Tag: Praise

Looking For Ultimate Satisfaction in Life?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Sunday, 2019-08-25

Bible Reference: Luke 18:18;20-22
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 18 Once a Jewish religious leader asked him this question: “Good sir, what shall I do to get to heaven?”
20 “But as to your question, you know what the Ten Commandments say—don’t commit adultery, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t lie, honor your parents, and so on.” 21 The man replied, “I’ve obeyed every one of these laws since I was a small child.”
22 “There is still one thing you lack,” Jesus said. “Sell all you have and give the money to the poor—it will become treasure for you in heaven—and come, follow me.”

OBSERVATION: Consider the things the young man in our story had going for him. He was young; he was a Jewish leader; he was rich and he was a ‘good’ young man, as he told Jesus that he had obeyed godly commands every since he could remember. Yet something was missing in his life, and it wasn’t pretty women, more money or a better position in government. I wonder what things we tend to think is lacking in our lives? What else may bring greater satisfaction to us? What else might be lacking according to God’s standards? Let’s look for direction in this as we meditate on God’s Word today.

APPLICATION: We are often willing to sacrifice time with our family, and the time we spend in God’s work around His local church, so that we could work ungodly hours around work hoping to please our boss and possibly achieve a greater position at work, since that might lead to making more money. But at the end of our work-day, do we ever reflect on the satisfaction that extra commitment at work has brought to our family? Or do we use those awake hours at home to catch up on email and other tasks that we couldn’t get to during the day? At the end of the year, do we celebrate the extra money we made and saved from a year of hard work and dedication, or do we spend time celebrating our family, our church, and the growth in our relationship with our Creator and our Sustainer of life? Looking forward into the new year, do we reflect on how we might grow at work, grow our bank account, and excel in our job during the coming year, or do we look to God on how we might help our family grow closer to Him, and how we might sure up our relationship with Him as we prepare for our future home in Heaven with Him. I believe that the rich young ruler probably came to a crossroad in his life where he may have pondered scenarios similar to the above, because I could see some of the same traits in us today. As you meditate on this devotional, and hopefully click on the scripture link above, you will see in verse 17 of this same chapter, that Jesus taught that we are to assume an attitude and spirit like a child: humble; willing to accept what Jesus teaches us to do; and then follow in obedience to do what pleases the Father. He also taught us in verse 22 that there is nothing in this life that will bring us lasting happiness, or that adds to our assurance of a future in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. So should we not learn from this story of the rich young ruler, that the effort we place into our earthly plans and into pleasing mankind, only serves to lift up our boss, or our friends, or those that we tend to lift up on a pedestal, and does very little to please our Heavenly Father? Friends, I pray that we will be busy about our Father’s work, for I am convinced that He will return soon to take His bride home (His blood-bought church). What might be your response today, if asked why He should let you into His kingdom?

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your very Son on a cross so that I might enjoy eternity with You. I believe that many who will read this devotional today could join with me in sharing our appreciation of Your awesome love for us. You created us to show our love for others through our commitment to them and through the gifts that we give to them. Oh may that become our priority today and everyday towards the One who loves us more than life itself, and has prepared a home for us, where we will live for evermore with You and the Father! Please tender the hearts of Your children who have yet to accept You as Lord and Savior. May today be a time of celebration by the angels and many friends here on earth as they surrender their all to You! AMEN!

Persistent In Prayer

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-08-23

Bible Reference: Luke 18:6-8
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 6 The Lord continued, “Did you hear what the ungodly judge said—that he would answer her persistent request? 7 Don’t you know that God, the true judge, will grant justice to all of his chosen ones who cry out to him night and day? He will pour out his Spirit upon them. He will not delay to answer you and give you what you ask for. 8 God will give swift justice to those who don’t give up. So be ever praying, ever expecting, just like the widow was with the judge. Yet when the Son of Man comes back, will he find this kind of persistent faithfulness in his people?”

