Tag: Praise

Because of Our Personal Faithfulness, God will….

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Commitment, Committed, Needs, Pleasing to God, Praise, Recognize God, Totally committed, Unconditional commitment, WorshipLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-12-08

Bible Reference: 1 Kings 15:1-5
Translation: New Century Version (NCV)

Bible Text: Abijam became king of Judah during the eighteenth year Jeroboam son of Nebat was king of Israel. 2 Abijam ruled in Jerusalem for three years. His mother was Maacah daughter of Abishalom. 3 He did all the same sins his father before him had done. Abijam was not faithful to the Lord his God as David, his great-grandfather, had been. 4 Because the Lord loved David, the Lord gave him a kingdom in Jerusalem and allowed him to have a son to be king after him. The Lord also kept Jerusalem safe. 5 David always did what the Lord said was right and obeyed his commands all his life, except the one time when David sinned against Uriah the Hittite.

OBSERVATION: Some of us may stand proud before God and brag about our faithfulness, while others will stand at a distance with heads lowered in shame because of our lack of commitment and faithfulness to our God. Our Scripture today tells of God’s faithfulness to David and his ancestors that followed, because of David’s commitment and loyalty to His God. Let us reflect on what we anticipate hearing from God, because of our own faithfulness, or lack thereof.

APPLICATION: Isn’t it interesting to consider the excuses that we make for missing the mark that we know God has established for us? It might be in the words we speak, where we quickly adapt to the ways and wishes of the crowd, but find it so impossible to try and speak words of Truth taught to us in the Word of God? I will be the first to tell you that I am not good in remembering Bible verses. However. In my grandmother’s last years of life here on earth when her sight diminished, she completed her daily devotional time with God by sharing back with Him, Bible verses that she had memorized over her lifetime. So can we memorize God’s Word? Of course we can! Consider also the things that we memorize from the world. How many jokes can you sit and tell at once time? How many stories from you childhood can you still share with friends? How often do you sit and share what you heard from friends (gossip)! So is it a matter of remembering God’s Word, or is it due to the lack of time that we spend in the Word, compared to the time spent around the television or with the unsaved? And what about our actions? When last have you stood firm for what you learned from God, while you attended a party or a work social? Do friends recognize whose you are, based on your actions inside the four walls of your church AND at all events they might find you at? Remember, just as God knew David’s heart and that David was diligent to obey all of God’s commands in every circumstance of life, except in the case of Bathsheba and Uriah, He also know our every move and the vain words that we frequently utter. David earned the title given by God as ‘a man after God’s own heart’, is that one of the titles God might give to you dear friend? A true reality check is that only God truly knows you (your heart). For you can fool those around you, seeing that they only see your ‘public’ life, but God sees you without any filters being applied. Oh that our God may be able to bless others because of our faithfulness; because of our telling the truth; because of our love for others; because we gave honestly of our income to God and His work; because our actions towards others are a result of all that God blessed us with and not because of selfish reasons or in an effort to attain recognition. God loved us because of who He is. Oh that we may do the same, love others because of who God is! Lay your cares before God today dear friend, and allow Him to have His way in and through you, so that You may serve Him with every good intention that He has in mind for you.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, please help us to do your will and be obedient to Your every command. You laid out a perfect plan for us to follow so that we could look like You, talk like You, love like You and give freely of the gifts that You bless us with so bountifully. May the Words of our mouth, and the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in Your sight and be a pleasing aroma in Your nostrils precious Lord, so that You may be glorified in all the earth. May others see Jesus today, and not us in all of our weakness and selfish desires. AMEN!

What’s Your Sign

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

Friday, 2019-12-06

Bible Reference: John 19:17-20
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 17 Jesus carried his own cross out of the city to the place called “The Skull,” which in Aramaic is Golgotha. 18 And there they nailed him to the cross. He was crucified, along with two others, one on each side with Jesus in the middle. 19–20 Pilate had them post a sign over the cross, which was written in three languages—Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. Many of the people of Jerusalem read the sign, for he was crucified near the city. The sign stated: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”[k]

OBSERVATION: Pilate was almost persuaded, in that he seemed to have believed that Jesus was, who He said He was. Why he even used part of the title given to Jesus in the sign he had posted over him on the cross. In our time of meditation today, I believe that the Holy Spirit prompted me to have us consider what we may have placed on our sign to identify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. to the crowds that passed by. I wonder…..

