Be all in for Christ!!!

Prophecy - New Testament
S - Scripture
Revelation  3 v. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. 

O - Observation
In or Out. Its decision time. Jesus says in Matthew 12 v. 30, "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." You need to be all in. You can't be a partial Christian and do your church thing for an hour a week and then live the remaining time of the week pursing worldly passions. James 4 v. 4, "Do you no know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." Its not easy. The world is alluring and initially much simpler. Jesus recognizes this in Matthew 16 v. 24, "If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The reward for being hot for Jesus is Great. Revelation 2 v. 10b, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
 
A - Application
So....Am I all in? Am I hot for God?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Let all I say, think and act be for you and your glory.  Love Will

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Show yor love!

Wisdom - New Testament
S - Scripture
1 John  3 v. 16  By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

O - Observation
Love is sacrifice. What a great role model, example, the real deal Jesus is. Romans 5 v. 8, "But God shows his love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us." Jesus left the comforts of Godhood not only physically, but also emotionally, when on the cross he cried out, My God, My God. Why have you forsaken me? Total sacrifice. Total love. How are we to follow? Lay down our lives? Not necessarily physically dying for someone, but give up self for them. 1 John 3 v. 17, "But anyone who has the worlds good and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" Today's world, Today's economy give us plenty of opportunity to love. So.... Lets do it!!!

A - Application
Am I displaying Love? Who am I sacrificing for?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Give me the strength, endurance, encouragement and will to love sacrificially.  Love Will

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Keep God's word Pure

Wisdom - New Testament

S - Scripture
2 Peter  3 v. 16  Speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures.

O - Observation
Keep Gods word pure. All of it. Some of God's words make sense at face value, some of God's word truly needs to be meditated on for God's logic, guidance and love to come through. Peter gives us advice on how to approach God's word in 1 Peter 2 v. 3, "Like newborn babies long for the spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation." Keeping God's word pure produces great reward. Today's world is polluting God's word. Christian churches approving  the homosexual lifestyle. People kill and bomb abortion clinic's in God's name.  People use selective verse from the bible to drive their destructive agendas: Manson, various hate groups.

A - Application
Am I accepting and drinking God's word as pure spiritual milk?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to keep your word pure and to pour the spiritual milk for everybody.  Love Will

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One Mediator

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 1:5 For there is one God and one MEDIATOR between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people.

O - OBSERVATION: This a profound and beautiful passage from the Apostle Paul to his brother in the faith, whom he calls his true son because of his young age and faithfulness. Paul charged Timothy with overseeing the church at Ephesus, so as we began the study of the book of Ephesians last Sunday, this truth in verse 5 becomes both timely and always relevant.

A - APPLICATION: When the curtain in the temple tore in Mark 15:38, in symbolized that the separation between God and man because of sin was now over. We could bring our petitions directly to God for the full atonement of Jesus the Lamb of God was sufficient for all sin. But, Jesus is still at work in heaven interceding for us. That is, He is our mediator, our “go between" the One who pleads our case when we bring our petitions before the Heavenly Father. There is no Mediator between God and us other than the man Christ Jesus!!

P - PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus as our Mediator! My simple prayer today is that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth 1Tim 2:4 and as His people we would know He is in heaven interceding and mediating for each one of His people.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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Learn to pray for your enemies

Wisdom - New Testament

S - Scripture
1 Peter 3 v. 16  and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 

O - Observation
Turn the other cheek. If you live your life for Jesus, especially in today's rapidly deteriorating culture, you will take some abuse. Today's verse is instruction how to handle this type of abuse. In this case, don't let anger, resentment or hatred seep into your hearts when your accusers, enemies attack or make fun of you. Instead, do as Jesus commands in Matthew 5 v. 44, "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." The mindset is way different than what the world would have us take. The difference is, we already know the outcome. 1 John 5 v. 4a, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world."
 

A - Application
Do I live knowing that God has overcome the world? Do I pray for my enemies?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Give me the strength and courage to love my enemies.  Love Will

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Know where to set your focus!!!

