The Reason Jesus Came

On 2016-08-20 By Ed AlgreenIn Effective Ministry, Reflective of Jesus Christ, The ChurchLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-08-20

Scripture

Bible Reference: Mark 2:17

Bible Text: 17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

The attention given to the unrighteous, reminds me of a friend who is attracted to the one who sits at the back of the church and may be feeling dejected. I am also made keenly aware of why our churches are not reaching many of the unsaved in our communities. Think about it, who do most of our church members hang around? Fellow Christians, right? What happens to a pastor or church leader who may be seen hanging around a questionable crowd? Jesus said that He came for those who know that they are sinners. Wouldn’t that be a bold statement for a church to acknowledge that they exist for the sake of the unsaved? Who generally devours most of your pastor’s time, the saved or the unsaved? Where do most of your budget dollars go – towards reaching the lost, or patting the backs of the saved and keeping them entertained? Will the unsaved feel welcomed at your worship services, or will they feel looked down on by the masses? Are you a part of a ministry that imitates the desire of Jesus, or are you ministering in opposition to the plan of Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, may we Your children be willing to minister to those in need of a Savior more than we minister to those just like us. You came so that the lost might be saved and see the Kingdom of God. Please help us to keep that as our focus of ministry. I ask these things in the strong name of Jesus, AMEN!

Footnote

If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Represent God In Total Honesty

On 2016-08-17 By Ed AlgreenIn Honest, HonestyLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-08-17

Scripture

Bible Reference: Job 42:7

Bible Text: 7 After the LORD had finished speaking to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I believe that too often we are like Job’s friends, where we tell folk what we believe they want to hear, hoping that will help them to feel better. However friends, there’s a great danger in that, because when we do that we often sacrifice the Word of God for the will, or wish of man. Friends, we must always remember that the wishes of mankind are carnal (not spiritual), and the desire of their heart is very selfish. The will and design of our God is very well defined and will speak to the heart of man in ways that only God can. So when we visit with someone and share what we want with them, or reinforce the things that we believe they want to hear, we are totally wasting our time, and as in the case of Job’s two friends, we are totally upsetting God with us. Don’t you suppose that the reason our friends are in such deep depression, like Job was, is because they have looked inside for so long that they see no hope for anything or anyone brighter? Friends, what we have available to those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, is the ‘GOOD NEWS’ of God’s Word. It’s something that the world is lacking, and that they deeply yearn for. Imagine how your friends feel when you have nothing better to share with them, than more of the same misery and bad news that brought them to the place where they are at already? Imagine how much better they would feel when they know that there is a better way; and a God who who loves them and can’t wait to show His love for them? Friends, many times we will find that what God says in His Word may be totally opposite to what our friends believe. Many times, they are well aware of that fact and they are miserably trying to turn their life around. When you speak with them by phone, or visit them in person and you try to make them feel better outside of the scope of God’s Word, they immediately recognize that you are a phony and not giving them straight answers. So at that point, not only is God disappointed at you, but your friend is also. It pays to just be very honest in representing God in whatever you say or do friends!

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being so honest with us. You have declared Your Word for all mankind, no matter who we are, or what our circumstance might be. Your Word is about the only constant we can think of, for it never changes based on our emotional state, or softened for those of us who are struggling with everyday life. We need that Lord, and we thank You from the very depths of our heart for being totally honest with us. Lord, may we work at, and depend heavily on You to help us not only be totally true to You in all things, but may we learn to be true to those that we come into contact with. May we be loving in every way, but totally honest in what the Word of God says, at all times. To be effective disciples of Yous, we must please You, and not the world. In deepest respect and honor, I ask these things of a holy and righteous God, through His only Son, Jesus, AMEN!

Footnote

What To Expect When Jesus Returns

On 2016-08-16 By Ed AlgreenIn Christ's Return, Eternal Life, Eternity, Return to Christ, The Return of JesusLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-08-16

Scripture

Bible Reference: 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10

Bible Text: 7 …… He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. 10 When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe…..