APPLICATION: Don’t you find it interesting that we might call someone by their name when addressing them face-to-face, but we may have other names for them when referring to them in discussion with our friends? Of course, that could change when we speak with close friends or relatives of the individual; and it may change even more when we become upset with the individual. But what about Jesus, what might you place on a sign to identify Him? What does He mean to you? I would dare say that at church you might have a very religious name for Him; Among Christian friends you might have a similarly religious name; In close communion with God and when you feel like He is answering your prayers, you may still have a very positive reference for God. But let us consider how that changes when things are not going our way, and in fact, when we feel like the world is against us, or when our prayers seem to not leave the dark room in which we find ourselves. Are you still willing to use strictly complimentary names for God, and/or His Son? There is a saying in Christian circles that may contain more truth than we care to accept at times: Jesus is either God of all, or perhaps He’s not our Lord at all. Oh my. When we consider that He went to the cross for our sin, and our eternal destiny in heaven, how shameful for us to place conditions on our relationship with Him. Conditions, you might ask? That’s correct, my friend. For if Jesus is not Lord of all in the good times when everything is going our own way, AND in those challenging times when we can’t understand why we lost a young sibling, or our job, or our car in an unfortunate accident, then obviously we are not truly entrusting all of life’s circumstances into His awesome hands. The whole reason we ask God about our circumstances, or for direction, is that we want His will to be done, and not our wishful, selfish thinking and/or desires. I therefore feel like it is very obvious that we should not only accept His agreement with our requests, but also His decisions to offer us a better way at times. With Jesus in our corner during the rough times of life, we are much more blessed than doing things our own way during the highlights of our blessed life. Perhaps we should write our sign, and each day re-visit that sign to either remind us of who God was yesterday, but also who He still is today – in spite of the change in circumstances. Our God is awesome my friend! He has shown us that, He has proven that in so many ways, and He has promised that He will be with us right up until He returns to take us home to glory! I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to take that which I’ve committed unto Him until that day!

PRAYER: Lord, You are so wonderful to me in so many ways, and I thank You for loving me and caring for me in the good times, and in those times when I feel like all hope is lost. Please keep me near the cross, for there’s a precious fountain. A place where You gave it all so that I may have eternal happiness – both here on this earth and in the glories of heaven. Please speak to my friends and I when we struggle with the challenges of life, and help us to know that the same loving Savior who gave it all for us, is still with us even when we feel abandoned. You are my King, my Savior and my ever-loving Master. I commit myself anew to You and ask that though I may doubt at times, that You will always love and care for me in every circumstance of life. AMEN!

What To Do With Jesus – Your Decision

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

Thursday, 2019-12-05

Bible Reference: John 19:4-7
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”
6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”

OBSERVATION: Like our pastor does each week, Pilate told the crowd ‘I recommend this man, for I find no fault in Him’. Just like the congregation of a church decides each week what they will do with Jesus, Pilate also asked the angry mob what will they do with Jesus. As we meditate on the Scripture today, we will decide what we will do with Jesus. What will you do with Him?

