Oeuvre (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “oeuvre.”  The Apostle Paul understood the importance of reading the Word and using it for every part of his ministry.  As we see in today’s passage, we know that the importance that he gave to Scripture was very high.  He relied on God to give him confidence and understanding concerning his ministry.  He studied harder than anyone else, and made sure that he was always ready for the opportunities that God was going to put in front of him.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” ~2 Tim 3:16-17

My question is: What are the thoughts and actions that guide you through the day. We have been given a compilation of great works in the Bible. Just as Paul looked towards the Old Testament scriptures to give him credibility and authority, so should we do the same in our hope to live life and make a difference in the lives of others.  My prayer is that you take some time to think about your competency in the Word of God. Ask the Lord to give you what is needed to be a witness to others in your daily life.

Praying for you,

MO

Chthonian (2 Timothy 3:10-17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “chthonian.”  I’ve studied Scripture for quite a few years.  I remember when I was brand-new in the faith.  Everything was so exciting.  I had questions about everything.  I remember talking to my mentor about every little detail in the Bible, and it was pretty awesome time.  Because I went to Christian school I was able to continue this fervor.  Then I went to seminary, also known as pastor school, which helped me to keep my interest in Scripture.  And, just when I thought I could not get more excited, I remember hearing the following verse at my pastoral ordination ceremony.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” ~2 Tim 3:16

This was a pretty big deal for me to hear.  I realized that the word of God was more than just chthonian, or some kind of mythology… it was the real and inspired word of God.  I was given the task as a pastor to faithfully teach and administer the stuff that I had been learning for so many years.  My question is: what kind of authority have you given God’s word in your life?  My prayer is that you seek a life of righteousness, always doing more than is required to love others and be an active participant in God’s incredible plan for your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Chthonian (2 Timothy 3:10-17)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “chthonian.”  I’ve studied Scripture for quite a few years.  I remember when I was brand-new in the faith.  Everything was so exciting.  I had questions about everything.  I remember talking to my mentor about every little detail in the Bible, and it was pretty awesome time.  Because I went to Christian school I was able to continue this fervor.  Then I went to seminary, also known as pastor school, which helped me to keep my interest in Scripture.  And, just when I thought I could not get more excited, I remember hearing the following verse at my pastoral ordination ceremony.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” ~2 Tim 3:16

This was a pretty big deal for me to hear.  I realized that the word of God was more than just chthonian, or some kind of mythology… it was the real and inspired word of God.  I was given the task as a pastor to faithfully teach and administer the stuff that I had been learning for so many years.  My question is: what kind of authority have you given God’s word in your life?  My prayer is that you seek a life of righteousness, always doing more than is required to love others and be an active participant in God’s incredible plan for your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Bibliophobe (2 Timothy 3:10-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “bibliophobe.”  I remember early on in my seminary degree program how much I disliked reading.  I'd pretty much gotten through college on the bare minimum… that was probably the dumbest thing ever.  But now that I was in a Masters program I was expected to read thousands of pages a week.  I sat down with God about three weeks into my first semester and prayed that he gave me a yearning to love books.  Otherwise, I was not going to make it.  That was the turning point in my scholastic career.  In today's passage, Paul gives young Timothy words to live by that will serve him far beyond the completion of their mentorship process…

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…

~2 Tim 3:16

My question is: how much do you lean on the Scriptures for the everyday decisions in your life?  It's pretty tough to love to read in general, and anyone who chooses to be a bibliophobe, or one who does not like books, is setting themselves up for failure.  But learning to love The Good Book is essential.  One of my mentors told me that I would only excel to the point that I read books and associated with those who were better or farther along in life than me.  My prayer this morning is that you do the same… lean on good books and good people.

Praying for you,

MO