Tag: Savior

The Glistening Purity of Jesus Christ

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bold Confidence, Commitment, How to Live, Pure, PurityLeave a comment

Monday, 2019-03-11

Bible Reference: 1 John 3:1–3
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.

OBSERVATION: When last have you recognized a child of God? Do you suppose that the world sees a difference in you, versus the rest of the world? Do you feel like the love and character of Christ glows through you in every word or action that comes from you? I find it reassuring that in these verses we are told that when we see Christ, we will become like Him – the glistening purity of the Holy One! I believe that also reaffirms that the things of this world, and the evil one, will no longer have a hold on us! What a day that will be!!

APPLICATION: I see such a sweet assurance in the beginning verse of how much my heavenly Father loves me, and how He calls us His children. My eyes were also opened to the reminder that the world may very well dislike us, because they do not have an appreciation for the things, or character of God. But then I realize that if we do not conform to the ways of the world, then they would hate us anyway, per Romans 12:2. In fact that verse tells us that God will change us from the inside out, so of course we will be different to anything we, or they have ever witnessed before. But friends, the captioned verses today reminds us that our God will come one day to take us home to be with Him. Now that’s a day that we all look forward to, amen? But what about the here and now, what are we to be doing – how then shall we be living? Thankfully John covers this in verse 3, for he advised that we should aim to live like Jesus. I found it interesting that the Message chose to use such an awesome description of the life we are to live: ‘Glistening purity of Jesus’. That makes me think that we are to live squeaky clean lives, just as Christ was perfectly clean/pure. Friends, I believe that the bottom line is that we live the changed life that we have committed ourselves to. If we don’t, imagine how confusing it must be for nonbelievers to hear us preaching the goodness of the Lord from our mouths, yet living like the Devil in our actions and all of our practices. Jesus was pure in every way, and that’s what we are called to do, and be, as children of God. Are you willing to commit to living the pure life exampled by Jesus Christ? We can do that with the sole help of the only pure and holy One – Jesus, the Christ! Let us therefore place our faith and trust in Him to live our lives pleasing to Him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You lived a perfect life amidst lots of evil. We also are called to live the kind of pure life that You lived, even when our world seems more corrupt and sinful today than anytime in history. For those of us willing to live the example You have set before us, may You endow us with power, wisdom, determination and total surrender, so that the enemy might see Jesus in all that we do and say. We need You precious Savior. Please work miraculously through us so that Your work might be done, for Your glory only. AMEN!

Let The Glory of God Be Displayed Through You

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Glory of God, Proof-positive, Relationship, Rewards, Sincerity, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-03-09

Bible Reference: Psalm 19:1-4
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text: 
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.]
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

OBSERVATION: Isn’t it really calming to look into the skies and marvel over the deep blue colors, or the night sky filled with twinkling stars, or even the deep dark clouds as they barrel in before a heavy rain? Isn’t it cool to look at the white passing clouds and the various shapes that they create? What do you suppose God is saying to His children through each of these scenarios? What do others think of us as they examine our lives and our words? Remember, if you’re a child of the King, you should resemble Him in all your ways!

APPLICATION: I find it disturbing that we fill our minds with so much ‘junk’ fed to us by television, movies, clubs, etc, instead of using the creativity that God blessed us with that would draw us to Himself and His creation. I believe that in the life of most of us reading this devotional, our typical evening might consist of arriving home from work, watching the evening news while we eat supper, then perhaps a movie or a gameshow, then off to bed for rest, in preparation for repeating another day of much the same. Where do we find time for creativity, or for reflecting on the goodness of God in all of that, dear friends? Some might convince themselves that because they went to a church meeting/event, that they saturated themselves with God. Did you, my friend? Or did you go through the motions of tradition in being present, and doing everything requested by the leader? I am a leader in my church, so I am definitely not discouraging you from attending church meetings and opportunities to learn about God’s Word, but what I am saying is that there must be time for us to develop, and enhance a personal, one-on-one relationship with our Maker. I often compare the relationship with my wife, to the relationship with my Savior. What if, each afternoon I went to the gym that she attends so I could learn about how she did that day, then go out with the guys and, at some point decide whether I will go home that night, or not? That would do absolutely nothing for the relationship between she and I. But isn’t that what happens all too often in the relationship we have with God? We listen to a devotional where someone shares about their relationship with God, instead of faithfully reading God’s Word and allowing Him to speak to us personally. We might watch a church worship service on television in order to check off the box that we worshipped God this week. Friends, if others are to see God all over us and through our very lives, it will be because He is oozing out of every fiber of our being. Our Scripture today points us to the purity of the heavens, where they are untouched by mankind or the world’s leader, Satan. We look at the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the clouds in all of their glory and we see God. I believe it is that kind of purity that we should strive for in our lives, if we want others to see Christ. Remember, it’s all about Him my friend. They don’t need to see your nice haircut, grooming, or anything else. They need to see what flows out of you? Let it be Christ, my friend!

