Cogitation (Luke 14.25-35)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “cogitation.”  One of the best parts of putting my goals together each year is to reflect on those from the previous year.  Because I have mentors and other people in my life who continually keep me accountable, I have to make sure that I am on point when it comes to striving for my goals.  I don't always hit all of my goals from year-to-year, and that is probably because I make them pretty difficult to attain.  This gives me the satisfaction of either making those goals, or the momentary disappointment of missing them.  Either way, I am able to look at the tangible parts of the goals that I have set forth.

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it…” ~Lk 14:28

My question is: how committed to your goals are you this year?  For us to be able to attain the goals we have each year, we must continually keep them in our sights.  My prayer is that you put specific people in your path to walk with you, and practice the proper cogitation and reflection on the specifics of what you desire to accomplish.  I hope that you dream big this year and put up some crazy goals that will take God’s favor and help to make possible.

Praying for you,

MO

Novitiate (Epesians 4:22-25)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "novitiate.”  One of the more difficult understandings through my walk with God has been knowing how to see the positive change in my life, and continue to strive to be better each day.  In this passage, Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus that their state of mind is very important, that living life in the likeness of God is pertinent to a productive life.

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

~Eph 4:22-25

My question is: what are one or two things that you could get rid of and your life that may help you become closer to God?  It's not always easy to change because we're so used to being who we are.  However, God wants us to renew our minds, and are commitments to him, daily so that we can become more conformed to his image.  My prayer is that each of you understand that you are created by God, and that he wants you to be more like him each day.

Praying for you,

Mo

Yen (Jeremiah 29:1-14)

Good morning ladies,

I have always enjoyed the book of Jeremiah. I think one of the reasons is that I heard so much about it when I was in high school. I remember my pastor talking about God having a plan for my life and referring to this book on multiple occasions. More time that I spent with the people in that youth group, the more I yearned to be in God's good graces. I was learning throughout those years to seek it in such a way that it would change my entire being.

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

~Jer. 29.13

My question is: what are the thoughts of your heart? What are the things that consume your daily activity? I think as Christians we live life at a different level, one that is more taxing and full of expectancy. We believe that God is going to do great things are life, and God expects that we obey him. What I do know is that God is faithful and will carry out his part of the plan. My prayer is that each of us takes on the responsibility that God has given us and live with such a yen, or desire, that nothing will stand in our way of fulfilling that plan. Take an opportunity today and prioritize your desires. Ask God to be a part of the equation and give you guidance. He will.

Praying for you,

Mo