Just A Touch From The Master

On 2020-08-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Faith in Action, Genuine Faith, Healing3 Comments

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-08-15
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Luke 8:45-48
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ⁴⁵“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, so many are crowding against you. . . . ” ⁴⁶But Jesus told him, “No, it was someone who deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” ⁴⁷When the woman realized that Jesus knew, she began to tremble and fell to her knees before him and told why she had touched him and that now she was well. ⁴⁸“Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

OBSERVATION: Jesus was on a mission headed towards the home of Jairus to meet the need reported to Him by a very frightened dad. While enroute, there was a large crowd following, and they pressed in on Jesus’ personal space because they didn’t want to miss anything that He did. By this time, many had heard so much about the power of Jesus, that they were willing to do things such as merely getting close enough to touch His clothing, such as noted in the verses today. This was a true act of faith! Do we have that kind of faith?

APPLICATION: In this Scripture today, I believe that Jesus is prompting us to reflect on how we might go about ‘touching the hem of His garment’ in our world today. Think about it friends, we often think of a ‘touch from God’ when we’re sick – beyond what we feel our doctor could handle, or about to face surgery, or lost a loved one, or can’t see ourselves through financial struggles, or when things at work seems impossible, but how do we touch the ‘hem of Jesus’ garment’, like this woman did? Well, let’s reread the verses again and remind ourselves of how this woman received help/healing. In verse 48 Jesus actually tells the woman what actually healed her. It was her faith! She knew where healing would come from, so in spite of all odds, she was determined to find the Master who had already healed through just a simple word. I believe this lady knew Jesus, knew of His awesome power and compassion on those in need, and I feel pretty sure that she probably knew the miracles He had already performed. Do you suppose she left her home that day with a good luck charm hoping that these rumors she had heard about Jesus could also possibly touch her life, if she was lucky? Do you suppose that the thought may have crossed her mind that she perhaps could stay at home in her bed and if Jesus wanted to, He would heal her? Let me share with you what my thoughts are: I believe this lady knew Jesus personally, and I believe she had lots of faith – enough to believe that Jesus could do for her everything that she had heard about Him ever doing for anyone else. However, I believe she wanted a close-up experience with her Master. Seeing that Jesus was thronged by so many people, she felt like she could never get His personal attention, but she knew that if she could only manage to get close enough to touch Him or any part of His clothing, she would be healed. Friends, that’s a lot of faith! That’s like us having faith to call on Him in our time of need, or asking our church elders to pray over you with oil, as spoken of in the New Testament. May I remind you again today that Our God’s Not Dead, Nor Has He Lost His Power To Heal! I have a friend who has an army of friends praying with her for the touch of the Master on her husband lying ill, to the point of death, from COVID. God is still in the prayer-answering business, as He cares as much about us as He has ever cared for one of His children. We serve an awesome God that hears the cries of His children. If He’s your God today friend, call on Him in your time of need. Celebrate Him when You remember His goodness and recognize His miracle working hand.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we are so amazed by Your awesome power, and often wonder why You would consider even us for Your miraculous work. Please teach us the wonder of faith and the unlimited power of our wonderful God. May we always come to the Savior for salvation; the Healer with our illnesses and to our Eternal God with our desire for eternity in Heaven with You. Thank You for loving us so much dear God, our Heavenly Father! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

My Prayer For You Is…

On 2020-07-27 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Prayer, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-07-27
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Philippians 1:9-11
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁹My prayer for you is that you will overflow more and more with love for others, and at the same time keep on growing in spiritual knowledge and insight, ¹⁰for I want you always to see clearly the difference between right and wrong, and to be inwardly clean, no one being able to criticize you from now until our Lord returns. ¹¹May you always be doing those good, kind things that show you are a child of God, for this will bring much praise and glory to the Lord.

OBSERVATION: Most often we pray for health issues, then perhaps for the wellbeing of our friends, and possibly for their financial wellbeing. But have a look at your prayer list, and the one at church, and see how many are on the list for salvation, or even for enhancing the love of the individual for Jesus and for each other. Paul and Timothy felt the need to pray for their friends at the church of Philippi so that God might see His precious saints in service for Him, not pretenders masquerading around the church trying to impress its leaders. Sounds all too familiar friends? Hang with me while we delve into this Scripture today.

