Breathed Out

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: ( 2 Timothy 16-17) All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God might be complete, equipped for every good work.

O-OBSERVATION: The KJV says “by inspiration”, the NIV says “Godbreathed.” In each case the meaning is very definitive! Scripture is the voice of God talking to us! There is no hint that it’s just a story book, or that it is filled with suggestions; But rather it is without a doubt directly from the mouth of God that we His people may know how to live our lives in a way that pleases Him and sustains us throughout our life on this earth and it prepares us and strengthens our faith so that we might inherit eternal life with Him for ever. Furthermore it equips us to serve Him by sharing the gospel.

A - APPLICATION: Because we know the truth of scripture, we have been set free. John 18:32 You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Free from what? The consequences of sin, death and the power of the devil. We are now people with a hope and a future in eternity, we need not be downtrodden, we know that even if death takes us or a loved one there is a promised reunion in eternity with our fellow believers. Revelations 2:10b “Be thou faithful until death and I will give you a crown of Life!” All of this because the Word is “Breathed Out” by God and is therefore most certainly true!

P - PRAYER: Gracious Father, help us to always know by the power of Your Spirit that Your Word is exactly what it says it is. It is without blemish or fault, but is as though You breathed it out. 1 Peter 2:21 Holy Men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Help us to trust that Your Spirit prompted men to say exactly what You would have them say so that we know what we are reading is the TRUTH!  In Jesus Name, Amen

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Think about worthy things

S – Scripture

Proverbs 22 v. 11  He who love purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the King as a friend.

 

O – Observation

A way of life. Friendship with a King. Notice this Proverb did not talk about being and advisor, a servant, or slave to a King, but a friend. Webster defines friend as someone who you feel close to and trust. Think about having that relationship with a King or other high ranking official. Carry it a step further, who is the King of Kings? Jesus. Having a purity of heart helps us draw close and to develop a friendship with him. How do you get to a pure heart? Its how you train your mind to think. Philippians 4 v.8 gives us great guidance. “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

 

A – Application

How is the purity of my heart and speech?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus. Help me to be Philippians 4 v.8. Love Will.

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Know the key to great teams

S – Scripture

Proverbs 22 v. 10  Drive out a scoffer and the strife will go out and quarreling and abuse will cease.

 

O – Observation

The key to a team. Or, the law of the bad apple. This Proverb points out that to create cohesion in a team, you need to eliminate the scoffer. IT’s NOT to say that a differing of opinion is bad, its just once a decision is made, move on. The continual negative outlook will devise a team, will destroy moral. Removing the bad influence will create unity, and unity is what God desires. 1 Corinthians 1 v. 10, “I appeal to you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all you agree and that the be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and same judgment.” If  you can’t physically drive out a scoffer, the next best way to do this is to ignore them, shut the negative attitude and influence out.

 

A – Application

Am I a part of cohesive teams? What can I do to help cohesion?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus. Give us wisdom in how to create unified teams. Love Will.

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Be wise with your money

S – Scripture

Psalm 22 v. 7  The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave to the lender.

 

O – Observation

Money management and responsibility. How we manage our money determines what our responsibility is. If we are rich, we have a responsibility to the poor. What sort of ruler will we be? One with a loving heart that reflects outward or one that reflects inward? 1 John 3 v. 17, “ But if anyone has the world goods and see his brother in need, yet closes he hart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?’ Likewise if we borrow money, we have a responsibility to pay it back. But the more we owe the greater it restricts our day to day money. This causes us to be slaves. Since in the end, Banks will take collateral for any unpaid dept. Owing money takes away our free will to do what we want with our money.

 

A – Application

How am I responsible with my money?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus. Help me to be wise with the money I have and that I owe. Love Will.

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Consider what you say about people

S - Scripture
Proverbs 30 v. 10  Do not slander a servant to his master, lease he curse you, and you be held guilty.

O - Observation
Destruction. Slander gets you no where. It can only harm you. This Proverb shows the end game of Slander and how a person loses on all fronts.  First) The person being slandered will hate you. Will curse you. Our approach to this person should be as directed in 1 Peter 4 v. 8-9, "Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another." Second) The person that you stated to slander to (the master) will realize what you say may not be true, or hold your approach despicable, thus holding you guilty. So instead of pointing out the wrong, we should follow 1 Timothy 2 v. 1, "First of all, then, I urge supplications, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all men."

A - Application
What is my approach to people? Am I harming myself?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to love one another. Help me to pray for everybody.  Love Will.

