Tag: Worship

Go Tell

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Worship1 Comment

Friday, 2019-04-25

Bible Reference: Mark 5:18-20
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 18 When Jesus climbed back into the boat, the cured demoniac asked if he could come and be with Him, but Jesus said no.
Jesus: 19 Stay here; I want you to go back home to your own people and let them see what the Lord has done—how He has had mercy on you.
20 So the man went away and began telling this news in the Ten Cities region; wherever he went, people were amazed by what he told them.

OBSERVATION: When something good happens to us, we need no prodding to head on out and tell the world about it. But what is it about the miraculous touch of God that causes us to keep something so wonderful all to ourselves? Could it be that our fear of rejection is far more powerful, than our release of praise to our Maker? Let’s think about that today…

APPLICATION: In our story today from the Scriptures, there seems to be two reactions taken by the healed demonic-filled man. The first human instinct was to stay close to the One who healed him, and I believe that reaction is still very prevalent today. Think about it – haven’t you heard someone say that they would never leave a certain church because of how good they were to them? Or the same about a certain pastor – because he took time to pray with them and that brought healing to their desperately aching body? Yes, we still react in much the same way as the healed man wanted to do. But think carefully about the second reaction that was induced by Jesus Himself. The man was told that instead of sticking close to Jesus, the source of his healing, he was told to go and share that miracle with others – those that may be struggling in their faith, or those who stand at a distance in wanting to trust in God. I believe this all boils down to someone hearing about a firsthand experience, rather than a story about someone else’s experience. I can watch a video about a motorcycle crash and marvel over the survival of the driver, but when I hear first hand how God protected a friend in a similar crash, and how they knew without a doubt that it was God who protected them and saved them – which do you think will get my attention? In which story do you suppose I will see the importance of knowing the God who saved these two drivers? Friends, I believe that this story, and this command by Jesus to ‘go and tell’, comes at a time that we all must be willing to share our miracle with a friend or family member, for this may be the very thing that will convince them of: the real, the loving, the all-powerful God that we serve, love and adore. Sure we should go to church and sing our praises to our Lord and Savior, and share our miracles with one another, but let’s also pray for opportunities to share our story with anyone that would listen – anyone that needs Jesus!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, please open the doors of opportunity for us to share Jesus with one another today. Especially with those who have not met and surrendered their lives to Him personally. May they see the joy of the Lord in our lives, and may they experience His marvelous love in every word that we speak and every action that we take. May someone see Jesus today because they came into contact with us, for this is my heart-cry today dear Lord. AMEN!

Pattern Your Lives After The One To Whom You Belong

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

Tuesday, 2019-04-23

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 1:14-16
Translation: Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 14 Obey God because you are his children; don’t slip back into your old ways—doing evil because you knew no better. 15 But be holy now in everything you do, just as the Lord is holy, who invited you to be his child. 16 He himself has said, “You must be holy, for I am holy.”

OBSERVATION: In Leviticus 11:44-45 God set the stage for what Peter is teaching in our verses today. For in Leviticus God reminded the Israelites of what He had brought them from, or out of, and how they were now benefiting from His mighty works. Peter now draws a parallel by showing us how we are very much like the Israelites. As we meditate on this, let’s be drawn into the very presence of our great High Priest who has lifted us up from the mire of sin and brought us into His glorious light!

APPLICATION: Even at my age, I am still amazed about the way that children assume the good attitudes and practices of their parents, and often to the total disappointment of many adults, how they also pick up on, and practice the bad habits that they learn at home. In playing baseball with my daughter when she was very young, she turns aside from the batting box, spat, and then turned back to really hit the ball hard on the next pitch that was thrown to her. She was convinced from watching the professionals, that this was the practice that would help her really hit the ball! Funny, isn’t it? But that’s just one example of how they watch their parents and other adults, and practice what they see them doing. So do you assume that is different from the way that adults act? I would dare say that it is not. For what do you assume might be the issue when we find it so challenging to commit to taking a leadership role in our church? Could it be that we would not be as free as our neighbor, or best friend, to take off whenever we want to and ‘enjoy life’? What would Jesus do? If we are to be holy as our Father is holy, our Mentor, our Deliverer and our Savior, wouldn’t we be seeking to follow in His footsteps and in all holiness, be the same type of person that He was/is? What were the things that were important to Him? He said that He would wait to hear from His father before speaking – in some instances; before responding – in some instances, etc. Friends, we are being cautioned to not drift back into our former life, and our old worldly habits, but instead to give every effort to becoming more like our leader – Jesus, our Teacher, and our Lord. May I suggest that you evaluate your life and ask God to open your spiritual eyes to understand who you are becoming – one following God’s example? or one who is still immersed in following your former life. Oh that our eyes might be fixed on Jesus, our soon coming King, and may our lives reflect to whom we belong!

