Don't be ashamed of the Name of Jesus

S - Scripture     

Matthew  10 v. 32  So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my father who is in heaven.

O - Observation    

Motivation. This verse is all about motivation. The truth of the matter is one day we will stand in front of God the Father and Jesus will speak on our behalf. We’re screwed without him.  I know that I will want him to tell God the Father, that I gladly, willingly, joyfully acknowledge to everyone that Jesus is my Lord, Savior and Friend. Two other interesting things to note: 1) Our faith can't be passive. We need to acknowledge it before men. We shouldn't be private in our faith. 2) There's a flipside to positive acknowledgement, those that know his name but blow him. off. Jesus will relay that as well to God the Father. Yikes!!!  

A - Application            

Am I ashamed of the name of Jesus? Am I acknowledging him before men?   

P  - Prayer      

Jesus, Help me to boldly proclaim your glory to everyone.  Love Will.  

Freedom through Fear

S - Scripture     

Matthew  10 v. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Hell.   

O - Observation    

Freedom thru Fear. How bizarre is that!! But that is exactly what Jesus is saying here. Se we really have nothing to fear while here on earth, since this is a temporary stop.  Sure some deranged loony could take my life, or some greedy businessman could destroy my life savings, (i.e. the financial crunch). Not worrying about any of that is freedom. But , we do need to Fear him who destroys both body and soul in Hell. Who is he? Its God.  He is going to Judge us. He is the one that can condemn us to an eternity in Hell. Proverbs 1 v. 7 says, "The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding.” And understand this, Jesus wants all to be saved.

A - Application            

Do I live my life as a free man?  

P  - Prayer      

Jesus, Thank you for my freedom!!!  Love Will.  

Photo by Kristina V on Unsplash

Be a Jesus Freak

S - Scripture     

Matthew  10 v. 22   "and you will be hated by all for my names sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."  

O - Observation   

Jesus. That one word is so powerful. It cause so much emotion with people. It can be hard to say in public. It can cause rifts in families. It can cause groups and countries to hate those who say it. No other God is so decisive. Buddha - ho hum. Allah, tolerance, except for the radical few.  Mormons - hey their nice guys. JESUS - the TRUTH.  Sometimes, the truth hurts. People don't like to be hurt. Thus they strike out. This verse is all about one of my favorite songs, Jesus Freaks.  

A - Application            

What will people do when they find out it's true? (That I'm a Jesus Freak!) 

P  - Prayer      

Jesus, I don't really care if they label me a Jesus Freak. There’s no denying the truth !!!  Love Will.  (and a little DC Talk!!!)

PS - Check out the Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbB0QrBIs9k

Seek After What?

Seek After What?

Guest Post by Gary Riedel

Scripture:

Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore do not be anxious, saying what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek after these things and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.

Observation: 

These are the words of Jesus and He doesn’t want us to be anxious, or busy about the things of this world, not even food or drink? What do you mean, I’m the worlds worst about not wanting to miss a meal! Carol often says, “I know he’ll be home in time to eat!” What Jesus is saying here is that our Father, GOD, is the source of everything, whether it is food, 

drink, clothes, or the most important of all, Salvation through Jesus!

Application: 

I shouldn’t worry about even necessities in life, but rather I should spend my time seeking after Him. And then in full surrender, trust God to provide the opportunities I need to provide for my family.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please allow your Spirit to work such a faith in me that I will be busy seeking after You!

Amen, Gary R

Be like the Serpant and the Dove

S - Scripture     

Matthew  10 v. 16. Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

O - Observation   

This is Jesus commissioning pep talk to his disciples as he sent them out on their individual mission trips. They were to go to only the Israelites. We can learn from this. The most fertile ground is within our own families. This advice is specific to this. We must let our actions, our thoughts and our beliefs be pure.  We need to be transparent, so that Jesus can be seen though us, i.e. we must be innocent as Doves.  Serpents on the other hand, are calculating. They know when to strike and when to move on. They are keenly aware of their surroundings. So must we be as we share with our families and friends. God will give us the right time to share. 

A - Application            

Am I living a wise and innocent life?  

P  - Prayer      

Jesus, help me to be like the serpent and the dove. Love Will.

Use the Gifts God has Given You

S - Scripture     

Matthew  10 v. 1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity.    

