Vehement (Psalm 37)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “vehement.”  Sometimes when I feel like I've lost my way, I look to the Psalms.  I like to read about people who have been in situations and encountered feelings that I've had to deal with.  Taking action in God's plan can lead to peace of mind and realizing that it is not us that makes the final decision, but the Lord who chooses to bless us.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

~Ps. 37:5

My question is: what are the things in life that you give special attention to?  What are you committed to doing?  My prayer is that each of you take time to realize that if you give God a chance to be a part of the stuff that you do, he will probably make a positive impact on those situations.  Take some time today to realize what is important to you and see if you might ask God for a little bit of guidance and favor in your life.

Praying for you,

Mo

Obnubilate (Matthew 6:33)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "obnubilate.” Jesus knew that when he was on earth that he had limited time. With some things pulling at people's time he realized that he must keep his message simple. The Sermon on the Mount is a representation of that simplicity. He said a lot by using very few words. Included in that was a simple command for people to follow.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

~Matt 6:33

My question is: what are the things in your life that give the most attention? Many of us have goals that we set before us, but they can be obnubilated, or clouded, with many other important tasks and commitments. I know that life is busy. My prayer this morning is that you take this commandment and realize that everything you do is focus on seeking after God. Everything else will fall in the place eventually. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but lucky for us and will continue to be simple.

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

Obnubilate (Matthew 6:33)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "obnubilate.” Jesus knew that when he was on earth that he had limited time. With some things pulling at people's time he realized that he must keep his message simple. The Sermon on the Mount is a representation of that simplicity. He said a lot by using very few words. Included in that was a simple command for people to follow.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

~Matt 6:33

My question is: what are the things in your life that give the most attention? Many of us have goals that we set before us, but they can be obnubilated, or clouded, with many other important tasks and commitments. I know that life is busy. My prayer this morning is that you take this commandment and realize that everything you do is focus on seeking after God. Everything else will fall in the place eventually. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but lucky for us and will continue to be simple.

Praying for you,

mo

Allocution (Matthew 5:1-7:29)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “allocution.” Every few years we have the opportunity to hear the inauguration speech of either a new or current president. These are known as some of the most listened to speeches by people from not only our country, but all over the world. On the morning of this year's presidential inauguration I am inclined to think of one of the greatest speeches ever given. The Sermon on the Mount was given by Jesus a couple thousand years ago, yet it still resonates with people today. Even though most of us would not even realize it, people often use parts from the Sermon on the Mount in present day speeches and every-day conversations. Jesus was speaking to a crowd of people, including disciples, and others who chose to follow him. He chose his words carefully, knowing that these words should and would resonate with those who heard.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

~Matt 5:13-16

My question is: what are some of the greatest speeches that you have ever heard? In all of my years of ministry I have heard a ton of great speeches, sermons, and other allocutions. And, I have to say that I am really proud that my Savior gave perhaps the most moving challenge of all with the Sermon on the Mount. My prayer is that each of you takes heed to each section of this encouragement by Jesus. Take time today to read through this particular sermon, and give thanks for a God who reaches out to love us continually.

Praying for you,

mo

Climacteric (Romans 10:5-13)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "climacteric.” Back in the old days the apostles knew that people had to come to a decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. Until someone chose this path, they really did not make the specific decision to be a part of God's family. When Paul was talking to the Romans, he was deliberate in his message to them that they needed to confess not only in heart but with their mouth. This was more to solidify their thought process and help them understand the decision they were making.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

~Rom 10:9

My question for you is: what are some of the critical decisions you have made in your life? When it comes to your faith, have you taken steps to solidify your relationship with Jesus? It is only then that you will be able to minister to others effectively and in a way that will be of the greatest help for those who are seeking. My prayer is that you take some time today to look back at that critical period, or climacteric, in your life when you chose to make Jesus your Lord and Savior.  This will inspire others to know and understand your relationship with JC.

Praying for you,

mo

Saint (Ephesians 4:9-13)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “saint.” This is a war that we often hear associated with the Catholic religion. Many of us have referred to someone in our lives who is a very good person as being a saint. In the Bible, we see that this reference has to do with people who live a specific life for the creator.

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”

~Eph. 4:12

This day is often referred to as All Saints Day. It is a way for Christians to remember those who have died for the cause of spreading God's word. My question is: is your life a testimony for the good things that God is doing? My prayers that each of you realize that God is perfecting you each day and will make you more like him as you continue to look for his guidance. Take timeout today to let someone know that you appreciate them for the work that they do concerning God's will.

Praying for you,

Mo