scripture today. Imagine God, who created the universe, created you and I and placed us in His lush garden to enjoy all that He handcrafted just for us, yet we complain daily about our lack of food or provision. Imagine God, who gave us minds to think independently and make personal choices, yet to look on His children choosing to ignore Him and follow the ways of the evil one. Imagine God, who taught us to love one another, demonstrated His love in multiple ways, yet we show hatred towards one another and devise plots against each other – a total opposite to what we were taught. Imagine God, who gave us everything on earth for our food, our enjoyment and for our edification, yet He sees us storing up gifts that He blessed us with, and feeling content to see others go hungry, not ministered to, unloved, and feeling totally destitute. Friends, is there any wonder that verse 3 tells us that God looks down on us and sees that everyone has gone astray, everyone’s walking towards evil, no one is good, no one is holy, NO NOT ONE. Oh how this must break the heart of our God, our maker and our soon coming King. What’s your excuse today dear friend? Is it a priority in your life to obey God in ALL things? Is it a priority to love God and love others, because of the ways that He first demonstrated His love for you? This whole Christian life is unimportant to you if you have not made it a priority to seek God and His righteousness and follow Him in ALL your ways! That’s something only you and God can settle. I pray that Jesus will not return and find no one ready, for my desire is to know Him personally and live my life in line with His will, and obedient to His commands, so help me God. Would you join me in that commitment my friend?

PRAYER: I love that old hymn ‘Just A Closer Walk with Thee’, for that declares the words of my heart dear Lord. I am reminded in the Scripture today that I fail a lot more often in obediently following You, than I do at anything else that I attempt to do. Oh Lord, please forgive me for my weakness in my faith, and my disobedience to Your will and way. As my readers and I evaluate our position with You today, please open our eyes of honesty wide, so that we will not just say with our lips, but demonstrate throughout every aspect of our lives, that we are children of the King – as evidenced in the things we say, our actions, and our love and respect demonstrated in our very aspect of our existence here on earth. May You be glorified today in us, and because of us, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. AMEN!

Pay Attention Folk

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, Trust2 Comments

Monday, 2019-02-11

Bible Reference: Matthew 13:41-43
Translation: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Bible Text:  41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom everyone who does wrong or causes others to sin. 42 Then he will throw them into a flaming furnace, where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain. 43 But everyone who has done right will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. If you have ears, pay attention!

OBSERVATION: The Holy Spirit impacted me when I read through these verses, but as I went back and meditated on these verses, something really popped out off the pages of my Bible. Jesus said in verse 41 that His angels will gather from HIS kingdom – meaning HIS children, in other words – those who claimed to belong to the Master, and they would be taken out and thrown into the flaming furnace. We need to really meditate on, and understand, this today.

APPLICATION: To read that there are thorns among the wheat, and how these thorns will stunt the growth of the wheat if left there during the growing period, yet we are told that the thorns should remain there. What do we make of this? I believe we would understand it very clearly if the Scripture said that those thorn bushes must be removed and burned, so that the wheat would mature without hindrance from the weeds. But that’s not exactly what Jesus said, is it? In my studies, I found out that back in verse 24 and following, Jesus told His audience that these weeds were planted to look just like the wheat, among which the weeds were planted. Now, to consider this idea in its proper context, let us consider our beautiful, plush and proper churches today. Wouldn’t it be extremely challenging to look out over our congregation, or even rub shoulders with them, and try to imagine who might be the ‘wheat’ among us, and who are the ‘weeds’. But I believe that Jesus is reminding us that because everyone walking through our doors are dressed just like us, look just like us, sing just like us, and may even give to the ministry just like us, we must not conclude that they are children of the kingdom. In Psalm 1:5, we are told that “sinners will have no place among the saved” on Judgment Day. So let’s try and conclude what Jesus is teaching here. Friends, I believe that way too often we look at what our coworker is succeeding at, or how happy that new Sunday School member seems to be in their life, and we start emulating their lifestyle, or we join them in the things that seem to successfully bring joy in their life. But Jesus is teaching us today that we have only one role model, one Savior and one Lord. He tells us throughout His Word how we are to seek His righteousness, and the things of this world will grow strangely dim. I believe that when we start desiring what another person has – whether it’s happiness, a great spouse, wonderful children, a healthy lifestyle, an expensive car, etc., then we are permitting ourselves to seek our happiness and pleasure in another person (wheat or thorns), rather than in the joy, peace and wisdom of our almighty God, who proved His love for us on Calvary. Our times of meeting at church, or any gathering, with fellow believers, or those we assume are fellow believers, we tend to lift up and encourage each other. We are supposedly there for one purpose – to corporately lift up the name of Jesus and worship Him from the very depths of our heart. It’s a given fact that some of these folk may have more knowledge than us about the teachings of God, and some may even have experienced miracles from God, but if you miss your one-on-one encounter with your maker, and if you confuse His direction that He has planned for your life, by following the lead of your fellow worshipper, then you are missing out on the importance of growing closer to the Master. Remember, He has laid out a plan for you, and that plan will involve experiences that you may totally miss, if you receive your guidance and leadership from a friend. We all must accept Jesus individually, and we all must seek His perfect will for our individual lives, if we are to live the perfect life He has in store for us. How are you doing with that my friend? Do you have a really intimate relationship with Jesus, and listening to His every command for your life? If not, let me encourage you to seek Him while He may be found. Draw close to Him, my friend, and He will draw near to you. You are the apple of His eye. He loves You and would like nothing better than to welcome you through the gates of Heaven when He calls you out of this world. Sure things up today, won’t you?

