Stand Firm

S - Scripture     

Matthew  24 v. 9  Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will be hated by all Nations for my names sake.  

 

O - Observation 

Stand Firm.  During the wind down of the end of the earth, Jesus makes it clear that it will become increasingly difficult to maintain your belief in him. No one likes to be the odd one out. But, that is what will/is happening. There are nations that hate Christianity, and not just the Islamic countries. There are Christians today that are being persecuted throughout the world. Check out persecution.org.  Even our own country, being a Christian, which by my parents era was viewed as a moderate, is now viewed as the radical right. Standing Firm for Christ may lead (will lead) to difficult times. So... How do you stand Firm? You must be in God's word daily, pray daily, surround yourself with other Christians to prop yourself up. 

    

A - Application  

Am I standing Firm? Am I ready to be hated by all?        

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Give me confidence and a strong footing to stand up for you. Love Will

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Stand on Guard

Today we move on to Chapter 24. This chapter is about Standing. It has become one of my favorite chapters - in a way I would of never expected. For the next six days we will talk about standing. It is time for all of us to STAND!!

 

S - Scripture     

Matthew  24 v. 4  And Jesus answered them, "Take heed that no one lead you astray." 

 

O - Observation 

Stand on Guard.  This is the beginning of Jesus response to the disciples question of when will be the end of the world. He will spend the next two chapters on this topic. This is after Jesus laid the smack down on the Pharisees and now its just him and the disciples. So now that it's just his posse, he can be much more focused. The message changes focus's from a public preaching to a more intimate group. The focus can be much sharper. Think about what you learn in a big audience vs. a small group. Anyways, notice the very first thing he says is not a sign, but a command. Don't let anyone lead you astray. But, as I think of it, this command is the very first sign. There will be people leading Christians astray. The following verse, Matthew 24 v.  5 says, "For many will come in my name.. and lead many astray." Any names come to mind?

    

A - Application  

Am I standing on Guard? What's the qualities of a good Guard?        

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Don't let anyone lead me astray. Hold me tightly. Love Will.  

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Clean the inside!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  23 v. 26  You blind Pharisee!! First cleanse the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

 

O - Observation 

Inside out.  Jesus makes it rather clear to the Pharisee's how faith should be, from the inside out vs. the outside in. So it must be for us. Think about the good we do, what's our motivation? Is it for self satisfaction, a feeling of importance, civic duty?  Jesus asks us to make sure that our inside, our heart, our motivation is focused on God. The heart is the cornerstone of our faith. 1 Corinthians 13 v. 13 says that love is the greatest of faith, hope and love.  Hmmm.... Love is shown with a heart. Jesus also recognizes that the heart is exposed. Matthew 15 v. 19 For out of the Heart comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witnesses, slander. Ouch!!! No wonder Jesus encourages us to cleanse the inside of the cup.  How do I do this? By thinking pure thoughts. By dwelling on God. By asking God to be the center of our lives.

 

A - Application  

Am I keeping clean the inside of my cup?       

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, give me the SOAP to cleanse the inside so that my outside is pure.  Love Will.  

Focus on the right thing!!!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  23 v. 23  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and coming, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to of done without neglecting the others.   

 

O - Observation 

Focus.  This verse is all about Focus. The scribes and Pharisees focus was on what they gave, since it can be seen, and more importantly tallied and counted, kind of like profit. But, Jesus points out that they missed the mark, their heart was NOT in the right place.  Justice, Mercy, Faith, if you could wrap them into one word it is Love. And God is love. Back in Matthew 22 v. 37-39, Jesus explains love. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind." (Faith) And, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Justice and Mercy) Finally, note Jesus last statement, one should not neglect either love and tithing.    

 

A - Application  

How am I doing on the weightier matters of the Law? Justice, Mercy and Faith?        

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Help me to be fully focused on you. Strengthen me to Love.  Love Will.  

Redemption

 Redemption

guest blog by Gary Riedel

S - Scripture

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.

O -Observation Redemption means being saved from sin, or gaining the possession of something by payment of a debt. That’s a dictionary definition but also absolutely what takes place in the blood bought Redemption that Jesus purchased for us. Notice it’s the forgiveness of 

our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. The blood of Jesus paid the ransom for our debt of sin, but it’s not because of our efforts, but by the riches of God’s Grace. God is so good and gracious that He sent His only Son to Redeem us by death on the cross. 

A - Application

We must never underestimate the lavish richness of God’s Grace. God chose us 1 Peter 2:9 to

proclaim the excellencies of His marvelous light; Grace, Redemption, Salvation are a few of the excellencies of our generous God. There is no one like Him! Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other God’s before me! That’s a very good reminder that God wants our all because He gave His all, for our Redemption!