OBSERVATION: Jesus used an earthly example to explain a question that many of us might have. Do we keep on praying for God’s help? The answer is included in today’s study. However, Jesus also challenges us to think about a very deep question regarding our persistent relationship with Him. Meditate with me as we reflect on the words of Jesus and seek to apply them to our own lives.

APPLICATION: Some believe that we should ask God only once about an issue we may be having. Others believe that we must keep on praying until we hear from God. I believe that God knew that we would have these types of questions, so He included the answer in His Book of Instructions for life (the Bible). An earthly king who had no regard for God or His people, gave in to the persistent request of a needy widow. Jesus reminds us that our God is much more tolerable than that mean king, so we should be assured that He will surely answer our persistent prayers. But Jesus dropped a very honest challenge on us, by reminding us to be faithful and persistent in prayer and in our relationship with Him. Friends, I believe that this is where the persistence of His children comes in, for it is way too easy for us to drift away after we receive what we want. Notice how filled our churches are after an impactful disaster? Churches were filled after 911, and in Florida, churches impacted by hurricanes are filled following the disaster, even if there is no electricity. A family impacted by the sudden loss of a loved one will attend church faithfully, at least for a while. But in every case, these dependencies on God decreases as the pain lessens. In other words, it seems like we have a decreased need for God. Unfortunately the vast majority of people will soon feel like life has returned to normal and they could resume handling their day-to-day needs and concerns without having to ‘bother’ God. But let’s stop and think for a moment about how we feel when someone has stuck around and been extraordinarily friendly with us, as long as we had the money to treat them to dinner, or buy them things, or take them places. Then suddenly one day we awake to find that our money is becoming limited. Unfortunately, it’s not long before we notice that those ‘friends’ have wandered off, and they seldom call of visit anymore. Now I know that God is much bigger than the pettiness of mankind, but according to the ending of verse 8, He is very aware that we tend to do the same thing with Him. Shouldn’t we stop to remind ourselves that the reason we are not running to God pleading for healing, is because He has blessed us with a time of well being and good health? Shouldn’t we stop to thank God that our money hasn’t run out, so we are able to purchase food and necessities? I could go on dear one, but I believe that like me, you probably get the point that God is our Father all of the time, so let us never forget Him. Our method of communicating with Him is through prayer and thanksgiving. Prayer includes seeking His direction & His wisdom; Thanking Him, as well as making our petitions know. So is there ever a time that we will not want to communicate with our Heavenly Father? God never forgets us! I pray that we will never forget Him!

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us unconditionally! Thank You for creating us uniquely so that we may serve You, honor You, worship You and depend on You for every aspect of life. We can’t imagine, nor would we want to experience life without You. In much the same way that we expect You to always be there for us, please help us to always communicate with You and seek communion with You every day and frequently throughout the day. Thank You for being an amazing, life-giving, healing and all-loving God to each of Your children. May we in turn bless You with all of our heart, soul and mind at all times! AMEN!

Our Priorities – In Light of Eternity

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Priorities, Priority, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Sunday, 2019-08-18

Bible Reference: Luke 16:27-31
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 27 “Then the rich man said, ‘O Father Abraham, then please send him to my father’s home— 28 for I have five brothers—to warn them about this place of torment lest they come here when they die.’
29 “But Abraham said, ‘The Scriptures have warned them again and again. Your brothers can read them any time they want to.’
30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham, they won’t bother to read them. But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will turn from their sins.’
31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even though someone rises from the dead.’”

OBSERVATION: To totally miss the boat (of Salvation) while here on earth, is a sad commentary about the priorities of a person while alive. Could it be that the friends they hung around distracted them from things that their heart is really burdened about? I’m sure that reaching a state of eternal damnation would suddenly bring more regrets than anything we could even imagine, but in our Scripture today, Jesus teaches how we might quickly reflect on our missed opportunities. If only I would have…. then perhaps I could have helped….. I hope that as we meditate on this Scripture today, our eyes will be opened to the opportunities presented to us each and every day, and on the things of life that we often control our priorities!

