Denizen (Mark 16:13-18)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “denizen.”  I love the story in the Bible of JC coming back after he has been crucified and raised from the dead. Can you imagine what all of the disciples must have been thinking? We read the account now and sometimes do not think twice. We are so used to it as Christians that the miracle of it all is lost.  But it is important to remember that Jesus is counting on us to keep the story going.

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

~Mark 16:15

My question is:  where are you most familiar in life? i know that when we are home and spending time with the ones we love, we are rejuvenated and reminded of the meaning of this season, and the love that God has for us.  My prayer is that each of you takes to heart this commandment above to spur you on to live and proclaim a life for JC.  We must become denizens, or those who frequent, those in the world that need to hear the love of Christ.

Praying for you,

mo

Hibernaculum (Proverbs 4:23)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “hibernaculum.”  I love in the movie Uncle Buck where the principal gets upset with the little girl and tells the uncle that she is a “silly heart.”  Uncle Buck’s response is that he is glad that his niece is a silly heart… and that she dreams.  The writer of Proverbs also knew what it meant to hold one’s heart, and what is in it, to be sacred...

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

~Pr. 4:23

My question is: what are the things that are hidden deep in your heart. I know that through life you are going to have a ton of stuff that is important to you that others may scoff at, or not understand. My prayer is that you hold those things close, only sharing them with those who believe in you and want to see you succeed and realize those dreams. Give God a chance to not only share in those dreams, but penetrate your heart and make it into a wellspring of life.  Like the case that protects your precious smartphone… allow God to protect your heart, creating a hibernaculum of vigilance that makes you better each day.

Praying for you,

mo

Métier (Galatians 6:1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “métier.”  I often think about the work that I have done about this time of year.  It's amazing to look back and realize that 12 months of an entire year are pretty much done.  For students, it's somewhat in the middle, whereas for other people on the workforce it may be the beginning or end of a fiscal year.  What we must never forget is that the work we do is important to God.  This church in Galatia was dealing with the struggles that we still face today.  Instead of working together, they were too worried about what other people were doing and criticizing them.  Paul had to correct this real fast.

But let each one test their own work, and then their reason to boast will be in themselves alone and not in their neighbor. For each will have to bear their own load.

~Gal 6:4-5

My question is: what is the work that is set before you?  I know that each of us has gifts and talents, and goals and ambitions.  When we look at others and the stuff that they are doing in their lives, we should not look at their work for the sake of comparison, but instead for that of compassion.  One of my mentors always told me that I needed to give appreciation to others, and save any criticism that I might have for myself.  My prayer is that each of you looks back at this year and the work you have done.  When you do so, always member that your métier, or main occupation, is doing the Lords work whatever that may be.  What will the next year brings for you?

Praying for you,

Mo

Juju (Colossians 2:8-15)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “juju.”  When the church was very young the teachers of Christianity needed to make sure that they did everything in their power to help people to understand what it meant to follow Christ while at the same time shrugging off that which was not good teaching.  You can imagine how stressed out these teachers might have been, because all they had was the old scriptures to help them out.  The idea of Jesus and his Messiahship was relatively new and in many churches unstable.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.”

~Col 2:8 

My question is: what are the steps that you are currently taking to understand a philosophy and theology that is consistent with what God will call you to live?  My mentor used to tell me that it was not enough just for me to read my Bible, but to question and challenge the ideas that I read.  I guess that is what made me decide to go into the ministry.  I pray that each of you solidifies your thinking concerning your beliefs in Christ.  This is not something to take lightly, as it is the foundation of our being no matter what our vocation or direction in life.  There is no juju in the Christian faith, only a real belief and understanding that Jesus is exactly who he was said to be.  Take hold of a relationship with him today, and see the change in your life.

Praying for you,

Mo

Fruitcake (Matthew 2:1-12)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "fruitcake."  Today is one of the most celebrated days of the year around the entire world.  Way back when, during the first Christmas, of course the baby Jesus was born.  There was not a ton of fanfare, but there were three dudes who were called to come and worship him and give gifts.  I love the story of the three wise men because it's such an oddity in the Bible.

“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

~Matt. 2:11

My question is: what are the things that you are thankful for today that you bring to Jesus?  A lot of times we forget that as God has given his perfect gift to the world, so are we supposed to rejoice and bring our worship to him.  Today, when your aunt Edna brings over her famous green lime fruitcake I am not saying that you have to eat it by any means, but remember that just as we bring gifts to one another, the Lord is calling each of us to show others our gratitude for the birth of the Savior.

Praying for you,

Mo

Fiddlesticks (Ephesians 4:1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "fiddlesticks.”  Paul writes quite a few letters to churches that he founded and helped to build.  When he spoke to these parishioners, he did so with love and affection.  Although he was a man highly driven and pointed towards a heavenly goal, he never strayed too far from letting others know how much he cared for them.

“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

~Eph. 4:1-3

My question is: are you the example that God would be proud to send out?  I know that sometimes we get focused on things that are important to us, but nothing really matters if it is done outside of love.  Paul understood this all too well.  Having been such an important person in the Jewish community before he accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior, he continually struggled with running hard, and loving the people with whom he toiled for God's work.  My prayer is that you take a moment this season and remember that God is calling you to be a servant to others.  Sometimes we feel like saying fiddlesticks to the whole idea of bearing with others and love, but that is why we look towards Jesus to be our strength.

Praying for you,

mo