P - Prayer: Gracious Father, living for You, means being a recipient of Your grace, a thankful recipient of your Redemption, help us to surrender to Your plan for our life. In Jesus Name, Amen

Check your motivation on the things you do

S - Scripture     

Matthew  23 v. 17  You blind fools! For which is greater, the Gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?

 

O - Observation 

Critical Error. In this verse, Jesus is rather plainly telling the scribes and Pharisees, who were swearing on the Gold of the Temple itself, that they missed the mark.  Their eyes are focused on bright shiny things vs. the very thing that the Gold was for. Seems kind of dumb, doesn't it? Those guys must of been blind. But wait, the danger is still there. Especially for those that do God's will. We need to fight the sinful desire of thinking how great we are. Look at all that I do for Jesus. Which is greater, my act of love for Jesus, or Jesus himself? It always must be about Jesus. John the Baptist sums it up quite well!!! He must increase, I must decrease. 

   

A - Application  

What is my motivation for the things I do for Jesus?        

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Help me to always recognize which is greater - You. Love Will.  

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Live in Backwards land!!!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  23 v. 11-12  He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

 

O - Observation 

Backwards land. God's definition of greatness is opposite of the World's definition. The World has this bumper sticker, "The person with the most toys wins." The world values people of influence, the influence of money, the glamour of high positions. God values the influence of servant hood. Do you want to be great in God's eyes? Then humble yourself. A servant is always looking to please his master and those around him. A servant will not boast or assume a higher position. A servant is there to lift someone else up. A servant is in the background. They humble themselves.

   

A - Application  

How's my servanthood? Am I living in God's backwards land?        

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, thank you for being the greatest servant and coming to earth to suffer and die for my (and Laurie's) gain. Love Will.  

Keep your motivation pure.

S - Scripture

Matthew  23 v. 5  They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long.   

 

O - Observation 

Motivation.  Jesus was cutting to the chase as he was describing the Pharisees. Their motivation was selfish, it truly was all about them.  Phylacteries were "small" containers which kept quotes from scripture and bound to the forehead and arms during prayer. Their reward is what they got. Respect while on earth, while missing the eternal boat. Jesus wants our motivation to be pure, to be from the heart. He will determine who's great. Think of the widow that gave 2 cents, but it was everything she owned. That was impressive, but the bean counters didn't even notice. Jesus also said back in Matthew 20 v. 26, "But whoever would be great amongst you must be your servant.

   

A - Application  

So.. What's my motivation? Especially when I do things for the church.       

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Keep my motivation pure and true. Give me a servants heart. Love Will.  

Be all in!!! (Memorize this verse!!!)

S - Scripture     

Matthew  22 v. 37  And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."   

 

O - Observation    

All in. Jesus wants us all in. See his comments in Revelation 3 v. 16, "So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will spew you out of my mouth." He wants us to love him like there's no tomorrow. He doesn't want lip service. No he wants our actions, our conversations, how we manage our day, how we spend our money and time, all to be for his glory. But... That is such a radical  change, its opposite of what the world or the devil wants. He may twist this to place a yoke of works, doing good deeds to "earn your way to heaven." No, our love, our deeds must be a result of love, and we want to, not have to.

 

A - Application  

Am I all in for Jesus?       

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Give me the energy, the zeal to love you with everything I got. Love Will.  

Plug into the Power of God

S - Scripture     

Matthew  22 v. 32  I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not God of the Dead, but of the Living.   

 

O - Observation    

True Power. Jesus makes it clear that he is the God of the Living. He does NOT need to rest on his laurels, on who his posse was. No. Jesus is the same Yesterday (the Bible people - think about how he's blessed them.), Today. (You and I - Think of how God can and has used you and me!!!) and tomorrow (my kids, Shannon, Paul and Paige, my college and youth friends - What great forces and instruments you can be for God!!!)  The best thing is, God is creating an amazing battery of power, as those who die in him, are gathered to him. Think of the concentration of energy. Romans 12 v. 1, "Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us."

 

A - Application  

Do I recognize the God of the Living? Am I plugging into his power?       

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Thanks for providing me a living support structure for my life. Love Will. 

Photo by Anh Nhat on Unsplash 

Don't forget who is your Strong Tower!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  22 v. 23  The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection and they asked him a question.   

 

O - Observation    

Strong Tower. This verse is all about the strength of Jesus and an inspiration to us. Ever since Jesus came into Jerusalem, he has been "sparing" with various factions. Its like they all lined up to take their best shots at Jesus in an attempt to discredit him. First, the chief priests, scribes and elders questioned his authority, (Matthew 21 v. 23), Second in line was the Pharisees, they tried to arrest him (Matthew 21 v. 46), third, the Pharisees grabbed the Herodians and asked him questions about Caesar. Now the Sadducees. Jesus was constantly being attacked, but he was a Strong Tower. He rebutted every trick question with an answer that amazed and defeated their motives.

