Antipodes (Psalm 103.11-12)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “antipodes.”  I think one of the most reassuring parts of our realationship with God is that he allows us to remove sin from out lives by trusting in his son, without anything more than having a relationship with him. I remember as a young Christian in high school wanting to know more about this unbelievable grace that God wanted to extend, especially to someone like me. But that's exactly what we are told in the Bible that God takes the sin of those who are guilty and removes those inequities through the blood of Jesus.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” ~Ps. 103:11-12

My question is: what comes to mind when you think of the way that God has extended grace in your life? I think that early on in my relationship of Jesus, I never really thought about what it meant to live in his all-encompassing and endless grace. However, as I have moved through the years, I realize that I need to view both myself and others with more grace and acceptance. My prayer is that you allow God to change your heart today to move them closer in that kind of deep relationship, knowing that the sin in your life and the grace of God are antipodes, as far apart as one could imagine.

Praying for you,

MO

Niveous (Isaiah 1.1-20)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “niveous.”  There are some verses in the Bible that most of us can probably recall, even if we do not exactly know the Scripture reference.  Although the book of Isaiah is pretty tough to read during parts or sections, I love the symbolism and the way that God uses his words to penetrate our hearts.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like woo.” ~Is 1:18

My question is: what are the parts of your life that you need to give over to Jesus this year?  It’s pretty clear here in the Old Testament, as it is throughout the entire Bible, that we must look to God as the one to cleanse us from sin.  My prayer is that you remember that the awesome power that God possesses allows us to thrive even in spite of all of the bad stuff that in our lives.  Even though we all have dark places, God can restore us to the niveous and blameless state of the heart that he longs for each of us to possess.

Praying for you,

MO

Nosophobia (1 Corinthians 13:1-4)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “nosophobia.”  I have been reading from the book of first Corinthians lately.  The church there had a pretty big task.  They were pretty much in the middle of some straight up sin madness!  It was almost like planting the very first church in the middle of Las Vegas.  Could you imagine having that task?  Most of us would not be able to handle that kind of pressure.  But, the Apostle Paul knew that the people could survive.  He wrote the church a couple of letters, of which we know.  I love what he has to say right before the famous love passage in chapter 13.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” ~1 Cor 13:1-4

I would imagine that there were probably some moments in this church where the people do not think they are going to make it.  With all of the sin that was around them, this disease spread by the Evil One was very rampant.  And I think we can all relate… this being flu season, I feel like sometimes I am suffering from an acute case of nosophobia, - the fear of disease!  Well, this is what the people in Corinth were dealing with.  Sin was trying to overtake them at an incredible rate.  The only hope that the people had was to cling to one another and love each other like their lives depended on it; and their spiritual lives DID depend on it.  

Here’s my question: is your life a clanging symbol, or something that others could look towards as a spiritual melody?  My prayer is that you read the Scriptures and ask God to give you an attitude of love, and all situations.  As Christians, we are called to love one another so that each person might have a good representation to follow.  I know you can do it.  God has his hand upon you.

Praying for you,

Mo

Immix (Matthew 18:1-20)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is  “immix.”  It always seemed to me that the closer JC got to the end of his ministry that everything started piling up.  At the point of this passage, he is dealing with some pretty heavy stuff.  His disciples want to know what it is to become the greatest in heaven.  Jesus answers that, then goes on to tell a story about going after people who need a relationship with God, and then tackles the issue of sin like a champ.  He pretty much puts the responsibility on the brothers and sisters to take care of one another, and point out the things that they are doing wrong.  But then he ends with something that is most important in this passage.

"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

~Matt. 18:19-20

My question is: who were the people that you spend most of your time with?  We see a lot of promise from God in that this particular chapter in Matthew.  God has specific disciplines for those who do stuff in his name, or under his rule.  It always amazed me and still does how people get upset with the stuff that God requires of us.  We are not forced into his family.  It is our choice.  My prayer is that each of you understands the promise that is given freely, which is the resurrected Christ.  It is our privilege to be a part of the stuff JC calls us to do through community.  So as you immix, or mingle and associate with others, do so wisely concerning the choice of that company.

Praying for you,

MO

Ugsome (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “ugsome.”  Reading the apostle Paul as he gives instruction to young Timothy is always inspiring to me.  You can hear through the words written on this page that Paul really cared about the young man as he would one day be like Paul, a prisoner for Christ.  Paul knew that he had nothing to show for it in his own life except for the love that Christ bestowed upon him.  And that's why each of us can relate to these words.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

~1 Tim 1:15-16

My question is: what are a couple of ways that Jesus is showed his patients in your life?  This could be something in your specific walk with him, or maybe something that you were able to witness as a fellow Christian to another person.  My prayer is that each of you receives the mercy that God gives to us as sinners.  Remember to always love others above yourself and accept them, as Christ accepts them.  Although our sin is ugsome, the Savior looks beyond that and makes this part of his family.

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

Reign (Romans 5:18-21)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “reign.” Paul knew that humans were pretty much helpless without the assistance of the Lord Jesus. Most people would have taken this as something discouraging. But the apostle Paul understood that because it was so impossible to earn salvation, we were able to receive it freely without expecting to ever earn it. If anyone knew what it meant to have a Savior cover his sins it was the apostle Paul.

“The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, ²¹ so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

~Rom. 5:20-21

My question for you is: has grace increased all the more in your life? JC gives it freely, we just need to accept it. Living a life of the Savior is freeing them because we do not deserve it. My prayer is that you realize your trespasses are no match for the blood that covers you. Take a few moments and thank God for giving you everything you need, even though you are not capable of earning it. God is pretty cool like that.

Praying for you,

Mo

Chains (John 14:15-24)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “chains.”  JC lays out right here in this passage what it means to love him.  You could imagine the scrutiny that he has gone through at this point.  He let’s the disciples know the best way to live a life that it’s focused on him.  The Lord is revealing priceless nuggets of wisdom to his peeps.  He knows they are going to need it when he leaves them…

“Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”

~Jn. 14:19

My question is: what is the one thing that has a potential to hold you back this year from really following JC the way he intended? We all have chains, whether that is some sin we feel is unshakable, or even something comfortable that seems can always wait a bit longer to fix.  My prayer is that you focus your attention on the Lord and give him the opportunity to draw you near to him.  The Spirit will continue to work in you and give guidance where needed.  You just need to give a little room.

Praying for you,

mo