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

Notice how careful I was in choosing the word ‘when’, instead of the shorter word ‘if’ in the title of today’s blog? I believe you should also notice how careful Paul was in the choice of words he used in verses 7 and 10. Friends, I believe that most worthy of note in these verses today is the following:

Jesus is coming back again, and there is a purpose in His coming. For He will:
- Bring judgment on those who chose not to accept Jesus as Lord of their life. Now you might quickly retort that you never made such a choice. May I just clarify that the opportunities given to you over your lifetime to accept Jesus, and you opted not to accept Him – those are the times that you actually opted to continue life without Jesus. Those were the times that you elected to spend eternity in a burning, miserable, Hell with Satan for eternity. However, there is a second purpose for Jesus returning,
- Throughout His Word, God made it clear how we might be reconciled with Him. How we might be sure that our eternal home will be in heaven with the triune God and His angels. For those of us who obeyed His call on our life, and accepted His gift of salvation, then we can look forward to the greatest praise and worship service yet! For verse 10 says that when Jesus returns He will glory in the praise and worship of those who know Him personally! I look forward to that day with such great enthusiasm. How about you?

So friends, rest assured knowing that Jesus will return. This could very well be the day of His return, and one of the above points describes your condition, and the action that Jesus will take when He comes to you. Are you satisfied with what His action will be towards you? Please read over the advice I am offering in my Footnote and rest assured of the best direction for your life through all eternity. I believe you would very easily buy life insurance to make sure that your loved ones are secure after your passing. Won’t you also make sure that everything is in order for your own life eternally?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, what a glorious thought to know that there is purpose in our life that leads to our destination choice even after we pass from this world. Thank You for opening our eyes to the requirements that can be worked on even now, so that our eternal destination will be determined and secure. I believe that there are many who will read this who may not have fully secured their position and therefore may be hoping for a bright future with you instead of knowing without a doubt where they will spend eternity. Open their eyes Lord, and allow them to see the glories of heaven and the Savior that awaits us with open, loving arms. Lord we are so looking forward to see You and singing Your praises. Please rule in our lives today in every way, AMEN!

Footnote

When We Come To Our Senses

On 2016-08-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Control, SurrenderLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-08-13

Scripture

Bible Reference: Daniel 4:36–37

Bible Text: 36 “When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before. 37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

As I read about this awakening by king Nebuchadnezzar, I was reminded of the awakening by the Prodigal Son in the New Testament. In both cases they had to follow the advice given to addicts, who have to acknowledge that there is a problem, and that self must step aside to receive the help necessary to overcome the problem. Reading in earlier verses one can understand that the verdict given to the king was ultimate disaster, and would have led to great shame, embarrassment, pain and anguish. However, we can see how God’s grace, although so unmerited, or something we could never be good enough for, yet God pours it on us beyond measure. In this case, He graced Nebuchadnezzar with a heart of humbleness, that although he was king and could demand anything he wanted from his subjects, yet it would have no effect on his impending danger and ultimate verdict given by God through a vision.Once recognized that he had no control over the events foretold for himself, the king surrendered, or came to his senses, and realized that he needed the God of this universe to intercede in his life and help him. Friends, does it ever feel like each day presents yet one more ‘brick wall’ that you can’t seem to break through, or get over? Does it ever seem like you absolutely have no control over what happens, even though your are a hard worker, care for your family and love your friends? I pray that we will learn to humble ourselves, listen to God (through reading His Word); be obedient to His commands, and surrender our will to the perfect will of God. Until we do that friends, we are trying to run this complex ‘show’ that we call life, all by ourselves, and we do that without all the facts about what will happen tomorrow. Let’s be diligent about seeking the face of God. Let’s glorify our Lord and Savior! Let’s turn the ‘reign’s of our life over to the One who really knows what is going on right now, and in all of our tomorrows. Our Father is ready to lead His children, if we allow Him to. Won’t you consider doing this today friend?

