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

Certainty (Romans 11:25-32)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “certainty.”  Have you ever felt like God has given up on you?  I know there were a couple times in my life where I really thought that he should have.  But because I stuck close to people who knew both me and God very well, I was able to constantly change to become more recognizable to myself.  God already saw me for who I was, it was me who had the need for change.  I love what the apostle Paul says in the following verse…

“As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”

~Rom. 11:28-29

My question is: what is the calling that God is given to you?  I have been trying to answer that with certainty my whole life as a Christian.  I never seem to get an answer that I am okay with.  But remember that God has given all of us the ability to do specific and certain things well (Rom 12:6). my prayer is that you do not underestimate the purpose that God has given you, knowing that the gifts and talents you possess are waiting to define who you are.  Take this year and allow yourself to be affected by God so that you might in turn affect the souls of many in a positive way.  Choose to let God use your unique qualities today, your God-given perfection in his sight.

Praying for you,

MO

Falderal (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "falderal." I love to read what the Bible says about foolishness. I know that in my journey with Christ that i have not always understood why God had me doing stuff, but sometimes I would have to trust in his direction, especially when i was unsure of what the rest of my friends, and the world, would think of me.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

~1 Cor 2:14

My question is: do you pray for discernment to understand the things of God? I remember one of the most key parts of my early spiritual journey was advice that i took from my pastor's wife.  She told me that every day i needed to pray for wisdom and discernment from God.  I did not really understand what that meant, but i did it.  and from that day on i don't think that i have missed a day of adding that to my time with God. My prayer is that God gives you wisdom and discernment as yoiu move through your days, that you allow him guide you in your decisions.

Praying for you,

mo

Obnubilate (Matthew 6:33)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "obnubilate.” Jesus knew that when he was on earth that he had limited time. With some things pulling at people's time he realized that he must keep his message simple. The Sermon on the Mount is a representation of that simplicity. He said a lot by using very few words. Included in that was a simple command for people to follow.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

~Matt 6:33

My question is: what are the things in your life that give the most attention? Many of us have goals that we set before us, but they can be obnubilated, or clouded, with many other important tasks and commitments. I know that life is busy. My prayer this morning is that you take this commandment and realize that everything you do is focus on seeking after God. Everything else will fall in the place eventually. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but lucky for us and will continue to be simple.

Praying for you,

mo

Sincere (1 Timothy 1:15)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “sincere.” I often talk about Paul and his friendship with young Timothy. I love the way that he gives this kid instruction, knowing that he is the future of ministry. Paul understands that when he leaves this earth that others will have to take the reins and be proactive about taking this message of Jesus to the world. The apostle is very particular about the things that he says to the young man.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

~1 Tim 1:15

Paul treats his relationship with Timothy in a very careful manner. He understands that Timothy must realize the central issue of Christianity. Here is my question: do you understand God's calling on your life concerning a saying such as the one above? JC came into this world to pay for our sins, and we only need to follow him. My prayer is that each of you takes a moment to ponder this statement. Let us be sincere with others the way that Paul lives his life.

Praying for you,

mo

Inundate (Genesis 6:17-22)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “inundate.”    One of my favorite stories in the Bible is that of Noah.  God had a special relationship with him because Noah followed the Lord in spite of all of the craziness going on in the world at that time.  At one point, God was so distressed that he decided he needed to make some major changes.  He spared Noah and his family and some animals in hopes that he could save humanity.

"But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark--you and your sons and your wife, and your sons' wives with you. 

~Gen. 6:18

The cool part about this passage is that even though God inundates the world with a flood, he also covers Noah with his blessing.  My question for you is: when is the last time you took a moment to understand how much God loves you? With the craziness of life we must still take time to remember that God wants to remind us that his love is powerful and covers us.  My prayer is that each of you takes that moment today to let God remind you about how special you are.

Praying for you,

mo