Realpolitik (Matthew 23:12-14)

Good morning ladies,

THe word of the day is “realpolitik.”  Self-righteousness has been going on since, and even before, the Bible was recorded.  Some peeps just like to get up in other people’s business and tell them how to live.  Unfortunately, most of us have enough hang-ups to keep ourselves busy, and do not really need to worry about others and the way that they are living life.  The Pharisees were these kind of dudes back in the New Testament.  JC really had it up to here with the way that they were living, and judging others...

"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.13"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.… ~Matt 23:12-14

My question is: what do you spend most of your time and energy on?  Some peeps are so consumed with the business of judging others that they do not take time to look in the mirror.  My prayer is that each of you takes a moment and self-reflects upon the things in your own life that God would like to work on.  If we spend more time working out our own issues, we will have less time to try to run other peeps’ lives.  Live in grace today, and give others the same benefit that God would… an accepting heart.

Praying for you,

MO

Antepenultimate (Luke 14:1-11)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “antepenultimate.” Jesus always seemed to find himself at important places with important people. What I love about these passages is that he has never really impressed with the people that seem to be those who are seen as important. He was only concerned about a couple of things. In fact, Jesus was setting the stage to talk about some important issues. The stuff that Jesus found to be important others often did not.

But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.

~Lk 14:10

My question is: what are the things that you find to be important in your life? Sometimes we get wrapped up in the way that we are supposed to be and forget that Jesus only cares about the unseen. The Savior cares more about your soul than anything else. He wants you to live a life that is worthy of the kingdom of God. The cool part about that is we know we can never earn it. So instead of trying to be important like the people in this passage it would probably do is good to take the antepenultimate seat at the banquet table, or third from the end. Always be humble and remember that the Lord will put you exactly where you need to be.

Praying for you,

mo

Exalt (Luke 18:9-14)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “exalt.” JC used to know the best stories to tell at the right time. One of his favorite ways to get his point across was to use parables. These stories helped others examine their own lives by hearing about those of others. The fact that heard these stories did not always like the message because it would hit too close to home. But, I guess that is why these stories needed to be told:

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

~Luke 18:14

My question for you is: will you allow God to justify you in his sight? Too often we think that we needed to exalt ourselves and reminded the world how good we are. However, God would see it the other way around. When we are humble and follow his teachings through the word and relationships with others, we experience a connection with God that is unmatched. My prayer is that you continually humble yourself not only in the sight of God, but around others as well. You don't have to worry about letting everybody know how awesome you are. God already knows what an incredible creation you are; he made you!

Praying for you,

mo

Needs (Romans 12:10-13)

The morning ladies,

The word of the day is “needs”. During World War II Winston Churchill was up against some pretty intense odds. He knew that his people had the resolve to finish the job but they lacked the resources. At one point during the darkest days he put out a call to the world letting everyone know exactly what they needed. He was confident that if they had the resources then the war was certain to be won. The book of Romans talks about the needs of Christians. Paul was very explicit in his instruction concerning the way that we live with one another:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

~Rom. 12:12-13

My question for you is: are you aware of your specific needs from the father? This may seem to be a silly question, but I think sometimes we do not ask the simple questions. My prayer is that you learn to understand your needs as a Christian. This will allow you to bless others as you live with them. You are called to take care of people who all are less fortunate, and in need. Who is it in your life today that you can bless? I pray that someone who is in need receives your help.

Praying for you,

Mo

Meek (Matthew 5:5)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “meek.”  You might not think this to be a great one to speak wisdom on the front end.  But the cool thing is that God used this word in the Bible to describe his expectations for Christians. It is not that he wanted them to be wimps, but instead take a humble nature in relationship with the Father.  When JC was giving the Sermon on the Mount, he said some really profound statements that speak volumes, and still do today…

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

~Matt. 5:5

My question is: how is your spirit when it comes to relationship with God? I know that it is easy to get distracted and fall away from a consistent time because of all the madness in life.  But this is exactly why we need to slow down and get back to basics.  Just as the crowds sat and listened to JC, so must we take time to do the same and revisit our faith continually.  My prayer is that you learn to be humble in spirit and strive to preach the Gospel through your words and actions.  Someone out there needs to understand God’s love, and you might be the person to relay that message.  Have an open heart and be ready with expectation for the things JC will do through you.

Praying for you,

mo