APPLICATION: Some will attend church and they might manage to speak to a fellow worshipper, but how often do we truly care about how they are doing or how we might pray for them and their relationship with God? Notice that in earlier verses Paul shared with the church that 1) He had them on his mind (Vs 3-6); and 2) He had them in his heart (Vs 7-8). So of course, it was natural that Paul would pray for them in verses 9-11. I wonder if, by late Sunday afternoon you would remember who sat on each side of you in church that morning? Did you meet the folk who sat behind you, or in front of you? Did any of them have any needs that you might pray for? Friends, please stop for a moment – I’m talking about folk who care about their soul, not folk who might be pouring out of a club and that might curse at you if you tried to socialize with them. I’m talking about the kind of folk that want to know more about Jesus. I recently went through major surgery, and although I was on the church’s prayer list, I could probably count on one hand the number of fellow believers who took the time to check on my wellbeing. I can’t put them down, because I am probably just as bad when they are out for various reasons. But why has the church (its members) today become so busy, so self-centered, and so selfish, that they (we) have no time for others? Do we not have other believers on our mind and in our hearts? Is that, perhaps, the reason we don’t pray for each other like Paul did for the church at Philippi? If one is too busy, or wrapped up in themselves to show that they care for others God has placed right beside them, do you think they will ever care about that person’s relationship with God? Friends, you were the ‘pastor’ that God sent that person to when they sat beside you. Please don’t assume that you pay your pastor to do your God-assigned work. As we study this closely, some Bible versions start off verse 10 with the words ‘so that’. Paul shared his concern, and his heart for the church in verse 9, but he didn’t want them to feel like it was for the purpose of increasing their self-worth, but instead he wanted them to know that he prayed for their spiritual wellbeing, their obedience, and their love for others, so that (or for the purpose of) their love for others might increase, and their relationship with God might become what God expects of you. Oh that we might care enough about others that they will be on our minds, and that our hearts will overrun with joy for their successes and burn with passion for their needs, especially their need to know our Jesus more intimately. Friends, when you think about the church growing in intimacy with God and each other, I believe that this formula taught by Paul in our Scripture today is far more effective than anything that the pastor might teach, preach or practice, for this is what draws one to Jesus Christ and keep them near to the cross that He hung on to show His love for us. People in our churches need to know how much we care about them. So as I pray today, I will aim to follow the example of Paul, with God as my helper and guide. Please consider joining me in this dear friend.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, my Lord. Please help us to look beyond self today. I know that we will be tempted to drown in our sorrows and our aches and pains, but please touch us once again today and help us to fix our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith. And Lord, we truly need constant reminding of our ministry that You have placed us here on earth for, yes right where we are and with everyone that we come into contact with. May we never assume that others have no needs – for we all need You in every aspect of our lives, and we may be the messenger who will deliver Your Word and show Your love as expressed so vividly in our lives. People need the Lord. Oh that they may see Jesus so prominent in our lives that they will recognize the hand of the Messiah and want to know Him intimately. May You receive glory today, even as You are glorified through each reader and myself. AMEN!

Making One Another Stronger

On 2020-07-25 By Ed AlgreenIn Encourage, Servants of God, Serve, Service, StrengthLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-07-25
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Ephesians 4:11–13
Translation: Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)

Bible Text: ^{11 …..}Christ gave these gifts to people: He made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to care for and teach God’s people. ¹²Christ gave these gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger. ¹³This work must continue until we are all joined together in what we believe and in what we know about the Son of God. Our goal is to become like a full-grown man—to look just like Christ and have all his perfection.

OBSERVATION: While many of us wish that we could help others more than we feel like we have the ability, or capacity to, I believe that we are challenged with ideas on ways to accomplish this feat. Look again at verse 12 above. God gave each of His children important gifts – but notice that they are given so that we may serve others in order to make the body of Christ stronger. To help one another achieve their best in God. Wow!

