Encourage the noble men and women in your life!

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 17 v. 26  To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good; to flog a noble man is wrong.

O - Observation

The obvious is not so obvious. This proverb is an interesting one to me. When I think about flogging a noble man, one man comes to mind - Jesus. John 19 v. 1, "Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him." It was wrong. Today there's not a whole lot of flogging, perhaps some fines, but the point of this proverb is doing something harmful to a noble or righteous person is bad. Do we encourage our spiritual leaders or nit pick them? Words have a way of flogging people. Not to say that words of correction are bad, but we need to encourage. Do you get verbally flogged for being a Christian? Remember this, Matthew 5 v. 10, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteous sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "

 

A - Application
Am I flogging or being flogged?   

P - Prayer   

Jesus, Keep me from flogging the noble. Help me to endure when I get flogged. Love Will.

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Think about where you are spending your time!

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 17 v. 24  A man of understanding sets his face towards wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 

O - Observation

You are what you seek. My friend Stephen McBee has a great saying which sums up this Proverb, "What you read, watch and listen to now will determine where you will be in 5 years." This has been my struggle, since I haven't really read anything. Which leads me to nowhere. Thankfully, this past year I'm in two groups which read through books. The internet can be a drain of time on worthless information. With time at a premium what should I focus on? Matthew 6 v. 33a, "But seek first his Kingdom and righteousness." and Proverbs 1 v. 7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."

 

A - Application
What is my focus? What am I seeking? Where am I spending my time?    

P - Prayer   

Jesus, Help me to keep my eyes on the prize - You. Love Will.

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Choose Joy!!!

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 17 v. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a down cast spirit dries up bones.

O - Observation

Choose Joy!!! In all circumstances, when we wake up in the morning , when we go to work or school, we have choices. Will we be joyful or not? If we realize that we are made for worship, and worship is joyful, then, to not choose joy would conflict with how we are made. Jesus wants us to be Joyful. John 15 v. 11, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." We also have to realize that its more than just me. My mood impacts those around me. A joyful heart will lift up those around you. A joyful heart is the role of an encourager. The side benefit of this approach is the development of true friends.

 

A - Application
Am I applying good medicine in my life? Am I choosing joy?   

P - Prayer   

Jesus, Help me to have a cheerful heart in all circumstances. Love Will.

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Remeber! One thing leads to another!

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 17 v. 14  The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

O - Observation

Control your temper. Or as the Fixx once sang, "One thing leads to another." Have you ever said something that you wish you could take back? Letting out water. Have you ever whispered to your friend what's driving you crazy about so and so. Letting out the water. Have you stewed and thought about revenge or getting even when you've been done wrong? Letting out the water. We as Christians need to take the lead. Matthew 6 v. 9, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called Sons of God. And.. 2 Timothy, 2 v. 24-25, " And the Lords servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone. an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness, God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth."
  

A - Application
How quick am I letting out the water?   

P - Prayer   

Jesus, Help me to be a peacemaker. Love Will.

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Recognize the Real Danger in the World!

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 17 v. 12  Let a man meet a she-bear robber of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.

O - Observation

Danger!!! Which is more dangerous? I love this proverb. Its something that Conan would say!! But this proverb speaks great truth. Which poison is worse? Physical pain or Eternal pain? Jesus clarifies, or reemphasizes this proverb in Matthew 5, v. 29, 30, "If your right eye (or hand) causes you to sin, pluck it out, or cut it off and throw it away, it is better that you lose one of your members than your whole body thrown in hell." She-bears rips the body apart. Jesus judges and sends people to Heaven or Hell. The point is this, there is very real dangers out there. What do you protect yourself from first?

 

A - Application
Do I realize the dangers around me? Do I thank Jesus for saving me?

P - Prayer   

Jesus, Thanks for saving my eternal life and my physical life.  Love Will

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Speak of Him

Speak of Him

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE:

Luke 2:38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

O-OBSERVATION: 

This is the response of Anna the prophetess to meeting Jesus for the first time! She did not keep it to herself but spoke of Him to all. What an example for us, she was excited to share the good news that she had met Jesus to all she encountered.

A-APPLICATION: 

So what about me, and what about us? If we know Jesus are we as excited to share as Anna? Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes to the Jew first and also to the Greek. This gospel is all about the good news of Jesus that so excited Anna. We too should not be ashamed of the gospel but proclaim it so that Christ’s work of Redemption saves many, for this is God’s will.  

1 Timothy 2:4 Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. The truth that Jesus died to save the world! May we all be bold to speak of HIM!

P - PRAYER: 

Gracious Father, May we be bold to share Jesus just like Anna, and May You send Your Spirit into the hearts of those who hear, that many might be saved, after all that’s what Christmas is really all about. In Jesus Name, Amen

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.

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Reflect on what God did for us!

S - Scripture     

Matthew 1 v.  21 She will bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save is people from their sins.

 

O - Observation              

 Sure is an interesting way for God to come into the World, the 'ol birth cannel. Every kid I've seen born (3 of them) it was a messy affair. Not very glamorous. Yet God, humbled himself to come to us as you and I did. No big parading of Dignitaries or Displays of Power and Wealth. No. Just a humble beginning. Its only appropriate that he entered our World this way, he modeled being a servant while.being a King. Even in His coming to earth.  

  

A - Application            

Have I really just thought about what God did to be born a Human, just like me, for me?    

 

P - Prayer  

Jesus,  Thanks for humbling yourself for my sake.  Love Will.

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Keep your conscience pure and working!

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 17 v. 10  A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows to a fool.

O - Observation

The power of conscience. This verse reminds me of when I was young. I used to beg my Mom and Dad to beat me vs. give me a good tongue lashing. Why? This proverb speaks to why. I knew what I did was wrong. My conscience told me so. I understood. Physical pain only lasts so long. Mental pain, that will be around for a while, as long as I had my conscience. However, since that pain was around it did shape my behavior. So, a fool loses his conscience. How do we prevent this? Hebrews 9 v. 14b, "Purify your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God." Stay in God's word.  Don't follow the ways of the world. Especially today, when the world removes absolute truths and instead focus on self gratification.

 

A - Application
What am I doing to keep my conscience pure and working?

P - Prayer   

Jesus, Thanks for my conscience. Use it when I need it. Love Will.

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Forgiveness is Powerful!!!

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 17 v. 9  He who forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend.

O - Observation

Decision Point. What will you do when someone does you wrong? Romans 12 v. 21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  When we forgive, it causes the other person to wonder. They will either say, "You're right. I'm sorry!" or they will chalk it up as you're different. Which, as Christians, we are. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Remember, 1 Peter 4 v. 8b, "Love covers a multitude of sins." Conversely, when we repeat a matter, it adds no value. Usually its to other people, people that may know the person that has done you wrong. I think about how mean girls can really alienate people with their whispers. This sort of approach is really damaging to all people, not only the one being whispered about, but the whisperer. Since at some point, no one trusts a gossip.

 

A - Application
How am I handling it when people offend me?   

P - Prayer   

Jesus, Give me the strength to forgive, help me to share why I am different.  Love Will.

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Recognize that your trials have a purpose

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 17 v. 3  The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for Gold, and the Lord tries hearts.

O - Observation

The importance of trials. This verse speaks to why I face trials, problems in life. Jesus is using this to refine me to make me better, stronger.  They say you know who your friends are when the chips are down. When I am down, What do I turn to? Am I trying to work it out on my own, or do I seek God's wisdom? Psalm 54 v. 4, 7a "Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. For thou hast delivered me from every trouble." It’s during these times that I draw closer to God. I realize how desperate I need him. I am never disappointed. After I face these trials, I am usually better in my relation with God. My mindset has changed when trials happen to, "Why me?" to "Why FOR me?" What lesson am I to learn from this trial.

 

A - Application
How am I approaching the trials in my life?   

P - Prayer   

Jesus, Refine me as you see fit. Help me to draw closer to you. Love Will.

Give your boss(es) a reason to smile!

S - Scripture  
Proverbs 16 v. 15  In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

O - Observation

A King's power. A King's glory. This proverb gives light to understanding our roles. We all have bosses, or Kings. To work with them, to create a smile on their face, will bring good things to your life. I see that in my own job as certain people really make my boss happy, and he responds with great favor, much more than to other folks. It this holds true for our earthly Kings, you would have to believe that is true in Spades for our Heavenly King. Psalm 47 v. 7, "For God is the King of all the earth, sing praises with a psalm." So, from a logical point of view, if we find favor and good things from our bosses or earthly leaders, how much greater is the rewards for favor with the King of the world?

 

A - Application
What am I doing for my Heavenly King? Am I giving him a reason to smile?   

P - Prayer   

Jesus, You are my King!!! I bless your holy name.  Love Will.

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Too Little

 Too Little

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are TOO LITTLE to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming is from of old, from ancient days.

O - OBSERVATION: There is so much to talk about in this text and most will take a much more prophetic direction than I. However what caught my interest is that Bethlehem was little, too little to be considered important, and yet God chose this little village to be the birthplace of His beloved Son, our Saviour! Through a myriad of circumstances (actually God’s plans), Jesus was

born in Bethlehem, even though it was a small village.

A - APPLICATION: So how many times have you and I said we can’t undertake a certain task because we are not qualified or not educated enough, especially tasks that have to do with mission and ministry? God actually uses the ordinary, humble person to do His very important ministry. Why? Because humility can sell the Gospel much better than arrogance. Prideful attitudes will seldom serve God’s purposes well, but those who humbly follow the Spirit’s leading, will usually serve Him well. In James 4:6 it says; “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So what’s the point, Bethlehem was not too little for the birth of Jesus, and you and I are not too little to serve Him with all  we are and have!

PRAYER: Gracious Father, we give humble thanks for the gift of Jesus in the little town of Bethlehem. Lord, use us, Your humble servants to share the good news of Jesus in every circumstance in which You call us. In Jesus Name, Amen

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