Anointing (Joshua 1:9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “anointing.” I think one of my favorite parts of my early years as a Christian was the way that I was able to deal with big days, big decisions, and anything that caused my heart to way heavy for one reason or another. Although I did not understand much about the Bible, I did know that I could read certain verses and really resonate with the people that were going through trials and adversity. Joshua was one of my favorites, probably because he was very young and when he was called to step up to the plate and take over God’s mission and vision for the people of Israel, it seems to me that he had a few jitters along the way. And, I learned by reading his story that God would be with me, because he was with Joshua.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Josh 1:9)

My question is: what are the parts of your life that are attracting extra special attention from you today? Where are the jitters, and to what do you attribute those feelings of anxiety? My prayer is that you remember today that God is with you and wants you to be full of courage, as he has given you his anointing in this relationship that you walk with him. So, in the spirit of today’s passage, I hope that God shows you along the way that he has made you for something special. Hold on to that, and thank God today for giving you the opportunities that he does.

Praying for you,

MO

R2D2 (Joshua 1:1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “R2D2.”  Do I need to explain?  It’s probably only the coolest robot in history.  If you watched any of the Star Wars movies, this little guy has pretty much stolen the show numerous times.  But did you also know that this is a term for fighter pilots, as they use it for their RIOs (Radio Intercept Officer)?  That’s the fighter pilot’s flying companion, his partner that makes sure he can see everything that the pilot cannot.  Pretty cool, huh?  I remember watching the movie Top Gun back from the early 1980s, with Tom Cruise.  His character was named “Maverick,” and his RIO was named “Goose.”  Again, one of the best movies of all time!  Well, the cool thing about your life and God is that he will never leave you.  It’s almost like he’s your everyday RIO.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~Josh 1:9

My question is: what would it take for you to give God a chance to be a part of your everyday life?  Sounds like a little bit of a silly question, I know.  The way that I see it, I am lucky that God wants to be so intricately and intimately involved with my life.  But, he does.  My prayer is that each of you thinks about your life in terms of the journey.  You have a couple of options.  You can either do stuff on your own, or you can have the best R2D2 the world… God.  A little bit of a crazy analogy, but fitting for sure.

Praying for you,

MO

Klaxon (Joshua 6:4)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “klaxon.”  One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in the book of Joshua.  I love how God's people were pretty much outnumbered and terrified.  They never knew exactly what to do.  It seems like they were the underdog team that you always thought was going to get their rear ends kicked, and then all of the sudden God the hero shows up and allows them to win.

"Also seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark; then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.

~Josh 6:4

My question is: are you ready to do God's work?  I think for most of us, we would like to do things for the kingdom but just do not know exactly how to put it into action.  My prayer is that you are always ready to witness to others, both in action and in love.  Just as the priests I'm sure were a little bit miffed at what God was about to do, they still followed him and did what he told them to do – and made those klaxons sound off loud!  I know that God will call each of us to serve him in some capacity in life; it's up to us to be ready.

Praying for you,

Mo

Hardihood [Joshua 1:9]

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "hardihood.”  I really like to read the stories in the Old Testament.  It seems that God always has a really cool story and saves his people right before they are going to be beaten.  I've always liked an underdog.  One of my favorite movies is Miracle, the one about the 1980 Olympic hockey team that went against all odds in quest to beat one of the best teams of all time.  Several times I am sure these young men on the USA Olympic team wanted to give up.  But, just as they had to face their fears, so do we as God's people need to do the same.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

~Josh 1:9

My question is: when is the last time that you felt down and out?  You know what I'm talking about, those times where you don't think that you can go against the odds anymore.  You've already given all that is possible, and still there seems to be no victory in sight.  My prayer for you this morning is that God gives you the encouragement to be strong, and to have courage… or hardihood, just as young Joshua needed.  As you look towards this week and the obstacles in front of you, always remember that God is on your side and with you wherever you go.

Praying for you,

Mo