Bearing Fruit

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: 

John 15:8 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing.

O - OBSERVATION: 

These are the words of Jesus spoken to His disciples during a very fast paced time in scripture. Jesus had exposed His betrayer, given the new commandment John 13:34, told them in John 14:6 “That He was the way, the truth, and the life, the only way to the Father”! Further into John 14 He promised the Holy Spirit and then in chapter 15, this precious nugget of truth about BEARING FRUIT. There is only one way to BEAR FRUIT in God’s Kingdom, and that is being intimately attached to Jesus! He is the vine; can the branches live without the vine? NO!! Therefore a relationship with Jesus is critical for us to BEAR FRUIT!

A - APPLICATION: 

The short way to say this is; if I wish to stay out of the fire where non producing branches perish, I must remain in Him. But it’s not all me, God gives His Spirit, His mercy during my many times of falling short, His grace in my weakness, and His forgiveness over and over when I repent of my sins!  Lamentations 3:22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning! God wants me to remain in Jesus and He helps me do it! He created His people to BEAR FRUIT!

P - PRAYER: 

Gracious Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our vine, for attaching us to Him that we might BEAR FRUIT, May it always be so with us until You call us home! In Jesus Name, Amen

Photo by summertrain on Unsplash

Know what your source of pleasure is

S - Scripture
Psalm 1 v. 2  But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 

O - Observation
The source of pleasure. Webster defines delight as, "someone or something that gives you pleasure." The Law of the Lord, the words of God is an amazing source of pleasure. And like most humans, if we enjoy it, we crave more, thus the meditation on it day and night. Jesus tells us that he has the good stuff. Matthew 11 v. 28, "Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." God's word is timely. Proverbs 25 v. 11, A word fitly spoken is like apples of Gold in a setting of silver." Meditating on his word, seeking , searching, studying the Bible, will give you an orchard full of fitted spoken words. It is most glorious.
 
A - Application
So... What is the source of my pleasure?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Motivate me to be in your word.  Love Will

Choose your Friends Wisely

S - Scripture
Psalm 1 v. 1a   Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the wicked. 

O - Observation
Choose your advisers, your friends carefully. I think its interesting to note, that this verse uses the verb, "walks" vs. listen. Walking is a lot like the old adage, Birds of a feather flock together. So what is the counsel of the wicked? Well, the obvious human view is the robbers, the drunkards, the prostitutes, the killers, those that deserve jail and punishment. But that is the human point of view. God's instruction is much deeper. God's definition of wicked is anyone who does not follow and meditate on his word. This narrows down the field even more. We need to find, select friends who walk with God. We need to seek their counsel. After all, the advantage of counsel from a Godly person is that they will seek God for input to an issue. 

A - Application
Who am I walking with?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Surround me with a great support structure of Christian friends.    Love Will

Work with the Lord. You will be blessed.

S – Scripture

Mark 16 v. 20 And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

 

O – Observation

I find it interesting to note, that while the disciples preached everywhere, the Lord worked with them and confirmed things with signs. Matthew 18 v. 20 come to mind, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.” That’s awesome!! I also have seen where he has confirmed things in my life with  signs. There are no coincidences. If you keep your eyes and heart open, you will see how God really works in your life.

 

A – Application

Am I working with the Lord? Am I gathering in his name? Am I opening my heart and eyes for his signs?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus,  Help me, Bless me, Encourage me to do your work. Love Will

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Don't be afraid - Just Go!!

S – Scripture

Mark 16 v. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the World and preach the gospel to the whole creation.”

 

O – Observation

These are Jesus last words on earth. He’s not giving lessons or parables, or is he giving advice or providing comforting words. No. His last words are a Command. We are to GO. We are to share the Good News with everybody!!! In him (Jesus) we have eternal life. It doesn’t get any better than that!!

 

A – Application

Am I Going? Who will I share the Good News with next? Am I ready to get out into the whole creation where I’m lead, and preach the Gospel?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to fulfill your command! Love Will.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Pray for the Holy Spirit to come into our lives

S – Scripture

Mark 16 v. 11 But when they heard that he was Alive, and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

 

O – Observation

This was Mark’s account of the Disciple’s reaction when they first heard that Jesus was alive. Faith. It’s illogical. A person  needs Holy intervention to get it. How do we get this intervention? We need to prepare our hearts and minds for it by reading the Bible daily. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit comes into our lives to give us Faith, to strengthen our Faith. Jesus knows Faith is hard. He said in John 20 v 29, “Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe.”