PRAYER: A challenging parable, but a much needed message for each of your children, dear God. Thank You for speaking to us in such unexpected, but important ways throughout Your Word, O Lord. Thank You for drawing our attention to the real source of revival in our land. It’s not my brother, or my sister, but it’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer and needing to draw even closer to You. Please speak to the hearts and souls or Your people today, draw them to yourself, so that all doubt will be removed whether they are Yours – redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Lord, may Your children be reassured of their stance with You today, so they may proceed with Your work, designated for them individually. People need the Lord – yes especially those who feel comfortable in church, even without ever having experienced You in their lives. May today be the day that they are introduced to the Master, and may they surrender their whole being to You and Your will for their life. AMEN!

To Know Our Shield, Our Protector and Our Guard

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-02-08

Bible Reference: Proverbs 2:6-10
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text:  6 For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. 7-8 He grants good sense to the godly—his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. 9 He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. 10 For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy.

OBSERVATION: Imagine with me today, and believe that we serve a God who shows us how to distinguish right from wrong, and how to find the right decision every time! But this is not something I made up, it’s not my imagination – read verse 9 above, again! Don’t you feel sometimes that you wish you could have this kind of wisdom every day, with every decision you make? Let’s be reminded of who God blesses in these ways!

APPLICATION: At the end of a day, sometime ago, when I had been bombarded with many questions – from personal issues to business challenges my staff were having, I reflected on the fact that it was impossible for little old me to have enough smarts about myself to answer so many varied questions. I knew that there was nothing I could have studied for, or done, to prepare myself, as I would never have known what questions would come my way that day. Then it clicked! The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the fact that my prayer to Him each day in seeking His wisdom, and in pleading for opportunities to represent Him well, were not going unnoticed! He heard my prayers, and He provided the wisdom as, and when necessary! It opened my eyes to my selfishness in not returning to thank God at the end of each day for every prayer that He answered for me that day. I believe that way too often we get a little cocky and tend to think that we were just that good today. Oh my, what a lie and confusion of Satan himself. Think of the scenarios where you might come up on an accident moments after it occurred. Did you ever stop to reflect on the aggravation you had at the last traffic light which detained you three whole minutes at that one light? That 3 minutes allowed you to arrive at the scene of an accident, instead of being involved in it! In verse 8 God is telling us through His servant Solomon, that He shields us; He protects us; and He guards our path. That means that He intercedes in the very things of earth that’s needed to build a shield around us! Are you opening up yet to the fact that we serve an awesome God, who loves, cares and protects His children? Friends, ‘Our God is an Awesome God’! Do you know Him and have an intimate, daily relationship with Him? Salvation is not just a ticket to heaven for those who sincerely accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, it opens the door to a relationship with the Savior who said that He sits on the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf! Do you understand why it is so awesome to have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, our Lord? Would you like to know the roadmap to having that relationship? Please read my Footnote, and take time to visit the link ‘To Know Jesus’ so that you may understand from God’s Word the ‘Who’; ‘Why’; and ‘How’. This will be the best, and most important decision of your life, my friend!

PRAYER: Thank You Heavenly Father for loving me so much that Your sent Your one and only Son as a sacrifice on a cruel cross, just so that I may have a relationship with Him; forgiveness of my sin, and assurance of my salvation – the open door to Glory where I will spend eternity in adoration, worship and praise of God the Father and Jesus the Son. Thank You for assuring me that although this was something You did for me personally, the same invitation went out to ALL who would humble themselves and accept Jesus as Lord. Lord, we are all struggling here on this earth, and we all need You in our lives today. Please soften the hearts of my readers who may be in agreement with me, but have not sought You out personally. Oh that this may be the day, precious Lord. AMEN!

The Intolerance of A Righteous God with The Unrighteous

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, Trust2 Comments

Thursday, 2019-02-07

Bible Reference: Psalm 11:4-7
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: 4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
    he has his throne in heaven.
He watches people everywhere
    and knows what they are doing.
5 He examines the good and the wicked alike;
    the lawless he hates with all his heart.
6 He sends down flaming coals[c and burning sulfur on the wicked;
    he punishes them with scorching winds.
7 The Lord is righteous and loves good deeds;
    those who do them will live in his presence.

OBSERVATION: It seems like David saw in his day, like we might be seeing today, that some of the folk that God sent His Son to die for, have accepted that gift of love and forgiveness, and they are striving to live a life of holiness that emulates the life Jesus lived while here on earth. However there are others who have no regard for God and therefore live in total opposition to His laws. Praise God, He allowed David to share His warnings with those that may disregard and disobedience. Let us meditate on this today.

APPLICATION: Many of us will remember the warnings given to us
by parents when we were growing up. We will also remember that some parents were quick to whip us into obedience, while some were weaker – and somehow we figured out what we could get away with, when they discovered our misgivings! David is reminding us in our Scripture today that God is still on His throne, and that He still watches us and cares enough about us, to create in those who are committed to obeying Him, a mind of obedience. Friends, I believe that it is easy to see that there are times that people become so filled with the ways of the world, that Satan is free to roam in and out of their lives, and to work in them, his plan for their total destruction and downfall. Fortunately, we are reminded in verse 6 that God, like any loving Father, has some pretty serious discipline in store for the disobedient and unconcerned. I am reminded that this is one of the reasons why the unsaved have such a deep concern in the hearts of God’s children, for no loving child of God would want to see their friends punished, or destroyed by the command of our Holy and Righteous God, who receives anything but holiness and righteousness from them. However, while we have every good reason to continue loving, caring and praying for our unsaved loved ones and friends, we also have every good reason to thank our merciful Father for His goodness to us, and His wonderful promises that we are reminded of in verse 7. For we are a holy people, loved by a holy God, who has prepared a home for us in glory where we will spend eternity with our Father and His precious Son. Oh that today may be another day of praise, adoration and worship to our God! For He is awesome in all of His ways, and He will do all that He has promised for those who have accepted His Son as Savior and Lord. We are a blessed people friends!

PRAYER: Lord, please help us not to get caught up in the ways of this world, where it would be easy to question Your Word and question why You are so hard on our fellow human beings – the unsaved. Help us Lord to always remember that You are true to Your Word in every way, so if we obediently follow You, there are great rewards, and if we don’t, there is awful condemnation. Right up front You told us how life will work, so there is no need to now plead with You to change Your mind. Help us Lord to share Your warnings with those who refuse to follow Your plan, so that they will have a clear picture of what to expect in their final judgment. There is a plan for eternal salvation, filled with the love and peace of the Creator of every human, and of this whole universe. Individually we make the decision of whether we want that, or not. Oh that today will be a turning point for many in our circle of influence. AMEN!

Exercise Daily – In God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Consistent, Spiritual FitnessLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-02-06

Bible Reference: 1 Timothy 4:6-10
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text:  You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.

OBSERVATION: Any doctor, or good friend, will encourage you to exercise daily at the gym or anywhere that you could get yourself moving. However, of even more importance is the need to regularly exercise and enrich our souls in the Lord Jesus, so that our relationship with Him might always be fresh, finely tuned and growing daily. Because this comes directly from the Word of God, let us meditate on this today.

APPLICATION:  I believe that a lot of money is spent on gym memberships, and a lot of time is well spent on physical fitness in order to keep our heart and muscles in great physical shape, due to the stationary, inactive lifestyles we have in our desk jobs or just the bad priorities we choose in watching TV or playing on computer devices. So what if we did to our physical bodies what we do in our spiritual lives? You know, we may open our Bibles once a week when we attend church, or in some cases two or three times per year for special occasions. Do you suppose that we might see more physical deaths if we only exercised that infrequent? Do you suppose that this might be the reason we see so many spiritual ‘deaths’ in the church? If we only connect with the Master of this world on a very occasional basis, will that develop ‘relationship’ with Him? Physical exercise requires commitment to a designated time of fitness each day. It means sacrificing a warm bed for working out at the gym or jogging down a long, dark path, often until we feel like we are about to drop! It means ‘beating’ ourselves into submission, so that we can do it even when we don’t feel like it. Now, think about Spiritual fitness. Should it be any different? The results, or the outcome, is way more important, for it leads to an active, participating relationship with the King of this universe, One who sent His Son to die for us so that we might accept His sacrifice and the forgiveness of our sin, and therefore ultimately be with Him in glory one day. Physical fitness helps you condition your bodies to fight off diseases, have less pain and recover much faster from illnesses, and it may extend your life here on earth by a few years. Spiritual fitness opens the doors of heaven for you while here on earth, and to life ever after with the Creator. It gives you hope, peace and love here on earth and rewards for eternity that are out of this world! Spiritual fitness is suitable for all walks of life, for those fit enough to do physical fitness or not. Please don’t make excuses Brothers and Sisters. Seek to strengthen your spiritual lives so that you may be usable by God here on earth, until He is ready for you in Heaven. Each of us will face Him at Judgment Day, will you be prepared to smile and thank Him for allowing You to stay Spiritually Fit while here on earth? Make it a priority each and every day! I hope there will be no regrets.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we are such a blessed people, because of Your persistent love for us, and the way that You show that in so many ways to us daily. Please touch the lives of each one reading this devotional today with a desire to enhance our Spiritual fitness so that we might be drawn closer to You in every aspect of our lives. Others are watching to validate that we are who we say we are. May we be so engrossed in Your Word, and have such a determination to follow Your teachings, that the evidence might be obvious in all that we say or do while here on earth. We want them to see Jesus. May we be fit vessels that You can work through to reach those in our realm of influence dear Lord, AMEN!

2019

For, or Against?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dedication, Determination, Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-02-05

Bible Reference: Matthew 12:30
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 30 ……he who is not with Me is against Me, and he who is not doing the Father’s work of gathering up the flock may as well be scattering the flock.

OBSERVATION: This verse is taken from a section of the New Testament where Jesus was clarifying for the Pharisees that His miracles were not of the devil. However, Jesus challenged them to consider their actions and attitudes as something that is tearing down the Kingdom, not building up. That same challenge is something we should review today, in the event we might be guilty of the same thing.

APPLICATION: A piece of advice given by my wife and I several times over the years is ‘be careful, blood is thicker than water’. This applied to situations where the individual was talking to a family member about one of their relatives. That family member might be upset with their relative, but they refuse to hear an outsider say something derogatory about them. However, they would gladly accept positive reinforcement, or help that will mend the fences between them. Jesus witnessed the spiritual leaders of the day looking for every opportunity to entrap Him and/or imprison Him. He heard them speak evil about the good that He was doing in their community, yet they walked around pretending to be more holy than anyone else. Aren’t you glad that with our advanced education system, and our many computers and smart people, that we have learned to overcome this weakness in the church today? Hopefully I received no ‘Amen’ responses after that last statement, because it was really meant to highlight that even after all these years; after having the Word of God to show us the errors of our past generations, yet churches today are torn apart by the same wickedness. In fact, I believe that we would all be very surprised to see what would happen if Jesus walked down the isles of our churches next weekend and pointed out the folk who should leave, because they have a godly spirit about them, and they are 100% honest in their words and in their actions. Of course the folk remaining would be the ones in much need of ministry as the Word of God is yet again explained to them in meticulous form. Friends, please allow me to remind each one reading this blog, that when God is working inside of us and using us for His purpose and the good of His kingdom, then no matter what position we hold in church, or in our community, we would promote the awesome love, power, wisdom and saving grace of the one true God – our Lord, and our Savior. When you are for Him, you will pray for those who open their mouths to speak for Him; you will lift up and encourage those who sing His praises; you will renounce evil and promote the goodness of God. There will be no need to look around to see who’s nearby when you speak to your neighbor, because your words will be intended to lift up, and not tear down. Friends, there are many in my community who need the Lord, and I bet your community is very similar. They may be looking at the proof of God’s work in our midst, before they make a decision to join a movement that claims they know Jesus, but show no living proof of His power or teaching. I believe that our takeaway today is that if we are for God, then let’s be extremely dedicated to living like He taught us, and like He exampled for us while here on earth. Jesus made it clear that we live out our beliefs, because when we don’t, it becomes clear that we are against Him. Talk with God today and allow Him to open your spiritual eyes to discern whose side you’re really on, both in words and in your actions.

PRAYER: Lord, may others see so much of Jesus in my speech and in my actions, that there will be no reason to question who guides me, who teaches me, who directs my path, and the direct in which I am headed for eternity! May all those meditating on this blog today be of the same mind and spirit, and may our dedication and commitment to you be contagious for all to see and subsequently follow. May we say like Paul did, if you want to see Jesus, follow me! AMEN!

For The Mighty Works You Have Done Oh God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Obedience, Prayer, Seek God's FaceLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-02-04

Bible Reference: Psalm 77:11-12
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.  They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

OBSERVATION: In recognizing the many works of our awesome God, we become more apt to trust in Him for the many needs that we have daily. As David shares with us about His intimate relationship with His loving Father, may we also learn to give thanks in all things before asking for more. What a mighty God we serve!

APPLICATION:  In the verses leading up to verse 11, we read about all the questions David had for God. You know, much like the questions we have when we think that God has a much different agenda, or interest, in doing something totally different to what we are telling Him to do?  Oh you say that you would never do that? Friends I want to challenge you to think about how often we unconsciously do this every day. We ask God to ratify a decision we have already made for ourselves, and when God responds differently to what we expect, or demand, we immediately think that God’s not there, nor does He care about us. Let’s not forget that for every time that we ask a question of God, He has the power to respond with the right yes or no answer! Let me explain, way too often we go before God with a question, and because we have our minds made up with the response we want, we tend to think that God didn’t hear us; or He did not to respond to our demands; or He’s not there. Over time, I believe that we will realize that the greatest love that can be shown to us is for God to say ‘no’ when He knows full well that it is in our best decision to respond accordingly. I believe there are also times that we just can’t muster up the faith to ask God for help with our situations. David showed us that these are the times that we should stop and reflect on the mercies of God and the proven power of God in our lives, so that we might gain strength in our weakness, and faith in our time of doubt and unbelief. Friends, we serve a GREAT BIG God, and until we stop to reflect on His awesomeness and our ‘littleness’ then we might be missing a lot of blessings. Please take time to reflect and praise God for His awesome power, then proceed in the confidence that wells up in you to place your needs (small and great) before the God of this universe! We always need direction from God, for our wishes are often tainted by the things of this world, and only God truly knows what’s truly best for us. Friends, He’s my God, and I know that I can trust Him! I would challenge you to draw close to God so that He can show His power, grace and mercy as you draw close to Him and allow Him to be God in your life!

PRAYER: Thank You Father for being my Creator, my Redeemer, my Savior and my King! I know that there is nothing unreasonable or impossible for You. Thank You for hearing my heart’s cry when I call out to You. Please touch the heart of each person reading this devotional and cause each of us to draw closer to You in every aspect of our lives, so that our faith may increase. May our relationship with You become strong enough that we will trust You with every aspect of our lives, and not just the portion that we feel inadequate in handling.  Thank You Father for handling life today – our lives with all of the complexities that we have added to them. In the name of Jesus, I ask these things oh Lord, AMEN!