O - Observation   

Jesus is getting ready to send his disciples out on their own mission trips. But, before he does, he equips them for the trips. He gave them an abundance of his power. As I think about my daily life, each day is essentially a mission trip. Jesus has given me special gifts, (nothing like the disciples got), but am I using them? Jesus says, for whom much is given, much is asked.

A - Application            

Do I know what gifts God has given me?  

P  - Prayer      

Jesus, Bless me as I live my life for you. Help me to recognize the gifts you have given me. Love Will.

Image by Bob Dmyt from Pixabay

How to answer the Key Question in Life

S - Scripture     

Matthew  9 v. 28 When he entered the house, the blind man came to him; and Jesus said to him, Do you believe that I am able to do this?   

O - Observation   

This is Jesus' Key Question to all of us. In this case, it was Jesus' question to the blind man. He said yes, and then Jesus restored his sight. But in our case, it’s the follow up to this Statement - Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we may not die but live with him eternally in Heaven? Just like the blind man, all we have to say is ... Yes - I believe.  And it will be so.

A - Application           

Do I believe that Jesus is able to do the following? Save me from my sins. Bring me to Heaven. 

P  - Prayer     

Jesus, Strengthen my faith so that I can confidently say, yes Lord, I believe. Love Will.

Be a Bold Reporter for God

S - Scripture     

Matthew  9 v.  26  And the report of this went throughout the district.  

O - Observation  

This statement was made after Jesus "Awakened" the ruler’s dead daughter. See the prior verses, 18-25. I wonder how news was spread back then? Did they have newspapers, or was it word of mouth? Its possible that the ruler or someone close to him documented the miracle Jesus just did. But, I'm willing to say, the news spread through out the district by word of mouth. Ahh - the informal network. A very powerful network indeed. This network is hugely influential. Ask the Presidential candidates.

A - Application           

How am I reporting what Jesus has done for me? Do I stand silently or talk about other things, or do I share in awe and amazement of what Jesus has done for me?    

P  - Prayer     

Jesus,  Help me to be a bold reporter for you!! Love Will.

Commit to Freshness

S - Scripture

Matthew  9 v. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.     

O - Observation  

I think about this passage as I build new clinics. I'm leaving some of the bad apples back at the old clinic and essentially bringing in new people with different attitudes. Think this about our lives. If we are putting off our sinful ways, and truly trusting in Jesus, its like putting our lives in a new wineskin. If its half hearted, or if what we say is different than what we do, we will be split and cause God sadness. After all, he wants EVERYONE to be saved.

A - Application           

Where am I pouring myself into? A new wineskin or an old wineskin?   

P  - Prayer     

Jesus,  Help me to commit my life to you. Love Will.

Desire Mercy

S - Scripture     

Matthew  9 v. 13   Go learn what this means, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners.    

O - Observation 

These are Jesus' words when people were criticizing him for hanging out with sinners. Jesus gets right to the point of his ministry on earth. He's here to help those that need it.  He doesn't demand that they or we have to do something to be saved, to live in eternity with him. Instead he is merciful, and gives us the free gift of eternal life in heaven. As always, Jesus models how we should live our life.  

A - Application          

Those that sin against us, do we want them to pay? Do we expect  a sacrifice or do we give them mercy?  

P  - Prayer     

Jesus,  Help me to emulate you. Help me to desire mercy not sacrifice.  Love Will.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Father’s Day 

Guest Blogger: Gary Riedel

Scripture (AMP Bible)

Ephesians 6:4, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger (do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable, or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them), but bring them up tenderly, with loving kindness, in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Observation: In other words bring up your children the way you would have liked to be brought up. I remember when I reached the point of loving my father so much that I didn’t want to disappoint him or my mother. That’s when everything starts working a lot smoother in the family. 

The last portion is very important, “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” We as fathers, parents, need to pass to the next generation all that Jesus means to us. That is our most sacred duty as parents, to insure that our children know the way to eternal life through Jesus!

Application: My children are grown, but I can still set the examples of Jesus first. I can also use my influence on my grandchildren and on those I see in Sunday School. As long as I have breath it is never too late to testify about Jesus!

