Accrete (2 Peter 3:17-18)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “accrete.” Each of us has probably had a person or persons in our lives that have pushed us to the next level. You know, whether in sports or music or whatever.  It is important that we are encouraged by others to keep on, or else we would have never learned how to walk. We would all just be a bunch of adults crawling around. That would be pretty silly, don't you think? Well, we have to approach our relationship with Jesus in the same manner.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

~2 Peter 3:18

I think the key word here is "grow." My question for you is: on the scale of 1 to 10, how well are you growing in the knowledge of your Lord and Savior? If we choose to be lacksidasical concerning our growth and knowledge of Jesus, how can we expect others to come into a relationship with him? A challenge for each of us this morning is that we take all of the guesswork out of people making the decision for Christ. If we continue to accrete, or grow in our relationship with God and each other, we will be a fragrance for Jesus and others will have no choice but to make a decision one way or the other. And, my optimistic inclination is that we will begin to win more souls for him.

Praying for you,

mo

Allocution (Matthew 5:1-7:29)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “allocution.” Every few years we have the opportunity to hear the inauguration speech of either a new or current president. These are known as some of the most listened to speeches by people from not only our country, but all over the world. On the morning of this year's presidential inauguration I am inclined to think of one of the greatest speeches ever given. The Sermon on the Mount was given by Jesus a couple thousand years ago, yet it still resonates with people today. Even though most of us would not even realize it, people often use parts from the Sermon on the Mount in present day speeches and every-day conversations. Jesus was speaking to a crowd of people, including disciples, and others who chose to follow him. He chose his words carefully, knowing that these words should and would resonate with those who heard.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

~Matt 5:13-16

My question is: what are some of the greatest speeches that you have ever heard? In all of my years of ministry I have heard a ton of great speeches, sermons, and other allocutions. And, I have to say that I am really proud that my Savior gave perhaps the most moving challenge of all with the Sermon on the Mount. My prayer is that each of you takes heed to each section of this encouragement by Jesus. Take time today to read through this particular sermon, and give thanks for a God who reaches out to love us continually.

Praying for you,

mo

Yuletide (Isaiah 9:1-7)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "Yuletide." Back in the Old Testament, before the Messiah was around, there was a lot of speculation of who this person might be and how that Messiah would come to be with us. The prophet Isaiah tells us that the Messiah is to come as a child, and probably as one from the lineage of the covenant people.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

~Is 9:6

My question is: how do you celebrate the Yuletide, or Christmas time, with the ones you love? Sometimes we can get wrapped up in a lot of stuff that does not matter during the season. However, as recent similar family and the ones that we love, we can remember that the reason we are able to celebrate this is because that God sent Messiah. His only son was his gift to us during this special time of year. My prayer is that you spend a little bit more time with the ones that you love, and hug them a little bit tighter, knowing that our time on this earth is limited. We will one day be with our Messiah again. Until then, let us celebrate Christmas and remember the reason for our joy.

Praying for you,

mo