Scabrous (Revelation 3:7-13)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "scabrous.” No one ever said it was going to be easy. A life lived with Jesus is not necessarily going to be a cakewalk. In fact, I remember the day I accepted Christ when my mentor told me that I just used my last get out of jail free card. It was kind of funny, but at the same time sobering. I realized that from that day on I was to live a life for Christ. The Bible talks about difficulties, trials, and tribulations throughout. And, at the end we see yet another verse that reminds us that we must continue on with fervor.

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”

~Rev. 3:11

My question is: are you hanging onto the hope that is in Christ? I know that oftentimes we feel like giving up and see that others are living in a way that is not pleasing to God. And then you think yourself, why in the heck am I trying so hard? This verse and passage right here gives us the precise answer. You have been given a crown that you will wear one day with your Savior. But, you must also remember that this world is not the end game, but only a passing and fleeting moment. So as you remember that this life is scabrous, or full of difficulties, you can always know that in the end it will all be worth it. My prayer for you is that you hold onto this hope, and that no one takes the crown you have attained through belief in Christ.

Praying for you,

Mo

Logorrhea (Proverbs 10:1-32)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “logorrhea.” You don't even really have to be Christian to understand that words matter; but the fact that you call Jesus Lord means that you have a pretty good sense that they do. In fact, by the time someone is done conversing with you, they either have one of two thoughts. They either feel better or worse for the experience. For this reason, we as Christians need to make sure that we are always helping others to feel better about themselves and the gospel.

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

~Pr. 10:31-32

My question is: are you working towards a life of righteousness? One of my spiritual mentors told me early on in my time as a Christian that I needed to pray each day for both wisdom and discernment. I think this is an incredible counsel. If each of us take the time to remember that our words matter, we will not have to worry about whether or not what we say is or is not acceptable. My prayer is that you stay away from logorrhea, or incoherent and talkative nonsense... and instead are an example for others in your speech, works, and love. Go out and encourage someone in the name of Jesus today.

Praying for you,

Mo

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

Coaptation (Acts 19:1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “coaptation.”I recently spoke at a youth event, in which I told my faith story. Every time I do so, I realize that my coming into relationship with Jesus was no accident. Looking back on all of the events that occurred in my life, I realize that God had been tugging at my heart for some time. I only needed to respond.

And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.”

~Acts 19:4

My question is: are you living in the power that Jesus has bestowed upon you? When you came in to the presence of the Lord and accepted his calling to be one of his followers, you immediately received the power of the Holy Spirit as you have become a coaptation… your life adjusted to a one now lived with God. It is not you, but him does the work through you. My prayer is that each of you takes that power and is used as a vessel for Christ in your daily activities. Be bold today and know that the Holy Spirit is behind you and everything that you do, and is actually going out in front of you preparing the way for you to do ministry in the name of Jesus.

Praying for you,

mo

Pittance (Deuteronomy 15:1-11)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “pittance.” God's people have laws for about everything. In the middle of Deuteronomy, God commands his people on how they should handle debts. He wanted to make sure that people were not being stingy or misusing the resources that he had blessed them with. He reminded people that no matter how well off you become, there is always somebody that needs a little bit of help.

“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.”

~Deut 15:11

My question is: how do you view your relationship with God? We live in the greatest country in the world and no matter how bad we think we have it, we pretty much have it way better than any other country in the world. My prayer is that you put those thoughts on how you can help other people. It's amazing what can happen when we take the focus off of ourselves and look to see how we can help God's people. The next time you believe that you are living on a pittance, turn those thoughts into action and help someone else as a blessing in the Lord.

Praying for you,

Mo

Germane (1 Peter 5:6-11)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “germane.” The people in the old church needed to understand they were called to eternal glory with God. Because of this, they also needed to endure hardships in light of the grace that God had bestowed upon them through the Son. It seems that no matter what time in history we look at, people are always dealing with stuff that piles up on their plates, causing them to lose sight of God's call.

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

~1 Peter 5:10

My question is: are you letting JC restore you... and are you allowing him to do so regularly? I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in the hardships that we are facing that we fail to remember that Jesus paid a much bigger price for you and me; and because of that he is able to restore us. Even though we mess up a bunch, Jesus still promises to come back and restore us. You would think that following him and doing his will should be a simple, or germane, fact of life. But you and I must continually look inward and remember that Jesus is called us to suffer only a little while before we are one day in glory with him.

Praying for you,

Mo

Meander (Psalm 119:9-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “meander.” This psalm is the longest in the Bible. There are some really good nuggets of information and wisdom in these verses. The psalmist wanted to make sure that people understood what it meant to follow God and live a life of purity. This was very tough in the old days, just as it is now. Each word was specifically meant for the reader to build positively upon his or her relationship with God.

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

~Ps. 119:11

It's one thing to read God's word, but quite another to store that word into one's heart. My question is: how often do you read God's book, and of the time that you spend how much of it do you retain to memory? I think that too many times we just want to get our reading in for the day, just to feel good about spending some time in God's word. But, I think we need to look back and see the quality of the time spent with him. My prayer for you is that you take the necessary amount of time to move through God's word, and stored up in your heart. Rather than meander through the Bible, write God's word on your heart and let it meander through all parts of your life.

Praying for you,

Mo

Sapient (Proverbs 12:15)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “sapient.” I love reading the book of Proverbs because when I do not know exactly what to read I open it up and get good stuff, every time!  To think of the wisdom that King Solomon had is incredible.  I feel like those proverbs speak into my life and give me great insight.  One of my most favrit verses in that book is this one on advice and wisdom.

“The way of a fool seems right to them, but a wise person listens to advice.”

~Pr. 12:15

My question is: who is it that you have given the ability to speak into your life? I know that I would not be where I am today, nor be the person I am without the advice of many people who have walked the road before me.  I give a lot of weight to certain peeps in my life to help me make decisions and move in positive directions. My prayer is that you find men and women that are seeking God daily, and give them permission to help you grow closer to God. 

Praying for you,

mo

Habiliments (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “habiliments.” The church in Ephesus dealt with many situations like we do today. In fact, there was a ton of stuff going on and beliefs were often hindered by the teachings of others who were not in accordance with God's law. Paul reminds this church that as they were made in God's likeness, they must act accordingly and clothe themselves in righteousness and holiness.

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

~Eph 4:22-24

My question for you is: what are the two or three main things in your life that hinder you from developing a close relationship with God? I know that sometimes the evil one would like to make us feel as though we were not deserving of God's love. But the funny thing is, we already know that. My prayer is that each of you takes God's righteousness and holiness to be your own. Continue to be renewed by God's spirit and let your mind throw off all habiliments, putting on the clothes of God. Let your life be a representation of Christ's love for others. I believe in you!

Praying for you,

mo

Succinct (John 11:17-37)

Good morning ladies,

I was talking to a fellow pastor recently and we were laughing about how so many pastors do not know how to shut up. It's like you give a preacher a microphone and he or she takes that as an invitation to speak for hours. Some of the most important things in life are very short and simple. In fact, one of the most intense moments of Jesus ministry inspired the shortest verse in the Bible.

“Jesus wept.”

Jn 11:35

If you read the verses following this one, you can pretty much see that the people around Jesus could tell how much he loved Lazarus just by his actions. He did not have to say anything. Even though he knew that he could change the situation, Jesus still showed his powerful emotions. My question is: with what kind of intensity do you live your life for God? My prayer is that you take the emotional track, like Jesus. Not that you need to be overbearing in the way that you express yourself, but you must ask Jesus to turn your heart to care about things that he sees fit and important. Only then can we enter into the emotions of others, as a witness for God.

Praying for you,

MO

Clangor (Psalm 98:1-9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “clangor.” I love to read the Psalms because of the awesome picture that is always painted in my mind. The psalmist in this passage reminds us that we should always give great thanks to God because of all of the cool stuff that is done in our lives.

Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together.

~Ps. 98:8

Unfortunately, sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day activities of what is happening around us that we forget to praise God. My question is: when have you actually taken some specific time to devote in prayer, song, or an extended period with the Lord? My prayer this morning is that you find some time to be alone with God, and rejoice in his love with a clangor, or a clamorous noise – both in your heart, and for all to hear! God deserves our best, and worshiping him jubilantly reminds us that his goodness will continue to extend to his children.

Praying for you,

Mo

Ineffectual (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “ineffectual.” The apostle Paul led a pretty crazy life. He went from being one of the most feared and respected men in the Jewish community to a controversial and complicated life for God. Because he was called, he gave up everything for Jesus. And even though he knew that he at one time had everything according to the world standards, now he knew that he was secure in his eternal relationship with Jesus. Through all of his trials and tough times, Paul never took his focus off the important things of life.