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Be in life's "Sweet Spot"

S - Scripture
Proverbs 30 v. 7a, 8b-9 Two things I ask of thee, Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needed for me, lest I be full, and deny thee, and say "Who is the Lord?" or least I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.

O - Observation
The sweet spot of life! That's what this prayer of the Proverb is all about. Living in a community that speaks the truth. No deception, no lies. John 14 v. 6a, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the Way the TRUTH, and the life." Living a comfortable affordable life. Having the right amount of money (Not to much nor to little) will allow you to focus on things of life outside of money. To much or to little money shifts your life's focus towards money. Which is a problem. 1 Timothy 6 v. 10, "For the Love of money is the root of all evils, it is thru this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and have pierced their heart with many pangs."
 
A - Application
Am I in the 'Sweet Spot' of life? What do I need to do to get there?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Surround me with truth and give me my daily bread.  Love Will.

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Recognize Jesus status!

S - Scripture
Proverbs 30 v. 4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name and what is his Son's name?

O - Observation
There is only one!!! This verse is amazing to me. It is the recognition of God and his son. This was written way before Jesus was ever born. But, yet here it is foretold. Who is that that this verse is talking about? Isaiah 9 v. 6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the Government will be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called, 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace'" What is his name? Jesus!!!

A - Application
Do I really understand what Jesus really means?

P - Prayer
Jesus,  You are 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and my friend.  Love Will.

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One Day in Your Courts

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: 

Psalm 84:10a niv Better is one day in Your Courts than a thousand elsewhere.

O- OBSERVATION:

This is another of my favorite passages in Psalms! Better is one day in God’s House with God’s people than a thousand elsewhere! The longer I’ve been on this earth, the more I see God’s truth in that verse. Today I absolutely long for the opportunity to worship God, sing His praises, and learn more about Him through His Word. There is a peace that comes from worship that is impossible to find elsewhere.

A - APPLICATION: 

It seems to me that too many of us have a rather causal attitude about church attendance. Our average attendance is actually about 50-55% of actual membership, on Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday, and Resurrection Sunday, we may hit 80%. I often wonder why the difference, these days are of course Special days on the church calendar and there are often visitors, but every opportunity to worship is a special day; plus it’s being obedient to God’s Command In Exodus 20:8; Remember the Sabbath to keep it Holy. Our busy schedules, our exposure to a decadent  culture, and our own sinful nature all clamor for our hearts to take at least one day a week and focus on what Jesus has done to redeem us and save us from sin, death and the power of

the devil. In reality we should be reading God’s Word daily, but nothing can take the place of corporate worship and the encouragement of our fellow believers. After all God said “it is not good for man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18. The relationships we have at church are indeed some of our best relationships!

P - Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, as the day is steadily drawing nearer to Jesus Second Coming, teach us to value and love meeting together as You tell us in Hebrews 10:25. You know Lord how good it is for us to build relationships with fellow believers, may we worship every time we can until You come for us. In Jesus

Name, Amen 

Every word of God proves true

S - Scripture
Proverbs 30 v. 5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

O - Observation
The words of God! If you think about what he has to say, it is a shield. It is a source of direction and amazement. Here's some direct quotes from Jesus, which proves or will prove to be true. Matthew 6 v. 33, "But seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all the things shall be yours as well." Matthew 10 v. 32, "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my father who is in Heaven." Matthew 18 v. 20, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them." And perhaps his most important 3 words, John 10 v. 30, "It is finished."

A - Application
Have I dwelt on Jesus words and recognize that they all are and will be true?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for speaking the truth.  Love Will.

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God's Grace - How Awesome!!!

S - Scripture
Proverbs 29 v. 26 Many seek the favor of a ruler, but from the Lord a man gets justice.

O - Observation
Consistency. Justice is equal to fairness. This Proverb speaks to how awesome our God is. Serving for an earthly ruler, we all have them, bosses, parents, the Government. They all have rules to live by, but sucking up to them, playing politics, may enhance your personal lot, some additional fringe benefits. That's the beauty of Jesus Christ, he's inherently fair. He has the same goal for everyone. 1 Timothy 2 v. 3b-4, "God our Savior who desires ALL men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." What do we need to do? Is there any special maneuvering that we need to do to be saved? No!!! Romans 6 v. 23b, "But the FREE gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." We just have to believe.
 
A - Application
What am I doing with the Gift God has given me?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for the greatest gift, eternal life. Love Will.

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Consider your source of safety

S - Scripture
Proverbs 29 v. 25 The fear of man lays a snare, but he who trust in the Lord is safe.