Wisdom - New Testament

S - Scripture
James 3 v. 16  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

O - Observation
Pride is a killer. Not only for you but those around you. Think about America's corporate culture, the leaders of these companies. They position themselves above the good of the people. But yet they destroy so many lives. We've had to bank role banks and auto manufacturers. Enron. Why? Pride begets power. And Power is driven by money. After all, "He who dies with the most toys win." Right??? Money in itself is not bad, its the selfish ambition towards it that is the danger. 1 Timothy 6 v. 10a, "For the LOVE of money is the root of all evils." Since money fuels power and power inflates self, you could rephrase the 1st Timothy verse to say, "For the love of SELF is the root of all evils." Pride is the #1 item on the list of things God hates. See Proverbs 5 v. 16-17.
 
A - Application
What is my focus? What is my ambition? Is it for myself or for God?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to have and pursue your ambitions and not mine.  Love Will

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Faith is a lifetime journey

Wisdom - New Testament
S - Scripture
Hebrews   3 v. 16 Who were they that heard and where rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the Leadership of Moses?

O - Observation
Faith is NOT a one time event. We need to be able to keep our faith, our focus, especially after a mountain top experience. We need to have the same vigor and passion for our Lord Jesus when times are not easy, or obvious. Think about the history mentioned in this verse. What would you do if you lived thru watching the Plagues devastate Egypt, but not you?  Watched and experienced the Red Sea parting? Would you have joined them, when things didn't go there way? Would you have created a golden calf to worship vs. worshiping the actual God that did those miracles? Hebrews 3 v. 12-13, "Take care brethren, lest there be in any of you and evil and unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the Living God. But exhort one another everyday, as long as it is called "today" that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

A - Application
Am I allowing my faith to waiver? Am I letting my friends and brothers faith waiver?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to stay steadfast to you my entire life.  Love Will

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Use the ultimate teaching aid!!!

Wisdom - New Testament

S - Scripture
2 Timothy  3 v. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.

O - Observation
The ultimate teaching aid. The Bible. Unlike all the other text books, where it is filled with wisdom from man, its content is from God. The whole Bible is applicable. I have found this out in my Journey thru all the 3 v. 16's. There has been some random ones. But each one has an important lesson, kernel of wisdom, a life application. We are reminded of what to do with the wisdom from God's word in Proverbs 7 v. 22-23, "Keep my commandments and live, keep my teachings as the apple of your eye, bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart. " Etching God's wisdom on your heart is critical for long term well being. Ephesians 5 v. 15-15, "Look then carefully how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. "

A - Application
How am I using the ultimate teaching aid?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Thanks for giving me the Bible. Help me to mine out all its wisdom.  Love Will

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Jesus is all encompassing!

Wisdom - New Testament
S - Scripture
1 Timothy  3 v. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

O - Observation
The complete package - Jesus Christ. He experienced mortality and is immortal. His time on earth, he experienced the same things we do. Hunger, thirst, hot and cold. He knows what it is like to have people love and hate him. He has been tempted just like you and me. But, he was perfect so that we would not have to be. He created a new paradigm. Belief and trust in him leads you to eternity with the Father. He is known in both the visible and invisible worlds. He holds power over both the visible and invisible worlds. He was taken up in glory and will return in glory.

A - Application
Do I realize how encompassing Jesus is?

P - Prayer
Jesus, You are my God. I am honored. Love Will

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Apply the DNA of Peace (Love) in your life

Wisdom - New Testament

S - Scripture
2 Thessalonians  3 v. 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. 

O - Observation
Peace. This is God's desire. When there is peace, there is no conflict. And when there is no conflict, there is unity. Ephesians 2 v. 14, "For he is our Peace, who made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility." The DNA of peace is Love. Colossians 3 v. 14, "And above all these virtues put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." We are given some practical advice in how to administer Love. 1 Peter 4 v. 8-9a, "Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another." Love is work. Love is commitment. Love creates an attitude, a persona. It is the heart of being a Christian. 1 John 4 v. 19, "We love, because he first loved us."
 
A - Application
Am I using the DNA of peace in my life? Am I striving for unity?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Let my life live for peace and unity in you. Love Will

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Every Time I Remember You

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:3 I thank my God for you every time I remember you.

