Epicedium (John 11.1-44)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “epicedium.”  Some of the best parts of the Bible are when Jesus totally throws people off.  One of the great stories that I remember hearing early on in my faith journey was that of Lazarus.  Here it is, this guy dies and everybody knows that there is absolutely no way he could be anything but dead.  Jesus comes along, and turns the situation into something miraculous, and of course uses it for God’s glory.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” ~Jn. 11:40-44

My question is: what kind of faith do you have in God?  It seems that very few people believed Jesus could do what he was about to do in this situation.  But, can you blame them?  I mean, they were singing the ritualistic epicedium, and all of a sudden Jesus comes and breaks up the solemn gathering to let them know that Lazarus will rise again.  What a great story.  My prayer is that you never count God out of the equation.  If we remain faithful to him, he will continue to show us miraculous signs even today.  Take some time to ask God to do such things in your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Oneiric (Daniel 1.1-17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “oneiric.”  One of my favorite places in the Bible is the book of Daniel.  It is amazing the favor that God had on him and the others.  I am amazed at the faith that Daniel and his buddies had when following God.  In the beginning of the story, we read an important piece that tells us how we must discern each situation and live with in the confines of what God knows will get us the results to which we look.  The youths we see in this story understand both worldly wisdom, and God’s real truth.

“As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” ~Dan. 1:17

My question is: do you ask God for his blessing on your life, and with specificity?  I know that God wants to take care of his people and give them all that they need to succeed in life.  Not that life is going to be easy, but that you will have all that you need to be an active part of God’s family.  Daniel was quite oneiric, interpreting dreams and visions that would make an impact on those in this sphere of influence.  I do not expect to have this gift specifically, or anything from God… I am just happy to be a sinner saved by grace. However, I often ask for wisdom, as we are told to do in the book of James.  Just as God had his hand on Daniel, would you give God the opportunity to speak truth into your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Fugleman (1 Corinthians 11:1-7)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “fugleman.”  It seems to me that the apostle Paul always had pretty much the right thing to say, at the right time.  Not to say he did not mess it up every now and again, but for the most part he was pretty intuitive.  In today's passage, we see that Paul has some positive stuff to say to God's people.  I think one of the reasons for this is because he knew he was going to have some harsh words later on in this section.  But, I think that is what Paul did well.  He could read an audience and then say what needed to be said. Here, it is very simple…

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” ~1 Cor. 11:1

My question is: Are you being the example that others can follow in life? I know that there is a ton that each of us have on our plates as we move through the day.  But if we want to be intentional, like the Apostle Paul, it will take more than just living and breathing. We should always act as if we are witnessing to others around us.  Paul was definitely one of the Church’s first fuglemen.  It is our duty to take his lead, and imitate those who imitate JC.

Praying for you,

MO

Tremulous (Deuteronomy 31.1-9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “tremulous.”  The Israelites had a ton of baggage and mess-ups while on their way to the Promised Land.  One of the consequences for their lack of obedience was that a bunch of the older crowd was not going to have the privilege of entering that new land that God was going to give.  And it is worth noting that Moses was among those who would not be going with them on this new journey.  God had chosen Joshua, who was Moses’ second-in-command, to be the new leader to lead the people in.  You could imagine how young Joshua felt, knowing that after following Moses for so many years, he was now called to step up and lead.

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~Deut 31:7-9

My question is: what are the tasks in life that you have been called to do, but are sometimes unsure of your abilities?  I can only imagine what young Josh was feeling at this point.  Following a leader like Moses for so many years, and then knowing that you are next in line, and called to deliver God's people to this phase had to be a pretty crazy and somewhat tremulous time.  My prayer is that you take heart from the words that Moses gave his protégé. We have been given the opportunity to take God’s guidance to ready ourselves to be effective for Him.  Go forth today in courage!

Praying for you,

MO

Convive (Luke 14.15-24)

Good morning ladies,

the word of the day is “convive.”  Have you ever been invited to a really nice dinner, like one with more than one course? I have only been a part of a couple of them in my life, but they were always pretty fun. I still never know what fork to use first.  Well, in Jesus’ time, he used a lot of different stories to help people understand the message he was trying to convey.  The one he told about the banquet party thrown by God himself was one of my favorites to envision.

Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ ~Lk 14:16-17

Unfortunately for some, they chose not to be a part of God’s invitation. My question is: are you making room for God in your life in ways that will allow you to make good decisions when he calls you to be a part of his great banquet? Many of us have accepted the invitation, but have stopped there.  My prayer is that you live in such a way that you are inviting others to be a part of God’s family and work.  What better convive to have than the Almighty God, and those whom we love!

Praying for you,

MO

Dithyramb (Mark 7.24-37)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “dithyramb.”  I know that many people have been healed by Jesus, both when he was doing ministry on the earth as well as to the present day. I remember asking why he would want the people that he healed not to say anything. And I guess there are more than a couple of reasons for that. However, for the people that were being healed by Jesus, they had only one thought on their minds.  They were now healed did not have the infirmities or demons that they thought would have to deal with for the rest of their lives.  How would you feel if you were one of these people?

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” ~Mk. 7:36-37

My question is: Are you excited for what God has done in your life, and how do you express that?  God is very active in our lives today.  A lot of us just don't stop to realize that he is present.  My prayer is that you make the necessary adjustments in your daily routine to reflect your appreciation towards what God is doing.  Even though the people in today's passage were told specifically by Jesus not to go and tell anyone, many of them did so in the form of enthusiastic dithyrambs.  How will you express your appreciation for what God is doing in your life today?

Praying for you,

MO

Shirk (1 Corinthians 3.8)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “shirk.”  I used to think that life was a bit unfair.  It always seemed that my friends were getting away with stuff while I was getting the short end of the stick.  Specifically, I remember coming home from school and telling my parents that one of my teachers was being very unfair to me.  She had singled me out in the middle of class.  It doesn't matter whether I was right or wrong, because when I told my mom about the unfair treatment, she told me that I probably deserved it… and if I did not deserve it that time, I probably deserved it for all the other grief that I had put that teacher through.  And of course, my mom was right, as always.  Responsibility was a big theme in my house.

“He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” ~1 Cor 3:8

My question is: what is it that you put first in your life?  I think that God wants us to take responsibility for what we have been given, and live according to his principles no matter what.  My prayer is that you do not shirk this responsibility, but instead remember that how you live and act directly reflects upon both you, and Christians as a whole.  Even when life seems unfair, and that you are not necessarily having things go your way, always make decisions based on the responsibility God has given you.  Situations tend to work themselves out when we do our best to serve God in those decisions.

Praying for you,

MO