O - Observation
The source of safety. We have a choice: Trust God or Trust man. 1 Corinthians 1 v. 18-19 points out what we should choose. "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the Power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the cleaver I will thwart." Jesus saves. Jesus provides us safety for the long term. Our time on earth is but a breath, our time afterwards is forever, thus the folly in trusting in man. Its for such a short period. What are we to do? Let him in!! Revelation 3 v. 20, "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me."

A - Application
Where do I place my trust in?

P - Prayer
Jesus, I pray Revelation 2 v. 7b, "To him who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life." Help me to conquer.  Love Will.

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Love - the building block for loyalty

S - Scripture
Proverbs 29 v. 21 He who pampers his servant from childhood, will in the end find him his heir.

O - Observation
The building block for developing loyalty. Love. In this Proverb, it talks about pampering a servant. Not their own child, but someone that has to do what you need them to do. Its your approach. Do you manage with a stick or with honey? The very act of pampering shows a commitment to the person above and beyond what's expected. How do you expect a person to swim the river (go above and beyond) for you, if they don't perceive that you would do the same for them? Jesus stated this principle in Mark 4 v. 24, "And he said to them, 'take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure that you get, and still more will be given to you."
 
A - Application
How do I treat those that do things for me?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to develop loyal teams.  Love Will.

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Apply what your learn

S - Scripture
Proverbs 29 v. 19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined for though he understands, he will not give heed.

O - Observation
Tell and do. This Proverb gives the true definition of discipline. Webster defines discipline as "train". Successful discipline requires addressing two learning functions at the same time. Learning by hearing and seeing is not quite enough, you also have to have the "feel" of what is being taught. Whether it is doing the activity, such as homework, or feeling the consequences of your action, the reinforcement of the telling is critical. Hebrews 12 v. 11, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
 
A - Application
When I am disciplining, am I doing a complete job of training?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to train those that you want me to.  Love Will.

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Everyone is important!

S - Scripture
Proverbs 29 v. 14 If a King judges the poor with equity his throne will be established forever.

O - Observation
Everyone is important. Everyone regardless of their lot in life has value. People need people to exist. Its like the Human Ecosystem. Every part plays a role in sustainability. Remove one part and it dramatically impacts the other. Removing grass fields starves the deers. Oppressing or treating the less important (in your eyes) will impact the things around you. From a work perspective, some of the folks in the clinics make almost nothing compared to the doctors, but its those people that have the initial contact, initial impression on the patient. If the Janitors didn't care, the place would look unkept. Everyone from the High Priced to the low priced plays a key role. Valuing everybody builds a great kingdom.

A - Application
Do I play favorites because of status?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to value everyone with equality.  Love Will.

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He is Risen

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:6 He is not here, for He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where He lay.

O-OBSERVATION: Imagine the shock on the women’s face as they heard the first phrase the angel spoke; “He is not here”. And then the rest of the sentence, “for He is risen, as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. And only minutes later they actually got to see Jesus. Hallelujah, praise God! Can you imagine their excitement, when they actually took hold of His feet vrs9, and worshipped Him! I find it interesting that Mary Magdalene, the forgiven prostitute, who anointed His feet with oil, was among the first two people to see the Resurrected Jesus. A beautiful example of the truth of God’s Grace and forgiveness through Christ Jesus!

A - APPLICATION: “He is Risen!” “He is Risen indeed, Hallelujah! That’s the beautiful cry I never tire of hearing as it echo’s throughout all Christendom on Resurrection Sunday! This is the day when we all know beyond a doubt that Jesus was victorious over sin death, and the power of the devil

P - Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray that all who hear the words “He is risen and he is risen indeed, Hallelujah,” will know that Jesus is victorious and that we will all share that great and glorious news! In Jesus Name, Amen

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Don't scheme - Plan!!!

S - Scripture     

Matthew  27 v. 65  Pilate said to them, "You have guard of soldiers; go make it as secure as you can."  

 

O - Observation 

Schemes. The Pharisees couldn't let killing Jesus alone as good enough. They had to make sure he stayed "dead". They were worried that the disciples would steal his body and then claimed he rose. So they schemed and had the Romans guard the tomb and seal it. I find it interesting on how they manipulated the Roman Government to get what they wanted with out ever having to get their own hands dirty.  Schemes. It is defined as an underhand or secret plan. Thanks be to God who does NOT scheme. His plans are well published, he wants all to be saved. There's nothing underhanded about Jesus dyeing and rising again for our sins!!!

 

A - Application  

Do I scheme? Or do I plan? 

 

P - Prayer      

Jesus, Thanks for executing the ultimate master plan for me and my family and my friends.  Love Will.  

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