APPLICATION: At the end of any given day, we may reflect on missed opportunities, and we may often attribute those to lack of time. I am a firm believer that we should really call these what they are – lack of priority. Notice how, in our Scripture, the rich man saw the urgency of getting word to his siblings after he had passed on and experienced the results of his own damnation? Let us think about our own siblings – how often have we sat down and talked with our siblings about their salvation? Isn’t it easy for us to look on these scenarios as embarrassing moments, or times that we just couldn’t muster up the courage to say something to them? How might we deal with our inner feelings if we heard that one of our siblings died a very cruel, unexpected death, without us ever having the opportunity to speak seriously with them about the condition of their soul? The other important thing for us to learn from these verses is that the rich man was not exempt from reconciliation with the King of the Universe. He also was held accountable about the choices that he made while here on earth. Friends, please be reminded that regardless of our financial position, or our regularity of attending church, or how kind we are to those in need, yet there is one thing, and only one thing that God will look at on Judgment Day – the heart of the individual. What if the question was asked of you today: Is your heart right with God? Have you invited Jesus Christ to assume lordship of your life? What if you never made it pass the next hour here on earth and God asked you why should He let you into His kingdom? May I suggest that you set your priorities straight my friend, be ready for your encounter with God, for it may easily be today.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord Jesus, there is no greater priority than our meeting with You, for this life is worthless without the assurance of our future in heaven with You. Thank You that we could have the assurance of our salvation, so that we could know without a doubt, to whom we belong. May we, without hesitation or lack of words, confidently claim the One who died for us at Calvary and saved us from our sin as we boldly step before the throne of God one day! AMEN!

The Sacrifice God Wants

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Sacrifice, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-08-16

Bible Reference: Psalm 51:16-17
Translation: New Century Version (NCV)

Bible Text: 16 You are not pleased by sacrifices, or I would give them. You don’t want burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit.
    God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin.

OBSERVATION: Throughout the Old Testament we see where there were sacrifices for almost any sin committed, and there were even some for praises to God. As we meditate on these verses today I hope that we will concentrate on those things that are a part of our relationship with God that may be considered ‘sacrifices’.

APPLICATION: I believe that a good explanation for the act of sacrificing might be when we offer up something as payment for an action performed by us that may not meet the requirements of the person, or God, who sets the rules. Another meaning might be that we are willing to give up something we love very much, so that someone else could benefit from that thing we are willing to give up. So let me mention a few things that I believe we ‘sacrifice’ in place of something near and dear to us: 1). Some may go to church to please someone bugging them to attend church. So they sacrifice time and go through the motions in order to make that person happy, or at least get them off their back! 2). Some may give to the church, or even to the work of God. So they may sacrifice monetarily with hopes that God might credit them for giving to His causes; 3). Some may ‘send’ missionaries to foreign countries. So they sacrifice monetarily, and give time in prayer for them so that the Great Commission (go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel) might be fulfilled. These are just examples of sacrifices that mankind makes, and in most cases these are fellow Christians. I also believe that in all the examples given, these sacrifices might be noble, and even recognized by God, if done in the spirit of sacrifice and holiness. But in the Psalm we are meditating on, David shares what he found to be noble and trustworthy in a life that is truly after pleasing God. In verse 17 David shared that we must have a broken spirit in order to arrive at the very depth of our heart. I believe this means that we must be at a state where we are willing to let go and let God have His will and way in our lives. But I believe a warning may come with that. For God may remind us of His many blessings and we may get up and attend church without being asked to, or regardless of the way someone looked at us last year when we attended! It may help us to openly declare that since God has blessed us with a good job and a fair income, we will be obedient to His Word and give at least 10% of our gross income, in thanksgiving for His goodness and out of an act of true obedience! We may decide to actually join a missions trip, instead of sending others! Our spirit might become one that is pliable by God. Friends, I believe it is only then that we will be open to hearing God’s voice and obedient to His commands – pleasing to Him. Are you willing to make this kind of sacrifice for the God who sacrificed His very own Son for us? Isn’t this the least that we could do?

