Hearing

Hearing

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - Scripture: 

Romans 10:17KJV So than faith cometh by HEARING and HEARING by the word of God.

O - Observation: Wow! So, if we are to have faith we must HEAR the word of God! We can study the word of God by regular and daily reading as our Pastor frequently reminds us, but we must

have the Holy Spirits help in understanding the truth of the Gospel; John 14:6 “The Holy Spirit will teach you all things. That’s why worship is so critical; the songs prepare our hearts, they soften any callousness that may occur from a week in the world. Then it is so critical that we engage in HEARING a clear presentation of the Gospel! Isaiah 52:7 says how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel! FAITH comes by HEARING! And we are saved by Grace through Faith! HEARING the Word is critical!!

A - Application: 

So, when I’m reading scripture, listening to a sermon, I can’t be going through the motions, but rather I need to concentrate on HEARING and let those words go deep into my heart, so that my faith has a chance to grow strong, like a big oak tree, that will withstand the storms and wiles of Satan. And that, with God’s Spirit as my guide I might help my neighbor to HEAR!

P- Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a heart that is open to HEARING all You desire me to treasure-up!  In Jesus Name, Amen 

Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash

Stay Fresh - Watch!!

S – Scripture

Mark 13 v. 33 Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come.

 

O – Observation

This is the middle sentence on Jesus closing comments on the end times. Mark 13 32-37. During his closing remarks he says for us to WATCH three times. This must be important if he stresses it three times in one thought pattern. Why is he stressing for us to watch? Because he wants no one to go to hell. Hell must be worse than any of us can imagine. So he does not want us to be off guard. If we are not on guard, things happen – and usually they are not good things.

 

A – Application

Am I on guard? Am I watching? What am I doing to keep “Awake” or on Guard at all times?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus,  Keep me fresh. Help me to be watching at all times. Love Will.

 

Don't just know the signs - do something about it

S – Scripture

Mark 13 v. 28 From the fig tree learn its lesson. As soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves you know that summer is near.

 

O – Observation

Jesus said this as a closing statement on his description of the end times. Note that in the allegory he references specific things, branch tender, leaves. Things that are observable. Much like he said earlier, “Kingdom vs. Kingdom, earthquakes, famines, gospel preached to all nations, false prophets, the sun will darken. But then he says, summer is near. Which is a generalization. Sure we have a date marked as the start of summer, but we all know that summer comes when it wants and we can’t predict when that happens.

 

A – Application

Am I ready for summer? Am I ready for God’s eternal summer? How do I get ready? Am I reading God’s word and praying?

P – Prayer

Jesus, Thanks for teaching me the signs of the coming eternal summer season. Love Will

It's critical to know exactly God's word

 S – Scripture

Mark 13 v. 21-22a  And then if anyone says in you, Look here is the Christ!, or Look there he is! Do not believe it. False Christ’s and false prophets will arise… to lead astray.

 

O – Observation

Jesus tells us that there will be people that will be there to lead people away from him. I can think of a coupe in my life time, the Mormon sect in Waco Texas, David Keresh (remember him, sneakers and UFO’s? ) Those are false Christ’s. What about prophets? Could this be various church leaders that lead people astray. I think about the coexist bumper sticker that I see. I think about denominations that preach prosperity gospel.

 

A – Application

What am I doing to not get snookered by False Christ’s and Prophets? Be in God’s word daily. Pick Christian friends to encourage and support.

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Keep my eyes open and heart guarded against the False Christ’s and prophets. Love Will.

Image by anncapictures from Pixabay 

The importance of praying for the Holy Spirit to come into our lives

S – Scripture

Mark 13 v. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand on what you are to say; but say whatever is given to you in that hour, for it is not you who speaks, but the Holy Spirit.

 

O – Observation

This is part of Jesus message on the end times. During the last days we will be ridiculed and tried for what we say and believe. Jesus says that family will betray family. What are we to do? We are to let the Holy Spirit lead us in our thoughts and speaking’s. How can this happen? By allowing ourselves to be influenced by Him. We do this by asking for Him to come into our lives. 2 Timothy 1 v.7 says it all,” For God did not give us a Spirit of timidity but of Power and Love and Self control. With God for us, who can be against us?”

 

A – Application

Am I praying for the Holy Spirit to come into my life?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Send the Holy Sprit into my life. Give me the mojo of Power, Love and Self-Control. Love Will.

Recognize what is truly important

S – Scripture

Mark 13 v. 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down.”

 

O – Observation

This was Jesus response when one of the disciples pointed out that the city of Jerusalem was magnificent. Jesus pointed out that one day all this glory will be destroyed. What about our Jerusalem’s? The things that we build: our homes, our jobs, our status in life. We’ve worked hard for them – God’s blessed me. But one day, it will be worth nothing to me. It will be just me and God. El mono El mono.

 

A – Application

Given this verse, am I living my life as Matthew 6 v. 19-20 says, “Do not lay your treasures on earth, but place your treasures in heaven”?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to realize that Everything is temporary. Help me to store my treasures in heaven. Love Will.

Check your motives

S – Scripture

Mark 12 v. 41 And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money in the treasury.

 

O – Observation

Notice. Jesus observes us in our daily lives. He is observing what we do. What are our motives? He is not impressed by big amounts from the outside, but he’s impressed with the big amounts from the heart. Time is a gift. So is talents. How are these being put in the treasury? Jesus lets us do what we want – free will. He’s observing/recording. We will have to give an account of what we do to the Lord.

 

A – Application

In living in abundance, where is my heart? Am I giving my life to Jesus?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Thanks for giving me abundance, Help me to give abundantly. Love Will