Exalt (Luke 18:9-14)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “exalt.” JC used to know the best stories to tell at the right time. One of his favorite ways to get his point across was to use parables. These stories helped others examine their own lives by hearing about those of others. The fact that heard these stories did not always like the message because it would hit too close to home. But, I guess that is why these stories needed to be told:

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

~Luke 18:14

My question for you is: will you allow God to justify you in his sight? Too often we think that we needed to exalt ourselves and reminded the world how good we are. However, God would see it the other way around. When we are humble and follow his teachings through the word and relationships with others, we experience a connection with God that is unmatched. My prayer is that you continually humble yourself not only in the sight of God, but around others as well. You don't have to worry about letting everybody know how awesome you are. God already knows what an incredible creation you are; he made you!

Praying for you,

mo

Open (Luke 11:9-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “open.” Visited really cool that Jesus always seems to know what to say? I mean, the guy was like a one liner factory. But, I guess you kind of have to be that way when you have a ton of followers that expect you to have the right thing to say. And, Jesus always did have the right thing to say. In this instance he reminds his followers that it is important for them not only to ask for what they need, but also to ask for the right things:

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

~Luke 11:9-10

My question for you is: what are the things that you ask for, and would you consider them the things that God would expect you to ask? For us to continually draw nearer to God, we have to make sure that we are online with his thinking. God knows what you need. The funny thing is, a lot of the times we think we know what we need. When in fact, we know what we want. Am I confusing you yet? God wants to open a ton of doors for you, you just need to look for the right ones. My prayer is that you seek to have a heart like gods. He wants to give you your hearts’ desires. I only hope that you continue to choose a heart that is closer to God's. Each of you is fearfully and wonderfully made. Live accordingly.

Praying for you,

mo

Submit (James 4:7-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “submit.” I think that the Christian culture is one of the only places where this is considered a good word. We live in this crazy world where we are taught not to submit to anybody, but be our own person. Now, I'm not here to make a case either way but what I am saying is that submitting to God is something that is pertinent and required in our faith. James tells his hearers in this passage how important it is to submit to God so that life can be lived to the fullest. Submission is not a bad thing, but good when you know how to understand it and apply it to your life.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

~Jam. 4:7-10

My question for you is: how well do you do when it comes to submitting? I mean, think about it. You have been swimming for however many years of your life and there certain things that you have needed to do to be successful. Each of you has successfully submitted to the systems in which you swam. Now is the time for you to excel because of your commitment and submission to your desires and hopes. My prayer for you is that this week you reflect upon all the good things that you have done concerning your swim career. This is going to be a great week. Just as you have disciplined yourselves and swimming, always remember to continually submit yourself to God. There is nothing more sweet to the Savior than one who has submitted to his will. I'm so excited to be here. Let's do this!

Mo

Praise (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “praise.” I’ve got to say that this is one of my favorite words in the Christian language. Peter reminds his people of how special they are in God’s eyes. To be called as part of a royal priesthood is pretty incredible. The author reminds his readers of who is responsible for the good stuff in their lives.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

~1 Pet. 2:9-10

My question is: how does praise affect your life? God has set out to do some good stuff through you. The only thing we really need to do is be ready for that stuff, accept it, and then give him the praise and honor. Think of all of the good stuff in your life right now. I would encourage you to take a few moments and just give God praise for those things. Then, think of all the hard stuff in your life. Give him praise for working through it with you. God will continue to do amazing things in your life. Always remember that he has called you to be set apart. My prayer is that you accept his blessings and realize how special you are in God’s eyes.

Needs (Romans 12:10-13)

The morning ladies,

The word of the day is “needs”. During World War II Winston Churchill was up against some pretty intense odds. He knew that his people had the resolve to finish the job but they lacked the resources. At one point during the darkest days he put out a call to the world letting everyone know exactly what they needed. He was confident that if they had the resources then the war was certain to be won. The book of Romans talks about the needs of Christians. Paul was very explicit in his instruction concerning the way that we live with one another:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

~Rom. 12:12-13

My question for you is: are you aware of your specific needs from the father? This may seem to be a silly question, but I think sometimes we do not ask the simple questions. My prayer is that you learn to understand your needs as a Christian. This will allow you to bless others as you live with them. You are called to take care of people who all are less fortunate, and in need. Who is it in your life today that you can bless? I pray that someone who is in need receives your help.

Praying for you,

Mo

Endure (Hebrews 12:3)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “endure.” Back in the day the disciples had to deal with a lot of scrutiny from people. Not everybody believed in the things that they did. Sounds a lot like today, doesn't it? But the cool thing is the author of Hebrews understood that God's people needed to endure all things for the sake of the gospel. This verse comes after the famous opening of Hebrews chapter 12 that is quoted in Scripture pieces all of the time. We are reminded:

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

~Heb. 12:3

My question for you is: what does it mean for you to endure in your faith? Think back to a time where you actually had to stand up for what you believed in. Those are the times where we strengthen our faith. Just as the author of Hebrews did, we must consider the opposition we will receive from those who do not believe in the goodness and deity of Christ. My prayer is that you pray for these people, those will yet to experience the overwhelmingly incredible compassion of the Savior. Do not grow weary or lose heart, but endure in all things.

Praying for you,

Mo