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, please humble your children who will meditate on this devotional today. May we see You clearly, and therefore be reminded of our shortcomings and inadequate means of being holy, without a special touch from You Lord, for You alone are holy. Lord, I want to see You, but until the time that You will call me home, may I live in such a way that others will see You. May You be glorified through each of us oh Lord! AMEN!

Recognizing God’s Mighty Works

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

Monday, 2019-04-22

Bible Reference: 1 Kings 20:28
Translation: Good News Translation (GNT)

Bible Text: 28 A prophet went to King Ahab and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Syrians say that I am a god of the hills and not of the plains, I will give you victory over their huge army, and you and your people will know that I am the LORD.’ ”

OBSERVATION: I wonder what it would take to truly get the attention of our church attendees, or our lost neighbors, or our busy communities? I believe that God shows Himself miraculously, and in very loving and kind ways every day, but what do we hear about the results of this – perhaps it was a stroke of good luck, or I had it coming to me, or…..

APPLICATION: God performed miracles and gave great successes to the army of King Ahab, with hopes that this might get the attention of the people. Our country today, and many others that we hear about, are in sad shape as far as their spiritual well-being. I wonder what it would take to get the attention of the masses. Back at the time of the 911 disaster, many flocked to neighborhood churches – at least for a few days. After major local, or national disasters, people will flock together to gain strength for each other. and possibly from a ‘higher being’, as some might refer to my God. So we know that disasters really work, although we really don’t want to see something so drastic happen again. Miracles happen every day, but do we (those who belong to and acknowledge God) brag enough about them – to help those not involved, know about the wonderful works of God? Christians, we must give God credit when we see things happening in response to our prayers. The things that we hear from non-Christians are anything but godly, because they don’t know our Savior. But what about you and I, fellow believers, do we tend to recognize the mighty works of God, and let the world know who’s in charge, and who’s responsible for the answers to our prayers? Or are we so caught up in the rush and hustle of each day, that we brush it off and stay in our little corner of the world? Many of us are so saturated in the things of this world as pushed by the media, that I would question how long it would take for us to even recognize an actual God-sighting in our homes or in our neighborhoods or churches? Friends, God loves us so much that He is willing to try almost anything to get our attention. Please join me in being super attentive to God’s hand at work today in our lives and all around us! Let’s get used to doing this so that the world will know that our God is alive and waiting for them to call upon His name. Let’s acknowledge Him in our times of struggle, in our need for salvation, and may we freely and instinctively respond in such awesome praise and worship to our Ling that the world will know and believe in the God that we serve!.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for loving me enough to send things my way to wake me up, to get my attention to Your wonderful works. Thank You for providing so much for me to enjoy in this beautiful world that You have created. Thank You for being patient with me and forgiving of me when I am distracted by this old world and other unimportant things. Lord, of what purpose would our journey here on earth be, if others are not pointed to You through our lives? Please work on me today to give You credit for all that You are doing, so that some lost person might want to know more about the Savior that I love, adore and serve. Lord, may You have an impact on the lost through the words and/or actions of Your saints that may meditate on this devotional today, is my humble prayer. AMEN!

In The Presence of Jesus, Worship Him

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Know Jesus, Rewards, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

Wednesday, 2019-04-10

Bible Reference: Matthew 28:8-9; 16-17
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: 8-9  The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. | 16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

OBSERVATION: In these two incidents told about in Matthew 28, we are reminded that when we find ourselves in the presence of Jesus, we will worship Him. In another Scripture we are told that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord – That is ‘Worship’! As we meditate on this, let’s look at today’s opportunities to ‘worship’ the King of all kings and Lord of all lords!