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for being patient with us each day as we press on to live this life on our own. Thank You for reminding us through this scripture today that there is a better way; that there is One who can handle all of life’s circumstances; and One who actually knows what’s best for us today, so that our tomorrows will be filled with the joy of Your salvation. Lord, we look forward to being with You in heaven one day. Please continue to lead us in the right path while we live on this old earth. Please use us for Your glorification; the encouragement of the saints; and to challenge those not yet surrendered to You. I ask these things in faith and of the only begotten Son of God, AMEN!

Footnote

How Would One Describe You?

On 2016-08-102016-08-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelize, Fruit of the SpiritLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-08-10

Scripture

Bible Reference: 1 Thessalonians 1:8–10

Bible Text: 8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, 9 for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I’ve heard people referred to as: ‘That grumpy old man’; ‘That such a sweet old lady’; ‘He is a no-nonsense man’; ‘She has the sweetest smile’; ‘He is a true man of God’; and lots of other such phrases. I’ve heard churches referred to as: ‘All they’re after is your money’; ‘They’re all noise, but no action’; ‘They are the holier-than-thou crowd’; ‘They just can’t identify with the people who live all around them’; etc. I’m sure you can add many other things that you have heard also, but I believe that I have made my point. When last have you heard someone, especially an unsaved person without a vested interest in the person or the church, describe them using similar terms as Paul heard in his contacts about his friends at Thessalonica? When last have you been able to describe a person or a church as being in the very likeness of Jesus Christ, and anxious for His return? What would we need to change in our own lives to make sure that the world sees Jesus in our words and in our actions? The ‘church’ is an accumulation of ‘us’ friends, so anytime we can’t refer to the church in very positive, Godly terms, then we are acknowledging that we need the hand of God more actively involved in our lives. Are you there yet friends? Are you ready to lay aside the pride; greed; prejudice and selfish desires; so that God might truly begin a good work in you? I am convinced that when we humble ourselves and let God be God, then He will work in the lives that we touch, and He may even feel at home doing this through His servants like you and I. Wouldn’t that be glorious to see God take full control of our lives and full control of our churches! Wouldn’t that be something like a small coal that burns so intensely that it heats up and ignites a fire in everything around it! Perhaps then our communities and our cities and our state might recognize the church as being an extension of the hand of God! I really want to see that happen, and I want to be a part of it! How about you friend?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for working a miracle in my life by helping me to look beyond the appeal of this world, to the greater appeal of eternity in heaven with my Creator and Lord. Many reading this blog today have also accepted Your gift of salvation and are in the same boat as I am. After reading these verses today, I am not totally convinced that our lives are a true, honest reflection of You though, so I want to plead with You to continue working on us until You see total dedication to the ways of God, so that we might be beacons in our community of the greatest and brightest Light, the Light of the world, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, I want the unsaved to look on us and see nothing but Jesus. May they see it so brightly that their hearts will be stirred towards accepting You as their Lord also. May You be honored through us today, and known because of our interaction with someone today. For I ask these things all for Your glory, honor and praise, AMEN!

Footnote

The Ultimate Rewards Program

On 2016-08-092016-08-09 By Ed AlgreenIn RewardsLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-08-09

