Superfluous (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “superfluous.” This has got to be one of my favorite in the dictionary – ever since I heard Steve Martin use it in “Father of the Bride.” Paul recognized God for the cool stuff that only JC was able to accomplish. In this case, no one ever thought Jews and Gentiles could live together in common love and purpose, yet here they are. And so Paul is giving mad love to God, thanking him for this incredible act…

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

~Eph. 3:20-21

My question is: are you letting God do some crazy works in your life that only he can make happen? Just when you think something is impossible, here comes the Creator to mess it all up and show you what he can do… IF we choose to let him. My prayer is that God takes what you think is impossible and turn it upside down – doing what you thought could never be. You ladies are incredible and God is moving in your lives… watch for the superfluous love and kindness of God affect your life today, through the Son.

Praying for you,

mo

Serry (Matthew 13:1-3)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “serry.” When JC used to roll around it was difficult for him to get some alone time. Why is this… because even if he snuck away by himself or with his disciples, peeps would inevitably begin to serry, or a come together in a great crowd. That was the life of our Savior. Could you imagine having to be on your A-game all the time… that was JC!

“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables…”

~Matt. 13:1-3

My question is: are you the kind of example daily for others who come into contact with you? In such a small world today with social media and mad technology… are you giving peeps a reason to love JC? My prayer is that you realize that as a Christian the microscope is always on you. There is always someone looking at you. We must always be ready for the serry.

Praying for you,

mo

Continue (Colossians 2:6-7)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “continue.” Paul was a huge advocate of peeps remembering to both take care of one another, and to press on in the faith. Around the church in Colasse were a ton of heretical teachings that tried to steal Christ followers. You could imagine Paul’s heart for the saints because he loved them so much.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

~Col. 2:6-7

It’s time to get back to the grind – school, swim, work… stuff in general. My question is: how rooted are you in Christ? This world has a lot to offer. The problem is that most of it is not worth eternity. My prayer is that you take last week’s theme, as it is seen in this scripture, and continue to strengthen your faith. The more you invest into your relationship with JC, the more others will see thankfulness flow from your actions, words, and heart.

Praying for you,

mo

Recover (Hosea 6:1-3)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “recover.” I hope that each of your ate till your hearts’ content yesterday. I looove Turkey Day because it gives me and excuse to goes straight loco with some of the best food of the year. God’s peeps knew something about recovery. It always seemed they were doing something dumb that would cause God to bring correction.

“Come, let us return to the LORD…”

~Hos. 6:1

Then JC came along and saved God’s peeps… literally. This common theme in the Bible calls for a Savior to get us out of the messes we like to create. And, just like we can recover from our binge eating on Thanksgiving, so can we do the same in our relationship with God. My question is: do you believe that God can restore you? There is nothing the God cannot change in your life. He wants to intervene. My prayer is that you ask him to show his saving grace in his relationship with you. As you recover this weekend, remember God is always ready for us to change our hearts to him.

Praying for you,

mo

Thanksgiving (Psalm 100:1-5)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “thanksgiving.” Shocking, I know. The Bible is all about thanksgiving – just look at any of the epistles that Paul wrote. But even earlier than that in the OT God’s peeps knew what it meant to be thankful and praise him for the stuff that he did…

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

~Psalm 100:4-5

My question is: do you cherish your family and the other stuff that God has given you? Well, today is the perfect chance to be reminded that the Lord is good and is a forever kind of God. I pray that each of you slow down and praise God for his goodness. Each of you are special to the Lord and can rely on his faithfulness. May we continue to praise the Lord for many more generations. Have a great Turkey Day.

Praying for you,

mo

Travel (Acts 28:14-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “travel.” I do not know where this blog post will find you – some at APU, others already home, still some in midst of travel. Did you know that today is the busiest travel day of the year; I know, crazy! I am reminded of what some believe was Paul’s final journey on this day, the one that would see him find a destination that he knew was a long time coming.

"There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him."

~Acts 28:14-16

My question for you is: do you know your destination concerning God’s plans for you? I am not saying you need to know every move or that it is pertinent to understand the full plan. But I do think that when you align your mind and heart with God you will begin to have a more full picture of his plans for you. My prayer is that God shows you your mission, if not in life yet at least while living through the APU experience. Have fun this weekend. Rest in the knowledge that God has made you a traveler on this Christ journey.