APPLICATION: Those looking for excuses on why we are not impacted like the women were in verse 8 above, might say that the advantage the women had over us was that they actually saw Jesus physically in all His glory; they saw Him crucified; and they would therefore have reason to be emotionally attached to Him, especially in His risen state. But I really would like for us to examine that excuse carefully, for I could see the glory of God in everything that I see and touch throughout my day; I could follow the evidence of Him being with me as I reflect on protection from a near accident while driving to work, or saving my youngest child – at a time that doctors had given up all hope of survival; I knew it was the power of my Lord that healed my aching body and gave direction to my physician. So my God’s not dead, no, He’s very much alive and evident in all aspects of my life. Therefore I can’t say that the women had one up on me. How then can you and I possibly use any excuse to not lie prostrate before Him in worship and adoration? Let’s look at the second set of verses, and be reminded that those who lived with, and worked alongside, Jesus, had doubt in their hearts and were unable to truly bow at His feet and worship Him. Could it be that we are like those disciples who may have doubted the healing touch of the Master; or perhaps looked at the miraculous experience of Lazarus being raised from the dead – just like the gathered crowd may have whispered – that he really wasn’t dead at all? The crowd doubted because the knew that Jesus was just the son of a local girl Mary, and that carpenter’s son, Joseph. What’s our excuse? Friends, this really brings us to the point of examining our own hearts, and our tendency to worship our Lord, or not. We say that ‘we have met to worship’, when we come together at a church building on weekends. How is that? Do we find a prod at the door that enables us to sing, and/or listen to a messenger of God speak his heart to us? Did we truly find opportunities to ‘worship the King’ since we last met together at church? In these verses, I was touched by the Spirit of God, to believe that when we see Jesus and witness His divine presence among us, particularly those that know Him as ‘Father’, or ‘Lord’, or ‘Master’, or ‘Friend’, or ‘Savior’, and as ‘Creator’ of this whole universe, shouldn’t our very souls immediately, and automatically, burst forth in worship to Him. Out of respect and honor, we may fall to our knees, but I don’t believe that anything could prevent the overflow of excitement and reverence that we experience internally, when we enter into His presence. Please don’t wait for the weekend services for this. Allow God to envelop you, fill you with so much of His holy presence, that praise and worship will burst forth even today! He’s our Lord and soon coming King, my friend, if we expect to worship Him throughout eternity, then let’s not hesitate doing just that even now – today!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord, for making Yourself known to even us – sinners saved by the wonderful grace of Jesus! Our love to Your Son, and our appreciation for all that You have done for us, should be reflected in worship and praise at frequent intervals. May our praise emanate from us in ways that are very obvious to You and to those around us. Oh that my family, friends, coworkers, church members, and all who come into contact with me, see Jesus today, and may they be drawn to accept and worship this same Jesus that I love, honor and look forward to seeing one day in glory! There will be readers of this devotional today whose desire it is to also see, worship and share Jesus with everyone in their circle of influence. Oh that their wishes may become a reality today dear Lord, so that You may be magnified through them. AMEN!

The Benefits of Worship and Service to God

On By Ed AlgreenIn Dedication, Deeply Rooted, Faith, Rewards, Serve, Trust, WorshipLeave a comment

Thursday, 2019-03-21

Bible Reference: Exodus 23:25-26
Translation: The Voice (VOICE)

Bible Text: 25 Worship and serve only the Eternal your God, and I will bless you with an ample supply of wholesome food and clean water. I will take away all sickness from you, 26 prevent miscarriages and barrenness, and give you long, productive lives.

OBSERVATION: In spite of miracle after miracle, yet God saw that the Israelites were still tempted to sin and worship idols at every opportunity. Much like ‘believers’ today, I believe. So I want us to meditate on the promises that God told to the Israelites, because I believe that He will do the same for us, if we meet the same conditions stated in these verses!