APPLICATION: Wow, how often do we receive a gift, told how to use it, and then rewarded for using it? I believe the part that really touches me, is that God would trust me enough to bless me with a gift from His precious hand. I believe it is awesome that God would then direct me to use that gift to enrich the life of one that I might come into contact with! Ever thought of the fact that God is constantly looking for ways to touch His children and make us stronger in the faith? Ever thought about the fact that when we accepted Jesus as Lord of our lives, we committed ourselves to be more like Him every day, and live to mirror His ways and His character before a lost world? So would it be impossible to think for a moment that God could actually prepare us to be a ‘holy people’ who will serve others for the benefit of making the church stronger? Friends, we might tend to think that we are nobodies and that we don’t count in God’s big scheme of saving the world, but did you also consider that the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents! Friends, we will find that a sinner repents after receiving convicting evidence that Jesus is alive and that He loves and cares for all who will call on His name in repentance. Often that conviction will come through you and I, as friends of the individual, or even as an acquaintance. God can and will use all means possible to reach the hearts of His lost children. I truly believe that you and I are a vital part of that team, fellow Christian! So when we read the Word and read the exciting news that God will strengthen and embolden us to serve His church and make it stronger, please don’t brush that aside as being the responsibility of the pastor, or the elder or deacon. Take it personally, as He can and will use all of us who are trying to be just like Him in every way to actively work in His service and strengthen the lost who are searching for the Savior of the world.

PRAYER: Lord I believe in You, so I take my role seriously that You could use even me to serve Your church and make it stronger. Lord, I can only imagine the awesome work that a ‘STRONG’ church can do in it’s community, and the impact it could have on the lost, who need a Savior. Please help us to take our role seriously. It may be as simple as sharing Your love with those who feel unlovable, or it may be as challenging as preaching or teaching Your Word, so that the world will know about You. Our abilities mean very little, but our availability to be used by the King of kings is the ultimate soul winner and encourager. May You be glorified in all that You accomplish through us, and may Your kingdom be enriched from every possible thing accomplished through us. AMEN!

Be There For Others, As God was There For You!

On 2020-06-02 By Ed AlgreenIn Blessings, Comfort, Healing, Mercy, Share God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2020-06-02
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: ^3-5All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.

OBSERVATION: Several points of encouragement in these verses: Our God is one who could heal even when there is not a drug or doctor who could; He’s also our Guide, our Deliverer, our Protector and our Friend when we face hard times; We are blessed beyond anything we deserve and we can easily be a comfort to others facing similar challenges to what God brought us through. We serve a Mighty God!

APPLICATION: When we are going through challenging times in life, as all of us do at times, we either call a friend, or a trusted counselor, like a pastor or Christian Brother or Sister. Isn’t it rewarding to read what God inspired Paul to write in these verses, and be reminded that He is:
~ A God of all mercy – which means that He will listen to even us as we petition before Him. Think about it, what have we done to deserve anything from a perfect and holy God?;
~ A God of healing counsel – I believe that this encourages me that no matter what may be going on physically or mentally with us, God designed us and He therefore has the power to heal us, and/or give us counsel for whatever is needed. I love to attend a physician that has a photo showing Jesus looking over his shoulder, indicating that Jesus is counselling the doctor on what is best for us – the patients!
~ A God who stands by us, guides and protects us – I see this as not only being our pilot in our autos, but also as we walk along every aspect of life itself. Perhaps it might be health, or perhaps a drive along a dangerous road, or we may be wandering along in the woods or just struggling to make challenging decisions. Friends, with God by our side, what have we to fear?
The biggest takeaway for us, is that God will often cause us to walk alongside someone who could benefit from our experiences where He has healed us, protected us, or just been so gracious and loving to us. I recently had a medical practitioner who was going in for back surgery, with the same facility that I had used about 8 times. His spirits were lifted as I shared first hand experience with him, as to what he might expect along each step of his surgery and recovery. This is the same scenario as in many other experiences in life, for it opens the door for you to share how God has blessed you. I hope that you are looking for those opportunities and sharing as much as you could. Promoting the God Who has blessed us, and that we love dearly, is always a good thing friends!

