Know Today About Tomorrow!

On 2016-07-29 By Ed AlgreenIn Assurance, TomorrowLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-29

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 14:12–13

Bible Text: 12 God’s people must learn to endure. They must also obey his commands and have faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die.” The Spirit answered, “Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done.”

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

Some might find the subject of today’s blog ‘catchy’, because you might really want to know about tomorrow so you can make appropriate plans today. I bet if there was an app that promises to accurately foretell the occurrences of tomorrow, it would probably be a super hit! I would imagine that stock markets would crash many days, if investors had a glimpse into what will occur tomorrow or in future days. Yet God has given us His holy Word that not only tells us about all that has transpired, but also all that is about to happen tomorrow and in to the future. In fact, reading through the portion of my Bible study in Revelation this morning, brought exciting thoughts of the day I will see my Savior face to face! In chapter 13 John told us all about the beast and the mark of the beast. However in chapter 14 we are given a glimpse of what happens when our King of Glory walks in! The glorious sounds of angels singing in chorus reminded me of the scene at the birth of Jesus! But in verse 13 we are told about our tomorrows and what we could expect when we see Jesus. Friends, this caused me to reflect on the differences between today and what we could expect in heaven. Some may say that they knew my earthly dad, but they didn’t just march into his home and pretend that they were right at home to do or take whatever they wanted. However, as his kids, we knew that what was dad’s was ours also, so we were very much at home when we visited him. Now, notice that John had a qualification for what he said in verse 13 also: the blessing, the rest and the rewards are for those who have faith in Jesus Christ when they die. What impact does that have with your tomorrow friend? Are you assured of your blessing, rest and rewards? The alternative is not good, so may I encourage you to prepare today (accept this Jesus whom I love and speak about) so that your tomorrow will bring you great joy, peace, love and hope? Some on earth may say that you’re in good hands with …., however I want to assure you today that you will be in best hands, with the most comfort about tomorrow, if you know Jesus and have faith in Him. Please be sure to read my ‘Footnote’ for help and to sure this up for yourself. Only you can do this for yourself, with God’s help.

Prayer

What a glory to baste in Your beauty and awesome power today here on earth, and to be assured of an eternity of the same, should you call me home even today! While I rejoice in that oh Lord, I can only do that for myself, as relationships between You and others reading this devotional are strictly known to only You. I therefore pray that You will get right to the heart of those that may read this and still be uncommitted and unconcerned about their future. Lord, I have family and friends that show no evidence of having a personal relationship with You also, so I humbly ask, in fact plead with You today, to please touch their hearts also. May they be restless in knowing that the King of Glory loves them enough that He died for them, yet they stay at a distance rather than accept that gift that leads to life eternal in heaven. Lord I pray that right decisions will be made in my family even today, for it’s in the powerful, yet loving name of Jesus that I pray, 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!

Hope Even In Your Storm

On 2016-07-262016-07-26 By Ed AlgreenIn Hope, Peace, TrustLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-07-26

Scripture

Bible Reference: Matthew 14:28-31

Bible Text: ²⁸Then Peter called to him: “Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.” ²⁹“All right,” the Lord said, “come along!” So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him. “O man of little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Bible Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

My Take

Many of us face situations that seem virtually impossible to us. Our challenges appear so far out of reach that we often worry if we could ever overcome them and go on to live a ‘normal’ life. Let’s look at some attributes of Peter in the story told through the few verses chosen today, for he also faced some challenges that seemed way beyond human ability. Have a look at how Peter’s situation was handled and apply them to your ‘storm’ today:

