Factitious (1 John 5:13-20)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “factitious.”  The Evil One would like us to think certain lies.  We live in this life fighting a constant spiritual battle. Now, I am not saying that God speaks to me in an audible voice… but I do have a friend that says that God indeed does that with him. Do I believe it? Well, I know that this dude is a pretty stand-up guy. And just because I cannot see something I am not going to say that is does not happen. It does freak me out a bit though :)  The point is, we need to remember that there are evil forces out there...

“We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

~1 Jn 5:19

Not what you might want to hear.  But let me be clear.  This verse should be very encouraging. My question is: do you live in the expectation that you are not of this world, but waiting to go to your true home with God? I know that the Lord would like you to put your trust in him, knowing that the factitious lies of the Evil One have no power over you.  My prayer is that each of you remembers that you are of God.  Give Him the power in your life today, lay down whatever you think is controlling you, and turn to him.  Our God is mighty to save.

Praying for you,

MO

Immix (Matthew 18:1-20)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is  “immix.”  It always seemed to me that the closer JC got to the end of his ministry that everything started piling up.  At the point of this passage, he is dealing with some pretty heavy stuff.  His disciples want to know what it is to become the greatest in heaven.  Jesus answers that, then goes on to tell a story about going after people who need a relationship with God, and then tackles the issue of sin like a champ.  He pretty much puts the responsibility on the brothers and sisters to take care of one another, and point out the things that they are doing wrong.  But then he ends with something that is most important in this passage.

"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

~Matt. 18:19-20

My question is: who were the people that you spend most of your time with?  We see a lot of promise from God in that this particular chapter in Matthew.  God has specific disciplines for those who do stuff in his name, or under his rule.  It always amazed me and still does how people get upset with the stuff that God requires of us.  We are not forced into his family.  It is our choice.  My prayer is that each of you understands the promise that is given freely, which is the resurrected Christ.  It is our privilege to be a part of the stuff JC calls us to do through community.  So as you immix, or mingle and associate with others, do so wisely concerning the choice of that company.

Praying for you,

MO

Bibliophobe (2 Timothy 3:10-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “bibliophobe.”  I remember early on in my seminary degree program how much I disliked reading.  I'd pretty much gotten through college on the bare minimum… that was probably the dumbest thing ever.  But now that I was in a Masters program I was expected to read thousands of pages a week.  I sat down with God about three weeks into my first semester and prayed that he gave me a yearning to love books.  Otherwise, I was not going to make it.  That was the turning point in my scholastic career.  In today's passage, Paul gives young Timothy words to live by that will serve him far beyond the completion of their mentorship process…

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…

~2 Tim 3:16

My question is: how much do you lean on the Scriptures for the everyday decisions in your life?  It's pretty tough to love to read in general, and anyone who chooses to be a bibliophobe, or one who does not like books, is setting themselves up for failure.  But learning to love The Good Book is essential.  One of my mentors told me that I would only excel to the point that I read books and associated with those who were better or farther along in life than me.  My prayer this morning is that you do the same… lean on good books and good people.

Praying for you,

MO

Iwis (Matthew 5:17-20)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “iwis.”  When I first started reading the Bible, I was pretty confused about the Old Testament and the New Testament. What were the differences and similarities… and why did we need to even split it up in the first place.  I remember my mentor telling me that the OT was dudes like Noah and Moses, and they lived without Jesus Christ.  Then there was like a 400-year hiatus, where we did not hear God speak to his people. Then JC came on the seen in books like Matthew and Luke. What was JC here to do?

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

~Matt 5:17-18

My question is: what are a couple of thoughts that you have concerning Jesus, and what he came to do on earth? It is important to understand the old law and the new. This will help you to begin putting stuff together, knowing why God sent his Son to take care of some unfinished business.  My prayer is that you learn just a bit more each day, even if it is not a ton – God’s Word is never iwis, or obselete. The more we do to know and learn about both the OT and the NT the more we will open our hearts and minds for God to speak in our lives.

Praying for you,

MO

Chansonette (1 Samuel 18:1-8)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “chansonette.”Have you ever gotten the song stuck in your head?  I know that whenever someone mentions a song like YMCA, I will be singing it over and over again to myself for who knows how long.  As we see in today’s passage, the boy David did some pretty incredible things.  And, when he came home the people were singing songs and chansonettes about him.

“The women sang as they played, and said, "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands."

~1 Sam 18:7

My question is: if someone were to ask what song they most associated with you, what do you think it would be?  As human beings, we all have personas and reputations.  The stuff that you do on a daily basis accumulates and gives people an idea of who you are.  As David moved through his life we see that he became closer to God.  My prayer is that you make decisions that help others sing both good songs about you, and praise God for having you in their lives.

Praying for you,

MO

Propitious (Psalm 5:1-12)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “propitious.”  King David wrote a bunch of good Psalms.  No matter what kind of mood he was then, he always knew how to write it down.  It was almost a little bit like a journal.  David was not afraid to ask for God to come and help him in his time of need, and bring heavenly favor to his life.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

~Ps. 5:11-12

My question is: what are the things that you ask for in your life from God?  I think it's easy for us to lay our laundry list of wants and needs at God's throne.  When have you really asked him to make significant change in your life?  My prayer is that you give God the opportunity to come to your aid. Call on him to bring his propitious favor into your daily activities. Change comes subtly, but God is always faithful to do it.

Praying for you,

MO

Hebdomadal (Hebrews 10:19-25)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "hebdomadal.”  At this point in time, Christ-followers were living under a new covenant.  There was no longer a barrier between God and his people.  The writer wanted to make sure that the believers knew that they had direct access to God, and that they were living as new beings, which gave them the opportunity to partake in the real and present kingdom of God.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you seethe Day drawing near.

~Heb 10:24-25

My question is: are you taking advantage of the relationships that God has put in front of you?  One of the parts of Christianity I really liked early on as a new believer was the opportunity to meet weekly, or hebdomadally with others who had my best interest at heart.  My prayer is that you find both strength and refuge in the church.  Living in fellowship is something that God has called us to do.  We only need to take advantage of that which is set before us.  Continue to draw near to God!

Praying for you,

MO