PRAYER: Spirit of God, please descend upon us, Your children, and have Your perfect will and way in our lives today. Please direct our hearts and our minds towards Jesus, and may we be willing to sacrifice self, and become fully obedient to Your perfect will for our lives. Lord, our hearts are broken and desirous of everything You might require of us. Please use us in ways that will bring honor and glory to You oh Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer! AMEN!

A Sinner’s Plea For Restoration

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-08-15

Bible Reference: Psalm 51:10-12
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;
    restore within me a sense of being brand new.
11 Do not throw me far away from Your presence,
    and do not remove Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Give back to me the deep delight of being saved by You;
    let Your willing Spirit sustain me.

OBSERVATION: I trust Christians will meditate on this devotional today even after carefully reading the theme, because the Word of God reminds us that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In fact, throughout God’s Word He teaches that sin separates us from God, for He is holy, and sin is not at all holy. So as we meditate today I want us to be conscious of those times that we have sinned, and what our actions have been, following that experience. How were you restored with the Holy One – Jesus Christ?

APPLICATION: For the Christian onlooker, it is easy to look down our noses and condemn the sin purported by a fellow Christian. For the sinner, it is easy to feel condemned because of your sin. So how then shall we reconcile this problem? For surely a sinner is not condemned forever. It may be easier for us to consider a real life situation. I have heard of incidents where a man has been unfaithful to his wife. I have heard where these scenarios have even led to divorce. But then I have heard of scenarios where that husband later went and confessed his sin to his wife and pleaded for restoration. The two did such a fine job that the couple remarried and are now enjoying many more years for trusting, loving relationship and trust in each other. For some of you, this may sound like an impossible task for you, but I want us to carefully consider what God does for us when we bow at the feet of a holy God – One who has never sinned; One who is righteous and holy in every way, but yet we ask Him to forgive us of our unfaithfulness, our sin, our dirt, and our evil. How awesome it is that in His mercy, and in true grace, our Lord forgives and receives us back whole and truly cleansed. This is the example that helped father of the Prodical Son welcome him back home. Think about it, our Father says welcome back my son/daughter, your sins are forgiven. I paid the price for it all on Calvary – even while you and your unholy bunch were yet sinners, because I love you and I consider you my very sons and daughters. Can’t you hear our Father saying: Of course you are welcomed back into my kingdom; of course I welcome you back as my very own children? The Prodical was welcomed back as a son, not as a slave, like he asked for. So my Brothers and Sisters, if we are made in the likeness of our Father, and He is such a forgiving Father, where on earth do we get off at thinking that we are above anyone that seeks forgiveness from us? Why do we struggle to forgive and welcome back a former prisoner who has been rehabilitated and now looking to find there place among Christian friendship and mentoring? Why do we build such a hate for those who hurt us, is that not sin in itself? When they approach us for forgiveness, is it not like one sinner asking another sinner for restoration? Is it any different to a totally lost, sinner, looking into the face of a Holy God and asking Him for restoration – a clean and holy heart? God met us where we were at on our own, shouldn’t we do the same for others?

PRAYER: Precious Lord, please hold my hand and help me through this difficult and challenging life. My readers and I come across folk each day that are so different to us, and Your Word declares that we are to love them. Oh that we might be reminded by Your Spirit that we were once in that same position when we came to You seeking repentance. As You forgave us and restored us to oneness with You, may we also be understanding of others so that they may see Jesus at work in us. AMEN!

The Necessity of Confession

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-08-14

Bible Reference: Psalm 51:1-4
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 1 Look on me with a heart of mercy, O God,
    according to Your generous love.
According to Your great compassion,
    wipe out every consequence of my shameful crimes.
2 Thoroughly wash me, inside and out, of all my crooked deeds.
    Cleanse me from my sins.
3 For I am fully aware of all I have done wrong,
    and my guilt is there, staring me in the face.
4 It was against You, only You, that I sinned,
    for I have done what You say is wrong, right before Your eyes…..