Prayer:Heavenly Father, Please help me to be wise in sharing the good news of Jesus with all around me, especially the little ones. For You said in Luke 18:16, “for of such is the Kingdom of God.” Lord, especially today we pray for fathers, May Your Spirit give them wisdom for this most important task. In Jesus Name, Amen

Come to the table!!!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  9 v. 10  And he sat at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 

O - Observation         

Tax collectors. Those were slimy people in Jesus' day. Sinners. These people must have been obvious sinners. They were probably drunkards and whores. I do find it interesting to note, they came to Him. They knew their sins and came to Him. Plus, what is very cool, Jesus sat down with them. Every time you sit at a table, it causes a conversation. A relationship. Jesus didn't just breeze by. No. He spent time with them. 

A - Application         

Am I coming to Jesus' table? Am I sitting at it and having a relationship with Jesus?      

P  - Prayer     

Jesus, Thanks for inviting me in. Let me always feel welcome and at home in your home.  Love Will.

God knows the order of importance

S - Scripture     

Matthew  9 v. 5  For which is easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven" or to say, "Rise and walk"?

O - Observation        

Jesus made this comment to some scribes when he came to a paralytic and forgave his sins. The scribes thought

he was blaspheming. As I think about this statement it would seem to me it would be easier to say your sins are forgiven, only because I have not witnessed any miracle cures. It just seems easier to say. However, I have this feeling we have no true concept of what the punishment is for our sins and how hard it is to forgive them. (Jesus dying on the cross in our place.) Thus Jesus chose the forgiveness of sins first, then the physical healing. His order is clear, Eternal life first, temporary life second. 

  

A - Application        

Do I really believe that God has forgiven my sins?     

P  - Prayer     

Jesus, Thank you for forgiving my sins and healing me. Love Will.

Do not be afraid!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  8 v. 26 And then he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.   

O - Observation        

This verse is so applicable for our lives. The disciples were in a boat when a great storm arose and their boat was being swamped. They were getting ready to die. So it is with us. We face many storms in our lives. How comforting it is to know that we do not need to be afraid. He can calm the storms of our lives. When we are facing trouble, we need to go to him. Psalm 50 v. 15, "Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." 

  

A - Application        

When facing trouble, do I have faith to call out to God?  Do I glorify him, when he saves me?    

P  - Prayer     

Jesus,  Help me, deliver me from the troubles I face. I will gladly glorify your name. Love Will.

Commitment!!!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  8 v.  20  And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no where to lay his head."  

O - Observation       

This gives a glimpse into the overall sacrifice that Jesus gave for the world. He wandered from place to place, never really having a home or a stable life. He was on the job 24x7. It makes it all the more impressive that the disciples followed him, since they gave up their families and jobs to follow him.  A lot of people wanted to follow Jesus, but could they give up what they had? I guess you could define your discipleship by how committed you are.

  

A - Application       

What am I giving up to be a disciple of Jesus?   

P  - Prayer     

Jesus, Give me the strength to say, "I will follow you!!"  Love Will.

Photo by Christopher Sardegna on Unsplash

Cause God to Marvel

S - Scripture     

Matthew  8 v. 10  When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who follow him, "Truly I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."

O - Observation       

Faith. It is an individual thing. It is a Gift from God. It doesn't matter your status or how much you have. In this case, the centurion, A Roman, had more faith than the people of Israel, God's chosen people. What does matter is that you truly believe. Its not about punching the church ticket. Its about Faith. Its about having a childlike "complete trust" faith. Its about being in God's word on a daily basis. Its about talking to God on a daily basis. Ask him for more faith.

  

A - Application      

Faith check!!! Would Jesus marvel at my faith?  

P  - Prayer     

Jesus, Strengthen my faith. Help me to have faith to make you marvel. Love Will.

Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay 

Your Vocation is God Pleasing

S - Scripture     

Matthew  8 v. 8 But the Centurion answered him, "Lord I'm not worthy to  have you come under my roof; but only say the word and my servant will be healed."  

O - Observation      

Knowing your vocation, is really knowing about the Lord, if you mix it with Faith. In this case, the centurion, one

that had 100 soldiers under him, knew the power of his words, since he was captain, or leader, to make things happen without physically doing it.  So it held true for Jesus.  We can learn a lot from the centurion. The garbage man picks up trash. Jesus removes our trash. Journalist investigate for the truth. Jesus is the truth and the way. Ultrasound people diagnose disease to help heal people. Jesus is the great Physician. Businessmen are steward of money. So it is with the stewardship of God's gifts.    

A - Application      

Have I considered what I do in life is intertwined with God's works?

P  - Prayer     

Jesus,  Thanks for the daily reminder of how special you are. Help me to do my Job for the Glory of you. Love Will.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay