Jesus will take care of you in different ways

S – Scripture

Mark 7 v. 33-34 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers in his ears, then spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue and said be open.

 

O – Observation

It’s interesting that in some cases, Jesus says the word and they are healed, and other times they just need to touch him to be healed. This guy was different. Why so? Although the Bible doesn’t say, it seems to me that Jesus is showing that he will come to people in their own unique way. He’s not a one size fit all sort of God. No he’s my personal savior. He knows when I need some direct hands on time and when I need some guidance from afar. Either way, he’s taking care of me.

 

A – Application

Do I recognize the times in my life when I need Jesus in varying doses? Am I trusting how he will take care of me?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Thanks for taking care of me in all your different ways. Love Will.

God cannot be hid

S – Scripture

Mark 7 v. 24 And he entered a house, and would not have anyone known it, yet he could not be hid.

 

O – Observation

Jesus, God cannot be hid. How true that is. One needs to just look at how incredibly complex our bodies are. Amazing. Think about how nature works, the food chain, the ecosystem, all intricately woven together. All proclaim that there is a God. Our God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I think that the people who do not see God, it’s not that he’s hidden, it’s that they are not looking or their stubborn pride prevents them from seeing.

A – Application

Do I reflect Jesus in my life? Am I helping unhide God from those who aren’t looking?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to show those who can’t find you – you. Love Will.

Image by Bessi from Pixabay 

Be aware of what's inside you

S – Scripture

Mark 7 v. 15  There is nothing outside of a man which by going into him can defile him, but the things which comes out of a man are what defile him.

 

O – Observation

Jesus was saying this to the Jews, who couldn’t eat various animals (pigs) since they are unclean. This was a hard thing to understand for the Jews. Peter, one of Jesus’s main disciples, a part of his inner three, struggled with this. After Jesus went to Heaven, Peter had this vision from God. In this vision Peter said (Acts 10 v. 14), “No Lord, for I have Never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”  The Jews believed what is on the outside that defiles you. However, Jesus calls a spade a spade. It’s our own hearts and tongue that defiles you. Remember Mark 7 v. 21-23  “Out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

 

A – Application

How am I doing? Is what is coming out of me, words and actions, defiling me?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Create a clean heart in me O Lord. Love Will.

Image by Couleur from Pixabay 

Remember, Pride is very dangerous

S – Scripture

Mark 7 v. 6 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

 

O – Observation

Isaiah prophesied this, now Jesus says it to. This must be a common problem with men. It’s called pride. Religious Pride must be the worst. Jesus really gave it to those people. As people get involved in Church, pride can sneak in. Satan uses this as a great Neutron Bomb. Devastates the soul, but leaves the body intact.  Proverbs 11 v. 2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace.” Pride makes you think about what people see verses what God sees.  Last thought. Proverbs 6 v.16-17, “There are six things that the Lord hates…. #1- Haughty eyes. Do you know what is the definition of haughty? Look it up!

 

A – Application

Am I focusing on Jesus or on how Good I look focusing on Jesus?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Remove ANY religious pride from me. Love Will.

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay 

Place your heart over your traditions

S – Scripture

Mark 7 v. 5 And the Pharisees and scribe asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with hands defiled?”

 

O – Observation

In the previous verses, the Bible explained the various tradition’s that the Pharisees and scribes lived by. Interesting to note, they mention Tradition vs. God’s law. Otherwise they would of stated, “God’s Law.” Makes me think about all the various Traditions that the Churches have. Catholics have a ton of them, even us Missouri –Synod guys have traditions, However, I think it is important to note, just as Jesus did with his disciple, it is true with us. He wants our Hearts, not our Traditions.

 

A – Application

Am I giving my Heart to Jesus? Am I letting tradition run my life?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, I give you my Heart. I love you. Love Will.

Put first things first

S - Scripture     

Matthew  2 v. 11  And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.     

 

O - Observation              

It's interesting to note the order of events by the wise men. First, they worshiped him. Then they gave gifts. Which makes me think, God doesn't need our money and gifts, but he wants our hearts. We need to do 1st things 1st, which is to give him our hearts. Its to praise and thank him for all that he has done and will do for us. Out of that, it will be natural for us to open our treasures and give him our gifts, whether is time, talent or treasure.  

   

A - Application            

Do I have my order down? What is my motive for Giving?  

 

P - Prayer  

Jesus, Thanks for coming to Earth for my salvation.  Love Will.

Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay

Rejoice Exceedingly

S - Scripture     

Matthew  2 v. 10  When they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly with Great Joy.

 

O - Observation              

Hmmmm.... Do you think the wise men were happy? When's the last time I have rejoiced exceedingly with great joy?
Watching some Tiger football games for sure!! Mission trip to Mississippi was some great moments. Watching my kids graduate from High School and College.  Sometimes its singing a song in church, or a couple of times its rocking out to some praise and worship songs in the car at concert volumes. The wise men were seeing a fulfillment of God's promise. What promise does he fulfill for me? Eternal Life!!!

   

A - Application            

When is the last time that I have rejoiced exceedingly with Great joy? Has that been while in God's presence? So... How am I reacting to the words of the prophets? 

 

P - Prayer  

Jesus, Thanks, Thanks, Whoooo Hoooo Ho-Rah, Yea for saving me forever.  Love Will.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

It's normal to have doubts

S – Scripture

Mark 6 v. 51b-52  And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

 

O – Observation

The disciples just saw Jesus feed 5,000 men with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. Then they saw him walk on water. They were astounded. But yet, they still had a hard time accepting that Jesus was God. It’s normal human nature not to believe. It’s our sinful selves.  How much harder it is for us to believe. We do not see him. Jesus knows this. He says in John 20 v. 29, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Mark 9 v. 24. “I believe, help my unbelief.”

 

A – Application

Am I a Rock of Faith for my family? I can’t beat myself up when I have doubts or struggles.

 

P – Prayer

Jesus,  I believe. Help my unbelief. Love Will.

Photo by Andy Montes de Oca on Unsplash

Feed the hungry

S – Scripture

Mark 6 v. 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.”

 

O – Observation

This was Jesus response after the disciples saw that there was tons of people (five thousand men) that needed to be feed. Their suggestion was to send them away to the villages to get their food. Kind of reminds me of today, Jesus calls himself the Bread of Life. There are tons of people that are spiritually hungry. What is our first thought – Send them to the villages (in this case Churches) for food. But, Jesus wants us (me) to feed them. Just like the disciples, it may look like I can’t do it, I don’t have enough, but when God blessed them – they did.

 

A – Application

Am I giving the spiritually hungry something to eat?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus,  Help me to feed the spiritually hungry. Bless me to see the miracles of the feeding. Love Will.

Photo by Stephen Walker on Unsplash

Keep yourself humble

S – Scripture

Mark 6 v. 26 And the King was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.

 

O – Observation

This verse is where the King’s daughter on her mom’s behalf, asked for the Head of John the Baptist. The King knew he was a righteous man, but hand no choice. Just moments before, the King was bragging to all his guest, and was showing off his daughter. Pride before the fall.

 

A – Application

Do I let my position in life go to my head? Am I keeping myself humble before the Lord?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Keep me humble. Love Will.

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Waiting

 Waiting 

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - Scripture:

Titus 2:13 Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

O - OBSERVATION: 

What are we waiting for? At this time of the year many children are waiting for Christmas
morning opening gifts, etc. It’s their excitement, anticipation, energy and exuberance that really makes a house come alive. As adults, I wonder if we shouldn’t have the same excitement about the celebration of the Birthday of Jesus, or Christmas! The same anticipation in the WAITING for that joyous Christmas Eve Service when we hear again the treasured reading from Luke Chapter 2. We all love it and many of us nearly have it memorized; The beautiful verse 7: And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. The Birth of Jesus, our Saviour! How Beautiful! The answer to Isaiah’s

prophecy nearly 600 hundred year earlier in Isaiah 7:14.

A - APPLICATION: I need to be at least as excited and joyful about Jesus as our children are unwrapping their gift! You see this is a Gift that endures for eternity Revelation 22:12 Behold I am coming soon and My reward is with Me....... The joy Jesus gives neither wears out nor grows old, how can I be anything but joyful, for He gives eternal life to all who believe. John 3:16 Reminds me of “Joy to the World” or “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”, great Hymns of Joy!

P - PRAYER: Gracious Father, May I always stand ready to praise You for all you’ve done for us, and yet humbly bow my knees in prayers of thanksgiving for rescuing us from Satan’s evil

plans. May we find joy in the WAITING as Your Will is done in our life. In Jesus Name, Amen 

Don't be afraid to speak the Truth

S – Scripture

Mark 6 v. 18 For John (the Baptizer) said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

 

O – Observation

John made this comment to Herod, a King. A man who had complete power over him. King Herod put him in jail and ultimately beheaded him. John was no dummy, he knew Herod’s position, but he still spoke the TRUTH. Luke 12 v. 11-12 gives us great instruction on how to handle this situation. “And when they bring you before the authorities, do not be anxious on what you are to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say that very hour.”

 

A – Application

How am I doing? Am I given the opportunity to share the TRUTH (Jesus) even with the Authorities in my life?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Give me the confidence to know that you will put the right words in my mouth. Help me to speak the TRUTH. Love Will.

Trust and do whatever God is calling you to do

S – Scripture

Mark 6 v. 8 He charged then to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts.

 

O – Observation

Think of the trust that the disciples had to have to be sent out with nothing. No food. No money. F.R.O.G. comes to mind. Fully Rely On God. I wonder if the disciples thought that this approach would be very effective? However, verse 12 says that their trips were very successful!

 

A – Application

Do I get bogged down in developing plans? Does it cause me to wait until everything is perfect? Perhaps, instead of waiting for perfection, I should just Go!

 

P – Prayer

Jesus,  Help me to just Go! Help me to trust that you will be with me wherever I go. Love Will.

Image by Muhammad Ridha from Pixabay 

Keep on keeping on

S – Scripture

Mark 6 v. 6  And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went among the villages teaching.

 

O – Observation

Isn’t it interesting that God marveled at something? This is the God who created everything. I think about our bodies, how amazingly complex they are. Think about the solar system or how vast the Universe is. Amazing. Yet God, Jesus, marvel at folks unbelief. All this even after hearing his word (the word of God) and performing miracles. Wow!!! Today, God’s word is still presented, and miracles still happen, but yet, there is lack of faith. Amazing!!!

 

A – Application

Really, the application for today’s verse is the second half, go on doing the work of the Lord. We may be frustrated or amazed at people’s reactions, but there is no reason to stop sharing the good news.

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to go about your business. Bless that that cause you to Marvel, help them to come to faith. Love Will.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Look at your troubles through God's eyes

S – Scripture

Mark 5 v. 39-40 He said to them, “Why do you make a tumult and weep? This child is not dead, but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.

 

O – Observation

Jesus was just told that a rulers daughter was dead prior to making the above statement. Jesus logic and power is simply beyond what we can comprehend, thus the laughter. 1 Corinthians 1 v. 22-25 says it all, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man, and the weakness of God is stronger than man. Jews demands signs, Greeks seek wisdom, but we Preach Christ Crucified.” Philippians 4 v. 13 is very applicable to me. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Wow!!!

 

A – Application

Am I looking at my troubles with my eyes or God’s eyes?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to pray with conviction, Philippians 4 v.13. Help me to always know that you are here for me. Love Will.

Image by Poison_Ivy from Pixabay

Put faith in your belief

S – Scripture

Mark 5 v. 28-29a  For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well.” And immediately the hemorrhage ceased.

 

O – Observation

This comes from the story of the woman who was bleeding for twelve years and could not get a cure. So in faith, she reached out and touched  Jesus’s robe as he was walking. When Jesus asked who touched him, the disciples said, hey, there’s a lot of people around you, lots of people probably touched you.  Matthew 7 v. 21 says, “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” Interesting parallel between this verse and the woman. What’s the key? Faith. Belief. Trust in Jesus.

 

A – Application

Do I really believe when I am praying to Jesus? Am I being bold in my reaching out to Jesus?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus,  I believe in you. Help me with my problems, cure them just as the woman in the Bible. Love Will.

Humble yourself to Jesus

S – Scripture

Mark 5 v. 24  And he went with him.

 

O – Observation

In the verse before, Jarius, a ruler of the synagogue, which was a very high status position, came to Jesus and fell at his feet begging Jesus to help his daughter. Think about that, a high ranking man, a position of status, came and threw himself at the feet of Jesus. All the more impressive was that this was 1) in front of a crowd, 2) the fact that the synagogue rulers were helping and plotting against Jesus. So in this act, he exposed his position. But, my favorite part, God’s classic If/Then statement, “IF you humble yourself to him, THEN he will go with you." Wow!!!

 

A – Application

Am I humbling myself, giving myself to Jesus?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to give myself to you. Come with me on my life’s journey. Love Will

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Messenger

Messenger

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - Scripture:
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple ; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold He is coming says the Lord of hosts.

O - Observation: 

From my commentaries, I believe it was customary to send a MESSENGER, someone to prepare the way whenever a king was coming to pay a visit. In this case it was John the Baptist coming to prepare the way for Jesus at the Advent of His first coming.

A - Application: 

So during this season we celebrate the coming of Christ, and therefore following Advent in the  church year, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus, but that’s not the end of the story! Jesus is coming again! Matthew 24:30; the last portion reads; “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” So who will prepare the way for the Second Coming? I think 1 Peter 2:9 tells us it is you and I! “ We were chosen to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light! We are to tell others about Jesus, so they too might be prepared for the second coming! We are now the Messengers! May God empower us to do just that!

P - Prayer: Gracious Father, grant us Your Spirit and hearts to be the MESSENGERS for the second coming! Come Lord Jesus, Come! In Jesus Name, Amen

Go!!!

S – Scripture

Mark 5 v. 19 But he said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

 

O – Observation

Jesus gave this command to the man who was “cured” of many demons. The next verse (20) states that he
proclaimed how much Jesus had done form him, AND ALL MEN MARVELED. I like how he did what he was told, and the results happened.  Romans 10 v. 17 says it quite well, “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.” Also not, Jesus tells him to go home to tell his friends, (implying family as well). That is where it starts – at home.

 

A – Application

Am I going? Have I told everyone what he has done? (He’s done a bunch for me!!)

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Inspire me to Go!!! Inspire me to tell everyone how much you have done for me! Love Will.

 Photo by Miguel A. Amutio on Unsplash

Run to Jesus

S – Scripture

Mark 5 v. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar he ran and worshiped him.

 

O – Observation

I like the action verbs in this verse. Run and Worship. In this case, the Demonic man possessed by many spirits, when seeing Jesus ran to him. Why? Because he is the truth.

 

A – Application

Am I running to Jesus? Can I related to this man? Sure, I may not be demon possessed, but my life consumes me with my work. Is my work and other things separating me from God. It’s is easy to have that happen. I need to run (not walk) to Jesus and Worship him.

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to always RUN to you. Never let me get tired in my race. Love Will.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay 

We can live our Life without Fear

S – Scripture

Mark 4 v. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”

 

O – Observation

Fearless. That’s what Jesus wants. Jesus just said this as a huge storm was threatening to swamp the boat he and his disciples were on. (He was sleeping when they awoke him.) He calmed the waves and the wind. Reminds me of this verse. 1 John 4 v. 18, “ Perfect love casts out fear.” To be fearless is to mean that you are in his love. How do I get in his Love? By being with him in daily reading of the Bible and in prayer.

 

A – Application

Not only do I need to be fearless in my faith, but also in the other things I do in life. Am I being fearless in my life?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Thanks for loving me. Help me to remember that. Bless me to live a life without fear. Love Will.

Photo by James Healy on Unsplash