APPLICATION: Pilate presented Jesus to the crowd and asked what was their pleasure. What do do about Jesus, or with Him, was the question of the day. Is that not what most pastors/churches do each week when the gospel is presented? Don’t they ask the crowd to respond to a similar question? Yes, I know that you really enjoy the worship music, for I also enjoy those very special times of worship. However, if you leave church without having encountered the Master, you may have really missed out on an excellent opportunity to respond to a question like Pilate asked: ‘Now, what will you do with Jesus?’ Unfortunately, most of us leave our churches having said something very similar to that of the crowd, when they responded ‘crucify Him’. We may not respond ‘crucify Him’, but in our unresponsive action we are saying, hey you may as well crucify Him, for we have this ‘life’ thing under control. I don’t need this Jesus interferring and telling me what to do or how I should act, or especially highlighting my wrongs. Perhaps some may totally ignore the Pastor’s message, and the idea that Jesus is in control of us and all of life’s happenings. I’m afraid that too often we convince ourselves that clearly the message was directed to the criminal just behind us, or perhaps the liar/gossiper/cheater/known sinners across the room. But I believe Jesus calmly reaches in to the heart of each individual and reminds us of our sin. Or are you one who decides that since Jesus is always available, You could easily and quickly call on Him if, and when, you need Him? Friends, in and of our natural selves we have no desire for godly things. So if you ARE alerted to the things of Christ, you are actually being called by GOD Himself. Your first response is to then humble yourself, listen and obey the Creator, and not to aim at crucifying Him. Unless you make a decision to give Jesus full control and leadership of your life, you might be echoing the words of the angry mob, ‘crucify Him’. Please don’t look at Saturday or Sunday as the day you set aside to listen to Jesus, while you are at church. Because then at other times you may convince yourself that you have a business to run, or you have friends to impress, or a boss to please, and there is no time for Jesus through those types of stressful times. In conclusion, let me remind you that whether you remain silent to such questions as mentioned above that came from Pilate, or those that come from your Pastor, you are actually joining with the crowd in shouting ‘crucify Him, crucify Him’. The opposite, or right thing to do, is to thank Jesus for bringing you to a point where you could hear the cry of mercy from a loving God as He calls you to salvation through His very own Son, Jesus. Following through in asking Jesus into your heart then affirms that you are ready to follow Jesus and allow Him to guide and control your life! The excitement behind such an awesome decision is that God has prepared a glorious place for you after your time here on earth. It is your eternal home, with Jesus sitting at the right hand of His Father receiving praise from all those who accepted His call while here on earth! Friends, that’s a day that I long for! And the only thing that could make me happier, is to know that all my readers accepted the call to salvation and are standing besides me! Today my wish is that while here on earth, we could joyful and honestly sing ‘When we all get to Heaven!’, knowing full well that our hearts are right with God!

PRAYER: Thank you Heavenly Father for sending Your precious Son to died on a cruel cross so that those who accept You as Lord, can be assured of kneeling at Your feet one day in glory! Oh I want to see You, look upon Your face, there to sing forever of Your saving grace…. I want to join millions in singing that song as we relax at Your feet and sing our praises! Blessed be the name of the Lord! Thank You precious Lord! AMEN!

When We Choose Who We Will Hurt

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Love others, Love your Neighbor, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, The love of God, Unconditional love, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-12-04

Bible Reference: John 18:38-40
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 38 ……… As silence filled the room, Pilate went back out to where the Jewish leaders were waiting and said to them, “He’s not guilty. I couldn’t even find one fault with him.[ab] 39 Now, you do know that we have a custom that I release one prisoner every year at Passover—shall I release your king—the king of the Jews?”[ac]
40 They shouted out over and over, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”[ad] (Now Barabbas was a robber and a troublemaker.)

OBSERVATION: When you read the subject, I bet that your mind went on someone that ‘chose’ to hurt you, or on someone you may have ‘chosen’ to hurt. However, in our verses today we could see where the very ones that Jesus chose to help, or perhaps He May have helped their loved ones, or their neighbors, yet a certain hatred developed in their hearts and minds, that resulted in a passion to destroy Jesus. How is that? Why would anyone choose to go after, or hurt someone who is strictly doing good in their midst? As we meditate on this thought today, let’s not look at our neighbor’s attitude/intentions/actions but our very own. Do we sometimes hurt those who strive to love us?

APPLICATION: A vital part of the church that I attend, is a great team of retired missionaries. From time to time they share about persecution they experienced on the field in various foreign countries, and they pray in earnest for friends who are still on the mission field and being terribly persecuted. Some are locked in containers for days at a time, because they showed the love of God to friends who wanted to know Jesus, and/or seeking after His love and compassion. We know of missionaries currently in foreign lands that live from day to day in fear of their very lives, yet they go on sharing Truth with these people because of their love and commitment to their Father. But that’s what happens in foreign lands, isn’t it? Can you stop and think of any scenarios in your own country? What if I remind you that in my very own country, prayer was taken our of our schools, because we didn’t want religion imposed on our kids. Years later we could look at the statistics and see how, without the truth of God’s Word to guide our teachers and our kids, we are frequently and deeply saddened over the increased crime rate, including children shooting other children right in their own schools. Children – our loved ones – being shot at, killed, and sometimes doing the shooting themselves. It’s horrendous, and we are so saddened when we hear of yet another news report on incidents from our school system. Even in small towns we are having to deal with extreme crimes where loved ones are being shot. But friends, it is so obvious that when our folk are objecting to the church being the church in all of our community, our young people are only left with guidance from desperately wicked individuals who will harm you because they don’t like where you live, what you wear, or the beautiful smile on your face. Why have we not learned from the wickedness of the Jews in our Bible verses today? They preferred to have a wicked criminal released, rather than the Savior of the world who showed nothing but love to relatives, or even to the very individuals who were falsely accusing Him. May I suggest to those who know Jesus, that we all strive to live like Jesus did? Let us learn, or ask God for His strength, to love those who always show love to us, but also let us be bold enough to love everyone else the way that Jesus loved us. Jesus willingly went to the cross as an expression of love for us, even though we were mere sinners. As we seek to live like Jesus did, we will yearn to love like He did. In the Garden where He was arrested, he healed the ear of one who was attempting to arrest Him. On the cross He blessed and forgave those who led Him to the cross. Can you do that friend? Perhaps not, but I know a man who can! I also know that this same Jesus has the power to bless each reader with grace, with an extra measure of love and with boldness to love, in spite of the attitude taken by your accusers to despitefully use and abuse you. Seek a closer walk with Jesus dear friend, and allow Him to pour His love on you so that you might love others! When this happens, you will have no reason to seek revenge, hurt or attack in any form.

PRAYER: Lord, please forgive us for our tendencies to seek after self gratification, even at the expense of hurting others. That was never displayed by You, or taught to us by You. Please forgive us for allowing Satan to steer us into the evil deeds that he is known for. We are ashamed dear Lord, because in our aim to live like You and in obedience to Your commands, we should daily seek Your face and allow You to steer us aright. It is so true that our lives reflect what we ask You for. Guide us to all Truth so that we may be true examples of You in every form while here on the earth. May You always receive praise and honor because of whose we are and because of Your reflection in everything we say and do. AMEN!

Aren’t You One of Them?

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

Tuesday, 2019-12-03

Bible Reference: John 18:25-27
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 25 Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire, he was asked again, “Aren’t you one of his disciples?”
“Of course not,” he replied.
26 But one of the household slaves of the High Priest—a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off—asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?”
27 Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.

OBSERVATION: Way too often we tend to look at the way that Peter handled himself the night that Jesus was arrested, and so many of us may wonder why was Peter such a coward. As I studied these verses today the Holy Spirit dealt with me and caused me to look inward and consider what I may have done in a similar situation! No, in fact it was more than that, for I was prompted to review my situations that I face each day, and how I react to them. Perhaps you may also be honest enough to acknowledge your weaknesses as well, so meditate with me as we consider this Scripture!

APPLICATION: Driving to a business meeting and reception with three other executives, I believe our youngest member was pondering the alcoholic drinks that awaited him at the reception, and he must have wondered what a Christian would do at such a reception. So I was questioned about why Christians tend to not drink alcohol. I could have come back with a joke to break the awkwardness of that moment, Or I could have given a variety of responses that may have taken the emphasis away from me responding based on the Word of God, but thankfully God gave me the right words for the moment that maintained His integrity and mine. In another situation, I was asked to accompany another deacon to visit an unsaved husband, where his wife was very concerned about him entering eternity – in Hell. Prior to our visit, we were coached about building relationships with people first, in order to build their trust. So of course, we went overboard with building that trust, and never broached the introduction of our Savior to that ‘needy’ man. I reflected on that visit as a ‘Peter’ moment, for I went along with the husband’s agenda, instead of trying to help guide him towards life eternally in heaven. I have a few other illustrations that I could share about how I could easily identify with Peter, but to all my readers, please allow me to simply say that our God is all-knowing and all-seeing, so He knows exactly when we deliberately hide behind cowardliness taught to us by the world. He knows the influence that Satan still has on us, and how easily we bend to the desire of Satan to abstain from sharing the most valuable aspect of our lives. Friends, I’m sure that you are very much like me, if you careful consider all that God has blessed you with. So as we thank God for everything that He has provided for us, and all that He continues to pour on us, let us always stop to say thank You Jesus for being our King! Let us always be ready to declare that awesome fact to everyone that we come into contact with, and not be guilty of the choices made by Peter. Our friends never hide behind anything that they did, so why should we hide it, or not share with them about the blessings of our Lord? Perhaps one day they might ‘get it’ and want to know more about our wonderful Savior! Please don’t shrug off the awesome news about the One who rescued you from the eternal destination of Hell, and the daily pitfalls that Satan imposes upon his followers here on earth. It’s amazing what praising can do! Lift up the name of Jesus in every circumstance of life! Let others know the source behind your joy and your outlook on life!