Praying for you,

mo

Tough (Jeremiah 42:1 – 43:13)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “tough.” How would you like to have been one of God’s prophets in the OT whose main objective was to tell the Israelites that they were a bunch of bustas… yeah, not a fun job. Jeremiah was a real leader. He pretty much knew that he had to punk the Israelites for disobedience – but he faced the situation like a real leader should.

“Jeremiah the prophet said, "I hear your request. And I will pray to your God as you have asked. Whatever God says, I'll pass on to you. I'll tell you everything, holding nothing back."

~Jer. 42:4

Whoa! Now that is what I call a fearless leader. Jeremiah was willing to do a couple things. He would first pray to God on behalf of the peeps, and then he would pass on whatever message the Lord gave. Unfortunately it was going to be a message that the Israelite would not like to hear. My question is: are you ready for tough decisions… in family, relationships, school, your direction in life? My prayer is that you take Jeremiah’s path and learn how to tackle tough circumstances. That way, when God calls you to make those decisions… you will be ready.

Praying for you,

mo

Great (Mark 9:33-37)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “great.” JC stumbled upon a conversation of his disciples arguing about who was going to be the greatest. They got totally busted. They thought that the stuff they were saying was under the radar, but it backfired. This turned out to be a sweet teaching moment for the Savior…

“And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.”

~Mark 9:36-37

Now that is awesome. Notice how JC does not rebuke them for wanting to be the greatest… pretty interesting, I know. He wants the disciples to know that true greatness lay within servanthood. My question is: can you characterize yourself as a servant to others? God wants you to be a servant – it’s all over his teaching. My prayer is that each of you concerns yourself with matters of the heart. Always look to serve others and lift them toward the Savior. Going home this weekend, many of you will have the chance to serve others for Turkey Day. Get ready… pray that God will use you as a witness in action and speech.

Praying for you,

mo

Surrender (Jeremiah 10:23-25)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “surrender.” Jeremiah was a dude who knew a little about what it meant to live life for God. He was given a pretty tough task in delivering God’s message. Prophets were not always the most popular peeps on the block for the fact that they brought what needed to be heard – not always what others wanted to hear. Nevertheless, he was bold in this speech, knowing that God was with him. I love this verse here because after his address to Israel, Jeremiah prayed…

“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”

~Jer. 10:23

Jeremiah knew his life was not his own. My question is: How willing are you to allow God to direct your steps? Sometimes we want to do things our way. We get so focused on school, work, family, friends, and other madness that we forget that we are God’s creation. My prayer is that each of you surrenders your heart to the Lord. Let the Spirit renew you today as you remember God’s covenant, both with his peeps back then… and in your own life.

Praying for you,

mo

Spot (Acts 16:1-5)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “spot.” The Apostle Paul had a knack for spotting talent when he saw it. Even though Timothy was an unlikely candidate for taking on the role of Paul’s companion for ministry, the two ended up doing some awesome ministry together. Paul believed in the young guy and gave him a chance despite his background, which prolly was not impressive to a lot of peeps.

“Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.”

~Acts 16:3-4

My question is: when have you been that unlikely companion for God’s work? Many of us would not have seen ourselves as instrumental in the Lord’s plan… but we are. Each of us has been chosen to play a part in moving the kingdom forward. My prayer is that you are ready for God’s direction; he sees your potential. Spend time with the peeps that encourage you in the faith; look to spot the same in others. Strengthen God’s church daily, increasing in love for those who need to hear the Gospel. Have a great day.

Praying for you,

mo

Acquire (2 Corinthians 2:17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “acquire.” Back in the day there were a ton of peeps that would try to make a buck off anything, including the word of God. This did not make Paul too happy. He knew that Xtians needed to be sincere in their motives for sharing the Gospel with others. Paul’s message was pure; and he expected the same from his fellow believers…

“For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.”

~2 Cor. 2:17

The purpose of God’s word is to help others prosper. If we use it to our advantage then we are missing the point. My question is: do others see you as someone who handles the word of God correctly? You would be surprised at what peeps expect from you concerning your knowledge of the Gospel. My prayer is that you are ready to share God’s goodness in all sincerity so that you might plant seeds in the hearts of those who need to acquire it. You are given power in the name of our Lord, JC… do what you can to prosper the Kingdom.

Praying for you,

mo.

