Sessile (1 Peter 2:9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “sessile.”  I have always appreciated about sports the fact that I was able to use my talents for both the betterment of my individual efforts as well as team.  When I joined the family of Christ, I was put in a position to again be a part of something bigger than myself.  I now have the opportunity to make both others and myself better.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9

My question is: where do you see your spot within the family of Christ?  Oftentimes we get so caught up in everything that we need to do individually, that we are not necessarily thinking about others.  For instance, if I'm at a baseball game and my stomach growls I'm going to get myself a cheeseburger.  I'm not necessarily thinking about anybody else up until that point.  Somebody else may have been hungry for some time before that, but my first human response is to take care of myself first. 

My prayer is that you understand as a member of the family of Christ, you are no longer just allowed to think of yourself.  We need to start thinking of ourselves as an active member of God's family, and that Jesus is a sessile part of our lives, immovable and permanent.  I would challenge each of you to figure out at least one way today to express to another person in God's family your appreciation for them as a fellow member in Christ.

Praying for you,

mo

Riposte (Matthew 23:13-33)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “riposte.”  Jesus was no stranger to ridicule.  I remember first reading about his encounters with the old skool teachers of the law.  I was like, why does it seem like these dudes have it out for JC??? The stuff that they said to him and about him was rude and inconsistent with what they were teaching others who were supposed to be Godly.  The cool part is that JC did not back down, but instead addressed the Pharisees directly, not giving into their games and shenanigans.

“You Pharisees and teachers of the Law of Moses are in for trouble! You’re nothing but show-offs.”

~Matt 23:15

My question is: do you feel confident in the faith that you have?  God does not expect you to have a perfect faith walk, but he does expect that you do your best to improve daily.  I have found the more that I trust in God's word, the less I feel like I need to defend my faith.  I really kind of just let God's word defend itself.  I realize that it is not my actions that move the hearts of others, but God's word working through me.  You can take heart that God will do the same in your life.  Remember to look towards him and allow Jesus to handle the riposte responses needed to defend the faith.

Praying for you,

Mo

Litigious (2 Timothy 2:24)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “litigious.”  I was talking to one of my student athletes earlier on and realized that he has been going through stuff in some of his relationships.  It really frustrates him that some of the guys that he works with say one thing and do another.  On top of that, he says because they are not Christian causes them to talk bad about him and the way he does stuff.  Needless to say, he does not appreciate it very much that he is falsely accused time and again.  So, I encouraged him to do what others will not, and that is… love above the rule.

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil…”

~2 Tim 2:24

My question is: what are the things that get under your skin?  Christians have to endure a lot of stuff that they could probably otherwise get away with.  Unfortunately, those who believe in Christ sometimes tend to be judged a little harsher than those who do not have relationship with him.  Some people think this is unfair, but I think it is right on.  When I made a decision to follow Jesus, I relinquished much of my privileges for responsibility.  When someone decides to be quarrelsome with you, you always have the option to portray a positive attitude, staying away from a litigious and argumentative manner.  You have been called to be an example to others.  Your attitude and actions reflect on Christianity as a whole.

Praying for you,

Mo

Idem (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Good morning lasdies,

The word of the day is “idem.”  I think one of the toughest parts about Christianity is keeping consistent.  I remember when I was brand-new in the faith, my pastor told me that if I could get a little bit better each day then I would lead an extraordinary life for God.  Although I feel I'm far from where I would like to be, I do know that taking his advice and becoming just a little bit better each day keeps me striving to do more.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

~1 Cor 15:58

My question is: what do you spend the majority of your time giving your focus?  Just like giving your all when it comes to school or sports, God deserves your best as well.  What I love most about the Christian life is that I'm not expected to be perfect, but I am expected to strive for perfection, making each day an idem of the last.  My prayer is that you live a life reaching for that excellence.

Praying for you,

mo

Williwaw (Matthew 8:23-27)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “williwaw.”  It seems to me that things do not always go my way.  In fact, sometimes I have a downright horrible day.  One of my favorite stories in the Bible about this topic is when Jesus was out on a boat with his disciples.  They were dealing with a pretty bad storm up above, but he was soundly asleep down below.  Although the ship was about to break up, he seemed not to be too worried.  What the heck???

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

~Matt 8:23-27

My question is: what are the things in your life that consume your thoughts?  Most pastors would just tell you to suck it up and get past it.  However, I believe that God really cares about our problems.  My prayer is that you lean on him through situations that seem a little bit out of your control.  If the Lord can even go so far as to calm the wind and waves in the midst of a mighty williwaw, how much more do you think he can do in the midst of your cares and concerns?  JC wants to be a part of the conversation and life concerning the things that matter to you.

Praying for you,

Mo