 

A – Application

Am I preparing myself to let the Holy Spirit into my life? Am I praying for a double dose of the Good Stuff (Holy Spirit)?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Fill me up to overflowing with your Holy Spirit. Love Will.

Image by sabri ismail from Pixabay

Go and Tell!!!

S – Scripture

Mark 16 v. 7  But Go, tell his disciple and Peter that he is gong before you to Galilee; and there you will see him, as he told you.

 

O – Observation

This is the message that the angel told the ladies when they saw that the stone was rolled away and Jesus was gone. There’s a lot of parallels between this statement and today. Then, they were instructed to Go and Tell. Jesus will meet them in a specific location, Galilee. The times that they saw Jesus then were astounding, and He sent the Holy Spirit into their lives. More than they could imagine. Today, we are told to Go and Tell as well. And He (Jesus ) is preparing for us a Heavenly mansion. More than we can imagine. Side note: Notice, Peter was specifically mentioned, perhaps that was to ease his pain for denying Christ.

 

A – Application

Am I Going and Telling?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to Go!!! Love Will

Image by Dean Moriarty from Pixabay 

 

Trust

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE:

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

O - OBSERVATION: 

This was an early memory work assignment for me and would seem like a very logical instruction from God to us. It means trusting in God above all else; Trusting Him for provision when jobs are scarce, when weather throws a disaster at farmers, when relationships go south, when a pandemic threatens our health. It means knowing and totally trusting that God is Sovereign in all circumstances! It means we are OK not being in control. Psalm 139:15-16 tells us all we need to know about how much God knows about us before it ever happens!

A - APPLICATION: 

Wow, God, it seems like you had it all figured out all along, and all those years I wondered who I would marry (I was nearly 35 when Carol and I were married). We’ve been led by God to a church that teaches the whole truth and nothing but the truth, we’ve been blessed with family and friends that are fun to hang out with, and all these years you’ve let me grow food for a hungry world! Why on earth did I ever worry? I say those things to encourage those who are younger, who still wonder what’s next. My advice, give it to God, surrender your life to Him, He

promises to make your paths straight when you TRUST in Him!

P - PRAYER: Gracious Father, help all of us to surrender our will to Yours, help us to look for Your lead, to feel Your nudge, and then to follow You in this year of “Following Jesus” and

forevermore! In Jesus Name, Amen 

Help roll away other people's "stones"

S – Scripture

Mark 16 v. 3  And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?”

 

O – Observation

This was the question that the three ladies were asking themselves as they were walking to Jesus tomb to put some spices and anoint him. Burial stuff. The question is applicable to us and our friends, “Who will roll away the stone that’s blocking us, or people we know, from having a personal relationship from God? Note: These ladies didn’t let the dilemma of the stone stop them from going. This is great inspiration for me. Barriers may be present, but that should not stop me from going.

 

A – Application

What stones are in our way from having a personal relationship with Jesus? Do we plow ahead anyways?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Roll away the stones, that block or hinder me from knowing you.  Love Will.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Be a person of Courage, Leadership and Sacrifice

S – Scripture

Mark 15 v. 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

 

O – Observation

Joseph of Arimathea is a Great inspiration to me. Here’s a man of courage, leadership and sacrifice. COURAGE: Just think during the past 24 hours, he saw near riot conditions, when the crowd chanted “crucify him”, he saw Jesus get scourged, and die. Even Peter denied Jesus during this time. Yet, he stepped forward, which comes to the next trait. LEADERSHIP: Stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing. Instead of leaving Jesus to get chucked into some mass grave with the other criminals, he went and gave him a proper burial. Which leads to the last trait. SACRIFICE: This was all happening during Passover, (very holy season), and the Jews have rules about purifying yourself if you touch a dead body. Him doing this, negated him from celebrating this special holiday.

 

A – Application

Am I courageous for Christ? Am I good leader for Christ? Am I willing to sacrifice for Christ?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to be a man of Courage, Leadership and Sacrifice. Love Will.

Image by 🎄Merry Christmas 🎄 from Pixabay 

Recognize that there is a Master Plan

S – Scripture

Mark  15 v. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “ Eloi, Eloi lema sabachthani?” Which means, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

 

O – Observation

Jesus died for me. Wow!!! Jesus, God, now man forsaken by God. He experienced what I deserve so that I can live. Wow!!However, if you think of the Master Plan, God had to forsake Jesus for the good of all. It makes no sense, but it is. It’s why we may wonder why bad things happen to us. There is a master plan, we have to trust that God will deliver. He will!!! John 16 v. 33 sums it up. “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

A – Application

Do I feel forsaken sometimes? Am I trusting God is working a Master Plan in my life?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Thanks for living the BEST MASTER PLAN EVER!!! Thanks for doing this for me. Love Will.