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 22:12–13

Bible Text: 12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

It’s really amazing all that we will do in order to build up rewards on our credit card. Recently I overheard a person excited about saving 36 cents per gallon at the gas pump, because of rewards dollars accumulated on their rewards card. Well guess what, I bet they will now shop all the more at that business, whose retail prices seem much higher than the competition, just to earn the rewards! Others will travel an extra 10 miles to shop at the store, or gas station, that pays 4 center for every dollar spent at their gas pumps and charged to their credit card. If you pump 10 gallons, you saved 40 cents in rewards dollars. How much did you burn in gas to travel the extra distance??!!!! Friends, we are probably reading about the very first ‘rewards’ program when we read these two verses, and they work very much the same way. To benefit from these rewards, you must firstly, be acceptable in God’s sight (having accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior), in other words, you belong there; and secondly, the Word says that we will be rewarded for our deeds. Friends throughout the Bible we are taught about what our deeds should look like. Can our deeds easily be taken for deeds of the Holy Spirit, or God-led deeds? If so, you probably stand to benefit from the ‘rewards’ Jesus is promising to bring with Him. If you do not meet either of the above qualifications, then you will be rewarded like I was at the gas pump near to the above referenced person, for I received zero dollars in rewards seeing that I didn’t meet the qualifications of the program. Where do you stand friend? Are you confident of the ‘rewards’ you will receive? Do you qualify? If you are unsure, please go on to read the Footnote below, for it will provide you with help to qualify!

Prayer

What an awesome thought, that our rewards are out of this world!! Although a slogan used here on earth, yet it is loaded with the truth of all that You have in store for us, as promised in Your Word. Thank You Jesus! Thank You Father! Please use this reminder today to also touch the hearts of my unsaved family and friends, and those who You might ultimately cause to stumble across this blog. Lord, Your Word is powerful and effective. Just as You have touched me with Your Word, I pray now that You might also speak to Your children today who should know You or be drawn closer to You. Please have Your perfect will and way today, and may we not only be found eligible for Your rewards, but may we be more consistently obedient to Your Word in every way, all for Your ultimate glory, AMEN!

Footnote

A Glimpse of Heaven!

On 2016-08-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Choices, Heaven, SalvationLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-MM-DD

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 21:21–27

Bible Text: 21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. 22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

Have you ever been told so much about a certain place that you started picturing in your mind what it will look like? Well, let me say that I am so excited about being a child of the Most High, that each day in His presence is sweeter than the day before! But to add to this, I know that God has told me in His Word that He has a place prepared for me, and the rest of His children, and it just excites me to the very limit to know that one day I will be in His presence in, what must be, the most beautiful place that one could ever imagine. When someone tries to describe a beautiful place that they’ve visited, they will often say that no matter how much they try to describe the beauty of the place, you just have to go there for yourself. John tried to do the best he could in this chapter of Revelation, but friends, this is just a glimpse of heaven God gave us through His servant John, and I believe He is knocking at your heart’s door encouraging you to ready yourself for your eternal destination. Notice in verse 27 that entry into this beautiful, but very holy place (heaven) is conditional upon decisions that you make today. If you were taken out of this world today, do you suppose that you would be allowed into heaven? The Bible teaches that there is only One Way to get your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and I expanded on that in my previous blog writing. May I encourage you to look back, read that blog, and make sure that you have done this preliminary business with your Lord. All is in vain if you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. We have such an awesome Savior to spend eternity with, and having been reminded again today, we also have an awesome heaven to enjoy our eternity with the King of kings and Lord of lords. You could very easily be the next person called out from this world, and your eternal destination will be determined by your spiritual condition. Acceptance of Jesus Christ leads to eternity in heaven. The only alternative takes you to the pit of hell with Satan and his demons. The decision is yours friend!

Prayer

Lord God, we came from You and we very much want to return to You after we leave this earth. It is clear in Your Word that there is only one way to make this happen, and You have given us the advantage of not having to guess, or decode the answer, for You have made it abundantly clear. Just to be in Your gracious presence will be enough, but we are overwhelmed at being reminded of the magnificence of heaven – Your home. Although I can personally sing with the songwriter in the words of ‘What A Day That Will Be’, yet my plea today is that You would work on the hearts of Your children who have not yet accepted Your free gift of eternal life. Please especially humble the hearts of my family and my circle of friends, including those who will read this blog, in their search for a closer walk with You. May this be the day that they will find peace in knowing You personally. You are most worthy oh Lord, and we are most undeserving, and so needy for Your gracious love and miraculous hand upon our life. To God be the glory, AMEN!

