Yen (Jeremiah 29:1-14)

Good morning ladies,

I have always enjoyed the book of Jeremiah. I think one of the reasons is that I heard so much about it when I was in high school. I remember my pastor talking about God having a plan for my life and referring to this book on multiple occasions. More time that I spent with the people in that youth group, the more I yearned to be in God's good graces. I was learning throughout those years to seek it in such a way that it would change my entire being.

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

~Jer. 29.13

My question is: what are the thoughts of your heart? What are the things that consume your daily activity? I think as Christians we live life at a different level, one that is more taxing and full of expectancy. We believe that God is going to do great things are life, and God expects that we obey him. What I do know is that God is faithful and will carry out his part of the plan. My prayer is that each of us takes on the responsibility that God has given us and live with such a yen, or desire, that nothing will stand in our way of fulfilling that plan. Take an opportunity today and prioritize your desires. Ask God to be a part of the equation and give you guidance. He will.

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

Bootless (Ecclesiates 2:1-12)

Good morning ladies,

 The word of the day is "bootless." King Solomon was said to be the wisest person ever to live. When God asked him what he wanted, more than riches or fame or anything else this man ask for God's wisdom. It is because of that was in that he was able to write these sayings. He is talking here about no matter what people do it all ends of being meaningless in the end. All of the things that people labor to do and accomplish really don't count for much when it is all said and done.

What do people gain from all the toil

at which they toil under the sun?

~Ecc 2:3

My question is: if everything is meaningless why do we try so hard at everything that we do? I think that people who put their trust in God have a leg up on the competition. I guess what I'm saying is if we are just living for ourselves then life would at some point get pretty frustrating. My prayer is that you look at your life and think about all of the things that God has put in front of you. What is his plan for you? One of the things that you need to be doing? Are you spending your time on things that are worthy of God's time? I think a ton of people spend their time on bootless, or useless, ventures. It is easy to get caught up in all of the madness in this world. We know that in the end life is not meaningless, but a show phrase for what God has done for us. He is your maker. He is your father. He is the one who is given you breath. Rejoice in the fact.

Praying for you,

mo

Respond (Joel 3:1-21)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “respond.” In this very short book of the Bible, God uses this particular profit to pronounce judgment on the nations. Because of God's promise, Israel could look toward the future of hope. But they could only do this if they would respond in obedience to what God expected from them. Joel tells the people here that the Lord is going to use this nation to judge others. God was going to bring terror to those who rebelled, but hope to those who trusted in him.

“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”

~Joel 3:16

My question is this: how do you respond to God and what he expects of you? Some of you may not even know what God has in store for you. And that is exactly why we need to have people in our lives that can help us understand those things. We need to be a people full of discernment, strategy, and a hope for the future. My prayer is that you respond favorably to God's plans for you, as he will respond favorably when you take action. Just as Joel painted a picture here, God will continue to reveal his plan to you. You need only to respond.

Praying for you,

mo