PRAYER: We are once again reminded of Your love Lord Jesus! There is no shortage of friends and family who need encouragement from us, and as You guide us to those individuals today dear Lord, please fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may have the words and gentleness of heart to share in a way that would draw that individual unto yourself. Oh how sweet the name of Jesus is to a believer’s ear! Oh that others may be convinced of that as we share Your love from sincere and blessed hearts. I ask these things in the powerful name of Jesus, AMEN!

It’s GOD!

On 2020-05-30 By Ed AlgreenIn Awesome God, Chosen by God, Encounter with God, Saved2 Comments

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-05-30
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:6-7
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: ⁶There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. ⁷The Holy Spirit displays God’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church.

OBSERVATION: I believe in these verses Paul intended to help the church to know the importance of drawing close to God so that He could draw close to them and use them for the enrichment of each other. This speaks volumes to the church today, because when we go off doing our own thing it might only benefit our small circle of friends, however when we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us into action and showing love one to another, we will see the church (God’s body of believers) enriched, blessed and uplifted. How do you feel like you’re doing in this, friends?

APPLICATION: If we were to sit down and evaluate how we are doing individually, I believe that Satan will automatically drive our thoughts possibly towards the pastor and what he could be doing differently, or more of the ministry he is being paid to do. Satan might also drive us towards all that we’ve heard about other leaders in the church, or even members that we’ve always looked up to. You know what I mean, it’s everyone else’s fault – except yours. Really, friends? Do we really believe that there are any here on earth that are perfect, like Jesus Christ was? Paul took a moment to express to the church that it is only because of the grace of God, and the power of God, working in and through us (the church) that anything could be accomplished for our God. Oh that we would never be so bold and/or stupid enough to study God’s Word, or teach His Word to others or preach His Word, without the full cooperation and help of the Holy Spirit. We are His instruments, and therefore He uses us to speak to His children, so that their hearts may be drawn to Jesus. That whole encounter is a ‘Jesus thing’ that we never want to mess up. Please join me as we read or study the Word, that we may carefully apply it to our lives. Sure, we may teach what we learn to others, but oh precious Savior, may You be faithful in helping us apply every word from God to our own lives first. My prayer for each reader today is that we all be found faithful and true, so that we may be used of God to spread the gospel in all walks of life, so that Jesus might tug on the hearts of all who hear, or are touched by us, and are touched by Him.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for touching my heart, thank You for making me whole. Please give my believing readers and I, the boldness and determination to reach out to all those that we will come into contact with today, and as we merely brush up alongside these individuals, I pray that You will penetrate their hearts and draw them to Yourself. Oh that they will see Jesus today, and come to know Him personally and intimately as their Savior and Lord. Today may be the day that many will come to know You as Lord, but I also realize that today may be the day that You call many home to Yourself. May Your perfect will be done in each of our lives dear Lord, AMEN!

Why Do You Do It?

On 2020-05-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Evidence of Faith, Faith, Faith, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Friday, 2020-05-15
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
TRANSLATION: The Passion Translation (TPT)

BIBLE TEXT: ³¹Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God. ³²And make sure you’re not offending Jews or Greeks or any part of God’s assembly over your personal preferences. ³³Follow my example, for I try to please everyone in all things, rather than putting my liberty first. I sincerely attempt to do anything I can so that others may be saved.

OBSERVATION: In this life we tend to stand tall and announce our rights, and we tend to live out our rights, often without regard to the impact our actions might have on others. As we meditate on these words from Paul, I would suggest that you think about a time when you were guilty of such actions, and if you have been a perfect angel, think about a time when you witnessed another Christian who thought they were exercising their own rights, without regards for you or anyone else around them. Our thoughts for today are: Why do we act like that? and who does it wind up hurting?