Photo by Dave Lowe on Unsplash

Remember - You are an adjective that describes your Father

S – Scripture

Mark 15 v. 21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

 

O – Observation

I find it interesting to note the adjective used to describe Simon. It wasn’t what he did or how he acted, but instead it was his sons that defined him. They must have been notable, good or bad, because they were mentioned in describing who he was. Reminds me of the following Proverbs. Proverbs 15 v. 20a, “A wise son makes a Glad Father.” And Proverbs 20 v. 11, “Even a child makes himself know by his acts, whether what he does is pure and right.”

 

A – Application

How am I defining my Dad? More importantly, how am I defining my Heavenly Father?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me. Guide me to be a great adjective for you. Help me to live Proverbs 15 v. 20. Love Will.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

What will you do with the Man who is called, "King of the Jews"?

S – Scripture

Mark 15 v. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?”

 

O – Observation

Pilate as a Governor was torn on what to do with Jesus. He found no fault in him, but yet he didn’t want to cause a conflict, so he threw back this question to the Jewish leaders. Sometimes, I understand Pilates position from a political correctness point of view, sometimes I see him as a pansy. Regardless, each one of us must answer this question for ourselves.

 

A – Application

What shall I do with the man who is called King of the Jews? Will I be politically correct and be non committal to him. Or, will I love him with all my heart, soul and mind?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to answer this question with resolution and zeal. Help me to say, I will give my life for this man, Jesus. Love Will.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Live your life to bless the Lord

S - Scripture
Psalm 16 v. 7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.  

O - Observation
Godly wisdom. What a blessing. How awesome is it that we have the Bible to read. 2 Timothy 3 v. 16-17, "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every Good work." When we are intentional about God's word, reading it, studying it, meditating on it, then its words and wisdom begin to permeate us. We think about God's instruction both consciously and subconsciously. God's wisdom is for a full life. It is a recipe for living life to the fullest, living a life to the Glory of God. So how do we respond to such an awesome gift? Live it!!

A - Application
Am I blessing the Lord by living, doing what the Bible teaches?   

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to live my life to bless you. Love Will

Trust that God will help you to speak the Truth

S – Scripture

Mark 15 v. 2  And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”

 

O – Observation

I find it interesting how Jesus “defends” himself when brought up to Pilate and the chief priests. After all, just earlier (Mark 13 v. 9-13) he told us that brother would betray brother (In his case Judas) an you will be delivered to councils and stand before Governors and Kings (Jesus tried by Pilate.) We are not to worry what to say at that time, but the Holy Spirit will guide you. So I find it interesting to study how Jesus handled, “modeled” himself for these instances. There were no swinging punches, no calling of the Calvary, just confident stating of the TRUTH. Check out John 18 v. 19-38.

 

A – Application

Although I have yet to be delivered to Kings and rulers and councils, I am part of other councils, work groups. Do I speak the Truth in them?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Give me the confidence to always speak the TRUTH. Love Will.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay 

The Name

The Name

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: 

Acts 4:12 ESV And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other NAME under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved.

O - OBSERVATION: 

What’s in a name, what do others think when they hear your name? Well, in the NAME of Jesus there is salvation! Furthermore, the NAME of Jesus is the only NAME that will save us or anyone else! John 14:6 says also that He alone is the way to the Father! Jesus does indeed save, and it is only by believing in His NAME, (John 3:16) that eternity with Him is ours! What a beautiful gift, the only gift that really matters!

A - APPLICATION: 

We believe because God’s Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts, but what is our part in believing? It’s up to us to discipline ourselves in the regular study of God’s Holy Word, through which the Spirit works. It’s up to us to participate in regular worship Hebrews 10:25 and listen to faithful Pastors speak the Word. It’s up to us to participate in songs and hymns which proclaim the good news of the one saving NAME. It’s up to us to participate in Holy Communion, and realize the 

benefits of this means of Grace. God’s Spirit works through all of these to convict us that His NAME is about salvation!

P - PRAYER: Gracious Father, it is our heartfelt prayer that all

who read this simply believe in the NAME OF JESUS!

Lord please send Your Spirit among us, so that we might

be reunited in heaven one day. In Jesus NAME, Amen 

Jesus understands your struggles - Don't beat yourself up!!!