PRAYER: May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable to You oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. May my life be a true reflection of You in every way, so that others will be drawn to You, and so that You may be glorified in every way. Please ignite a desire within each reader to strive for a similar goal, as this is my deepest, and sincere plea today oh Lord. AMEN!

Jesus, Moved With Compassion About Us

On By Ed AlgreenIn Ask and Receive, Faith, Near to God, Needs, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Friday, 2019-03-08

Bible Reference: Matthew 20:31-34
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text: 31 Those in the crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet. But the blind men screamed out even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, show us mercy, Lord!” 32 So Jesus stopped and had them brought to him. He asked them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said, “Lord, we want to see! Heal us!” 34 Jesus was deeply moved with compassion toward them. So he touched their eyes, and instantly they could see! Jesus said to them, “Your faith has healed you.” And all the people praised God because of this miracle.[n And the two men became his followers from that day onward.

OBSERVATION: In this story we see a few things: First is the determination of the blind men to get Jesus’ attention. Although told by the disciples to be quiet, they shouted all the louder; Secondly, I am always shocked how Jesus would ask two blind men what he could do for them! He didn’t assume that they were there to have their sight restored, for they may have had much deeper needs that only the Master could resolve for them. And thirdly, their miracle led to them becoming followers of Christ!

APPLICATION: Throughout the gospels we can read story after story about the extremes that some folk went to in order to see, touch, or plead with Jesus about their situation. I am saddened by our current day believers who either wait until their very last option to seek Jesus and ask Him for help in their respective scenario, or because they have listened to Satan and the world, and have chosen to not follow Christ, they therefore might opt to not ‘bother’ Him in their time of need. Notice that the blind men did not let pride get in their way of getting close to Jesus and asking Him for a miracle. They weren’t concerned about friends trying to turn them away because their unconcern for Jesus. I want you to also notice that although these men were not followers of Christ, He stopped, listened to their plea, and delivered them from their blindness. Friends, this is another reminder of how deep the love of God is for His children. Remember that He went to the cross at Calvary for the sake of ‘sinners’ – those unconcerned about the love of God for them. Notice also that Jesus teaches us to never assume what the needs of another person might be. Wouldn’t you have thought that two blind men waiting to see Jesus, were probably there to ask for restoration of their sight? However, Jesus still asked what they wanted from Him. Friends, let’s learn from this that (1) We are to be specific in our asking of God, and (2) Let us always, always ask about the needs of someone we are going to pray for, and not assume what their needs might be. I believe the important question that Jesus might have for us today is: What is your greatest need that you would have me attend to for you? This should be the item that you are daily pleading to God for, and is first and foremost on your mind. Be determined as the two blind guys, knowing that the same Jesus that they called out to for mercy and healing, is still available, able and ready to also hear our cry for help and meet our needs.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we serve the awesome Creator of this world, and You have proven yourself over and over again, yet You are often the very last person that we call on in our times of trouble and despair. As we were reminded in this Scripture today, please teach us to be persistent in asking, knowing that You are ruler over all things and that Your awesome power is just as prevalent today as it was when You gave the command to restore eyesight to the two blind men. Lord, please touch the hearts and lives of all who might read this devotional today, and please especially touch the lives of my family at this time so that we all might be reminded of the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, and Your awesome love and power. For I ask these things in Your wonderful and matchless name, AMEN!

Acting on the Word of God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Acknowledge God, Actions, Faith, Obedience, Obedient, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-03-07

Bible Reference: Exodus 9:20-21
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 20-21 All of Pharaoh’s servants who had respect for God’s word got their workers and animals under cover as fast as they could, but those who didn’t take God’s word seriously left their workers and animals out in the field.

OBSERVATION: Through Moses, God told Pharaoh what would occur next in His ongoing testing, to gain the attention of Pharaoh and his people. Just like in the decisions we make each day, we commit to being a faithful, obedient servant of the King of kings, or not. The servants of Pharaoh had a similar choice. In each case we, and they, know in advance what the outcome of our choice will be. Are you satisfied with the choices you make, and your allegiance to God, dear one?

APPLICATION: Let me encourage you to click on the above Scripture reference, and at the very least, read from verse 13 through the end of the chapter, to get the backdrop of what we are looking at today. God got my attention in a very real way, because I could see a very vivid comparison to what is going on today. You see, God sent many plagues on Pharaoh and the Egyptians under his charge, yet we could see in our focal verses that some chose to pay no attention to the warning that God gave through Moses about the impending plague. Please stop to realize that God’s Word is filled with similar warnings to us today, yet it seems like increasing numbers of our population have decided to ignore the warnings and accept the Word of God about His love and awesome sacrifice that He made for the redemption of our sin. Notice that the servants of Pharaoh had two choices: (1) Do nothing and leave their cattle and slaves out to weather the storm, should one actually occur like God said; or (2) Listen to and respect God’s word, because of His previous warnings and actions already taken by Him to prove His power and His word. I believe that a vast majority of our world today have read the warnings from the Bible, or have witnessed current-day warnings to individuals, churches and countries and we also have made choices. Do we believe in this God who said in His Word that He sacrificed His Son, so that we might have the means of forgiveness for our disobedience to His commands and ordinances (sin)? It is clear in God’s Word that, in similar comparison to Pharaoh’s servants, we know that a choice to accept the word of God, believe in His one and only Son, confess that we are a sinner in need of a Savior, will lead to the eternal safety of the believer with the God of this universe! A different choice would result in eternal damnation with the evil one in the pit of Hell. My sincere prayer for every reader of this devotional is that we would imitate the servants who brought their cattle and slaves in – under cover, and secure our position with our Master by accepting the gracious gift of His Son. Notice that the choice made by the servants affected those under their care and control. We also have tremendous impact on those under our care and who look up to us. Are you helping them see God in all His glory, so that they may desire to know Him personally, or are you more of a stumbling block to them achieving this goal? Oh that Christ may be glorified in us today!

PRAYER: Oh that You may be glorified in all Your saints today, dear Lord. May You begin a new work in myself and each one that will stop by to read this blog. Some of Pharaoh’s servants listened, obeyed, and showed their slaves the power of God. Oh that others may see that same power in and through us in every word and action today, is my sincere prayer for each one who believes on the name of the Lord, AMEN!

With Faith, All things are Possible

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-03-06

Bible Reference: Matthew 21:20-22
Translation: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Bible Text: 20 The disciples were shocked when they saw how quickly the tree had dried up. 21 But Jesus said to them, “If you have faith and don’t doubt, I promise that you can do what I did to this tree. And you will be able to do even more. You can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. 22 If you have faith when you pray, you will be given whatever you ask for.”

OBSERVATION: We still use a lot of the same language, that Jesus used, in some of our business logic today – if….then…. This was used multiple times in these verses today, because Jesus emphasized that while our dependence on Him is vital, things are only accomplished because of our faith in Him. So let’s meditate on this subject for a while today.

APPLICATION: If you have faith, you will sit in the worse looking chair, believing that the legs and seat will hold you up. If you have faith in your car’s gas gauge, you will travel across the desert knowing that no gas station exist for miles and miles, but confident that you could make it across. Because Peter had faith, he got out of the boat and walked on water at Jesus’ command. In our Scripture today, Jesus told His disciples, and I believe He is telling you and I, that if we have faith in the power of the Almighty God, and we believe that He alone is God, with power and might to do all things, then we too can say to a mountain, or to a serious illness that exists in our life, to move aside so that I could finish the work of my Father. Friends, we are so accustomed to having our own way, that this kind of power could easily be misused, so I believe that we must take time to evaluate the individual that this might pertain to. For you see, the disciples, even though none were perfect, yet they left everything behind them to follow Jesus. They endured the mockery of being a follower of Christ, just as Jesus himself endured, yet because they had gained insight into the heart of Christ, and His awesome power, grace and love, they wanted to be just like Him, and I believe they longed to represent Him even to the extent of performing the miracles that He did. I believe it is so important for us today to seek God’s will into what must be changed in our lives so that we might look like Him, sound like Him, act like Him, and to be His hands and feet in our homes, in our job places, in our churches and everywhere we find ourselves. Can’t you see that until this happens, we would make a mockery of God if He allowed us to represent Him in performing miracles? Jesus challenged us in our Scripture today to have faith, for He said that if we do, then we can do miraculous things, and we will be more fruitful in our prayer lives. So the challenge presented to us today is: How’s you faith? Have you attained perfect, and immovable faith yet? I believe that as we gain a closer walk with God, and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to His perfect will for our lives, then perhaps our faith might be strengthened to believe in Him more perfectly, and our faith enhanced to do the things of the Lord, knowing that in Him, we can do ALL things!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, You alone are all powerful, and worthy of our praise in every aspect of life. Please work in miraculous ways today, so that our faith may mature to a state that we will pray believing that You will do whatever we ask. Yes, I understand that can be a dangerous wish if our hearts are not totally synchronized with Your heart, for until that is true, we will ask arie. Please touch the hearts of all those who will read this devotional today Lord, for I would ask nothing more than to know that hearts are being blessed and drawn closer to You, because of my meager efforts with this blog. It’s all because of You Lord. Please have Your perfect way, and be glorified in my life, and in the hearts of all those who will read this devotional. AMEN!

Tested, Tried and Proven

On By Ed AlgreenIn All-powerful, Encourage, Everything We Need, Faith, Family, friends, Proven, TestingLeave a comment

Psalm 18:30 (AMP): 30 As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.

So… you think that you’ve been tested, or perhaps you might feel that you are currently being tested beyond anything you could handle. How are you doing with that? Feeling really alone and overwhelmed about how you might overcome life’s circumstances that are hitting you real hard right now? Where do you turn to for help? Perhaps a spouse, or a brother or sister, perhaps a parent, or perhaps you are blessed with good friends who are willing to stand by your side. Are they more knowledgeable, wise or powerful than you, and therefore offers comfort to you? I have an acquaintance who just lost his wife, what words of wisdom might I offer him? My friend, let me share from my personal experience: you see, I’m human just like you, so I face all of the challenges that I just presented to you above. Yes, I depend on friends and family to help me through times of despair also, but one thing that I’ve discovered is that they are just as limited as I am in trying to explain the reasons why the events of this life occur as, and when they do. So while I’m comforted that they care, there is only ONE that I can turn to and say like The Psalmist – Your ways are perfect oh Lord, thank You for creating me and blessing me with wonderful folk who love and care for me. But Lord, You know my every breath, You know the reasons for every event in my life, You alone know what tomorrow holds and the reason why I must travel the road You’ve prepared just for me. Oh Lord, may You be honored, praised, magnified and lifted up through every word and action that You allow me to project here on earth. Life will be worth it all if You are glorified by all who are touched by Your reflection in my life. May they desire to know You personally and intimately so that they, in turn, may bless others for the kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, May You be glorified through every act of love and every blessing that You continue to shower on me today. Please humble my friends who need You, and if one word expressed in this devotional can be used to draw others unto You, I pray that the glory will be all Yours and may the kingdom increase as a result of sharing Your Word and my humble thoughts. AMEN!

Joy that will last forever!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Hope, SurrenderLeave a comment

Bible Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text:  That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

APPLICATION:  No one had as much opposition as Paul did, yet he found hope in knowing that there was great hope in all that he was doing. Paul found a greater purpose in life, for he found God – the one who sacrificed His very own Son to bring hope, salvation and ultimate love for mankind. As much as we despise rules/commands/guidelines, yet it is obvious that God’s commands are to help us; mold us into His image; and prepare us for the day when we graduate from this earth into our new, eternal home, with Jesus in Heaven! Friends, when we realize that kind of hope, when we are reminded of the joy that is ours in seeing our blessed Savior face-to-face, and to receive His praises for things we have done, or people we have touched because of His love inside of us, then we have a new determination to serve Him all the more while here on earth. I am in no way minimizing your struggles here on earth Brother, nor the backbiting, envy and strife that you may face Sister, but what I am telling you is that no matter what we face today, it is nothing compared to the joy that will be ours when we are welcomed into the presence of Jesus! There’s an old hymn entitled ‘Oh That Will Be Glory For Me“! Friends, there may be trouble for a time, but if You are a committed child of God, there is joy that comes in the morning. So let’s endure the day, knowing that there is hope ahead for the Christian. These days here on earth become more and more stressful, it seems. But may I remind you that these struggles are only for a moment. We have brighter days ahead friends! Much brighter, if you have invited Jesus into your heart as your personal Savior and Lord! If you haven’t made this step, please read my ‘Footnote’ carefully and know that I am available to pray with you or help you in any way that I can, as you consider making this most important decision and commitment. Jesus loves you dearly, and I believe that He is longing to welcome You as His child!

PRAYER: Lord, I rejoice in the fact that there is hope for the Christian! I thank You that You gave Your all for me. Please help me to not complain about the challenges of life that I face in this world, because they are nothing compared to the persecution that Paul faced, or the torture that You went through for me. The great news is that, like Paul, I too can survive the stresses of today knowing that my hope lies in what is yet to come – graduation to heaven where I will live eternally with You! ‘Oh I want To See You, Look Upon Your Face‘! Lord, please remind Your children of the hope that is ours, so that we might easily deal with our daily challenges here on this earth. Please especially humble the hearts of those yet to acknowledge You as Lord. May they find peace in knowing that they can surrender their lives to You even today. Tomorrow may be too late, as You have not assured us of tomorrow. I rejoice in knowing Jesus as my Savior and Lord. I pray that all of my readers can do the same, or make a decision today that will give them that assurance. I ask these things in the wonderful name of Jesus, the new-born King, AMEN!

To What Extent Will You Obey God?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-02-27

Bible Reference: Exodus 1:16-17
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text:  16 “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.[c If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

OBSERVATION: In God’s Word we are reminded of the great love the Creator of this world has for His subjects. However, to align ourselves with His desires for His children, and His commands, we will often run into cases of opposition by world leaders, family and friends. I wonder how far we are prepared to go in our mission towards true obedience to our Father. Let’s consider that for a few moments today.

APPLICATION:  The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, had a decision to make. Will they stand in fear of the king of Egypt and obey him by killing all baby boys that they delivered for the Israelites, or would they stand in obedience to the King of all kings, and let the baby boys and girls live? They had a choice to make, and it was one that could have brought dire consequences to them, up to and including death. It just doesn’t get more serious than that my friend. But Daniel and his two partners had the same choice when it came to the choices they faced with the food demanded by the king, and the command to worship only the king. In both cases, these individuals stood firm in their faith, and trusted God to take care of them because of their obedience. Friends, today you and I will face decisions that will challenge our stance on many aspects of our life – the laws of our country – speed limits, valid driver’s license, obedience to authorities, etc.; our jobs – being upright and truthful in all that we say, obedient to those in authority over us, etc. It would be good at this very moment to decide what will be the overriding factor in our decision making – total obedience to God, even if it conflicts with something the boss is asking you to do? Whom will you serve my friend? It sounds like an easy and insignificant matter, and compared to the ultimate threat to the midwives, we may never face that type of threat. However, disobedience of man’s laws, and choosing to do our own thing at work, could lead to some serious consequences for us also. Will God truly reign in every decision we make today? I believe that if we are truly dependent on God and have totally dedicated ourselves to Him, then there should be no conditions placed on that. It would be good to remind ourselves even now, that if God takes us to the test, then He will help us through it. Satan will work through his earthly agents to test us in every way, and to try and created doubt in the power of our Maker, but we already know that ‘greater is He than is in us, than he that is in the world’. Amen and amen!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for holding our hand yesterday. Please continue to guide, protect and embolden us again today, so that we may stand firm in our faith and be a living sacrifice to You in every aspect of life here on this earth. May our witness be strong and uncompromising to all those who will come into contact with us today, so that they may be attracted to You and want a relationship with the same God that we adore and worship. To God be the Glory! AMEN!

Your Actions – More Important Than Your Words

On By Ed AlgreenIn Actions, WitnessLeave a comment

Bible Reference: Titus 2:7–8
Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Text:  And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

APPLICATION:  Paul had just spent the greater portion of a chapter telling Titus how important it was to teach the older men, the older women and the younger men the importance of their lives reflecting the love and truths of God. However, to tie this all together Titus was warned that the sticking point in all this would come when he personally lived the life that he was teaching the people to live. In fact, even those who opposed their ministry would be ashamed as they would find nothing hypercritical to say about them. Friends, it is easy to teach someone what the Good Book says, but it is way more effective when you live the life that you are teaching about. I love that saying that is sometimes used: “your actions are speaking so loudly that I can barely hear what is coming from your lips!” I truly believe that the success of effective ministry by teachers, preachers and fellow Christians are borne from their actions many more times than through the words they speak. Based on this, are you challenged today to seek God’s help in redirecting your actions to be more effective in your ministry and/or witnessing? Let’s seek God’s face, allow Him to impact our lives, and extend Himself out through us in everything we do or say, all for His ultimate glory!

PRAYER: Lord God, You are faithful to us in every way, and I am so appreciative of that! But I thank You today for reminding us that perhaps more impactful than the words we speak, are the actions we take towards our fellow mankind. Lord, may our actions today be way more reflective of Your teachings than anything we could possible say. Please minister to the unsaved, the discouraged and the despondent today through our actions, and if necessary, also through our words that would reflect Your teachings and Your will for them. We need You precious Lord, please direct our path today, all for Your glory and honor, AMEN!

Who Is God To You?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Honest Relationship, Relationship, Rewards, TrustLeave a comment

Saturday, 2019-02-23

Bible Reference: Psalm 18:1-3
Translation: The Passion Translation (TPT)

Bible Text:  1 Lord, I passionately love you and I’m bonded to you, for now you’ve become my power! 2 You’re as real to me as bedrock beneath my feet, like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress, my mountain of hiding, my pathway of escape, my tower of rescue where none can reach me. My secret strength and shield around me, you are salvation’s ray of brightness shining on the hillside, always the champion of my cause. 3 All I need to do is to call to you, singing to you, the praiseworthy God. When I do, I’m safe and sound in you.

OBSERVATION: As I read the words of the Psalmist, I could feel how important God was to him. It made me ponder what my three verses might look like as I described who God is to me. Let us ponder that for a few moments today.

APPLICATION: I wonder how well we do at recognizing God in everything, rather than the tendency to whine and complain about everything. For it is easy to sit and demand our own advantages and require our own selfish desires, but imagine the blessings we lose out on in doing that. It is so easy to totally miss God’s blessings and God’s careful direction for our lives when we selfishly demand our own way and limit our vision to only our own capabilities or imagination. For we must always be reminded that the ways of our God is far greater than anything we could even imagine! His power far exceeds our wildest imagination, so we need not place Him in a box the size of something we construct in our minds. So, as we stop and reflect on His handiwork, shouldn’t we recognize His awesome power, His careful instruction and His guidance through all of the uncertainties of this life? Friends, as we do, and I’m sure we will, let’s stop the crazy busyness of our lives and just spend some time expressing our gratitude to Him, and thank Him for loving us enough that He would select us for our participation in His marvelous and miraculous work. Please allow me to suggest that you read our focal verses several times to make sure that you allow the heart of David to saturate your very mind and allow you to identify with the sincerity of this great man of God. I bolded the number of times David emphasized his personal, heartfelt feelings towards his God, his Deliverer, his Savior, his Strength, his Rock, etc. Friends, if we gather nothing else from this Scripture today, may it be enough that we recognize, and be reminded of, the personal relationship that is encouraged with the God of this universe. If you have surrendered your life to my God today my friend, let me encourage you to join me in a deep desire to meet with Him often and not only recognize His goodness and His special love for us, but be sure to recognize God at work, and stop attributing the wonderful blessings sent our way as mere luck, or perhaps things that we deserve. For those who may have only heard of God, but haven’t personalized that relationship with Him, please read my Footnote and follow the directions on how to know my Savior personally. There is nothing He would desire more, than to have His creation – His child, return to Him in obedience and with a desire to know Him personally. He truly loves you dear friend! Allow Him to shower His love on you in miraculous and amazing ways!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for loving this mere sinful man enough that You were willing to sacrifice the life of Your one and only Son, for the forgiveness of my sin, and the promise of eternal life in heaven with You and Your Father. Being reminded of my personal blessings and the awesome relationship with my heavenly King, I am forever grateful that You loved even me dear Lord. Please touch the heart of all those who will read this devotional today, Jesus. May it be a life changing event for them, and not just another chore that they could check off their to-do list. Knowing You is to have a real, honest and sincere relationship with You. May You be glorified in everything You accomplish through us today dear Lord. AMEN!