Comminate (Psalm 146.5-9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “comminate.”  Understanding God’s blessings can be pretty tricky sometimes.  If you’re like me, sometimes you feel like the world is against you and that they’re just is not enough time, resources, and help available to help you get through the stuff that you need to overcome.  I think that the people in the Old Testament felt kind of the same way at times.  That’s why I take a lot of comfort in reading the Psalms.

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” ~Ps. 146:5-9

My question is: where do you put your hope and trust?  It’s easy to say that you believe in God and trust him, but it’s a whole other thing to actually do it.  I know that for me sometimes I have to step back and remember that trusting God is an active part of my life, and not something passive that I just let happen.  My prayer this morning is that you realize that God is not about comminating us for what we do wrong, but instead bestowing blessings upon us because he does it through his grace and mercy.  Remember that God loves you and wants you to succeed.  Make the decisions today that point you in God’s direction.

Praying for you,

MO

Totidem Verbis (Romans 1.16-32)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “totidem verbis.”  The apostle Paul didn’t really ever pull many punches.  He talked about how good the gospel of Jesus Christ was, as well as the wrath that can come from God to those who do not live by faith but rather in sin.  He simplifies what it means to have a relationship with Christ on more than one occasion.  Today’s passage shows that Paul was pretty clear-cut in his beliefs about God’s power.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” ~Rom 1:16-20

My question is: how do you express your commitment to Christ?  I think there are a lot of ways that we can be faithful to spreading God’s word.  My prayer is that you take your own life into account and see where it is that you need to get better in terms of the way that you spread the gospel.  Just as Paul talked about his commitment to Christ totidem verbis, so must we learn it to act out our faith instead of just talking about it.

Praying for you,

MO

Periphrasis (Matthew 5.1-12)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “periphrasis.”  I remember when I first started reading the Bible.  I was very overwhelmed because I did not understand a lot of what I was reading.  My church group leader and people that helped me through those first years reminded me that I did not have to understand everything.  So, when I asked them about some verses that I might be able to understand pretty clearly, even not having been a Christian for a very long time, I was directed to the following passage.

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

~Matt 5:1-12

My question is: do you make the Christian life more complicated than need be?  I think sometimes we get so caught up on trying to understand things and go deeper with God that we forget that the Christian life is all about simplicity.  As we see in today’s passage, Jesus had no need for periphrasis speech, but instead a simple and succinct set of commands would suffice then, and end up being some of the most widely read verses in the Bible even to date.  My prayer is that you keep your relationship with God simple.  Don’t make more of it than necessary.  Allow God to work with you on his time and agenda.  That’s how you grow fast as a Christian.

Praying for you,

MO

Mysophobia (Isaiah 64:1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "mysophobia.”  We see some pretty strong language from Isaiah in today’s prassage.  We have to realize that at this time in history, God had done some pretty miraculous things for the people of Israel.  However, they looked right past all of the great things that the Lord is doing and attributed the blessings that they had received to their own righteousness.  For this, God set a pretty hard rebuke on them.  In fact, we can see by his language in this passage, that Isaiah grouped himself with these simple people.

“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” ~Isaiah 64:6

My question is: where do you look to find justification in righteousness?  I learned early on in my Christian journey that my own acts and deeds were not going to be good enough to get me through this life and to heaven.  That was the essence of accepting Jesus into my life.  No matter how good I thought I could be, it would never be adequate to pay for the innumerable sins that plagued my life both before and during my time as a Christian.  My prayer is that you heed the words of Isaiah this morning, and that you think God for the blessings he has the stowed upon you, because of his righteousness.  We must live somewhat of a mysohpobia, or fear of filth.  We need to stay away from that which makes our soul unclean.  Nothing that we have done warrants the blessings of God, and we should always remember that it is by his grace and mercy that we continue to have favor in his sight.  Live in the truth of that righteousness today!

Praying for you,

MO

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

Chattel (Romans 6:18)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "chattel."  The Apostle Paul talked about being a slave to sin, as opposed to a slave to righteousness.  He knew that the people reading his letters were continually struggling with surrendering to God the stuff that hindered them from a better relationship with him.

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

~Rom. 6:18

My question is: what are the things in your life that are most important? That could sometimes be very different from what we tell others or display in our lives. Even when you hide your feelings from the rest of the world, God can still search your heart and knows you to the core. I pray today that you chat with God and set your thoughts and actions on what is important to him.  Take some time to give to God the stuff that controls you. Be no longer a slave to anything that is not of 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

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

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

Probity (Psalm 36)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “probity.”  Every time it rains it causes me to think more deeply about God's character. I'm not really sure why, but probably because we see so little rain here in California that I remember that God controls everything, even the seasons. When speaking of the righteousness of God we should remember that our Lord is above all. Previous words of the day have highlighted Jesus calming the storm and God controlling nature in other ways. We see in today's passage that giving credit to God's righteousness is a tough thing to do because it is almost unspeakable and powerful.

“Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.”

~Ps. 36:6

My question is: What are some of the words that you would use for God’s righteousness in your own life.  When have you seen God’s justice in your dealings with others and in situations when you called on him?  The cool thing is that God does not only give justice through his righteousness, but he also displays grace and mercy when dealing with his people. My prayer for you this morning is that you remember that God is mighty to save, and his righteousness is like that of the mountains. We can take comfort in God's love and care for his people.

Praying for you,

mo