 

A - Application  

Where is my Strong Tower? Am I relying on Jesus in my life?        

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, You are my Strong Tower, fortress when I'm weak. Your name is true and mighty, and your face is all I seek!!!  Love Will.  (P.S. Thanks goes out to Kutless for the prayer!!!)  

Image by Pexels from Pixabay 

Free

Free

guest blog by Gary Riedel

S - Scripture: 

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed!!

O - Observation: 

The exclamation marks at the end of this scripture are my addition to this amazing proclamation by Jesus. Notice Jesus doesn’t say anything about us attaining freedom by our effort or merit, but simply when He sets us free we are free indeed! His blood shed on the cross of Calvary was ample payment to set every man, woman and child free from the penalty of sin. The old hymn says “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin has left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow!” Isaiah1:18b Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

A - Application: 

This freedom is the greatest gift of grace ever given to mankind! We have only to heed the Spirit’s nudging to claim not only freedom, but eternal life with all who believe in the Name of Jesus!

P - Prayer: 

Gracious Father, give us all a full measure of Your Spirit so that we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that we are free indeed! In Jesus Name, Amen

Don't forget to be obedient to Authority (Both God adn Man)

S - Scripture     

Matthew  22 v. 21  They said "Caesar". Then he said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are God's."   

 

O - Observation    

Obedience. That's what this verse is all about. Jesus instructs us to obey the laws of the land, "rendering to Caesar what is Caesars". Agree or disagree with the "Casers" in our life; Country - President, State - Governor, City - Mayor, Work - Boss, we need to recognize that God put them in place, we need to have confidence that his plans are perfect and have reason, even if we don't see it. Rendering to God. What sort of things are God's? 1st, ourselves. Psalm 139.13, For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mothers womb. God made us. He made us to have a relationship with him.

 

A - Application  

Are we rendering to Caesar - Respecting the Laws of the Land? And... are we rendering to God - Having a personal relationship with him?        

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Help me to be obedient to you and the Caesar's in my life. Love Will.  

Photo by Cameron Smith on Unsplash

Take it to the Streets!!!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  22 c. 9   Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you can find.

 

O - Observation    

Come one, come all. In this parable, after the King was unsuccessful in inviting his guest, he told his servants to go and invite everyone. Since parable's are glimpse into Gods thoughts and plans in an understandable language, this part of the parable is exciting. I am invited!!! I will take part of the "marriage feast", or in real life, Heaven. Also, its possible that I also am doing the inviting as well. Notice the servants were to go to streets, not to a specific place. Streets serve as an artery to people's lives. Streets are everywhere, reach every section of the population. Rich and poor live off a street. No one is excluded from the invitation.

 

A - Application  

As the Doobie Brothers once said, "Am I taking it to the Streets?"       

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Thanks for the invite. I accept. Help me to invite others. Love Will.  

Image by Ch AFleks from Pixabay 

Be sure to thank God for all the Prep work he's doing for you

S - Scripture     

Matthew  22 v. 2   The Kingdom of Heaven my be compared to a King who gave a marriage feast for his son.

 

O - Observation    

Love. This verse is all about the love of a Father to his son. In the end, this verse is all about a Father's love for his people. God the Father, loved his son Jesus so much that he will give his creation, the World, to Jesus to rule. Every knee will bow at the name of Jesus. He's also preparing a place for us.  1 Corinthians 2 v. 9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. Think about when you plan a party for someone you love. All the work, all the planning, all the excitement to honor someone. So.. Just think how much God the Father loves Jesus, but yet, he was willing to give him up for you and me.

 

A - Application  

Have I dwelt on the fact that God the Father is working on our Behalf?       

 

P - Prayer      

Father God, thank you for all the prep work your doing for me. Help me to stay true to you.  Love Will.  

Image by Eak K. from Pixabay 

You got to let it go!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  21 v. 46  But when they (the chief priests) tried to arrest him, they feared the multitudes, because they held him to be a prophet.

 

O - Observation    

Release. That's what this verse tells me about the chief priests and really myself. The chief priests, knew deep down inside, that Jesus was indeed special, after all they have heard of his miracles, been astonished at his teachings and grasp of God's word. But, it is their own selfish pride, there own personal agenda, their own status in life that prevented them from recognizing Jesus as God. They needed to RELEASE those shackles, those ties to self. John the Baptist, truly inspired by God has a great LIFE STATEMENT. John 3 v. 30.  He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. We must let go and let God.

 

A - Application  

Am I letting Go? Is my self pride, selfishness preventing me from seeing and experiencing the full goodness of God?       

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Help me to let go. Bless me.  Love Will.  

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