Inconnu (Galatians 5.14)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “inconnu.” There is a lot of madness going on out in the world right now. The way that people treat one another is often pretty appalling. What I realized when I accepted Jesus as my Savior was that I was now called to a higher standard. It was now my job to love not only my fellow Christians, but everybody with whom I came into contact. This is sometimes tough. People are not always the nicest. However, today's challenge is summed up in one verse…

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ~Gal 5:14

My question is: are you the kind of Christian that others would look at and want to emulate? Meaning, are you a good enough person where people would want to be like you. Apostle Paul had to make some pretty dramatic changes in his life after accepting Christ as Savior. My prayer is that you also take inventory, and see where you need to judge less and love more. God has called us to love without borders. We are called to be witnesses to both those who know Jesus, especially those who do not. We must take challenge seriously.

Praying for you,

MO

Pugnacious (Galatians 4:4-5)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “pugnacious.”  Have you ever gotten in a fight in your life?  I know that I have quarreled over some pretty dumb things before.  Stuff that I thought was pretty important at the time, but then realized how ridiculous I was acting.  Well, Jesus had to put up with this kind of stuff all the time.  During his short time of ministry, there were always people trying to mess them up and get in his way.  However, he refused to back down and let others dictate what he came to do.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” ~Gal. 4:4-5

My question is: what does godly redemption mean in your life?  Sometimes we can focus on stuff that really doesn't matter.  But, if we will choose to work with Jesus instead of fighting M then he will be able to fulfill his mission in our lives.  God is going to fulfill his promises, we just made to be ready for him to act in our lives.  When we stop our pugnacious and indignant nature, the Lord will work within us and around us to bring glory to himself.

Praying for you,

MO

Perspicuous (Galatians 6:9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “perspicuous.”  I was preaching this last weekend and let my congregation know that it was up to them to make sure that the message of JC gets out to the rest of the world.  I speak to them much of the time about what it means to take responsibility for God’s plan and working within the small space of life that each of them has been given.  So it is with each of us here.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

~Gal 6:9

My question is: are you doing what you are supposed to be in terms of your place on God’s team, and within his plan? I know that each of you has influence in different areas of life. As student-athletes, you know what it means to be dedicated to something long term. My prayer is that you take the same approach to your relationship with God and the way that you minister to others.  Give him your best and stay completely focused, expressing the Gospel as it relates to your life, in a very perspicuous way so that others have no doubt your intentions of them getting to know JC better.

Praying for you,

mo

Métier (Galatians 6:1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “métier.”  I often think about the work that I have done about this time of year.  It's amazing to look back and realize that 12 months of an entire year are pretty much done.  For students, it's somewhat in the middle, whereas for other people on the workforce it may be the beginning or end of a fiscal year.  What we must never forget is that the work we do is important to God.  This church in Galatia was dealing with the struggles that we still face today.  Instead of working together, they were too worried about what other people were doing and criticizing them.  Paul had to correct this real fast.

But let each one test their own work, and then their reason to boast will be in themselves alone and not in their neighbor. For each will have to bear their own load.

~Gal 6:4-5

My question is: what is the work that is set before you?  I know that each of us has gifts and talents, and goals and ambitions.  When we look at others and the stuff that they are doing in their lives, we should not look at their work for the sake of comparison, but instead for that of compassion.  One of my mentors always told me that I needed to give appreciation to others, and save any criticism that I might have for myself.  My prayer is that each of you looks back at this year and the work you have done.  When you do so, always member that your métier, or main occupation, is doing the Lords work whatever that may be.  What will the next year brings for you?

Praying for you,

Mo