Sagacity (Proverbs 3:18-22)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “sagacity.”when is the last time you had to make a really big decision? I can remember several times in my life when there was probably a better way than another, and I wanted to make sure to choose that. So, I began asking other people to help me in those decisions. It actually took a lot of work for me to trust others with certain pieces of my life. I think that’s kind of what the Christian life is all about.

“My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them…”

~Pr. 3:21

I talk a lot about how my pastors wife once told me that it was important for me each day to ask God to give me both wisdom and discernment. So I guess my question is this: from where do you get your common sense and discernment? Who are the people, readings, and other sources that give you information in making sound decisions? My prayer is that you add the tools that God gives you in your daily decisions, whether those decisions are big or small. If we seek to do things God’s way, I think that the overall outcome of life might have a pretty good chance of being better, as opposed to taking a different path.

Praying for you,

MO

Parse (Proverbs 4:1-9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "parse."  It always seems that the Bible has a ton of different meanings.  I remember when I first started studying the Bible; I realized how many different ways there were of interpreting the meanings I was learning.  I knew that there were a lot of lessons that I needed to understand and apply to my life.  But it was up to me to take the correct steps and actions to make that happen.  Now that I was a believer, I knew that God expected me to do things a little differently.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”

~Pr. 4:7

My question is what are you doing to gain wisdom and insight?  I remember when I was a young Christian going to my pastor’s wife and asking her how she was so knowledgeable in the biblical matters.  She told me that she prayed every morning for wisdom and discernment.  From that day on, I did the same.  My prayer is that you seek wisdom and gain insight from those who have done life a little bit longer than you.  Take God’s word and pull it apart, or parse it, to understand a bit more each day.  Humble yourself to accept the teachings that others with wisdom might give in order to change your life for the better.

Praying for you,

MO

Pour (Jeremiah 10:23-25)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “pour.”  Jeremiah ended his temple address with a prayer to God. The prophet admitted that a person’s life can’t be considered his or her own as though they are free to direct their own steps. The Lord is in control, and only those who let God direct their ways will be truly blessed. Because Judah’s judgment was inevitable, Jeremiah pleaded that it might come only with God’s justice and not with His anger.  Jeremiah was asking for God’s patience in passing judgment or else the nation might be reduced to nothing…

“Correct me, Lord, but only with justice — not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing. Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name.”

~Jer. 10:23-24

My question is: do you allow God to pour his goodness into your life?  There are so many things that you can do with the strength of the Lord.  He asks only for our obedience and love.  My prayer is that God is in control of your life today and continues to be more so in the future.  Each of you is a special individual and the Lord will bless you.  Just as the Lord rightly delivered judgment on his people, so does he pour out his blessings on those who call on the name of JC.  Live your life according to the decrees God has given.  He will correct your missteps and give you a heart more toward his each day.

Praying for you,

mo

Boldness (Acts 13:42-52)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “boldness.” Back in the day when the name of Jesus was not always the most popular among scholars and stuff, the disciples still did what needed to be done to get the word out.  Even when it seems to be detrimental to their own well-being or health, these men and women spoke with boldness the message that needed to get out to others…

“Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: 'We had to speak the word of God to you first…’”

~Acts 13:46

My question today is: what is it in your life that you need to approach with more boldness?  You know, that one thing that you have been putting off but you know needs to get done.  My prayer is that God would give you courage to face the crazy situations in life.  Do not be afraid to flex your faith.  The Lord is faithful to answer your needs and concerns. 

Praying for you,

mo

Spot (Acts 16:1-5)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “spot.” The Apostle Paul had a knack for spotting talent when he saw it. Even though Timothy was an unlikely candidate for taking on the role of Paul’s companion for ministry, the two ended up doing some awesome ministry together. Paul believed in the young guy and gave him a chance despite his background, which prolly was not impressive to a lot of peeps.

“Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.”

~Acts 16:3-4

My question is: when have you been that unlikely companion for God’s work? Many of us would not have seen ourselves as instrumental in the Lord’s plan… but we are. Each of us has been chosen to play a part in moving the kingdom forward. My prayer is that you are ready for God’s direction; he sees your potential. Spend time with the peeps that encourage you in the faith; look to spot the same in others. Strengthen God’s church daily, increasing in love for those who need to hear the Gospel. Have a great day.

Praying for you,

mo