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.”

 

O – Observation

This is Peter’s final (3^rd) denial of Christ. It happened just as Jesus predicted. It’s interesting to note, and refreshing in a way to know that Peter who was one of the main disciple’s and instrumental in getting the church started after Jesus death, yet at a time in his life, he denied Christ. Faith is hard some times. During the good times, its easy to have Faith. However, there are times when you have to put it on the line – then its tough. Ask Peter. But yet, God forgave him. Because, he knows and understands what is going on in our lives. That’s why his gift is free, otherwise who would have it. No one.

 

A – Application

Am I beating myself up for weak moment? Or am I looking forward to the future for the next moment?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Thanks for being there for me, even when I struggle in my faith. Love Will

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

We need to speak the Truth

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 55 Now the chief priest and the whole council sought testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none.

 

O – Observation

Two interesting points in the verse. One, the whole council, and two, they found none. When Jesus stood on “trial”, everyone wanted him dead, there was no impartiality with the group. The following verse says they made lies about him but they did not agree - or hold water. Why? Because Jesus is the Truth, and the Way. Which leads to the second point. They found None, because he is the Truth. Fast forward to today. I see many parallels. The scientific community is trying to disapprove Creation. However, the deeper you look, there is no other answer than God created us.

 

A – Application

Am I letting the Holy Spirit use me to point others to the Truth?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Send the Holy Sprit in to my life. Give me wisdom on how to point people to the truth. Love Will.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

You never know when you need to be awake and ready

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 17 And he came and found them sleeping and he said to Peter, “Simon are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?

 

O – Observation

I find it interesting on several levels how Jesus handles this situation. Again, Jesus took Peter, James and John, his inner circle and went to pray. The three of them were all sleeping, but yet he called out Peter (Simon) on this. Why? Also note, he called him by his birth name, Simon, instead of Peter , which he gave him. (See John 1 v, 42).  Note, Peter means Rock. Clearly Peter was NOT a rock at this time. I sure that’s whey he called him Simon in this instance. I’m thinking Peter was the leader of this group , which is also why he call him vs. the other two. (Even though John was the disciple he loved.)

 

A – Application

I think about the leadership roles that I have in church. I think about how Jesus said to whom much is given, much is demanded. Am I ready?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to be ready and awake when you need me. Love Will.

Prepare for Tests

S - Scripture
Psalm   11 v. 5  The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates him that loves violence.

O - Observation
Tests. We all will face them. God is impartial to whom he tests. He tests everybody. Why do we have tests? To make us better. Its true in school. Its true in life. Proverbs 27 v. 17a, "Iron sharpens Iron." and Proverbs 27 v. 21a, "The crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold." Both these Proverbs points out to the end game of tests. How do we prepare for God's tests? 2 Corinthians 13 v. 5, "Exam yourselves, to see whether you are holding to the faith.  TEST YOURSELVES. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test." Just like practice tests in school, we need to do the same in our lives. Live God's word and instruction, so when his tests come, we will be ready.

A - Application
How am I preparing for my tests? How am I doing?

P - Prayer
Jesus,  Help me to respond to your tests with flying colors.  Love Will

Follow Jesus lead in your prayer life

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 32 And they want to a place which was called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

 

O – Observation

Jesus was getting ready to face the crux of his time on earth, the whole painful sacrificial reason. So what does he do? Two things. 1^st) Prays – Talk to God. In the same format that we do. He didn’t transfigure like before or “Poofed up to heaven” to talk to God. Nope. He prayed. Just like you and I. 2^nd) He went to a special spot. A spot where he would not be distracted. A spot that would help him to be still to pray and listen.

 

A – Application

What a great example. As I face the troubles of the world, am I following Jesus’s lead? Am I going to God
in Prayer? Do I have a special spot to Pray?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus,  Bless me. Help me to always go to you. Love Will.

Prepare and Allow - they go hand in hand

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepared for us.

 

O – Observation

This verse makes me think about the owner of the house that had the upper room. I find it fascinating that not only did Jesus know this room would be there, but the fact that the owner prepared the room in advance not knowing how he was going to use it. Was he going to use if for himself and family, or would he assume someone else would use it? The key point to me is that the guy prepared his house and was ready when Jesus came a knocking.

 

A – Application

Am I prepared for when Jesus shows up in my life? Do I have a room ready for him? Am I wiling to let God use my home (heart) as he sees fit?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to prepare my room (heart) for you. Come and use it as you see fit. Love Will.

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay