Epistolize (2 Thessalonians 3:17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “epistolize.”  In today's society many of us have left the written word and replaced it with email, messaging, and other forms of social media.  It's just easier, faster, and suits our needs.  However, back in the time of the Apostle Paul, he did not have this luxury.  He knew that the letters he wrote to people should be methodically and meticulously written, realizing that it would take quite a bit of time for each of these letters to reach the other party.  Sometimes I'm sure that these letters did not even make it to their final destination.  For this reason, we know that Paul epistolized each and every letter to the believers with the utmost sincerity and thought.

“I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.” ~2 Thess 3:17

My question is: what kind of kind of thought put into the relationships that God is giving you, and your relationship with God himself?  Sometimes it's easy for us to just throw words out, whether in time of prayer or in relation to others.  Like when we tell someone that we will pray for them, and then just forget about it. 

Some of us are worse offenders than others.  One of my mentors once told me that much of the time when he tells someone that he will pray for them, he does so right there, either out loud in a time of prayer with that person, or even just silently as he leaves that conversation.  Either way, it's about being deliberate, both in relationship to God and relationship to others. 

My prayer is that you methodically and prayerfully consider the words that you speak to God, and as you communicate with others, whether it is written longhand or digitally, that you epistolize with the same amount of thought that Paul did in his letters.

Praying for you

Commensal (1 Corinthians 11:20-27)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “commensal.”  I remember growing up having dinner every night with my family.  That changed when both my brother and I were in high school.  By that time each of us were in a ton of extra curricular activities, including school and sports and anything else that you could think of that would take a family away from being able to eat every night together.  I think it was my junior year, about halfway through one of my sports seasons, that I came home one night around 11 PM, as hungry as a bear.  I opened up the refrigerator to find a plate of food with my name on it.  That was the first time that I realized that the once normal commensal meal with my family would no longer be a part of life.

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” ~1 Cor 11:26

My question is: when is the last time you have some really good God time? I know that there are a ton of things in your life pulling you in different directions. The tough part about all of that is knowing when to slow down and give God the time he needs to speak into your life; this is what leads to significance both in this world, but more importantly in eternity.

Praying for you,

MO

Brobdingnagian (Matthew 17:1-20)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is " Brobdingnagian.”  Early on in my Christian journey I remember I was often intimidated by people who had a stronger faith than me.  This was pretty much everybody at that particular time in my life.  I wanted to be someone who made a difference for God.  I wanted to do something that would allow me to spend my time serving God, not only helpful for my personal journey, but also help others around me to share the blessings that God had given to me.

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." ~Matt 17:20

My question is: where is your faith today?  I realize now that I do not have to be a person of Brobdingnagian-like faith, but need only have the smallest amount so that God can do with you more than you would even expect.  Take some time to ask God not to make you a spiritual giant, but to give you enough faith to allow others to see him work miraculously in your life, making you an example to others.

Praying for you,

MO

Tenebrific (John 1.1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “tenebrific.”  I remember one of the easiest ways that the Christian life was ever explained to me.  One of the guest pastors that spoke at youth group one time talked about the difference between following God and not following God.  He used an analogy of darkness and light.  Now, I think that we’ve all heard the following anecdote, but I really believe that it is appropriate for today’s passage.  Remember with me, if you will, the illustration that this pastor used.  He turned off all the lights in the room and talked about how darkness was tenebrific, causing certain emotions and us, like confusion, uncertainty, and the like.  But, then he took a match out and struck it against the box, instantly creating a way for us to see.  He showed that just a little bit of light could overcome darkness.  It was actually pretty amazing, and simple all at the same time.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~Jn 1:5

My question is: if you were to have to put a value on the way that you live your life, what percentage of your days have you chosen to live in the light?  Now, that is a pretty deep question and has all sorts of implications depending on how you understand it.  But I guess that’s what I’m going for.  My prayer is that you take the simplicity of understanding that Jesus is the light that has overcome the darkness in this world.  And, the more that we bring his message to others, we are part of sharing that light.  Used today to encourage someone and see Jesus shine his light through you.

Praying for you,

Mo

Winnow (Matthew 25.31-46)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “winnow.”  I think one of very clear directives in the NT is when Jesus tells his people how they are supposed to treat others.  We see the Savior plainly telling peeps in today’s passage about what it means to follow and serve him.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” ~Matt 25:31-46

My question is: what are you doing for others that cannot be repaid to you? We live in a society where it is “all about me.” My prayer this morning is that you take a moment and focus your time of prayer and supplication to God in such a way that he puts your heart facing outward… praying for others.  We will be winnowed one day, the good from the bad, the followers of God for those who do not follow him.  How we use this life is up to us. God has given you life for this day and you can use it to further his kingdom in so many ways, most notably for the benefit of others. Go forth and do great things for the Lord, specifically for others.

Praying for you,

MO

Indemnify (Matthew 5.17-18)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “indemnify.”  A main theme of the bible is that God’s people need his love and grace to live, both now and eternity.  I love reading the OT and the NT because when put together they make such a great story. When JC comes onto the scene, he is a pretty controversial person. And when peeps accuse him of trying to abolish the law, he reminds them that he is the one who was sent to fulfill it.

"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished…” ~Matt 5:17-18

My question is: what does it mean for you to have Jesus as a part of your daily life?  We often move through our days and forget to acknowledge our belief in Jesus as our Savior. Not that we want to forget, it’s just that sometimes we allow our minds to wander. Yet it is always comforting to know that God never stops working to fulfill his plan. Take some time today to remember that you are never far from God’s mind. My prayer is that God meets you where you are, as he always does, and helps you to realize that he is working to fulfill his plan, and that you are an important part of it.

Praying for you,

MO

Comminate (Psalm 146.5-9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “comminate.”  Understanding God’s blessings can be pretty tricky sometimes.  If you’re like me, sometimes you feel like the world is against you and that they’re just is not enough time, resources, and help available to help you get through the stuff that you need to overcome.  I think that the people in the Old Testament felt kind of the same way at times.  That’s why I take a lot of comfort in reading the Psalms.

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” ~Ps. 146:5-9

My question is: where do you put your hope and trust?  It’s easy to say that you believe in God and trust him, but it’s a whole other thing to actually do it.  I know that for me sometimes I have to step back and remember that trusting God is an active part of my life, and not something passive that I just let happen.  My prayer this morning is that you realize that God is not about comminating us for what we do wrong, but instead bestowing blessings upon us because he does it through his grace and mercy.  Remember that God loves you and wants you to succeed.  Make the decisions today that point you in God’s direction.

Praying for you,

MO