Panglossian (1 Corinthians 15.1-23)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “Panglossian.” The Apostle Paul had a pretty rough time individually after he was changed on that road to Damascus.  We see in today’s passage that he understood the responsibility put on him as an ambassador for JC, knowing his past life.  His belief and trust in God was very focused, and Paul realized that others should share in his passion; but to do so they would have to first put their faith in Christ and his ultimate return.

My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don’t, your faith was all for nothing.” ~1 Cor 15:1-2

My question is:  are you putting your faith in JC, both on a daily basis as well as hope for eternity? Living a Christian life is not about having an absurd Panglossian belief that Jesus might return.  It is having true faith in the fact that our optimism is healthy and real, knowing the God will do what it says in the scriptures. My prayer is that you take a moment to reassure yourself about the promise in which you believe. Allow God to strengthen your belief and resolve, both for this life and in the next.

Praying for you,

MO

Fugleman (1 Corinthians 11:1-7)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “fugleman.”  It seems to me that the apostle Paul always had pretty much the right thing to say, at the right time.  Not to say he did not mess it up every now and again, but for the most part he was pretty intuitive.  In today's passage, we see that Paul has some positive stuff to say to God's people.  I think one of the reasons for this is because he knew he was going to have some harsh words later on in this section.  But, I think that is what Paul did well.  He could read an audience and then say what needed to be said. Here, it is very simple…

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” ~1 Cor. 11:1

My question is: Are you being the example that others can follow in life? I know that there is a ton that each of us have on our plates as we move through the day.  But if we want to be intentional, like the Apostle Paul, it will take more than just living and breathing. We should always act as if we are witnessing to others around us.  Paul was definitely one of the Church’s first fuglemen.  It is our duty to take his lead, and imitate those who imitate JC.

Praying for you,

MO

Shirk (1 Corinthians 3.8)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “shirk.”  I used to think that life was a bit unfair.  It always seemed that my friends were getting away with stuff while I was getting the short end of the stick.  Specifically, I remember coming home from school and telling my parents that one of my teachers was being very unfair to me.  She had singled me out in the middle of class.  It doesn't matter whether I was right or wrong, because when I told my mom about the unfair treatment, she told me that I probably deserved it… and if I did not deserve it that time, I probably deserved it for all the other grief that I had put that teacher through.  And of course, my mom was right, as always.  Responsibility was a big theme in my house.

“He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” ~1 Cor 3:8

My question is: what is it that you put first in your life?  I think that God wants us to take responsibility for what we have been given, and live according to his principles no matter what.  My prayer is that you do not shirk this responsibility, but instead remember that how you live and act directly reflects upon both you, and Christians as a whole.  Even when life seems unfair, and that you are not necessarily having things go your way, always make decisions based on the responsibility God has given you.  Situations tend to work themselves out when we do our best to serve God in those decisions.

Praying for you,

MO

Birling (1 Corinthians 10.23-33)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “birling.”  Have you ever felt like your life is spinning, but not going anywhere? I know sometimes I get in the middle of doing life and realize that I am not being as productive as I should be.  That is when I need to step back and remember what my goals are. The bible is pretty clear about keeping your priorities straight, and that no matter what you do, to do it with the intention of pleasing God.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” ~1 Cor 10:31-33

My question is: what are your intentions behind the actions you take?  We are given a ton of freedom in our relationship with Jesus.  And, no matter how much we stay in line with his teachings, that freedom will always outweigh the responsibilities that we have because we are Christians.  I have done life without a relationship with Jesus.  And I've done life with that relationship.  The former made me feel like I was in a Burling contest.  Whereas the latter surprisingly has helped lower my stresses and concerns.  Not that life has been any easier, as a matter of fact it has not been.  But, knowing that I have Jesus on my side allows me to move forward with confidence in my decisions and actions.  Setting my sights on him keeps me grounded, knowing that I am making good and informed decisions. My prayer is that you focus on a life where JC is central in pointing your directions in the proper ways.

Praying for you,

MO

Gourmand (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “gourmand.”  I remember when I first became a Christian.  I was walking on pins and needles.  I didn’t want to mess up and make sure that everything I did was absolutely unblemished.  Well, that lasted for about a week.  I was so stressed out about being the best I could for God that I forgot what I really needed to be concerned with.  I needed to make sure that everything that I did from that point on was in good faith, and directed in a way that had God center of those decisions.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” ~1 Cor 10:31

My question is: what are the things in life that you are trying to succeed at doing?  I know that with all of the responsibilities and things that need to get done, often we forget to remember why we need to do them.  My prayer is that you keep God at the center of everything that you do, and whatever endeavors you have going for you, do them for God. Do not be like the gourmand, who lives his or her life in excess, but do only what is necessary to help others see God's goodness.  The best way to give him glory is to allow others to see that your life centers around accomplishing everything in his name.

Praying for you,

MO

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