Flummox (2 Timothy 2:7)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “flummox.”  Throughout my life I've heard from each of those who have influence over me – parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, etc. – that I'm really only going to get out of life what I put into it.  I think this is a pretty standard way of thinking.  I mean, it makes sense.  I've seen a lot of people with a lot of talent that did not amount to much.  On the other hand, I've seen people who have been less talented excel in whatever they were doing.  I think the same goes for the word of God.  The more that we try to read and understand what God might have for us, he is going to help us understand the teachings and principles.

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” ~2 Tim 2:7

My question is: how focused are you in your vision of what your life should be?  I know that God wants each of us to have the best opportunity to be successful in our endeavors. But sometimes we get a bit frustrated with the lack of direction in our lives, either because we create it, or are flummoxed by circumstances that we cannot control. My prayer is that you think on God’s words and allow him to bring understanding in your life. 

Praying for you,

MO

Aumildar (2 Timothy 2:20-26)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “aumildar.”  When writing to young Timothy, the apostle Paul was very careful to help him understand that everything the young man was to do would be a reflection on Jesus, and all other Christians. And it would not only reflect Christians of that day but for all of the days following as well. He wanted to make sure that Timothy had a mind so focused on the Messiah that nothing would get in the way of his dedication; even after Paul himself left the earth.

All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.

~2 Tim 2:21

My question is: have you dedicated yourself to the use of God and the mission that his son came to fulfill? It is pertinent as Christians that we remember Jesus uses us as special utensils, as mentioned in this verse, to fulfill his purpose for the world. He does not need us, but it is our privilege and duty to be used by him. My prayer this morning is that you become an aumildar, or agent, for Jesus. Give him reign in your life and allow him to use you as his special vessel, fulfilling his desire for both you and the world.

Praying for you,

mo

Malleable (Isaiah 64:1-12)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “malleable.”  The prophet offers up a prayer to the Lord, in which there is a confession at the end. He gives the imagery of God being the potter and he the clay. Isaiah asks humbly that God treat his life as belonging to the Lord.

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

~Is 64:8

My question is: will you be shaped by God? If you are at all like me, this is much easier said than done. Although I trust in God with all my heart, sometimes I like to run so hard that I get ahead of myself. Notice that I understand and realize that I never get ahead of God, because God knows exactly where I need to be. My prayer is that you allow God to write the days of your life, and that you trust him wholeheartedly. As God's people we must be malleable, or capable of being adjusted, by The Potter. Allow God to make you better each day, not for your sake but for his.

Praying for you,

mo

Privity (Isaiah 64:2-7)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “privity.”  God would reveal in the Old Testament great things about himself to those who obeyed and trusted in his power.  The prophet Isaiah understood that the people of Israel needed to follow the commands of God to experience the fullness of his love and calling.

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”

~Is. 64:4

My question is: do you wait for God, and if so how do you express that both to God and others?  As believers in the Messiah we are given a kind of privity, or special knowledge,  that only comes from the Spirit. My prayer for each of you is for God to move in your life and reveal to you the great things he has in store for your future. Moving through the good times and bad our relationship with God is one of love and expectancy.  Wait for God, and rest in the knowledge of his love.

Travel (Acts 28:14-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “travel.” I do not know where this blog post will find you – some at APU, others already home, still some in midst of travel. Did you know that today is the busiest travel day of the year; I know, crazy! I am reminded of what some believe was Paul’s final journey on this day, the one that would see him find a destination that he knew was a long time coming.

"There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him."

~Acts 28:14-16

My question for you is: do you know your destination concerning God’s plans for you? I am not saying you need to know every move or that it is pertinent to understand the full plan. But I do think that when you align your mind and heart with God you will begin to have a more full picture of his plans for you. My prayer is that God shows you your mission, if not in life yet at least while living through the APU experience. Have fun this weekend. Rest in the knowledge that God has made you a traveler on this Christ journey.

Praying for you,

mo

Tough (Jeremiah 42:1 – 43:13)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “tough.” How would you like to have been one of God’s prophets in the OT whose main objective was to tell the Israelites that they were a bunch of bustas… yeah, not a fun job. Jeremiah was a real leader. He pretty much knew that he had to punk the Israelites for disobedience – but he faced the situation like a real leader should.