APPLICATION: I wonder what types of responses we might receive if we asked the typical church attendee in each of our towns, or churches: ‘Why does one worship?’ and ‘Why would one serve God?’. I would imagine that would yield an interesting set of answers! But I also believe that in pondering those hypothetical questions, believers might also be forced to answer those questions from a very personal standpoint: Why do I wake up from my warm bed, forego the trip to the beach on this beautiful day – one of the few that I’m off from work each week? Just as challenging, they might also question themselves: Why do I sacrifice my time in serving at my church? It seems so unappreciated and the good Lord knows that there is so much more that I need time to accomplish in my personal life. I believe by now you have probably pondered these questions personally, and have a few choice answers of your own! But let’s look at this from a scriptural standpoint. You see, I believe that God actually created us to worship Him. The following scriptures help to convince me of this: John 4:23-24; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 1:6; Friends, I believe that a reminder is in order for us, so that we stop fooling ourselves into thinking that worship is about: Going to church, even though this is one of the best places you can find yourselves at, with other believers; Good worship songs and a rocking worship band, although this truly enhances our worship services; Worshiping a God that you do not personally know – for then you go through the motion without a personal attachment; Worshiping God out of obligation or requirement, rather than from a heart of self gratitude and personal experience with the Almighty. Friends, when our hearts are right with God, we will not only worship Him wholeheartedly, but we will desire to serve Him faithfully from a pure heart. Think about what this type of service might yield, versus a sense of obligation to serve, or just wanting to see all positions filled in a certain ministry area! Please note that God promised the Israelites wholesome food, clean water, good and productive lives in return for changed hearts that show evidence through worship and service. I can only believe that our God is the same today as He was yesterday, and that He has many blessings in store for those of us with thankful and loving hearts who sincerely dedicate ourselves to spreading His love through reaching others for the Kingdom, and serving from the depths of our heart as an extension of God’s outreached hand to those who need Him. Please communicate with your Savior, Jesus the Christ – my wonderful Lord, and commit yourself fully to Him. There is absolutely no telling what He has in store for us when we join Him in Heaven, dear friends!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, I come before You today as one who is not perfect, and I am therefore guilty of many of the things I shared in this devotional. I believe that many of my friends who will read this devotional today will honestly bow before you also with guilt about the things that are discussed above. You know the temptations and sin that distract us from a right and honest relationship with you, and because of this we are prone to wander and therefore not worship You in Spirit and in truth, and we serve out of obligation rather than as a result of our desire to share Your wonderful love with others who need You. Please dear Lord, make us a people who love You from the very depths of our heart, so that we may share with others from that same deep love that we experience. May Your kingdom come oh Lord, and may You be magnified in everything that I do or say. AMEN!

Staying Encouraged In A Challenging World

On By Ed AlgreenIn Christian, Faith, Humility, Obedience, Our Help comes from God, SurrenderLeave a comment

Monday, 2016-10-17

Scripture

Bible Reference: Philippians 4:8-9

Bible Text:  8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.

Bible Translation: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

My Take

Perhaps before you walk out of the door to your home this morning you already realized that there will be many challenges that you will deal with today. Perhaps there is overflow from the challenges you dealt with yesterday. There may even be unresolved contention that you know you must deal with today. You may be deliberating: why is it that you must awake from your ‘perfect’, ‘protected’, ‘uncomplicated’ dream of contentment and peace at home, and face the reality and cruelty of this wicked world. Friends, I want you to be encouraged with the words from God, through His messenger Paul, for I believe this can apply to all who are reading this devotional today:

  • First of all, to the believer in Jesus Christ, here are some tips from our Scripture on how to handle life under God’s leadership, strength, wisdom and guidance today:

    • Don’t allow your minds to be swayed by this world and it’s leader – Satan. Instead, aim towards being like Jesus, for He is true (so important in this world filled with lies, hatred and deception); pure (there is no ‘make-believe’ with Jesus Christ, for He is the real deal. He loved us when we were still steeped in sin, and He gave up His own life to provide the means of us living eternally with the Father in heaven); right; holy (remember Jesus is one with God, so He is holy just as God Almighty is holy); friendly; and proper;
    • Think about everything that is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise – in other words, we are to seek God’s help to not be pulled into the gutter of gossip; hatred; and the evil deeds associated with Satan himself. In other words, if we find ourselves thinking about something that we cannot truly praise God for, then we are probably ‘off-track’ with what God is teaching us here. For we are to think on those things that are ‘worthy of praise‘ to our heavenly Father!
  • Secondly, I believe that there is help here for the non-Christian. Think about it friend: how can you possibly deal with life without the power of the Holy Spirit who is at work in the life of the believer? Without the power of Christ, Satan is free to beat up on you all he wants. Christians are not super beings with the capability of handling every aspect of life that is thrown at them. However, we are super excited about the promise that we can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens us and guides us to all truth, through the awesome power and guidance of His Holy Spirit who controls us. I believe that your encouragement today is knowing that as long as you have life, there is hope in the option to also accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Know Jesus and know peace! That’s my recommendation to you today so that you may gain His everlasting joy and contentment in everyday living here on this earth.

Prayer

There are a few sayings that cross my mind dear Lord, “you are now entering your mission field” and “you are now entering the ‘real’ world”. I believe that most of us feel fairly secure and at peace in our own homes, and we fear the challenge of what this bitter world holds in store for us as we step into it today. Thank You for the encouragement given to us in this passage of scripture today. Lord, we believe in You, and we lift high the banner of truth contained in Your Word. We are more dependent on You today than ever before Savior, for we can only handle today’s challenges with You powerfully working inside of us, and helping us to be more like You. Lord, how will the world know about You if we don’t tell them? Oh that they may see everlasting hope and the love of Christ in all that we do or say today. For this is my humble prayer that I ask in and through the name of Jesus, AMEN!

Footnote

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

Reasons That We Worship

On By Ed AlgreenIn Jesus Loves you, Love of God, Love others, Love your Neighbor, The Father's Love, WorshipLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE  FROM:   Psalm 89:13-16 (GNT)

TEXT:  13 How powerful you are! How great is your strength! 14 Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness are shown in all you do. 15 How happy are the people who worship you with songs, who live in the light of your kindness! 16 Because of you they rejoice all day long, and they praise you for your goodness.

OBSERVATION:   David grew up as a shepherd boy, so he was used to the idea of the outdoors and looking around at all of the wonders of the Almighty. Furthermore, we could tell that he was one that had no problem expressing himself to God. It seems like he was always bursting at the seems to praise and worship his Master. I believe we should be the same, so let’s look closer at this passage.

APPLICATION:   When our hearts are filled with what we see and what we hear, we could only imagine how many of us must look to God and talk about the game last night, or the TV show that we were so engrossed in, or the gossip that the neighbors called about. My wife and I went to a Marriage Enrichment conference last weekend, and we realized that our marriage is probably last on our priority list, considering the amount of time that we actually set aside for just husband and wife. Is this not the same in our time with the Lord also? I know, you just don’t have time, right? Friends, let me encourage you to say that a little differently. Replace the words “don’t have time” with “didn’t make that a priority”. I know, it means the same thing. But friends, try it in your prayers tonight. Lord, I just didn’t make it a priority to look around and take in the beauty of the morning sky, or look for the value of the sunshine in making my garden grow so wonderfully. It never crossed my mind how healthy I am, compared to my neighbor who is in and out of hospital. I truly believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, we should always strive to look back to the focal point of our existence. It began with God, He reinforced His love when He sent His Son to die at Calvary for our sin, and He maintains that love each and every day – if only we will recognize His goodness and His presence. Let’s learn to praise God for all things, especially those things that we are sure were customized just for us! God is so good, my friend, thank Him and glorify Him today for all that He does each day for you. He promised to never leave you. May I encourage you to do the same, and never leave God alone by ignoring His blessings!

PRAYER:   Lord, it is so challenging for us to imagine the kind of love that You display for us each and every day. We feel so unworthy – like a speck of dirt in Your huge universe. But Lord, I believe that Your children are the apple of Your eye, and that there is nothing You wouldn’t do for us. Thank You Lord for Your mercies on me, and for the love You show to even me. Lord, may I be just as conscious about the love I give to You in return. Bless each reader today and draw them all to You dear Lord. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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 Sebring, 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!

 

Motivation To Worship

On By Ed AlgreenIn Praise-worthy, Worship, WorthyLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Monday, 2017-07-31
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Psalm 48:9-10; 14 (TLB)

Text:

  9 Lord, here in your Temple we meditate upon your kindness and your love. 10 Your name is known throughout the earth, O God. You are praised everywhere for the salvation you have scattered throughout the world.