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

~2 Cor 12:10

My question is: from where do you find your strength? Although this may seem like a rhetorical question, depending on the way that you are living at this point will give you an honest answer. Do you look toward Christ as the answer to your weakness? I think that too many times we try to fix our lives the way that we think it should be done. However, God would have us do things differently. My prayer is that each of you examines your own weaknesses. Know that in your weaknesses you are not ineffectual, but able to be used fully for God’s glory; ask that the strength of the Lord be your testimony during those times. We should not run from our weaknesses, but face them with the power of God. This will be our witness to others.

Praying for you,

mo

Anfractuous (Psalm 119:105-112)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “anfractuous.” The psalmist has taken into consideration at this point in his relationship with God to live in such a way that he will follow God's decrees and step as though the Lord were ordaining each of those steps. Although there is a ton of stuff in the way of this man, he realizes that focusing on the word of God will get him through trying times.

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

~Ps. 119:105

My question is: what are the situations in your life at the present that call for the counsel of God? I know that many times I become frustrated with stuff that is going on a my life and I often try to make fixes myself. What I realized over the years is that I need to ask more questions of God, and seek to answer less of my own problems. And of course, one of the best ways to do this is to meditate on God's word. My prayer is that each of you meditates on God's word today in a way that will open up new insight as you navigate the anfractuous paths of life.

Praying for you,

mo

Ineluctable (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “ineluctable.” I love reading about the apostle Paul because his journey with God never ceases to amaze me. When he was addressing the church at Corinth in this particular letter, she had been through a lot in his life. From one who persecuted Christians to a huge and significant ad begin for Christ, his life was never dole. Paul realize at this point that his strength was found in weakness, because that is where Jesus would for certain be given all credit in his life.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

~2 Cor. 12:9

My question is: in what ways is God showing that the power of Christ rests on you? As we move into this new season of life it is important to never forget that Jesus has specific plans in mind for each of you. My prayer is that the ineluctable power of Jesus is made perfect in your weaknesses, so that everything you do this year is a credit to your relationship with him.

Praying for you,

mo

Clarion (Philippians 4:4-9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “clarion.”  The Apostle Paul lived a pretty crazy life. When he addressed the church in Philippi he was avid on letting them know how he felt about them and what their duties as Christians was.  It was important for them to understand the need for clarity of mind and spirit would drive them to seek a better relationship with God and his will.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

~Phil. 4:8

My question is: do you have a clear mind when it comes to your relationship with God? I am not talking about having a perfect life or one without sin. We all know that we will struggle through stuff.  what I am talking about is the ability to see Jesus in all your decisions.  One of the homies from APU back in the day used this as her life verse. She would always quote it and remind me and others of the necessary role that God plays in out lives.  My prayer is that you give God both the good and bad stuff in your life.  Live a clarion life, unmasked by the smoke the evil one wants to use to distract you from an honest relationship with your creator.

Praying for you,

mo

Sapient (Proverbs 12:15)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “sapient.” I love reading the book of Proverbs because when I do not know exactly what to read I open it up and get good stuff, every time!  To think of the wisdom that King Solomon had is incredible.  I feel like those proverbs speak into my life and give me great insight.  One of my most favrit verses in that book is this one on advice and wisdom.

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”

~Pr. 12:15

My question is: who is it that you have given the ability to speak into your life? One of my favorite parts of college was the ability to make choices that would eventually affect the rest of my life. One of the best things that I ever did in those years was to seek counsel from other men and women who were much older and wiser than me. I know that I would not be where I am today, nor be the person I am without the advice of many people who have walked the road before me.  I give a lot of weight to certain peeps in my life to help me make decisions and move in positive directions. I still seek out certain sapient mentors, who have great judgment, often when making decisions in my life. My prayer is that you find men and women that are seeking God daily, and give them permission to help you grow closer to God. 

Praying for you,

mo

Beginning (Jeremiah 29:11)

Good morning ladies,

Welcome!  Today marks the first practice day of our swim season. God has dealt with this concept for quite some time. In fact, have the creator of the universe he has a pretty good idea of what it means to start something anew. Many people in the Bible struggled with what God might do in their lives. One of the most famous for young people is a verse that reads:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

~Jer. 29:11

My question is: what will make this year special for you? For you froshies, this marks the beginning of a new season of life - college. Grab hold of the upper-class peeps and glean some perspective on what lies ahead. For those of you returning, the faster you understand God's purpose for your year the better you will be able to serve others.  Remember, like Jeremiah experienced a new beginning to a new season of life... each of you have the opportunity to make this a great year. God fulfills promises and answers prayers. I continue to see him do big things all around us. My prayer is for God to move boldy in your life... and God will do so.

Praying for you,

mo