OBSERVATION: Why does the writer of Philippians pen such a statement to the people of Philippians? Because they have been found faithful, they are partners in the Gospel with Paul to accomplish Gods mission in this area of the world. The fellowship of believers working together to achieve God’s mission is a powerful experience to be a part of. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayer.

APPLICATION: The very last sentence of Acts 2 tells us what happens when we are steadfast in the Word and our relationship with our fellow members is unified and we are thankful for each one. V47b And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.That is exactly the formula for growth in the church, no wonder our churches vision statement is “We are Alive in Christ, developing relationships for life.” I can truly say “I thank my God for you every time I remember you.”

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank God for the bride of Christ, the church. We thank You for the Risen Jesus and for all believers who gather together in His Name. With Paul we say, I thank God for all who gather together in His Name. In Jesus Name, Amen

Don't sit on the Sidelines!!!

Wisdom - New Testament

S - Scripture
Philippians  3 v. 16  Only let us hold true to what we have obtained.

O - Observation
Faith is not an event, it is a journey. We don't earn salvation, it is a Gift from God. Regardless, the gift is ours, we have obtained or gotten something we want. If we want to enjoy this gift, we need to use it, have faith in it, have a relationship with it. Philippians 3 v.14, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 4 v. 7-8a, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness." Colossians 3 v, 2,4, " Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  When Christ who is in our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." These verses help us to understand the importance of the journey. We need to be focused, we need to live our faith. The rewards will be great.

A - Application
Am I content with just being saved? Or... am I living my life to the fullest with this knowledge?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Don't let me sit on the sidelines. Let me live and experience faith in you. Love Will

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Live your life in Joy!!!

Wisdom - New Testament

S - Scripture
Colossians  3 v. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

O - Observation
But Father, I just want to sing! This is one of the many funny lines that our family quotes from the movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But, in this case its true. Being a Christian is a joyous thing. Having complete confidence in knowing your eternal destiny, plus knowing that God is right there with you while on earth should propel us into a Cheerful mindset. Matthew 6 v. 21, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." This confidence, this joy is what we should be teaching others about. Proverbs 17 v., 22a, "A cheerful heart is good medicine." This is the medicine we need to administer to the world.

A - Application
Am I living my life in the Joy and Confidence of having Jesus as my savior?

P - Prayer
Jesus, I will dance, I will sing, to be glad for my King.  Love Will

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Stengthen your core!!!

Wisdom - New Testament
S - Scripture
Ephesians  3 v. 16 That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his spirit in the inner man.
 

O - Observation
Core strength. In physical training, they talk about the importance of strengthening your core, your midsection. A strong core improves all other aspects of your body, legs, back and arms. 1 Timothy 4 v. 7b-8, "Train yourself in godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it hold promise for the present life and also for the life to come." So what is our training program? 1) Titus 3 v. 9a, "Avoid stupid controversies. 2) Hebrews 2 v. 1a, "Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard". 3) 2 Peter 1 v. 5-7, "for this reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with Knowledge and knowledge with self control, and self control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with Godliness, and Godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."

A - Application
How is my core strength? Am I working to strengthen it?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Give me the commitment to stay true to the training program you have for me.  Love Will

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Recognize that you are Family!!!

Wisdom - New Testament
S - Scripture
Galatians 3 v. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offspring's", referring to many; but referring to one, "and your offspring", which is Christ.

O - Observation
Family. Just as marriage or blood (children) binds you to a family, so does faith in Jesus. Galatians 3 v. 26-28, "for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through FAITH. For as many as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave or free, there is neither male or female; for you are all ONE IN CHRIST JESUS." Being a part of a family has privileges. One of them is an inheritance. The inheritance God has for us is heaven. Jesus has told us that he is going to prepare a place for us. 1 Corinthians 2 v. 9. "No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him."
 

A - Application
Do I recognize my "family"? Am I treating them like family? Am I adding to the "family"?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Thanks for having me as a part of your "family".  Love Will

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Add your name to the MOST important book!!!

Minor Prophets - Old Testament
S - Scripture
Malachi 3 v. 16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another; the Lord heeded and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and thought on his name.