14 For this great God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide until we die.
OBSERVATION:
It appears like David, the Psalmist, had attained a time in his life where he was compelled to worship God because of the overwhelming goodness, love, and appreciation that he felt in going to the temple. Oh that we might feel that way as we enter God’s house, wouldn’t that be an awesome time of worship that day?
APPLICATION:
I wonder what would be some of the responses we would receive if we asked why our friends attend church? I would imagine a few might be: My parents had me in church 9 months before I was born, so for fear of hearing from them, I had best find myself in church every Sunday; That church has the cutest girls in it, so I must join my friends attending that church; It has always been the place for me to be on Sunday mornings, so of course I must attend; Sometimes the pastor will call me if I don’t attend, and I have run out of good excuses, so I must attend. Now I know that there are many who sincerely attend church because they have a relationship with the Lord and want to honor His Word about being together with His people in corporate worship, but I believe we can all agree that the reasons for attending are not always sincere.  While I believe that many feel like it all depends on the quality of the praise team and the charisma of the preacher to make a good church service, I would like for us to stop and think for a moment about what type of service we might have if we adopted the heart of David. Imagine for a whole week we took note of God’s kindness towards us and His love that surrounds us at every turn of life, and that we reflect often on the salvation He made possible through His only Son. Would you agree with me that these things might give cause for personal celebration,  and that all will be magnified as we meet with other believers of similar belief and experience? Why our worship service will become the highlight of our week, and something that we anxiously await for each week! Can you imagine the excitement, even if no praise team or band showed up, as long as you and your fellow Christians came prepared to lift up praises and the awe of thanksgiving to our King like you experienced all throuhout the week? Friends, let’s not be guilty of preparing more for a date, or a night out with the boys, than we do for meeting with our heavenly King. Let’s always remember that our weekly corporate worship service is simply an extension of our daily worship with our King. Does it appear to you that you and your fellow congregants worship like they’ve been doing that all week? May I encourage you to do your part friend?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I am convinced that your children must be the ‘apple of Your eye’, because among everything that You created, it seems like we are must special to you. Your love results in meticulous care for us and in meeting our every need. The beauty You have provided for us to enjoy each day is beyond anything we could ever have imagined. You are so worthy of our praise Lord! Please help us to stay focused on our relationship with You and in offering our sacrifices of praise back to You. Lord, be glorified in and through us this day, I pray, AMEN!
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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!

And Why Are You Complaining Again?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Prayer, Thank You Jesus, ThankfulLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Wednesday, 2017-03-15
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Exodus 16:8 (NCV)

Text:

 8 And Moses said, “Each evening the Lord will give you meat to eat, and every morning he will give you all the bread you want, because he has heard you grumble against him. You are not grumbling against Aaron and me, because we are nothing; you are grumbling against the Lord.”
OBSERVATION:
God had brought the Israelites through so much, and He had revealed Himself through miracle and after miracle to them. Yet at every opportunity, they turned their faces on God and complained about their plight. In this particular case it was about food. For those that never complain, I know it will be challenging to try and apply this lesson today, but let’s have a look!!
APPLICATION:
It is unfortunate, but I believe that believers are probably just as bad as non-believers when it comes to complaining and finding fault. Perhaps it’s about the pastor, because he didn’t visit us when we were sick; or he spoke on Hell instead of Heaven; or I just don’t get anything from his sermons; or I just can’t get over how everyone complains about him…. Although I know it would be challenging to admit that you participated in this type of complaining, I’m sure that you’ve heard this and a whole lot more – perhaps about the choir, praise team, elders, deacons, maintenance, janitors, etc. Ever stopped to think about the words of Moses in these verses? You see, the faithful are sincerely praying for the pastor – that he may receive a revelation from God on what his flock needs and how God might choose to meet those needs. May I encourage you to really let the words of Moses penetrate your heart and your soul, and not be guilty of complaining against what God is doing through His servants who stand in front of you each week preaching, teaching or serving in any way? May I suggest that you join those who are praying for more blessings for the same ones that you’ve been complaining about? I believe that like me, you want to hear from God at every opportunity possible, and since He has chosen to speak through His servants to us, then we must earnestly be in prayer for those who serve us, that they can step away from the world and become so entrenched in the presence of God, that they will come before us as vessels filled with a word from God, that will be applicable to us and cause us to grow in our faith and relationship with God. Something I heard a long time ago, that is still applicable today: ‘You will give out of something, as much as you have put into it’. Think about that! If you pray for your pastor and staff, perhaps you will be come away from services and teaching classes filled with the awesome power of God that you prayed down on them. May I suggest that anytime you come away from a service feeling empty and unfulfilled, ask God to reveal where you went wrong in your praying for that service? Like Moses, our pastors are nothing more than us – human beings, however the God that we pray they will be filled with, He is everything!
PRAYER:
Father, please forgive us for whining and complaining so much, when in fact we have so much to be extremely thankful for and blessed through and through about. We really should be spending our time lifting up holy hands and singing praises to You at every opportunity. Lord may we endeavor to praise and thank You more than we have ever done before. May we learn to pray for the very folk that we tend to complain about and find fault with. Lord, be glorified in our lives today, is my humble prayer, AMEN!
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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!