OBSERVATION: David – a warrior; a king; a woman’s man; a brave leader; yet he saw the need for rightness with God, and therefore confessed his sin, as he prepared to ask for God’s forgiveness. This is a great example for us today, as it teaches us the steps towards oneness with the eternal God. General confession might result in general forgiveness, but will you feel release from the guilt of a specific sin that was ultimately against God? Why not take a few moments to meditate with me on this Scripture today?

APPLICATION: In John 3:6 we are told that humans give birth to humans, but God gives birth to eternal life. David confessed that he was a sinner from birth, and I can boldly remind each of you that you and I are in the same position. This means that God will challenge us to make amends with Him and do exactly like David, confess our sin before Him. In David’s position, he owed no explanation to any man for his actions, however God sent His messenger to David to remind him that there is One who he is answerable to. Friends, let us be reminded that those deep dark secrets (sins) that may keep us up at night, are still blocking God’s view and His awesome touch on our lives. He longs to see the air cleared between us and our pure, holy God. You may have all the reasons in the world that caused you to sin, but please always remember what David said in these verses today – that sin is against God and God alone. Yes, fellow humans may have been hurt or disappointed in you for some sin, but the sin separates you from God and therefore breaks that awesome relationship you could really have with Him. Just as Nathan challenged David, may I challenge you to consider the sin that may be interfering with your relationship with the Master of this Universe – the only One that will love you unconditionally right to the end? God loved us from the time we were born, but we put roadblocks in the way of that love through our sin and disregard of our Savior. It’s time to clear that up my friend, why not get before God in prayer today and say like David – please wash me of my sin; create a right spirit in me; and restore the joy of my salvation, so that I may once again be one in spirit, love and communion with my Savior?

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I am reminded that, for as long as I remain in this world I will be tempted by Satan and often led to sin against You. Please help me to daily reconcile my weakness and my sin before You so that I may be one with You. Please create within me a clean heart and an upright spirit, so that I may live according to Your commands and in the light of Your precious Word. Thank You precious Lord for loving even me, and caring for this child of the King. Many who will read this devotional will be brothers and sisters in the Lord. Please deal mercifully in their hearts I pray. AMEN!

Your Impact on Others

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-08-13

Bible Reference: Luke 14:34-35
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if salt were to lose its flavor, how could it ever be restored? 35 It will never be useful again, not even fit for the soil or the manure pile! If you have ears opened by the Spirit, then hear the meaning of what I have said and apply it to yourselves.”

OBSERVATION: I’m just a humble nobody, so how might I possible have an impact on anyone? I’m sure that may be the response of some when they read the title of today’s devotional, and they may even skip over this and move to another devotional that sounds more applicable to them. But the words shared in the above verses were actually spoken to fishermen; tax collectors (cheaters); and ordinary sons of ordinary men – Jesus’ disciples. Because God saw fit to include this challenge in His Word, then I believe He wants us to consider the same analogy. Meditate with me as we explore this.