O - Observation
The book of life. Its interesting to me that this book is mentioned in the old testament and in the new testament. A common strand is woven between old testament prophecy and new testament prophecy. A prophecy yet unfulfilled. Revelation 20 v. 12, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Also another book was opened which is the book of life." Having your name in the book of life is simply put, the most critical thing you can do during your time on earth because... Malachi 3 v. 17. "They shall be mine says the Lord of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as a man who spares his son who serves him."

A - Application
Is my name in the Book of Life? Do I recognize that it is not any good deeds but only belief in Jesus as my Savior that will get my name in the book?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Give me a strong faith in you so that you will write my name in the Book of Life. Love Will

Our God is mighty to Save!!!

Minor Prophets - Old Testament
S - Scripture
Zephaniah 3 v. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak.

O - Observation
Our God is Mighty to Save!!! We have no reason to fear our enemies, our problems, our addictions. The next verse says it all. Zephaniah 3 v. 17, "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives you victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his Love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival." Wow!! Pause for a moment and think about what that verse just said. Here's the key words; in your MIDST, OVER YOU, RENEW you, EXULT you. These are not words of a passive God, no these are words that show just how valuable you and I are. He wants each of us, personally, to be awesome. He values us all. 2 Peter 3 v. 9b, "Not wishing that ANY should perish."

A - Application
How will I approach my life knowing that God is personally invested in me?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Savior, you can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save. You came and conquered the grave. THANKS!!!  Love Will

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He Is Risen!

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Luke 24: 6,7 He is not here; He has Risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee. 7 The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.

O - OBSERVATION: When the women went to the tomb on the third day after the death of Jesus, to anoint his body, this is how they were greeted by the angels. Can you imagine how confused they must have been? I’m not sure the word’s; “HE IS RISEN” even registered
with them until they heard verse 7, which were the words of Jesus to them earlier.

A - APPLICATION: We have the benefit of the four Gospels each of them telling the same story in the style of the author, but inspired by Almighty God. The word’s “HE IS RISEN” is the victorious cry throughout all of Christendom on Resurrection Sunday. Victorious because it’s Jesus victory over sin, death, and the devil that we are excited about. In this decadent culture 
we live in today, the reality of this Victory is sorely needed! Jesus is the only sure cure for depression, anxiety, addiction and every other sinful condition of mankind. People whether they know it or not, cannot be truly happy and unafraid of the future unless Jesus resides in their heart! Jesus gives us victory over every evil before it even manifests itself! To feel true peace regardless of circumstances, give your all, give your life, to Jesus! Only then will you truly
know the pure joy in the cry: “HE IS RISEN!”

P - PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be victorious over every scheme of the evil one. Grant us Lord, faith to know that in the words; “HE IS RISEN!” are all the, peace, joy, and hope that we need to get us through this life and into eternity with YOU. In Jesus Name, Amen

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Don't be consumed with Revenge

Minor Prophets - Old Testament
S - Scripture
Habakkuk 3 v. 16 I hear, and my body trembles, my lips quiver at the sound, rottenness enters into my bones, my steps totter beneath me. I quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us.

O - Observation
Have confidence that God will address your enemies. We don't have to let hatred and revenge burn in our hearts. Romans 12 v. 19,21, "Beloved never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, 'Revenge is mine, I will repay says the Lord.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." I think its important to note that God doesn't want us to stand around when being bullied, he wants us to stand up for what is right, but NOT to be consumed with rage and revenge. If we believe that God is a fair Judge, then we have nothing to worry about.
 

A - Application
Does revenge burn in my heart? Am I letting go of my anger? Am I overcome with evil?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to love my enemies.  Love Will

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Focus on the Eternal!!!

Minor Prophets - Old Testament
S - Scripture
Nahum 3 v. 16 You increased your merchants more than the stars of heaven. The locust spreads its wings and fly away.

O - Observation
Focus on things eternal. For.... Here today - Gone tomorrow. Just as a swarm of locust will seem impressive while they are here, soon they will move on and there will be nothing. Matthew 16 v. 26, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?" So if the things of this world will come and go, what should we focus on? Matthew 6 v. 19-20, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal." So how do we go about getting eternal treasure? We invest our focus on Jesus. Matthew 6 v. 21, "For where your treasure is, there will be your heart."

A - Application
What is my focus? What am I placing as my treasure?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to focus on the eternal and not the temporary.  Love Will

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