Have courage – Peter knew that he served an awesome God, so stepping out of the boat onto water, which he had been around long enough to know that it was not of the consistency to walk on, yet because he knew Jesus, and because Jesus said ‘come to me’ then he was confident that Jesus would provide the means. May I encourage you to trust the Master more than what may appear obvious from your circumstances? Have courage to step out in faith and do what Jesus commands of you;
Have faith – To have have faith in God is to be ready to follow what He commands you to do, not what seems logical or practical to you. You may have messed up already and therefore in the position you are. Ask God what He would have you to do, then place your faith totally in Him and do as He commands. Because of his faith, Peter walked on water! What will you be willing to do?
Stay focused – The distractions of this world often gets us in the bad positions where we feel hopeless, so it is important that we keep our eyes on Jesus and not let the world mislead and distract us back into a state of hopelessness. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink – falling back into his human, hopeless state. Only in Christ will we find our answers friend.
Doubt – When we take our eyes off the prize – the encouragement and confidence of having our hand supported by the Creator of our universe, we submit to the mere power of self, and return to doubting if there truly is a better way. There’s no need to doubt friend, we serve a God who placed this world into existence, raised the dead back to life, caused the blind to see again and made the lame to walk again, to name just a few of His miracles. This is the same God that we serve and depend on, and there is no need to doubt His love or His abilities.
Praise God – There’s a really neat song entitled ‘Praise You in the Storm‘. Let’s pray that our hope in Christ will be so strong that we could praise God in the good times, and in our storms. If we have faith in Him, and we know His awesome abilities, then we can do this friend! Our situation may seem impossible and hopeless, but our God is not. Let us therefore keep our eyes fixed on Him, the author and finisher of our faith!

In this life there will be storms, but be reassured friend – there will always be our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has demonstrated His love for us on the cross, and will continue to demonstrate that love everyday as He watches over us! Trust Him, won’t you?

Prayer

Lord God, You are our strength; our stable, proven force; our fortress and our deliverer in whom we can place our faith and our trust. We are Yours Jesus, and yet we doubt. Please forgive us, and renew a right spirit within us oh Lord. Our situations are varied, and some seem very impossible to us. As we come to You, our Rock, may fear and doubt be overcome with faith and confidence. Please touch Your children once again today dear Lord. I ask these things in Your holy and precious name, AMEN!

Footnote

Is God Pleased?

On 2016-07-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Missions, Pleasing to God, Reaching the LostLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-07-25

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 22:30–31

Bible Text: 30 “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. 31 So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

There was so much going on in the day of Ezekiel, that God was hopeful that He would find a good cell of churches or Godly people that would convince Him not to destroy those who promoted the evil of the day. This led me to question whether God might feel like we (the church) are doing enough in our day that He might feel like the sacrifice of His precious Son was worth it. I am encouraged when I hear of what churches are doing outside of their four walls, but this is often limited to very few. Unfortunately, most churches are so caught up in denominational-ism that they are not allowed, or unwilling to tarnish their beliefs by joining hands with another group for the good of the community. In God’s statement through Ezekiel, He was looking for some hope that His message was penetrating the hearts of the people. Nothing was said about which ordinances we adopted or how we decided to administer them. Friends, I believe that we get so caught up in the small things of our specific churches, that we forget there are people in our community who have not accepted the simple love of Jesus, so they are dying and going to Hell without ever being told otherwise. Often we acknowledge needs across the world, and we send missionaries thousands of miles away to minister in God’s name, but do we do enough in our own communities to satisfy the concern of God? Are we truly bridging the gap in our own communities for God? Will God find us faithful to the tasks He has laid out for us, and indeed save our land? If we are satisfied that we have reached our communities, then we need to make sure that our state and our country is also in order. We need to be willing to let God work through us at all levels, so that all will hear and believe, God being our helper!

Prayer

Lord thank you for placing us in our respective communities with lots still to be done. How will the people know, if we don’t go out and tell them, is the thought offered in another part of scripture, that I feel is so applicable to what is taught in this lesson today. Please help us to continue thinking outside of the box of selfish desires and outside of the four walls of our respective churches, so that the world will know who Jesus is. Please make us keenly aware of the needs of our communities more than any other mission efforts we may undertake. For as our hometown people know and believe, we can join hands to reach the state, country and the world. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to serve in Your army. Use us now to be Your instruments of change. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Footnote

How to Find ‘Real LIFE’

On 2016-07-232016-07-24 By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Biblical Decisions, HeavenLeave a comment

Saturday, 2016-07-23

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ezekiel 20:11,13

Bible Text: 11 There I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them.