APPLICATION: Lord, You were beaten and treated like a criminal, even though you didn’t have to endure any such treatment, for You are God. You hung embarrassingly on a criminal’s cross, even though You had the power to call a legion of angels to rescue You. These are just two ways that you chose to endure, so that others might be rescued from the pits of Hell and instead be redirected to heaven with You and the Father. Because of Your Word, we know that You stand for everything and anything that convinces a sinner of their lost condition. In our Scripture today we read about how Paul acted in the same way as you. Yet we allow the demons of Satan to infringe on our relationship with You and provoke us into actions that are not Christlike. Unfortunately, and regrettably, I remember as a young man I did exactly that which Paul was preaching against. I had relatives who, because of their faith, chose not to eat certain meats or seafood, yet I chose to eat whatever I felt like while in their presence. Fortunately they were strong in their faith and their determination, so they seemed to have ignored my ignorance and immaturity. But I wonder what else Christians and/or churches do today that Paul may have seen the need to correct? We have so much separation because of the day we worship, the foods that we eat, the way that we baptize, the way that we observe communion, and the frequency that we are saved, that I’m sure that unbelievers must be looking in with the thought that they might decide to join God’s army here on earth if they could ever get their act together and appear like they are serving the one true God. Paul offered that we follow him as he follows Christ. Can we truly say that today and still have such a mixed bag of beliefs? Why do we get so hung up on the things that we believe and practice? I know that God wants us to know the Truth, trust in the Truth and imitate the Truth in every aspect of life, but do we need to pull down another church in order to build ours up? Can we not preach/teach the Word of God and let the chips fall where they may? I am convinced that the practices that cause division and distracts the unsaved, are those things that man has allowed to come between us. The Word of God is true, it is powerful, and it can save mankind. Please join me in seeking to make it known to mankind, not the extras that we learn from denominationalism, seminaries or additional books. Let’s share Christ and Christ alone, so that others might be saved. Hell is ugly, and unless we show heaven just as Jesus did, it will also look ugly to the unsaved because of the confusion and division we practice, teach and/or preach. We are Christ’s ambassadors, so let’s show only His good and His teachings to the world, not our own nor those of our church or denomination.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for all that You provided so that we might have the promise of salvation and the excitement of uniting with You and the Father in Heaven one day! Please work on us – Your stubborn, selfish children who want their own way and who try to add our own twist to what You have clearly taught in Your Word. People need the Lord, and I believe that they are distracted in that journey when they see how badly we do in practicing what You taught, and imitating the One who died for us. Lord, we want Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done, on earth, in our lives, in our churches and in front of those who have yet to accept You as Lord. Please rule and reign through Your children more than ever before, for I believe that Your eminent return is near and I want my readers, my family and my friends to see You in my life and accept You as their Savior. All honor and praise to the lamb that was slain – Jesus, my Savior and Lord! AMEN!

The Mystery of Christians

On 2020-04-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, Saved, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Thursday, 2020-03-09
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 10:9-10
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁹For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation.

OBSERVATION: Often times we never know what others think about us, and sometimes that is good! However, as we meditate on the Word today, let us consider how some may look at Christians and wonder about the mystery of how they became a Christian, and they may even be curious about how difficult, or easy, it is for them to become a child of the King. Today’s verses should help everyone that reads this devotional to see how simple God intended this to be. He provided the sacrifice so that we wouldn’t have to. Do you claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

APPLICATION: Some times pastors will go undercover! In other words, they will introduce themselves as Dick Jones, not the Reverent Dick Jones, or Dr. Dick Jones or Pastor Dick Jones. The reason for this is often an effort to help people relax and feel open to being themselves, for asking any question on their mind, without feeling dumb. Some might feel this way when they’re around you, because they feel like you are better than them, or that you have something they wish could be theirs also. Friends, although I believe that friends will identify quicker with your actions instead of your speech, eventually you will want to share with them who Jesus is to you. In the Christian realm, we call that your testimony. You see, I could tell my friend about my pastor and what a great preacher he is, what good he does in our community and how he loves the Lord, but they will soon look at me and wonder: So what is your story? Can I quote Scripture after Scripture, and would that truly help? Perhaps, but when I share my personal story, there is no doubt about what I personally experienced. So if I share that one day in 1988 (give a rough idea of the date if you don’t remember the exact date) I discovered that I was going to Hell without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Someone shared with me that if I would announce with my own mouth that Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I believe deep within my heart that He died and rose again for my salvation, then I would be saved. I had heard that phrase many times before, so I knew if was TRUTH, and this led me to proceed with this action. I have since learned that the Bible says that this salvation is open to all who would call on His name. I would therefore extend that invitation to you, my friend. Notice that I didn’t first attend Bible School or seminary. Salvation is open to all who call on the name of Jesus Christ, as shared by Paul in today’s Scripture. Friends, this mystery is very simple. For those who have accepted Jesus as Savior, please clear up the mystery for your friends. Share your story. For those still looking at this as a mystery, please know that Jesus loves you more than anyone else that you could imagine. He created you to praise Him. Won’t you consider reading today’s Scripture again, and in all sincerity read it as if you are speaking directly to Jesus? You too can be saved today, precious friend!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You may return to take Your bride, the church, home before I could even post this devotional. Thank You for loving us enough to send Your precious Son to die on Calvary, so that I may live forever with You in glory. Just as You influenced me to cry out to you in 1988 for salvation, I pray that You would also speak to my friends, family and readers who will read this devotional. I would love to celebrate with them, as we worship together at Your feet in Heaven one day. Oh that the angels in Heaven will rejoice today because of one sinner who sought You and believed in the miracle of salvation! AMEN!

Your Eternal Destination Is Based on Your Choice Today

On 2020-03-30 By Ed AlgreenIn All have sinned, Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Heaven, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Salvation, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-03-30
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BIBLE REFERENCE: Romans 6:20-23
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ²⁰In the days when you lived as slaves to sin, you had no obligation to do the right thing. In that regard, you were free. ²¹But what do you have to show from your former lives besides shame? The outcome of that life is death, guaranteed. ²²But now that you have been emancipated from the death grip of sin and are God’s slave, you have a different sort of life, a growing holiness. The outcome of that life is eternal life. ²³The payoff for a life of sin is death, but God is offering us a free gift—eternal life through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King.

OBSERVATION: It is clear in our Scripture today that these verses can be easily given three subtitles: (1) Before, or Without Christ – Vs 20-21; (2) With Christ – Vs 22; and (3) The Difference – Vs 23. As we meditate, it will become very evident which area each of us fit into. As shown in section 3, the difference is very evident. But only while you are alive can you make the step from Step 1 to Step 2, with God’s help and direction. Since the present is the only gift given to you, I would suggest that you consider making that switch today, dear friends.

APPLICATION: Please allow me to expand on the steps mentioned in my Observation. Many will try to defend themselves on this, because they feel like no one knows whether they have accepted Christ or not, and their argument would be undeniable. However, there are many who try to convince themselves that they have always been a good person, or they have always helped the poor, or they have always attended church, or perhaps helped a classroom teacher in Sunday School, or given generously to the church. Given these many good deeds, some might try to convince others that God will definitely accept them in His heavenly realm. The good news is that these folk have no reason to convince their pastor, their parents or their best friends, for there is only One who will decide whether they see Heaven and our wonderful Savior. The Almighty God, the One who made heaven and earth and each of us. He left us a ‘cheat-book’ – a Book with all the answers spelled out. So on the day we are called out of this world, God will simply refer to that Book (the Bible), and based exactly on what He told us in that Book, He will confirm what each of us already know, the exact category into which we fit, based on our decisions while here on earth. If you never acknowledged Jesus as Lord and invited Him as Master and Lord of your life, then the answer is clear. You are considered part of the first group – Before, or Without Christ. However dear friends, many of us have listened to the voice of God, and we have surrendered our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and we live in anticipation of the soon, and expected return of Jesus to take His bride home to heaven. We have obeyed the Word of God, we know what His response will be, and we can rejoice in worshiping our Savior in person on that glorious day! Through the writing of Paul, God tells us in verse 23 that each one will be given a verdict – eternal death (in Hell with Satan and his demons), or eternal life (in Heaven with the Father and the Son). Now that you could clearly determine where you will spend eternity, please don’t forget what I said above. It’s not too late to change from Step 1 to Step 2 right now, by inviting Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. If you are unsure, or uncomfortable in making this step alone, please call a local Bible teaching pastor, or contact me. We would be thrilled to pray with you and for you as we welcome you into the kingdom as part of the family of God.

PRAYER: I am always overjoyed to sing that chorus ‘I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God’, because I know that You have given us clear instructions on becoming a part of Your family, dear Lord. Thank You for making that provision very clear and I thank you for speaking intently to us and helping us to make the bold step from a life of sin, into Your wonderful arms of love, protection and provision. Please dear Lord, speak to those who will read this devotional who may not have accepted You as Lord. Please tender their hearts and open their eyes and ears to your call on their life. I would also ask that You do the same for my family and friends who have yet to accept You. There would be no greater joy for me than to know that none of the above will hear that fatal judgment of ‘eternal death’. Please remind them of the urgency of the hour – today is the day of decision. Thank You Jesus for providing a way for us to receive eternal life with You and the Father! AMEN!

Paul’s Story Vs Our Story

On 2020-02-242020-03-09 By Ed AlgreenIn Evangelism, Evangelize, Personal testimony, Salvation, TestimonyLeave a comment

Monday, 2020-02-24

Bible Reference: Acts 22:7-11
Translation: New Century Version (NCV)

Bible Text: ⁷I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ⁸I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The voice said, ‘I am Jesus from Nazareth whom you are persecuting.’ ⁹Those who were with me did not understand the voice, but they saw the light. ¹⁰I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ The Lord answered, ‘Get up and go to Damascus. There you will be told about all the things I have planned for you to do.’

OBSERVATION: Like Paul, we have a ‘story’ that we should share with folk. Often in conversations we step up to the plate and tell a story about an incident in our lives that we believe is far greater than anything said so far by anyone else. Imagine the quiet that would fill the room if, in the middle of discussions about sports, or hunting or family, we jump in and share our story about our conversion? This is basically what happened with Paul!

APPLICATION: There are several miraculous things about this experience shared by Paul:
~ It was Personal – Paul didn’t share a story with the group arresting him about a friend of his, or a story he had read in ancient transcripts, he shared his story;
~ Recognized it was God speaking – Paul’s first response to the voice he heard was “Who are you, Lord?” When God gets our attention, we know that it is divine, holy and very personal;
~ It was transformational – Paul, a persecutor of Christians and a destroyer of churches, immediately recognized it was God, and instead of cursing God, as he had been doing, he asked for further instructions!
~ It was shared without regard to the place or occasion – Paul didn’t wait until he was in the synagogue, or among fellow believers, or until it was church time. In fact, this seemed like a very odd time to share his testimony, but Paul shared his story anyway!

I believe that the whole purpose of Paul sharing his story was that his captors’ eyes would not only be opened to the fact that he was a fellow Roman citizen, but also that they might hear, understand and come to know the God that touched, and ministered through, Paul. He was a true evangelist, both in the pulpit and out of it. Among all the confusion and excitement of calming the crowds and making an arrest, Paul asked for a moment to share his story. Wow! Friends, God can use us for His glory in any circumstance that He chooses, if we let Him. But it will only be impactful if we share our story for His ultimate glory and not ours. So why do you suppose that we don’t do that more often, friend? We need to do this as often as we can, because we have no promise of a future moment with that individual or group that we are meeting with. Don’t be shy or afraid, God will never lead you into a situation that He will not help you through! Allow Him to do His great work through you!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in Your precious and holy name, I come humbly before You to first say thank You for getting my attention back in 1976 and leading me to accept You as Lord of my life. Thankfully, You have since lead me through many situations and given me ample opportunities to share Your saving power with many people. Please forgive me for lost opportunities, and give me wisdom, humility, boldness and power to share my story with many more folk in all walks of life, so that others might see the glow of Your presence in and through me, and subsequently want to also accept You as Lord. Father God, it is only through Your continued grace that the wicked and lost of this earth can come to know a holy and righteous God, so I ask that You touch lives that I interface with today so that in something that I might say or do, You might impact their lives for Your ultimate glory. I ask all this in the name above all names, King of all kings, Your one and only Son, JESUS. AMEN!

Fed Up With Disregard for Jesus – Sin

On 2020-02-08 By Ed AlgreenIn Personal Witness, Salvation, True witnesses, WitnessingLeave a comment

Saturday, 2020-02-08

Bible Reference: Acts 17:15-16
Translation: New Century Version (NCV)

Bible Text: 15 The people leading Paul went with him to Athens. Then they carried a message from Paul back to Silas and Timothy for them to come to him as soon as they could.
16 While Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, he was troubled because he saw that the city was full of idols.

OBSERVATION: Based on your Christian upbringing, your own Christian convictions and your understanding of God’s Word, what is it that really upsets you in what you see happening in our world today? How do you deal with it? What do you do about it? It has always been said that silence indicates consent, or agreement with the masses! I encourage you to read the chapter containing today’s focus verses and note how many times Paul was relocated from one place to another by his friends in order to protect his life, because he would not simply sit by and accept the sin that was evident. What about you friends?

APPLICATION: Do you run to God for his direction about the sin that you see all around you? Do you often show your opposition to the sin, or do you support those committing the sin? Do you seek God’s help and direction in showing those affected by these things that there is a better way – a way that leads to eternity with Jesus? Paul was convicted that Jesus was the only way, and that sin was sin. So he kept facing opposition from the world, yet in vs 2 we read that Paul went into the synagogue and taught about Jesus; again in vs 10 and yet again in vs 17 we read where he did the same thing after being relocated for his own safety. Would you agree with me that Paul saw a lot going on in these cities that, based on his understanding of God’s Word, he disagreed with? Would you also agree that it is evident that he was not prepared to ‘pass the buck’, but instead willing to put his neck on the line over and over again for what he knew was wrong, and to teach what he knew was right? What about you, my friend, are you willing to follow in Paul’s example? There is no question about whether things are bad enough around us, for daily we hear about the evil going on. We may not see idols everywhere, but friends when we see our friends not interested in worshiping with other believers because of other ‘idols’ in their life, should we not be concerned? ‘Idols’ is something that takes the place of God in our lives. Whenever something else takes priority over our time with God, especially on a continual basis, then I dare say that ‘something’ has become an idol in your life. God has not called us to be judge and jury, but friends it is obvious to see where ‘idols’ pop up in our own lives, and in the lives of our family and friends. It should make us question where our priority is. Like Paul, we must constantly be looking inward to see where our hearts and priorities are, and we must be willing to preach the principles of God to our friends and neighbors. We must not let Satan be the victor in our world, when we are so aware of our loving Savior and all that He sacrificed for such undeserving sinners such as ourselves. I would dare say that not many of us could be found guilty of openly spreading the gospel today, especially in areas where we know that the state has forbidden it, and unfortunately these areas are becoming way too numerous today. Jesus is coming soon friends, we must not let our friends die and go to Hell. We must live our lives in the light of eternity, and witness/teach/preach with the same intensity as Paul did. Where’s your heart dear friend? Trying to please everyone around you, or determined to carry as many as possible to heaven with you. When Jesus comes to take us home with Him, only one thing will matter – ‘is your heart right with God?’. Do you know Him friend? Do all those that you rub shoulders with, know Him? If not, work diligently till Jesus returns to help them find the way.

PRAYER: In the name of Jesus, and for Your glory, I humbly ask that You forgive me of my laxity in being a bold witness of the One who went to the cross to prove His love for me. No other love can compare to the love that You showed just for me, Heavenly Father, and I thank You sincerely for that. Please instill in me the urgency of the hour in which I live, so that I may concentrate my heart, my mind and my witness on the things that really matter – You and Your kingdom. Please touch the hearts of the folk that might meditate on this devotional today, and penetrate their hearts with the same urgency of that which I have pleaded. May we devote ourselves to winning this world for You, is my humble prayer, all for Your sake and Your glory, AMEN!

Nuggets From God's Word

Tag: salvation