PRAYER: Listening to the world, we will do exactly what Peter did, and way too often we do that. But dear Lord Jesus, we are so thankful for our salvation, so blessed and humbled by all that You do for us each day, that we could praise You eternally and still not feel like we adequately showed enough appreciation to You. So Lord, as we encounter friends who need You today, please help us to simply share our story, our praises to our King, and our hope for eternity. May others see so much of Jesus in our words and actions that they would want to know You personally as well. Dearest Lord Jesus, oh that You may be glorified in all that we do and say today! AMEN!

In Jesus’ Name

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

Friday, 2019-11-29

Bible Reference: John 16:23-24
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 23 ….. I tell you the truth, anything you ask of the Father in My name, He will give to you. 24 Until this moment, you have not sought after anything in My name. Ask and you will receive so that you will be filled with joy

OBSERVATION: Even today I believe that commands have more power when we can safely say that we are demanding something at the command of an authoritative figure. But none can compare with the power that Jesus spoke of in these verses we are looking at today. Jesus is assuring His disciples that those who have invited Him to be Lord of their lives – His disciples, can go before God in prayer and ask for anything in Jesus’ name and they would see their joy made complete because they will receive what they ask. Let’s think about this power some more today….

APPLICATION: One might ask why it is not possible for all men/women to ask God for something ‘in the name of Jesus’. I believe we can quickly evaluate this question and reasonably answer this question by saying that our all-knowing God knows exactly what His Son would approve of! I have a good example of this from my working experience. At one point during my working career, there was a manager who always used the name of the owner in order to throw some weight behind what they were asking their employees to do. It was funny to the employees, because after learning the heart of the owner, they knew exactly what may have come directly from the owner, and what may have been added by that manager! To further this thought, imagine if a total stranger decided to ask one of these employees to do something in the name of the owner, do you suppose they would quickly move to obey? The Holy Bible is filled with direct words from our Master, and with the remainder of things that were approved by our Master. So when we look for direction in what to do, we look to the Word of God. When we seek for God’s will on what we should say, we look to God’s Word. To align what we say or do with that of the One we love, adore, and aim to follow and obey, we must look to the Word of God and stay aligned with all that it teaches us. We should daily seek the face of Jesus to teach us, remind us, and direct us in the paths that we should follow. Therefore, when we seek the face of God in prayer, we should not be troubled about requesting things outside the will of God, because we have aligned our lives with everything Jesus taught us through His Life, and through His written Word. When children of God pray, we know that God will hear our prayer that we ask in the name of Jesus. Think about it friends, praying a selfish prayer and from hearts unattached to Jesus, will hit the ceiling, or against brick walls, because God knows full well if they are being asked in the name of His precious Son, or not. So let me encourage you today to know my Jesus. He loved you and I enough to forego the power within Himself, and destroy those attempting to crucify Him. But He went to the cross knowing that it would be through His sacrifice that we might have the means of salvation and access to the Father. This is a very key point my friend, for without asking Jesus into your heart, you cannot pray to God ‘in the name of Jesus‘. For God could easily come back to you and say that you are unqualified to ask such a prayer, since you don’t know His Son. There is great power in the name of Jesus our Lord! Know Him today and know about that power dear friend.

PRAYER: Jesus, the name above all names. Master, Savior, Deliverer and a wonderful Friend to sinners. This is the name in whom I place my faith and my trust, and this is the name in whom I pray today! Oh that You may melt hardened hearts today, oh that You may speak to hearts that have surrendered their allegiance to You, but have chosen to still follow their old earthly master. Lord, I believe that You will return soon to take Your bride home to heaven. May we be found faithful in all that You have commanded of us. May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to You in every way today, my Lord, my Savior and my Rock! AMEN!

The Reason Why

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

Tuesday, 2019-11-26

Bible Reference: John 15:18-19
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 18-19 “If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world’s terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God’s terms and no longer on the world’s terms, the world is going to hate you.

OBSERVATION: We are somewhat blessed in the US to not have open persecution against Christians like we read about in Bible days, and hear about in other world countries. Speak with a missionary who has served in a difficult country. and in many cases you could hear of heart wrenching persecution. Why? Because the world notices that we have found peace and satisfaction in the Savior of the world, and we did that without having to fight or push our weight around to gain it. I Believe that in following the example of our Father, the world will see that we show ‘love’ in numerous ways, even in difficult situations, and they may wonder ’why’? Let’s meditate on the reason Jesus gave us in today’s Scripture about our peace, and about the thing that causes the world to hate us.

APPLICATION: When most might be looking for ways to attract the world’s attention, and to promote self, it seems strange that Jesus would draw our attention to the negative aspects of serving Him. However, in our attempt to follow Jesus and to imitate Him in every way, would we expect to do better than He achieved in His day? Remember, He went around healing; raising the dead; and bringing sight back to the blind, yet the religious leaders sought to trap Him in various ways, and kill Him. Surely we live in a different era and in a free country, so we have nothing to worry about, right? Friends, while I am not promoting the idea of Christians becoming rebels, and creating an uproar in our communities, I am convinced that many of us have escaped opposition, because the world fears no oppositions when dealing with us. Most of us are very vocal within the four walls, and safety of our churches, but when we leave that safe haven, like chameleons, we slither into our communities undetected by the world as being anything different to the worldly neighbor next door. Dear friend, just as the world looks at us and immediately discerns whether we are male or female, may they also sense and detect that the love of Jesus lives, and leads us in every aspect of life. Yes, that will sometimes cause individuals to hate us – but isn’t that what the Word of God is making us fully aware of today? This is what happened to our Savior, and if we are His replica, we should expect this, and not at all be surprised or disappointed by the world’s actions. Oh that they may see Jesus today!

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I don’t believe that it was easy for you to deal with the opposition while here on earth, but thankfully You sent the Comforter to help us. Thankfully You provided Your Word to show us how You dealt with the world. May Your children yearn to follow in Your footsteps each and every day, knowing that we will face opposition, ridicule and hatred, but also knowing that we have an advocate who guides, protects and loves us in every circumstance of life. May You receive glory from our actions and our words today because we aim to please You and imitate You in every aspect of our lives. AMEN!

Fruit and More Fruit

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Fruit of the Spirit, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Vine, WorshipLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-11-23

Bible Reference: John 15:1-2
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. 2 Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

OBSERVATION: This is a passage that most have either read many times before, or have heard preached about. But I trust that, like me, your eyes might be opened to new truths as we meditate on the living Word of God again today. I was especially touched by the way that the Amplified Bible clarified some of the text, in parenthesis. Ask God to open your eyes, and your heart as we seek His guidance on this day.