Ordeal (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “ordeal.” Isn’t it crazy how God likes to test us? I mean, sometimes I am doing just fine in this Xtian life and the Lord comes along and has the nerve to stretch me beyond what I believe it possible ☺ Even back in the old days God wanted to keep his peeps ready for the stuff they would have to face because of their choice to be a Believer.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

~1 Pet. 4:12-13

Here’s my question: are you surprised at the stuff that you have to deal with concerning your Xian life? Think about it… the Enemy would love for you to slip up and do stuff that makes both you and God look bad. I know that I mess up with this all the time. Whether I treat someone poorly, or if I just downright do something stupid. And of course I look back at it and think, “What the heck were you thinking???” So, don't give the bad guys a foothold! You are a creation of the Most High Creator... My prayer is that you rejoice in the fact that God in nowhere being done with you. Live today and let God reveal his glory through your relationship with him through JC.

Praying for you,

mo

Distance (Romans 8:35-39)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “distance.” I remember getting lost at Disneyland one time – and I started to panic! As I began to frantically call for my mom I realized that she never lost sight of me, and she was only a few paces away. Paul’s reminder of God’s love is pretty deep and that he has good things in store for us. Sometimes we feel like we are far from God, only to find that we are the ones who turned our eyes away.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Rom. 8:38-39

My question is: when have you moved away from God and realized he never left, and was right there waiting for you? I know that is something we don’t really like to think about a ton, but it is important. My prayer is that each of you looks toward God, especially when times get crazy and tough. School is going to weigh on you… relationships continue to test our patience… uncertainties will always be there. Always remember, you can never be too far from God; he will go the distance to be with you.

Praying for you,

mo

Storm (Mark 4:35-41)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “storm.” We are not certain it is going to rain today, but according to my android weather service it does not look good for us. I was thinking about the time that JC was rollin’ with the disciples through the Sea of Galilee. He was pretty tired after a long day of ministry and decided to get a little sleep. As you may remember, the events that happened next were a crazy test of faith. A storm came up, the disciples got scared and woke up JC… and of course, he calmed the storm.

"They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

~Mark 4:41

There are tons of teaching moments in this small passage. My question though is: do you really believe that JC will calm the storms in your life? Sometimes we say we trust, but then get all crazy and flustered, stressed, and sometimes we panic. My prayer is that you really take a long look at the way you view JC and his power in you life. He wants to intercede for us. He will calm the storms that come up. Even though we feel life is spinning out of control, the Savior has us in his arms. So, when you look up today and see those storm clouds… praise God for getting you through the storms – both physically and spiritually. Let’s have a great swim meet!!!

Praying for you,

mo.

Grounded (Hebrews 10:32)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “grounded.” There are many implications to this word and the ways in which it can be used. Interpreted in this passage Paul reminds the peeps of their foundation in Christ. They know what it meant to stand their ground for the sake of JC.

"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.”

~Heb. 10:32

My question today is: can you remember at time when you stood your ground for the sake of the faith… either personally or for a friend? We have been given a great responsibility with the Gospel. God has equipped each of you with the strength and tools to persevere. You only need the will now to do so. My prayer for you is that God plants his word in your heart so that you may persevere and stand your ground when it is time. This weekend we have the opportunity to be ambassadors for the Most High God. Let’s have some fun ☺

Praying for you,

mo

Mercy (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “mercy.” This is one of my favorite words in the Bible; and with so many passages covering it, I was thinking of which one to use. In this particular passage the Apostle Paul is reminding the peeps at the church of Corinth that they were going to experience some madness in life – you know, that it’s not always going to be sunshine and flowers.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

~2 Cor. 1:3-4

Paul is telling this church to be aware of hardships that are happening… and to comfort those who are not in the best situation. The interesting part of this scripture is that we can assume that Paul has most likely gone through tougher times than any of these peeps would ever dream. Yet he does not say that. Instead he reminds them to help one another shift their attention for the temporary life to that of one eternal. My question is: who in your life can you remind of God’s eternal riches, in spite of their current situation. My prayer is that you bless someone today with the reminder of God’s mercy and love.

Praying for you,

mo

Appear (Titus 2:11-14)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “appear.” Each of us grows up and learns about the Gospel a little bit differently. However, the cool part about this is that when we focus on God we have the opportunity to experience his goodness as a collective body. Paul understood that when we accept God’s grace it is then possible for us to know how God wants us to live…

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”

Titus 2:11

Because salvation has appeared to us we can live in accordance with God’s desires. My question is: what does God desire for your life? You live in community with others each day and God gives you the ability to follow him. My prayer for you is that you would live boldly through Christ Jesus and that you would be a witness to others who need to experience his goodness. Salvation will appear to others when we choose to join in God’s work to save the lost. Go in power today, knowing that God wants you to love others and show them salvation through JC.

Praying for you,

mo

Learn (Philippians 4:11-13)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “learn.” I think this was an important part of Paul’s life. He was in a continual struggle to become more like JC and knew that he was a long way from getting there. He learned that the secret to being happy is being content with his circumstances, and the secret to being content is realizing that your strength comes from a relationship with JC.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

~Phil. 4:13

God knows exactly what is going on in our lives and is able to get us through each circumstance. Whether it is a killer class, hurting relationship, or just keeping your sanity during swim season… My question is: when have you totally surrendered your cares to the Father? God is willing to come along side and help you manage stuff, if we give him the opportunity. My prayer is that you look toward God and give him a chance to walk you through the madness. Have a great day…

Praying for you,

mo

Greeting (2 Corinthians 1:2-4)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “greeting.” One of the many reason I really like the Apostle Paul is his ability to make others understand their importance in God’s eyes. I mean think about it, for a pretty in-your-face type of guy he always knew what the peeps needed to hear. He did not always tell them what they wanted to hear, but his message was spot-on. His greeting at the beginning of each letter was really important to let the church know his affection for them. When writing to the homies, he always started by giving mad love…

“May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours! Timothy, someone you know and trust, joins me in this greeting.”

2 Cor. 1:2

Wow! Now that is a greeting… my question is: do others receive a Paul-like vibe when you greet them? What is mean is that Christians need to greet one another with love, and all the good stuff that God has provided. My prayer is that you are the person that everyone wants to get a call from. Encourage others and let them know that they matter in God’s eyes. Each of you ladies is sooooo special and God wants to use you to prosper the Kingdom. Get out there and greet someone today!

Praying for you,

mo

Fall (Romans 3:23)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “fall.” This can be seen so many ways in the Bible. Paul wanted us to know that each of us have come up short in the quest for God’s glory. However, this was not a negative thing necessarily. It was almost an encouragement. Once we know that we are not good enough then we don’t have to pretend anymore. We can move forward and live the way God has intended… in his grace.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…”

Rom. 3:23

This year each of you have stuff to accomplish. Whether it has to do with swimming, grades, relationships, or whatever, you will not always attain the intended goal. My question is: will you live in God’s grace in each situation? I was not always the best at this – and I still struggle with it, you know. It’s tough to not always succeed. My prayer for you is that you understand God’s love for you, and each time you fall, you do so in a way that brings you closer to him.

Praying for you,

mo

Behold (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “behold.” Every time I hear this I think of the Bible. It’s such a great identifier. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul uses it to let the peeps know that it is important to recognize all that God has done for them. Although each of them were prolly all messed up and had a ton of problems – as most churches do – they were still God’s peeps. He writes to them…

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, she is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

2 Cor. 5:17

Experiencing something new is always exhilarating and gives us life. But nothing comes close to the change that God gives each of us through JC. The question is: have you taken the time to understand the magnitude of God’s grace in your life? My prayer is that God revitalizes you daily and that you behold his greatness. Each of you is a new creation… live in God’s favor!

Praying for you,

mo

Opposition (Jeremiah 1:17-19)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “opposition.” God’s peeps did not always do what they were instructed, so he sent them a few prophets to help correct their direction. Jeremiah was one of these guys with a pretty crazy mission to get Israel back on the right track. Let’s just say that the peeps in Judah did not exactly come running to hear what he had to say. God even told Jeremiah that he was going to be alone much of the time…

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.

Jer. 1:19

Aren’t we much like Judah even today? Sometimes we know what we need to do and we still choose not to go that way. On the other hand, many of you have been like Jeremiah in your lives – and that is commendable. Being a Christian is not always the most popular choice because you have chosen a certain lifestyle in doing so. My question is: are you willing to let God use you for his purpose no matter what others think? Often times we are called to a ministry of opposition… my prayer is that you are ready for it. God wants to do some cool stuff in your life; be ready because God will not disappoint.

Praying for you,

mo