“Jeremiah the prophet said, "I hear your request. And I will pray to your God as you have asked. Whatever God says, I'll pass on to you. I'll tell you everything, holding nothing back."

~Jer. 42:4

Whoa! Now that is what I call a fearless leader. Jeremiah was willing to do a couple things. He would first pray to God on behalf of the peeps, and then he would pass on whatever message the Lord gave. Unfortunately it was going to be a message that the Israelite would not like to hear. My question is: are you ready for tough decisions… in family, relationships, school, your direction in life? My prayer is that you take Jeremiah’s path and learn how to tackle tough circumstances. That way, when God calls you to make those decisions… you will be ready.

Praying for you,

mo

Deliberate (Acts 9:1-20)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “deliberate.” Saul never made it to Tarsus with the same name. God knew what he was doing in the life of that man who would eventually be known as the Apostle Paul. This transition was a pretty big deal because this guy was a Hebrew… and a Pharisee! He studied under a prominent Jewish leader of the day, and had mad Scripture skills. He was a Roman citizen, dope communicator, and leader. He was prime for God’s divine intervention.

So he said, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting! But stand up and enter the city and you will be told what you must do.”

~Acts 9:5-6

God is always deliberate with his plans for us. We just have to be intentional about listening and watching for those plans. Question: how has God been deliberate in your life with the stuff you could do for the kingdom? Being a student-athlete gives you a platform to accomplish a ton for the Lord’s purpose. My prayer for you is that God would reveal the plans he has for you in your life. Be deliberate in all aspects of life, knowing that God has a favorable hand on you.

Praying for you,

mo

Guide (Psalm 32:8)

Good morning ladies,

The word of day is “guide.” As we get ready to embark on this trip to our first swim meet I am reminded of God’s hand in all that we do. The cool thing about our relationship with something greater than us is the help we get in this crazy life journey. Throughout history God has been a guide for his people – from a pillar of fire, to a still small voice of the Spirit. The Lord is always faithful to show the way…

“The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

~Psalm 32:8

What a sweet reminder! Listening to God’s call on your being is important to you understanding where he might lead next. My question for you is this: Do you yield to the Father’s advice concerning what is best for you? He wants to direct your steps as you face troubles, and rejoice with you as you experience the triumphs. My prayer for you today is that you would allow God to guide you toward his perfect will for you…

Praying for you,

mo

Word (Psalm 119:105)

Good morning ladies,

Ironically, the word of the day is “word.” I was thinking this weekend at the intensity of God’s word in my life, as I pray it is in yours. I thought it was aptly appropriate to start this week right. So many times I have let my thoughts and words slip and been careless. God’s word is always intentional and perfect. How I long for my life to align with God’s. As I pondered our season, I realized that we have a long way to go. We are in the beginning… and that is good. We have the opportunity to live by God’s light and let his word direct our thoughts, actions, and direction. The Psalmist here says:

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

~Psalm 119:105

This verse has been a prayer of mine since high school. The cool part about our relationship with God is that no matter how we act or who we are at any given moment, the word of God never changes. I can always look back and get back on track with what God would have for me in my life and relationship with him. So I guess the question today is: Are you allowing God’s word to be a light in your life? My prayer today is that God would manifest goodness in each of your lives and guide your every thought and action. We are so blessed to be in community with one another. Make this week great.

Praying for you,

mo

Navigate (John 14:1-31)

Hey ladies,

The word of the day is “navigate.” By this time you are prolly getting settled in and know what your weeks are going to look like. Your obligations are becoming clear and you know what parts of the school year you are and are not excited about. As you put everything in your calendar and get ready for a great year and season, my encouragement is that you take special care of that schedule. Do you know what you have to get done? Can you prioritize your week and still leave time for play and relaxation. If you do not look ahead now, chances of burning out increase.

Planning is important. Jesus laid out a plan for the future, as he has promised to prepare a place for each of us who call him Lord (v.1-4). That is rad! Jesus knew that his followers dealt with stress and anxiety and all the other stuff that came with daily life. Yet he told them to not be troubled and believe in him. That is a pretty bold statement to make. But I guess JC was a pretty bold dude.

What is it that you can do to not only add God to your schedule, but to let the Spirit permeate your daily activities? Are you navigating well these first couple of weeks in the year? Navigating well this season will take constant tweaking of your priorities and time. I pray that God gives you peace this year, as promised in the Word (v.27).

Praying for you,

mo