APPLICATION: For the person who loves salt in their food while it is cooked, they can’t stand it when a health-conscious person decides to share with them a meal cooked their way – without salt. Most of you have probably already answered ‘disgusting’; ‘awful’; ‘tasteless’; or something similar. In our Scripture today, Jesus had just shared important qualities that he wanted His disciples to know, and to reflect in their lives each day. Jesus ended that dialogue by comparing their impact on the world, to the value of salt in its seasoning effectiveness. In pondering what Jesus might be saying to me on this subject, I believe He made me keenly aware that each of us have an impact on others in some way, and that depends on what type of person we have chosen to be and what things in life impact our lives. Think about it friends, when you walk away from Tom, what are your thoughts? You wish you were as kind hearted and loving as he came across in his dialogue with you? Or was he obnoxious, mean spirited, and a know-it-all that you couldn’t wait to leave his company? What about Susie, perhaps she was warm, caring and showed lots of interest in how you were doing? Perhaps she never once complained about someone else during the whole time you were together? I know, you come across a certain number of each character type in your typical day, but why should that bother you when asked about your day? Don’t miss the point my friend, in the same way that you walked away from Tom and Susie with your own impressions of them, and perhaps you swore to yourself that you would not spend a lot of time around at least one of them, that’s also the way that others are impacted by you. You say that you are a Christian, but do your friends experience Christ-like qualities while you are around them? You may ask, why should you act any special way around them, and I would encourage you to consider that what you do at home and around close family, that will you do when you’re at work, in a mall or anywhere else. Friends, if Jesus lives inside of you, and you are reminded from His Word daily about His qualities and His character, then I believe that you will reflect on that while you interact with others, because you will want to be just like Him at all times. Conversely, if you find yourself being mean spirited and ugly with people, then quickly analyze your relationship with the Lord. Is that an indication that you need more quiet time with Him – perhaps meditating on His Word, and praying for others, and for your character, so that you would reflect His image in all that you say and do? May God open your eyes today to know how you are doing with others, and especially how you are doing with Him. Just as salt is a valuable addition to our food, may you add value to the relationships in which you are a part, because of Jesus!

PRAYER: Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee. Take my hands and use them, take my feet and make them move in a direction led by You. Take my lips and let them speak kind and loving words, just as You do for me when I need them most. People need the Lord. Oh that they may see Jesus and experience His likeness in their interactions with me. May today’s Scripture, and my humble thoughts inspire my readers to love You more today, and desire a deeper walk with You, so that through their lives You may impact everyone they come into contact with. Go being our help, our strength and our director. AMEN!

Standing in the Way of Blessing?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Honor, Needs, Obedience, Obedient, Praise, Recognize God, Worship2 Comments

Monday, 2019-08-12

Bible Reference: Joshua 7:10-12
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 10 Get up. What are you doing in the dirt? 11 There’s a simple explanation: Israel has sinned. They have lied and have violated the covenant I gave them by stealing some of the property that should have been destroyed along with the rest of Jericho and by hiding it among their own belongings.
12 That is why the Israelites can no longer resist their enemies. They run from their foes because they are under a curse and doomed to destruction. I will not be with you or fight for you unless these things devoted to destruction are truly destroyed.

OBSERVATION: The Israelites had the task of taking over town after town, that existed on all the land given to them by God, and they had been very successful with Jericho. However, in their attempt with Ai, they encountered some loss of life. For God was not willing to go on blessing them while there was sin in their camp. Because of one man’s sin, others loss their lives, while thousands upon thousands suffered because of the withdrawal of God’s hand of blessing. I wonder, has God’s hand of blessing upon our families, our churches, our cities and our country been impacted because of the sin or one reading this devotional today?

APPLICATION: There seems to be increased tolerance by people and churches to accept almost any condition of society, so that we can fit into their view of what Christ’s church should look like. Fortunately for some countries, including my country, churches are not yet being forced by government to accept certain societal groups who may have beliefs that differ to our interpretation of the Bible’s standards and teachings. However, putting all this aside, I was keenly aware, and reminded, of the importance that God places on obeying Him and honoring His Word. In our story, one man decided that it was OK for him to withhold some of the loot from their raid of Jericho, which was in direct disobedience of God’s instructions. Because of this, God withdrew His power (His blessings) on their (the Israelites) next raid, as they tried to take over Ai. I believe the main takeaway for us in this passage today is that God will not bless sin. He will not bless where sin abides. He will not bless where people, or even a single person decides, apart from God, that it’s OK for them to do their own thing. Please know that this has nothing to do with creativity, for God created us to be creative and think for ourselves, however when He sets boundaries for us, and when He establishes rules and commandments for us, it’s for our own good, our own protection, and for His glory. I believe that God has designed us to be like Him, and I believe that He established guardrails to help us live, work, love, and act more like Him while here on this earth. Friends, if others never recognize Jesus in us, do you really feel like you are honestly being led/guided by Him and living according to His will and purpose? God will not tolerate sin, and since He is the same God who did not tolerate the sin of Achan (the man in our story), I have every reason to believe that He will withdraw His blessing on us when sin abides within. Will you intentionally deny the blessing of God on others because of your selfish desires and stubborn will? I pray that is not the case with any reading this devotional today.

