Too-too (Proverbs 3:11-12)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “too-too.”  It is amazing how many cool principles that we can learn from the book of Proverbs. When I was a new Christian I remember my group leader telling me that if I wanted to start getting better at my spiritual life, that going through a proverb a day would be a healthy recipe. He was correct. I still love reading the good stuff that I get from them each day.

My daughter, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the daughter he delights in.” ~Pr. 3:11-12

My question is: do you seek discipline from others to make you better? Sometimes we think that we have it all figured out.  We think that God’s discipline is too-too and annoying.  We let our pride get in the way of learning from others who are more experienced in life.  My prayer is that you find someone to share your thoughts with. Someone who is wise in the areas in which you would like to excel. You can be as good as you want, but it takes time to get there.  The process is always longer than we would like. But that is what makes success so sweet.

Praying for you,

MO 

Bear (Luke 14:25-33)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "bear.” We often see this word used by Christians when talking about following Christ. People in the New Testament knew that there was a cost involved with following Jesus. He was not popular in many circles and people knew that associating with him could be detrimental to their social status. For this reason Jesus made clear what it would take to follow him, on many occasions.

“Whoever does not bear his or her own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”

~Luke 14:27

My question is: what does it mean in your life in particular to bear a cross for Christ? God expects each of us to publicly state our affection for the Savior, not just in words but also in action. It is important for others to see why we follow Jesus. My prayer is that you take a moment to evaluate how you can witness to others this week. When you spend time with family and friends, think of specific ways that you can help them move closer to a life with Christ.

Praying for you,

mo

Restraint (Habakkuk 3:1-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “restraint.” We like to think that we live in a pretty crazy world. The funny thing is, God has always dealt with people according to the way best to help them. God has always been the leader of this world and governance humans according to their situations. Habakkuk showed how God influenced nations to perform his will. In that specific instance, God prevented people from doing what they naturally were inclined to do. He helped them understand his cause and move toward his will. Even when evil is present, God can make something good come out of it.

“He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting.”

~Hab. 3:6

My question is: do you allow God to govern your life and the things that you deal with? Sometimes we don't always understand our situations. My prayer is that God would shape you into a leader who influences many toward the will of God. As God gives you more influence, what is necessary do to help others understand the goodness that God has prepared for them. As the nation of Israel needed to be course corrected every now and again, so do we as Christians need God's influence in our lives. Take each day to make your natural inclinations to match God’s.

Praying for you,

mo

Discipline (Hebrews 12:9-11)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “discipline.” The writer of Hebrews was trying to make a point here about discipline, and following God's law. Submitting to divine discipline is not always what we would like to do. However, doesn't it always seem to come back around to remind us why it is good to be under that law? Reading passages like this always encourages me, because it reminds me that God's people have been dealing with the same kind of stuff for a lot of years now.

“Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live?”

~Heb. 12:9

My question is: what are the disciplines that you live by... how does God fit into these plans? Coming toward the end of the season, discipline is more important than ever. Some things are going to want to distract you from doing your best. But you have to rise above all that and get the job done. You have to train when you are ready to do so, and you have to train when you're not ready. You have to train when times are good, and you have to train when times are not. You have to train when you feel good, and you have to train when you're tired. Discipline is the key at this point in the season. My prayer for you is that you would reach down inside you and figure out what that looks like. You are all capable of attaining great things, it is only a matter of whether or not you will do it. I choose to believe that you will rise to meet the challenge.

Praying for you,

mo