Footnote

God’s Holy Reputation

On 2016-08-05 By Ed AlgreenIn Holiness, Holy Living, Imitate Jesus, Imitator of Christ, Leadership of the Holy SpiritLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-08-05

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 39:25–28

Bible Text: 25 “So now, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: …..; I will have mercy on all Israel, for I jealously guard my holy reputation! 26 They will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness after they come home to live in peace in their own land, with no one to bother them. 27 When I bring them home from the lands of their enemies, I will display my holiness among them for all the nations to see. 28 Then my people will know that I am the LORD their God….

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I believe that often, because of certain acts, or certain actions that lead to a church leader, or member, getting arrested, we might hear about how that person brought shame on the church, or on their family. This frequently happens in workplaces also, when evidence points to the fact that an employee stole from the company, or leaked critical information outside of the company. In fact, this often has such a devastating impact on the company, that it may even damage their reputation in the eyes of their customers, or their vendors, or government licensing agencies. However, seldom do we hear that such an incident may have damaged God’s reputation. Friends, I want you to think for a moment about the attributes of God. We think of Him being loving; good; kind; caring; unselfish; sacrificial; protective; etc, but also, all of these things to every race and nationality, and to every God-honoring religious affiliation. When we (Christians) go about our day seeking to imitate these characteristics of God, we honor Him and support His reputation. However, how often do we stop and consider the opposite when we fail to live up to God’s standards? Ever stop to think that your damaging words not only hurt a Brother, but because your actions were not pleasing to God, or representative of what His character stands for, you may have damaged His reputation with the folk who witnessed, or were hurt by your actions? In verse 25 today, God basically said that He had to step in to save His reputation. Friends, when we knowingly, or unknowingly, do things that tear down God’s reputation, we are tearing down the chances of God getting through to those folk that walk away because of our actions. I believe that we should be holy, just as Christ is holy. When we aim towards holiness, and the overall likeness of Jesus, then God will be able to show His holiness through us to all nations, as indicated in verse 27. We have a reputation to maintain friends, a holy reputation. Are you there yet? You certainly can be, with God’s help!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we want to be just like You. I could go on with the excuses of why we are not succeeding at this, but I truly believe that until You become our primary focus in every aspect of our life, then we will act like those who are receiving too much of our attention. In this world we are bombarded by the attitudes and actions of folk that do not know You, and therefore led by the very likes of Satan himself. Please put us on guard today Lord Jesus. Protect us from the evil one, and give us wisdom, protection and guidance to live in the very likeness of our Lord and Savior, so that others may see, hear, believe and accept the One we call Master, Friend, and Savior of this world, AMEN!

Footnote

Treated Unfairly?

On 2016-08-02 By Ed AlgreenIn Love of God, The Father's Love, The love of God, Unconditional loveLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-08-02

Scripture

Bible Reference: Job 37:23–24

Bible Text: 23–24 “Mighty God! Far beyond our reach! Unsurpassable in power and justice! It’s unthinkable that he’d treat anyone unfairly. So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you’re wise, you’ll most certainly worship him.”

Bible Translation: The Message (MSG)

