Larrikin (James 3:15-17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “larrikin.”  I have always been told by my mentor that wisdom is one of the most important traits of a Christian.  We see in today’s passage that James is pretty adamant about helping people look towards serving others rather than trying to gain personal position.  The people in this church were being attacked by the Evil One and it was up to James to set them straight.

“This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy…” ~Jam 3:15-17

My question is: what is the wisdom that you seek, and to whom do you look to receive it?  I think there’s a lot that one can learn by just reading God’s word, but it takes a whole new level of faith and understanding to put your trust into someone that knows more than you.  As we see in today’s passage, wisdom comes from heaven.  And if we want to avoid the larrikins – those who have ill intentions, and cause commotion - we must look to gain wisdom daily.  My prayer is that you put aside any personal negative thoughts and decided to get a little bit better each day; ask other strong Christians to help you through the journey.  Why not start today?!

Praying for you,

MO

Hornswoggle (1 Peter 5:1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day “is hornswoggle.”  From the beginning of time all the way back to Adam and Eve, the Enemy has always tried to get the best of humankind.  Wehave always known as Xtians that as soon as we accept a relationship with JC, we open ourselves up to the flaming arrows of the Evil One.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

~1 Pet 5:8-9

My question is: what are the precautions you have have in your life that keep you aware of the Enemy doing his best to outsmart and cheat you. My prayer is that you look to JC, who has called you to this place, and that he gives you the wherewithal an understanding you will need to not be hornswoggled by the forces of bad in this world. Hold fast! Remember that God has called you to alertness that you might resist him in the day of temptation and tribulation.

Praying for you,

mo

Blighter (1 Peter 5:8)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “blighter.” I remember when I first started coming to youth group. I was really afraid that everybody else was going to be really holy and I was not going to fit in at all. Well, I was mostly right (only cause it was me, tho). Buuuuut, the cool thing is no one really judged me. I mean, of course we were all high schoolers and we judged each other, but I guess no one really thought I was worse of a sinner than anybody else. In my first few months of spending time with the youth pastor, who eventually became my mentor for life, I remember we used to joke about the tough road ahead as a Christian. And, it always seemed to come back to this verse…

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

~1 Peter 5:8

                                          

Now, of course that's a pretty serious verse. The evil one is lurking and looking for each of us. He wants us to let down our guard so that he can devour us. We must resolve as Christians never to let down that guard and always remember that others are relying on us to pull through. The reason people end up becoming Christian is watching how others go through struggles that have Christ in their lives. How do I know this? Because I was the person who is looking towards others. My question is: are you a kind of person that others can look to for spiritual resolve? My prayer is that you remember someone in your life that needs the love of Jesus and subtly remind them that Jesus is watching out for them. We must always be ready to fight the evil one who is a blighter, or contemptible being. Stay strong, sisters.

Praying for you,

Mo