What Belongs To God?

On By Ed AlgreenIn Appreciation, Giving, ReflectionLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Saturday, 2017-03-11
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Matthew 22:17-21 (MSG)

Text:

 So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”18-19 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? Do you have a coin? Let me see it.” They handed him a silver piece.

20 “This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?”

21 They said, “Caesar.”

“Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”
OBSERVATION:
Jesus immediately saw through the questioning that the Pharisees/Herodians were trying to entrap Him with, and follow through with a reason to arrest Him. However in Jesus’ response to their questioning He actually gave them something to ponder about themselves. In fact, this continues to challenge believers today, so let’s explore this in our application…
APPLICATION:
A previous pastor once told his flock that after praying earnestly for a car, his dad gave him a new one when he headed off to seminary. Of course, this became the envy of those he befriended, so they tried to entrap him by asking to borrow the car. To their surprise, he whipped out the keys, but as he handed them to his friend, he said “here you go, but this car belongs to Jesus, treat it that way”. Some may find this amusing, but friend, I want you to consider the question from Jesus, and my little story, and I really want you to stop and consider all that you can attribute to a direct gift from Jesus, or in response to prayer to Him. Let me share a few of mine to help stir your memory, or thought process: God gave me qualities to work in the financial sector, and some 45 years ago I started that career, should I whine and complain when I go to work each day, or should I praise God once again for blessing me for over 45 years of preparing and/or working in this field? Next, my wife and I were prompted to apply for entry into the US some 30 years ago, and we were quickly approved. This was much to the dismay and disappointment of my aging parents. However, we saw many things that God had stored up for us after our move: Within one year this paved the way for doctors to save the life of my dad; Shortly afterwards the life of another relative was saved; then we had a lifelong dream come true as we added a child to our family. Friends, I could go on, but suffice to say that because we allowed Jesus to lead, He showed us how awesome He truly could be to His children. This is true in many of your lives also, for who brings that beautiful sun up each day? Who allows you to have a job and another may still be struggling to find one at the moment? Who allows you to be up and moving around when another just like you, is bedridden with so some serious health issue? Who keeps you safe on the roads each day while you pass wrecks along the way? So as you evaluate these thoughts today, the question becomes: what do you do in response to all God has given, and continues to give, to you? He showed His redeeming love for you when He died on a cruel cross at Calvary, and He continues to love you as He blesses in unlimited ways that you may have thought of after reading this blog. What do you give to Him in return? How much of your time each week do you give to the Lord? How about your finances resulting from the job He directed you to and blesses you with each day? May I suggest a God-honoring, proven method on this topic? Try this: Give God at least 10% right off the top from each and every paycheck (I give on the gross), through your local church, and give it joyfully and thankfully. No worries about being able to meet the rest of your budget, for God will honor your obedience to His commands, and He will take care of the rest. If you are a God-honoring, thankful person, then be sure that you meet together with other believers at a local church at least once or twice a week, and try to bless and encourage someone there. God will see to it that blessings will be returned to you many times over! Friends, you can’t out-give God!
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for all that You have given to me and the doors of opportunity You have opened to me. Lord, it seems like we are quick to honor all that’s expected of us from government, our employer and our family, yet we often wait until our luck has run out to look to You. Please forgive us for our ungrateful hearts, and teach us to become loyal to the source and giver of all things, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN!
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog 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 this devotional, please click on 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. 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 Nuggets From God’s Word 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!