PRAYER: Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the many blessings that You bestow on my family, my church, my city, my state and my country, please, please, please give me strength each day to faithfully honor You, for You alone are worthy of my honor, my obedience and my praise. Because of my son-ship, please help me to always desire and aim to live a sinless life because of a deep desire to please You. Please help me to never forget that in order to receive Your rich blessings poured out daily on myself and those I love and associate with, I must do my part in honoring You and my commitment to be Your follower. Oh that we may live like You today, is my deepest desire today oh Lord. AMEN!

A Memorial

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Memorial, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-08-09

Bible Reference: Joshua 4:5-7
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: Go back into the Jordan riverbed to the covenant chest of the Eternal your God, and each carry a stone upon your shoulder, (twelve stones for the twelve tribes of the Israelites) 6 so that we may build a memorial of this day. Someday when your children ask you, “Why are these stones piled up here?” 7 you will tell them how the waters of the Jordan parted as the covenant chest of the Eternal One crossed the river, and these stones will fix that memory for the Israelites forever.

OBSERVATION: Most children will hear the word ‘Memorial’ used more in connection with a ‘Memorial’ service for a relative or family friend who died, and yes, we could glorify God in services like that. But how often do we build a memorial when there is a miraculous move of God in our community, or in the life of our church, so that we might be reminded of the power of God at a point in time? A few years ago our church celebrated a milestone – it’s 45th anniversary, and we learned from our founding pastor how miraculous God worked in providing for the beginnings of what is now an awesome church that is reaching hundreds of people every week. Meditate with me today as we consider God’s awesome work in our midst, and how we might erect a memorial to remind us and our future generations of the power of God!

APPLICATION: It is challenging to erect a memorial without giving a person praise for accomplishing, leading or directing the work we recognize as an awesome achievement. However, our Scripture today displays the awesome work of God, and God alone. Yes, individuals were a part of the work, but only as humble, obedient servants of the great High Priest. But I believe that God is drawing us to consider the awesome works He has done in our own lives, and in the life of our church and our community. Without a doubt, you are probably digging deeply into the archives of your memory trying to evaluate what sorts of things I might be talking about. Friends, when something occurred that you prayed for, and felt compelled by God to participate in, and it overcame multiple worldly obstacles, then I believe it is time to recognize that as God’s almighty hand at work. Did you ever feel so compelled somewhere along in the project to take your shoes off, because you knew that you must be walking on holy ground, for the power of God was so evident? A spot in time, a location, where you could only attribute the moment and/or the location to the miraculous works of God? A time where you felt so overwhelmed by the presence of God, and His direction to move forward, that you knew without a doubt that you were standing in His presence and experiencing His mighty works? May I suggest that God surely did not do that just for you, even though I believe that each of us are very special in God’s eyes and heart, but I want to suggest that you follow the story of Moses and Joshua and be reminded of how God was glorified because of His great works. Friends, it’s all about God and nothing to be accredited to self. However, notice that Joshua did not stand and beat on his chest about all that he had done, instead he built a memorial at the point where the miraculous hand of God shone forth, and at the point where the Israelites were able to look back in awesome wonder at all God had done for them – yes, a humble people who didn’t leave Egypt as princes and princesses, but as slaves. The memorials were erected so that future generations that would ask about them, would hear about the awesome work of God Almighty. What type of memorials do we have to go back on and celebrate God’s awesome work? What might cause our children to question our faith, or how God moved in our day?