My Take

I believe that way too often we tend to look inward and feel sorry for ourselves. Way too often we tend to look at others, and quickly become envious of all that they have, compared to what we recognize in our gifts, talents and possessions. Then we tend to ponder why we are so undeserving. We identify with how Job was feeling after his ‘world’ was stripped away from him. Throughout this book of Job there are many lessons for us. In today’s verses, I believe it is important that we see that true friends are very honest with us, and they may not just tell us what they think we want to hear. It would have been much easier for Job’s friend to go along with the way that Job was feeling; or to make promises to Job that he may, or may not be capable, or willing to make a reality. Unfortunately, we do this all the time friends. We feel sorry for folk and tell them things like: “Don’t worry, everything’s gonna be alright”; or “I will pray for you”; or “I will come and visit you so we could talk”; or “You look so good that no one would ever imagine that you are serious ill”. However, when we are hurting, we tend to look inward and feel sorry for self. Like the world is against us, and that we are being treated so unfairly. I believe that the best thing a friend can do, is to help us get our eyes refocused on Jesus, and His undeniable love for us. We may never understand, at least at the time, why things are going the way they are, but if we can refocus on the love of God for us, that it is unchangeable, and unshaken by circumstances, and that He made us with great purpose in mind, then we might begin to remember all the ways that God has blessed us, and is continuing to watch over us and care for us. Friends, the adversary (Satan) is doing his very best to distract us from the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ, and the many ways that Jesus loves us. What better way to do this than to tap away at our mind and try to tear down the very blessings that God is showering upon us every day? Jesus loves us more than anyone or anything we could possibly imagine, and this was not just for the period He sacrificed His life for us on the cross, but right straight through eternity. So let us therefore, always fix our eyes on the Author and the Finisher of our faith; the Alpha and the Omega; the beginning and the end; JESUS, the Holy Son of God!

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that “poor me’ is not a term used by folk who are children of the most high God; the King of all kings; the Savior of this world! We are so blessed and set apart as such a holy people, that we must always keep our eyes fixed on the Author of all these blessings. There is a lot of ‘Light’ at the end of this sometimes ‘dark’ world that we live in – the Light of the world, is Jesus! As our Light; our Savior and our Lord, please help Your humble servants to keep our eyes and our minds fixed on You, and not allow Satan to interfere with our happiness. We need You daily Lord, and we look forward to eternity with You loving Father, AMEN!

Footnote

The Consequences for a Watchman

On 2016-08-01 By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelize, Share God’s WordLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-08-01

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 33:7–9

Bible Text: 7 Ezekiel, I have appointed you to stand watch for the people of Israel. So listen to what I say, then warn them for me. 8 When I tell wicked people they will die because of their sins, you must warn them to turn from their sinful ways. But if you refuse to warn them, you are responsible for their death. 9 If you do warn them, and they keep sinning, they will die because of their sins, and you will be innocent.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version. (CEV)

My Take

Some translations refer to the responsibility title given to Ezekiel as a ‘Watchman’. Because this position brought with it the responsibility of reinforcing God’s Word to His people, it really reminded me of the positions that today we refer to as pastor, evangelist, revival speaker, elder or other church leader. In fact, even us as Christians we have a responsibility to share the love of Jesus with our lost loves ones. Let me challenge you to look at the job responsibilities laid out by God for Ezekiel and note the similarities. Friends, we would never think of keeping the news inside of an impending hurricane, as we want our friends to seek shelter and avoid danger and possible loss of life. Yet we know of the imminent return of Jesus Christ, and that those who have not prepared themselves for His return, are destined for Hell, and we do nothing, because of our fear of rejection or a hundred other excuses. What if we took the consequences, or options given to Ezekiel and owned them? Realizing that if we fail in our responsibility and the people perish, we will be held responsible by God? Do we really want to continue living foolishly in keeping our knowledge and responsibility bottled up inside, knowing full well that there will be consequences ahead for us?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You exampled a perfect life for us to follow. A life filled with evangelizing the lost, and correcting and encouraging the saved. As Your followers, and especially after being jolted back into reality with the story of Ezekiel today, Lord may we be found faithful today and every day of our lives. If You allow us to leave our homes and get to work, we WILL find unsaved friends. These are folk that You have placed us as a ‘Watchman’ over, because they need correcting and redirecting. Lord, may we present the gospel to them, which has the power to save them and see them into heaven. How will they know, if we keep it bottled up inside of us? Lord, please work through us today so that Your Holy Spirit might work mightily in the lives of our family and friends. May heaven become richer today because of our obedience to Your call on our lives. AMEN!