13 ……. They wouldn’t obey my regulations even though obedience would have given them life.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

No matter if we are talking to friends, listening to advice from our doctor or watching television, there is always tons of advice for us on how to improve our lifestyles, improve our health, enjoy our lives, look as good as the top model, etc. However, as with all other aspects of life, we have access to life’s Instruction Manual (the Bible), and It has answers for all walks of life for us. And I don’t know about you friend, but I would much prefer listening to God, who created us and loves us enough to have sacrificed His very Son for us, than to listen to a product manufacturer compelled to sell their product in order to save their company. So let’s take a peak into what God has placed in His Word for us. He reminded the prophet Ezekiel about His love, and all that He had done, for the Israelites. He also reminded him of how He had given the Israelites very special instructions so that they could preserve the awesome life He had brought them to. It was a simple thing of: here’s my instructions to life, now obey these and you will have all those aspects of ‘life’ that I have promised you. Does this not sound familiar friends? God created the beautiful planet of earth for His children that He would later create. He even took things into consideration that He knew we might find fault with, for there are various places where we can ‘plant our roots’ with just the right temperature that we enjoy! God then gave us life’s Instruction Manual – His Word – The Bible. Follow this, and you will not only find peace, love, joy and happiness while on earth, but you will also have everlasting joy in Heaven with our Father. Of course everyone in their right mind would assume that God’s children would automatically do these things, for ‘life’ could never get any better than promised by God. Unfortunately everyone with a sound mind will quickly recognize that we are still very much like the Israelites that God referred to in verse 13 above. In the greatest love that I can can possibly offer friend, I must warn you that the Israelites who disobeyed God and didn’t follow His decrees, never saw the wonderful gift of the Holy Land. This will be no different for those on earth who choose to disobey the Word of God – we will never see the gift of Heaven promised to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and obey the wonder gift of God’s special instructions to us – The Bible. Where do you stand on this Brother? Will you receive the prize Sister? Why not settle this today friends? Speak with God about your decision, won’t you?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for providing the means for me to have eternal life in heaven with You and the Father one day. Thank You for my friends who are reading this blog today and have not only been rescued from sin, like the Israelites were rescued from Egypt, but I pray that unlike the Israelites, each of us will dig deep into Your Word each day and not just look for Your glorious promises, but also be challenged to live according to Your teachings/decrees. As this occurs, I pray that those that we come into contact with each day will be impacted with the love of Christ that will be evident in everything we say or do. It’s all about You God. May we look and act just like You. I ask these things in greatest humility and love, 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 http://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!

Just A Glorious Glimpse!

On 2016-07-192016-07-19 By Ed AlgreenIn Heaven, WorshipLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-07-19

Scripture

Bible Reference: Revelation 4:3-4; 8–11

Bible Text: 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.

8 …. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

Perhaps more scripture than usual, but friends I wanted to share enough with you so that you might catch just a glimpse of what John must have seen. Can you imagine the joy, appreciation and admiration that welled up inside of John as he saw this? After all, this awesome worship was all happening because of what John saw up in verse 3 and 4 – the glory that surrounds our Father! This worship was in recognition of the same God that John knew and adored! If John was to visit our church this week, would he catch such a glimpse of worship, as he did with the Elders at the throne of God in this scripture? When he walks inside of our churches, will he hear the saints who have recognized the holiness of God, whispering something like “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty – the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Will Jesus be glorified, and John stand in awe as the leaders of your church lead the way in helping the people recognize the worthiness of God? Would visitors and/or the unsaved walk through our doors and be immediately reminded that they are in a place of worship, where Jesus Christ is recognized as Lord of lords and King of kings, and where He and His Father are truly welcomed and worshiped? I wonder if it would help if we all read these verses each time before we enter our sanctuary to worship? Perhaps we might be reminded, or more focused on the reason we are there, and the awesomeness of the One we are there to worship! Do you feel like God is please with your worship? Let me encourage you to worry about self, and not be as judgmental about the person in front of you or near you. God wants a personal, rich relationship with YOU friend!

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for loving us so much that You gave of Yourself so that we might live this life assured of our eternal home. Thank you for the assurance of living in glory with You some day! Until that time, please help us to recognize Your greatness every day and to get used to the idea of worshiping You for who You are. Lord, may our daily lives be filled with gratefulness and joy because of the One we call ‘Lord’ of our lives, and may that joy be contagious to those that we come into contact with. Lord, You are holy, and most worthy of our praise. May our lives be a sacrifice of praise to You dear God, for I celebrate You and praise my Savior, and Lord, as I ask these things, AMEN!

Footnote

A Nation Blessed By God

On 2016-07-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Humble, Humility, Live in peace, Peace, PrayerLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-07-08

Scripture

Bible Reference: Zechariah 8:15–17

Bible Text: 15 I am determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. So don’t be afraid. 16 But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. 17 Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the LORD.”

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I believe that the blessing that God had for Jerusalem is a good indication of the blessing He has in store for your nation today friends, but I believe that the warnings and conditions are just as applicable. We serve a holy and righteous God, and I believe that His Word clearly shows us that He will not condone sin, unrighteousness and unfaithfulness. In fact, in these verses God declares to the people of Jerusalem what He is looking for, and I believe that these things are still applicable to us today. Here are a few things that God demands of a nation expecting to be blessed by Him:

Tell the truth to each other – another scripture says that we should let our yes be yes and our no be no. Never give a reason for doubt in anything you say, knowing that it is the truth and nothing but the truth. It is a rare thing today for folk to trust everything we say. This would be a clear indication to them that God must be influencing us;
In your courts, render fair decisions that lead to peace – I don’t believe that this indicates that our judges must let things slide, but I do believe it means that they should judge fairly, and without bias or prejudice, based on the laws of the land. When the law is fairly placed on everyone, in spite of their skin color or their financial means, then the people will live in peace knowing that they have been fairly judged;
Don’t ever plan evil things against others or tell lies under oath – When we scheme to hurt someone or treat them unfairly, we often bring in other sins that tend to help us apply the planned evil. God will have no part of that. When we love someone back into our good graces, our relationship will last much longer and blossom with goodness and joy!

Friends, think about it. For God to bless our respective countries even when the above sins are blatant, is like asking Him to turn the other cheek and let us have our own way, without regard for His holy instructions for us. I want to encourage Christians to stand tall in your faith; know what God demands of us and our nations; and pray daily for the growth and stability of God’s church, as this would be our encouragement to know that our prayers are being answered for our nation. 2 Chronicles 7:14 might be a good scripture to pin in a spot that will be a visible reminder to you every day, that if our people will humble themselves and pray, then God will……

Prayer

Dear God, please touch Your children once again today, please? For Your Word is very clear what we must do in order to see Your rich blessings poured out on us, yet we continue to live such sinful lives without proper regard for the King of all kings. Every time we listen to the news, we hear of such horrific happenings. Please help us to not shrug off these things to a God who must have forgotten us, but instead help us to look inward, and to look to Your Word for guidance as to what must be blocking our blessing. We are reminded that You will not bless or condone sin. Please help us to example righteous living before our unsaved family, friends and coworkers, for we may be the only ‘Jesus’ that they will have eyes for that day. Your Word is a lamp unto our feet – please help us to take that literally and seek to follow the way prescribed for us in Your Word. May You be glorified in us today, is my humble prayer that I ask in the name of the only holy and righteous One who set the example for us, AMEN!

Footnote

Respond To The Work Assigned By God

On 2016-07-04 By Ed AlgreenIn Committed, God's Will, God's WorkLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-07-04

Scripture

Bible Reference: Acts 20:22–24

Bible Text: 22 “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

This is a lot for us to think about on this special day – US Independence Day! Let’s first look at Paul’s scenario: He was on his way for a ministry that he was convinced God had called him to. Where? – Jerusalem; Job Description? – Unknown; Fringe benefits? Jail and suffering; Why should he continue on to do this? – because his life would be meaningless if he knew God had assigned something to him, and he chose to do anything else but that work. So let us look inward, and how we are responding to our God assignments. Would we be willing to go into an area of our own country that is extremely poor, or always in the news because of the extreme criminal activity? How about to another country where they have not been able to keep up with the modern day conveniences that we are accustomed to? Having your doubts? I probably would have also, but notice that there is no indication that Paul had any doubts. How about assignments right around your own church? Do you willingly accept them, knowing that your life might very well be miserable if you don’t accept the work that God has in store for you – to tell others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God? ‘Unqualified’ was your best response? May I encourage you to read the above verses again? Paul was headed out on a journey not knowing what God would have him do, so do you think he felt qualified to do it? Friends, as children of God, striving to obey the will of God, we make ourselves available to Him to be used for His ultimate glory. For such a specialized work as that, do you suppose for a moment that He expects you to do it in and of your own strengths and abilities? He wants our availability, not our abilities! Oh that we, the children of the most high God, might learn to move and act in faith, and learn to allow God to move mightily in and through us, perhaps then our relationship with Him might be stronger, and His work become more effective even through us. Won’t you consider being a ‘Paul’ today? Go where God sends you and do what He orders you to do, friend. It’s all for His glory anyway, so let’s facilitate the work, God being our helper and guide.

Prayer

Merciful Father, Master and Lord, You have everything under Your perfect control, yet You use even us – your children to work through us, like You did with Your servant Paul, to tell others about Your grace, Your love and Your saving power. Lord, please help us to respond to You with confidence, know that You can use even us to accomplish Your perfect will. Please give us strength to brush aside the attacks of Satan that cause us to find excuses when it comes to answering Your call. There was no excuse when You were ordered to the cross for our sacrifice. You did it because of Your love for us. Oh that we might love You enough to do Your will and share Your Good News with a world that is dying and going to Hell. Please touch Your children once again Lord, May it be today. AMEN!

Footnote

Prove it!

On 2016-06-28 By Ed AlgreenIn Follower of Christ, Proof-positive, ProvenLeave a comment

Tuesday, 2016-06-28

Scripture

Bible Reference: 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Bible Text: ¹²you should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Bible Translation: God’s Word Translation (GW)

My Take

There is a six-year old in my life that will often say “prove it” whenever we respond to a question differently than he expects! In this short verse Paul is not only reminding the church at Thessalonica to not forget all that he and his missionary friends taught them, but he encouraged them to live their lives as evidence that they accepted his teachings with confidence, and in full obedience to what the Word of God instructed. This is very applicable to us today friends, for we attend church, perhaps Sunday School and perhaps even a Bible study or two each week. Should there be any possible reason why we would live our lives contrary to all that we are being taught? Furthermore, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are not just doing that in expectation of a free ticket into heaven, but we are essentially committing to a life that will duplicate all that Jesus lived, and all that He taught us through His Word. Think about it: Jesus lived the same way, for He said that He only spoke the words given to Him by His Father and He only did those things instructed by His Father. If we are committed to being Jesus’ followers, shouldn’t we be doing the same thing? The world will look at us for proof that we are who we say we are. Will they be convinced about you today?

Prayer

Dear God, it may seem unwarranted, but it seems like this world needs proof for everything before they are convinced that things are as we say. I believe that it is all the more important that Your children not only speak of You based on stories from the greatest book ever written, but if Christians truly believe in You, then we will live out what we believe in. If Your love is in us, then our lives will exude Your love in every action. If Your words fill our hearts, then our words will be filled with Your grace and Your love. Paul told the church to prove their faith to everyone they came into contact with, by the way they lived, loved and spoke. Lord, may our words and our actions prove to the world today that Jesus rules and reigns in and through us, so that they may have a desire to know You personally. AMEN!

Footnote

Simple Instructions For ‘Right’ Living

On 2016-06-272016-06-27 By Ed AlgreenIn Example, Example of Christ, Genuine example of Jesus, Godly example, ObedienceLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-06-27

Scripture

Bible Reference: Micah 6:8

Bible Text: 8 No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

In this scripture today, we can see where God is yet again addressing the question of many who are wanting to please God, but yet live like the world. I know, that’s not you, but before your give up on this devotional today, let me encourage you to be patient with me as I draw some parallels. There are three commands given to the Jews, and I believe these are still very applicable to us today:

Do what is right – sounds like a very simple command, but let’s examine where this comes from. In verses 6 and 7 we see where the people were asking what is it that God would like for them to bring, or sacrifice, in order to please Him. Please recognize that they could have sacrificed half of their livestock holdings and still be very ungodly in their attitudes and their actions towards others. In today’s society, we hear a lot at funerals and at social events about individuals are are great financial providers, or perhaps heads of state. One would walk away thinking that they must be God’s top person on earth as they are ‘good’ in every way – according to the speaker! Additionally, we are continually trying to convince ourselves of how pleasing we must be to God after attending at least one church service this month, or because we gave a satisfactory amount in the offering. In each case, we may have missed the point if we haven’t daily lived doing what is right in God’s sight. Are we truly following His ways and doing what He commands?
Love mercy – In each of the above self-righteous actions, have we truly shown mercy to everyone that God has placed in our presence? Jesus showed mercy to everyone – especially those that society rejected and shoved aside. Do we practice enough mercy, or are we a part of the crowd who will push the poor and unfortunate aside? When last have you been identified as an agent of Jesus – even to the dejected?
Walk humbly with God – I see this as being one who is fully committed and obedient to God. I believe this is the individual who moves from a life of doing our own thing to please self, and moves to an obedient life responding to every command of Jesus. Friends, as we study God’s Word and strive to follow in His footsteps, we will look and sound more like Jesus. We may even be mistaken for Jesus to a world that is in sore need of Him. Walking humbly with God means that you are willing to walk behind Him and let Him guide you and therefore take all the credit for anything you might accomplish. After all, you would be showing the world that everything is given to you by Him and for His glory – only.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You demonstrated an obedient spirit, filled with mercy, as You walked this earth. You reminded us many times that You only spoke the words that were given to You by Your Father, and that You did only those things that pleased Your Father. As Your children, trying to follow Your will and Your desire for our lives, we realize that we must learn to live just like You. Please touch us today with Your power and Your guidance so that we might desire to walk like You and talk like You, especially before our friends who are looking for Godly examples here on earth. If You are in us, then Your character, Your love and Your example will pour forth from us. So please fill us to overflowing today Lord, so that others may see and believe. May You receive glory from all that is accomplished through Your children today, AMEN!

Footnote

The Gospel is for Everyone

On 2016-06-222016-06-22 By Ed AlgreenIn Eternal Life, SalvationLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2016-06-22

Scripture

Bible Reference: Acts 10:42–46

Bible Text: 42 God told us to announce clearly to the people that Jesus is the one he has chosen to judge the living and the dead. 43 Every one of the prophets has said that all who have faith in Jesus will have their sins forgiven in his name.

44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit took control of everyone who was listening. 45 Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles. 46 Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God.

Bible Translation: The Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

The Gospel speaks so clearly to us individually that if we’re not careful we may easily forget where God has brought us from, and we may begin losing sight of how the gospel tells of God’s love for everyone – even those who we may tend to feel is so undeserving. A good example of this is included in our scripture today, for Peter saw God reach down and touch even the Gentiles through His Word. Now in the eyes of Peter, and the other Jewish followers traveling with him, this was impossible for them to fathom. Yes, they heard the prophets foretell that ‘everyone’ who placed their faith in Jesus Christ would receive forgiveness of sin and be saved from eternal damnation, but never did they ever imagine that this included even the dejected and undeserving Gentiles, that were often looked down on by the Jews? Friends, I don’t believe that anything has changed about this theory, for I believe that still today we may exclude certain people from the gospel because of certain prejudices that we may have personally inherited, or perhaps developed. There are times that we feel downright intimidated by some folk – perhaps the less educated may feel inadequate in communicating with the higher educated folk, or they may feel like more educated folk may find it extremely challenging to simply believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved – without a full explanation on how that works. May I remind you, that Jesus asked us to share, not analyze and then develop a story that you feel the person might better identify with. Think about this: what would there be to question about the simplicity of the gospel message? Lots, right? But does it change the fact that God created us all alike, saw the need to provide a Savior for us to overcome the sin and grime that we resorted to on our own? But God loved us enough that He didn’t want to see us live aimlessly without Him and die without hope of ever being with Him in heaven? That’s our story friends, and because of the freedom given to us to live on this earth, our unfortunate destiny will be Hell, if we don’t accept that free gift of eternal life from God. So the accepting, and the change is necessary for us all, and the gift of eternal life is available for us all. Let’s not allow Satan to distract us from sharing that story with all who will listen and believe – without exception. Every nationality, every race, every man, woman and child – we all need Jesus in order to one day be with He and the Father in heaven. If you have already accepted Jesus as Lord of your life, then consider joining me as we love others towards making the same decision in their life. Everyone!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You provided the way, and I believe that You have not given up on us. Please touch the lives of those who will read this devotional today in search of more happiness, more purpose and a brighter future than what they see possible here on this earth. May we, Your messengers, be filled with Your love today, so that those that we come into contact with, will be impacted with the hope, love and joy that is ours in Christ Jesus. As You are lifted up today, may all men, women and children be drawn to You. For I ask this in the precious name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, 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!