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for working miraculously in my life each and every day! Thank You for touching the hearts and lives of my readers! Lord, we are thankful for Your mighty works in the lives of our ancestors – how you brought them through floods, and through rivers of waters, and won battles for them against armies multiple times their size. You brought the dead back to life, the blind to see and the deaf to hear. Why, in my life I have seen You work miraculously and I love to share of those experiences. Please help us to be sure and pass these miraculous works along to our future generations, for while they would appreciate hearing about Moses, Joshua, Noah, Peter and others, I believe their hearts would be renewed in You, if they could hear of how you worked, and are working, in the lives of believers today. Perhaps a memorial erected as a reminded of Your great works, might invoke others to ask, and give us more opportunities to share of Your goodness! Oh Lord, You are so good! AMEN!

Be Strong and Courageous – The Lord is with You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, direction, Lead me, Leadership, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2019-08-06

Bible Reference: Joshua 1:8-9
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

OBSERVATION: I believe that often we are challenged with a BIG point of indecision, similar to what Joshua must have been facing in the story from which I chose these two verses today. It is so awesome to reflect on how God worked in the past and to know that He is still the same today as He was back then. Spend a few moments with me today as we meditate on this Scripture and apply it to our lives.

APPLICATION: At this point in the journey by the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, they are just across the river from their final destination. However, Joshua is faced with a huge challenge, much like we might feel at certain times in our lives. I’m sure in his mind Joshua sees a river that is way too deep to ever cross over, and he can’t see enough of the other side to know if it’s something that he should even struggle to find a way to get over to it. You know those kinds of challenges, for you’ve had a few of those yourself during your short lifetime! For example, I’m faced with retirement – it will be the first time in my lifetime that I will enter such an awesome change in my life’s journey! I’ve dreamed about it, and I’ve asked God to help me attain it, especially after so many years of working relentless hours. But I needed these verses today to tell me how my future will be successful. Oh the comforting words whispered by God Himself, that I just need to stand tall and be courageous, for He will be with me, just like He was with my ancestors Moses and Joshua. So ‘HOW’ will my decision be successful? God said in His Word that if Joshua meditated on His Word day and night, and be sure to obey what is written in His Word then, and only then, will he succeed in what he does. I have every reason to believe that God demands the same thing of me as I ask Him to guide me successfully through the unknown that lies ahead in retirement. Further, I take great courage in the words that follow in today’s Scripture, for I believe that my God looks on me like He did with Joshua, and says ‘take courage my son, and be strong, for the Lord God Almighty is with you wherever you go’. The interesting thing is that there are several other huge decisions that I needed to be encouraged in through this promise today, and I sincerely thank God for drawing me to these verses today for this awesome encouragement. But for my dear readers, I believe that God led you to read this devotional today because you may have some possible mountains ahead that seem uncrossable to you also. Take courage my friend, be of good cheer, be strong in the knowledge and comfort of the One who loves you enough to give up His life as a sacrifice for you – HE will be by your side, HE will lead you through the fog of the unclear future you might see ahead of you. Let’s remember, HE is our Father and HE will see us through every walk of life as we head towards the Promised Land that He went on ahead to prepare for us in Heaven. Those that know Jesus as their Savior will have this wonderful assurance today. Those who have not accepted Jesus as Lord, will have no idea what I am joyfully referring to today, but I hope that I have peeked your interest enough to read my Footnote and the pages hyperlinked in my Footnote. Jesus wants you to surrender your all to Him also my friend. Do it today, for you have no promise of tomorrow.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on to the end…. In the words of that old song Lord, I need You more than ever to take my hand and lead me on every day. Oh that my readers will take courage from Your promises in Your Word today that You will lead them on also, just as You promised Moses and Joshua. Oh that the unsaved who may stumble across this devotional today, oh that they may be in such a position of uncertainty in life, that they might be encouraged to reach out and accept you as their Lord, their Savior, their Director in life and their Encourager for making good decisions, in confidence, knowing that the King of kings and Lord of lords, is right by their side. Have Your will and way today oh Lord, as you lead and direct our paths. AMEN!