APPLICATION: As God got my attention on this familiar Scripture today, I believe He pointed out the various conditions of natural man:
1). Down in verse 5, Jesus refers to the man who is apart from Him, and He said that such a man could do nothing. I am very troubled when I hear the unsaved tell a friend who is in trouble that they will pray for him/her. Without looking down my pious nose, I am thrilled that the idea of prayer before a holy and righteous God might be appealing on behalf of a friend, but please be careful in doing this while totally ignoring that same God in your own personal life. I am definitely not God, so I have no idea how God must handle requests like that, but humbly I would suggest to my friends that might be reading this blog today to please honor my God by respecting His holiness and therefore ask that He cleanse you personally before you consider asking Him for something on behalf of your friends. I don’t believe that this is an unreasonable request dear friend, because even to your parents would not afford the same privileges or recognition to strangers walking up to their door, like they did for you and your siblings;
2). In verse 2, Jesus tells us about the one who distances themselves from Him and stops displaying the character of God, and who no longer displays the fruit of the Spirit, as taught about earlier in His Word. To this believer, Jesus said that He would trim that branch off from the tree. Does that sound severe dear friend? What would you do when a spouse who lives in your home, yet dates someone else and spends more time with them than you? They have no respect for you or your home? Would you trim that individual off from your home? Do they really care about you or your home?
3). To the one who is honestly and sincerely displaying the fruit of the Spirit, I was excited that Jesus taught that He would seek to make this one even more fruitful! However, note that He said that He would still do some trimming and pruning, so that we might become even more fruitful. What does this mean? I believe it means that God will trim away those bad habits that we may have developed from the company we’ve kept, or the laxity that is trying to overcome us in not wanting to be around God’s kids as often as before, or perhaps distancing ourselves from those who need Jesus. Friends, when we think about being a saint, or a child of the one true God, and we therefore endeavor to act, speak and work like Jesus did, don’t you think that there might always be some rough edges that requires the miraculous hand of God to cleanse and redirect? I often feel powerless to overcome these inconsistencies, and I’m sure that you might also be the same. Oh for a closer walk with my Lord each and every day, is my humble plea. Think about what you may need of God today my friend!

PRAYER: Dear God, I pray that this devotional will reach the hearts of many, and that each will fit in one of the three categories that, I feel, you covered in Your Word that I studied today. Thank You for speaking to my heart as I read, and as I shared in my thoughts while writing this devotional. I believe that You desire representatives here on earth that need more of You in their lives each day. Please fill us anew, so that we may introduce or remind others of who you are. With great anticipation, we look forward to one day being at Your feet, with all our friends and family kneeling next to us! Oh what a glorious day that will be! AMEN!

Our Lives Reflect What We Ask God For

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

Friday, 2019-11-22

Bible Reference: 1 Kings 3:4-5
Translation: New International Version (NIV)

Bible Text: 4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

OBSERVATION: This is a chapter well worth taking the time to read and meditate on. Solomon tried to pattern his life after his dad, David, so of course he followed many of God’s laws. However he still went to offer sacrifices to the gods of the local temples with his fellow citizens. But God had a plan for Solomon’s life, so He appeared to him in a dream, even while in Gibeon for the purpose of sacrificing to another god. The question asked by God in that dream is one that we should consider every time we approach God: ‘What do you want me to give you?’ How would you answer that?

APPLICATION: So often we bow the head to pray, and the words are automatic. We’ve heard the pastor, Sunday School teacher and friends pray, and always wished that we could pray that good, so we adopt certain points from their prayers so we might sound legitimate in the presence of our peers. But wait a minute, who are we praying to? What are we praying for? Do we have faith in the one to whom we are praying? Do we have a personal relationship with the one to whom we are praying, and have confidence that our deepest thoughts, expressions and requests will be safe in His hands? Do we know that He could do anything about all that is on my heart? Friends, I believe that when the God of all creation reaches down in love and shares His interest in us and simply asks us to share openly our needs with the only One who could do anything about them, suddenly our minds will turn away from memorized, written, or repetitious prayers, and the words from our heavy heart, or our joyous heart, or our pleading heart, will bubble forth as a heart longing for someone to understand us and our needs. Suddenly we realize that we are in the presence of the One who created us, the One who loved us even when we were so unlovable, the One who raised Lazarus from the dead, made the blind man see again and the crippled man walk – the only One who has the compassion to put up with our worry, heal our loved ones, encourage the broken hearted, get the attention of the lost, and fulfilled the promise of welcoming us home to glory when that day comes! Praise the Lord, Without the fear of retribution, we could freely, openly and in all honesty tell our Father exactly what we need and what we want. He is in control, and He knows before we do, what the best course of action is for our lives! Solomon was blessed with much more than he asked for. There is no telling what God has in store for us – His precious children! Oh that we will recognize Him the next time that we bow our heads in prayer, and may we always seek to ask Him for what He could do for us! Consider this: Our lives will reflect what we have asked God for! I don’t know about you precious friend, but I want to look so much like Christ, that others will be constantly reminded of who Jesus truly is.

