Dipsy-doodle (Romans 16:17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “dipsy-doodle.”  I love watching football because of the strategy involved.  Two teams slugging it out with the hope that at the end of the game they will be victorious over the opponent.  Within that time many plays are pretty straightforward, and don’t seem that they will accomplish much. Only to see a running back or receiver dip and dodge their way to more yardage. The object of the game is to evade your opponent enough to break free every now and again, and get some major yardage, or even a touchdown. As I was thinking about how we play this game, it made me think about how we are in a spiritual battle each day.

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” ~Romans 16:17

My question is, are you on the lookout for ways the enemy would like to thwart your plans at a spiritually focused life? Although he may want to confuse us, it is our job to stay alert and do everything we can to turn the tables, and stay ahead of the game. My prayer is that you remain close to God, and allow him to run the spiritual dispsy-doodle on the enemy.  Nothing better than trusting in God, letting him call the plays in your life, and watching him bring you success. Trust in him today.

Praying for you,

MO

Ci-devant (Romans 6:1-12)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “ci-devant.”  The apostle Paul has some really good words to say concerning sin.  In this particular book he is at the point with these people where they need to hear information about a relationship with JC pretty straightforward.  He pretty much gives them a couple of options.  They can either live the way that they always have been, or they can change and take a different path.

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

~Rom 6:11-12

My question is: what will it take for you to make a decision to move a little bit closer to God, and a little bit further from the sin that keeps you from knowing God perfectly?  I’m not saying that you have to be perfect, but we really should strive to be the best we possibly can, knowing that moving towards righteousness causes us to move away from sin.  My prayer is that you evaluate your relationship with Christ.  Do the things that take you away from your ci-devant old self, and become more in tune with Jesus, who wants to work on the new you each and every day.

Praying for you,

MO

Certainty (Romans 11:25-32)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “certainty.”  Have you ever felt like God has given up on you?  I know there were a couple times in my life where I really thought that he should have.  But because I stuck close to people who knew both me and God very well, I was able to constantly change to become more recognizable to myself.  God already saw me for who I was, it was me who had the need for change.  I love what the apostle Paul says in the following verse…

“As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”

~Rom. 11:28-29

My question is: what is the calling that God is given to you?  I have been trying to answer that with certainty my whole life as a Christian.  I never seem to get an answer that I am okay with.  But remember that God has given all of us the ability to do specific and certain things well (Rom 12:6). my prayer is that you do not underestimate the purpose that God has given you, knowing that the gifts and talents you possess are waiting to define who you are.  Take this year and allow yourself to be affected by God so that you might in turn affect the souls of many in a positive way.  Choose to let God use your unique qualities today, your God-given perfection in his sight.

Praying for you,

MO

Jocose [Romans 15:13]

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “jocose.”  The Bible speaks a ton about joy and the way we need to be when it comes to living and acting according to God’s will.  Paul wrote this letter to the Romans with the intent of reminding the church that they were part of God’s great plan and design.  He knew that these people had potential to serve with the power of the Holy Spirit. They only needed to be intentional.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

~Rom. 15:13

My question is: how is God filling you with hope daily? Each of us has hopes and dreams for where we would like to see our lives.  Sometimes it is difficult to see God’s plan in the midst of current circumstances.  My prayer is that each of you finds peace in the knowledge that God wants you to live a life of blessing.  Remember to always rejoice, whether times are good or bad. it is not easy, of course; but we must continue to know JC more each day and abound in hope!

Praying for you,

mo