PRAYER: Lord my prayer today is that others might see Jesus, and that they may hear the whisper of their Creator when He tells them ‘Ask for whatever you want’. Oh that Jesus will always be our greatest desire. AMEN!

A Love Test

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Dependable, Dependence on God, Love, Love God, Loving God, Loyalty, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-11-21

Bible Reference: John 14:15
Translation: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Bible Text: 15 “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

OBSERVATION: Ever heard a parent say to a young child: ‘Now, if you really loved me you wouldn’t do that’? To another adult, that sounds funny, but in my reading in John 14 today, the words of Jesus, as shown in our Bible Text, really got my attention. Let this penetrate your heart also as we meditate on these words today. Join me, won’t you?

APPLICATION: I believe that each and every day many of us drift back into the ways of the world, and allow its principles to overrule our beliefs that we were convinced God had embedded into our hearts. Peer pressure and our deep desires to impress our spouse, or other loved ones, will often cause us to do or say those things that we feel will elevate us in their eyes. Take for example the idea of being the only one in a group of friends that feel an obligation to stay for church on a Sunday, instead of heading out to the beach. Deep within, you may feel a deep obligation to be at church to welcome those friends you invited to join you on a given Lord’s Day. But your other friends that you hang out with for games and fun times, are mindless to the things of Christ, and they want you to join them on a trip to the beach. It’s their only day off, and they need to unwind from their busy week. What will you do? Your coworkers brag about never having to purchase rubber bands, paperclips, pens and pencils at home, because there is an abundant supply at work that just sits in their desk drawer. You work for the same company, and you see the same availability of supplies, so what will you do? These are just a few simple examples, but for the man/woman of God, who knows God’s Word, your conscience is being severely impacted about doing what you feel God has commanded you to do. You remember Scripture around teh subject of: Assembling yourselves together with other believers; Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel; Those who know Christ will see heaven, vs those who don’t is headed to a dreadful Hell; Thou shalt not steal; etc, etc. In our Scripture today, Jesus said that if we love Him, we would honor His commands; be obedient to His Word; show our love for Him, or prove that we love Him, by doing what He says. These are just a few examples I used to help you think more about the things that you do and what God may say to you either directly or indirectly about your actions. But as His sons and daughters, I believe the question for our consideration today is: Do I truly love God? Would He know that I love Him, based on my actions and my words? Will the world, who I am trying to witness to, know that I love my Lord? As a son, is it evident to my Father that I really love Him? What choices would we truly make in the above scenarios, and the many other similar scenarios that are presented to us every day? If our love for Him will be judged based on our obedience to His Word, will God know that we truly love Him? Once again, the scripture today says: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments”.

PRAYER: With a guilty conscience, I can honestly come before the Master today and ask for forgiveness. Dear Lord, You know my weaknesses and You know my coward desire to please others, instead of always standing strong in my faith and truly committed to my Savior in all decisions. Please forgive me. As I recognize my weakness, I am humbled to once again ask for Your strength when I am weak; Your boldness when I am meek and cowardly in my approach to sharing my King with an impossible sinner; Your insight, when I approach situations awkwardly blinded by the desires of those whose aim is to please Satan alone. Lord, I need more of You each and every day, so that my love for You will be evident in the easy things of life and when the challenging times present themselves. In the event that my readers are similar in their personal analysis, I pray that You might humble their hearts to seek Your face and pray for a closer walk with You. Lord, please bless them with a deep desire to obey You, and that through this effort it will be very evident to You that their love for You is sincere and very determined. Please bless those who are carefree and choose to do their own thing. Draw them close to You, flood them with Your Word, and show them Your love in ways that will impress upon them a desire to please You. Oh that Your kingdom may be enriched today, because of our commitment to be better, and more dependable servants. AMEN!