Paladin (John 18:28-40)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “paladin.” Because of the way that the Old Testament talks about the Messiah to come, people were expecting something very different than Jesus. Some had claimed to be the Messiah both before and after Jesus came to this earth. However, Jesus totally threw everybody for a loop when he came preaching the stuff that he did. Although most people were looking for a great military leader to deliver them from the oppression of the government, Jesus came with a different tactic and mission in mind.

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

~Jn. 18:37

My question is: are you on the side of truth? I think that's a pretty deep question and, like all of the questions that Jesus asked, is one that must be pondered. One of the cool things that I love about Jesus is that he never ceases to amaze in keeping us on our toes. It doesn't matter how many times you read the Scriptures, there is always something new and a point that is to be made in our lives. It's like when you read the Bible and close it and think to yourself, wow that is exactly what I needed to hear. My prayer for you this morning is that you are on the side of truth and ready to make a difference for the Messiah. People were expecting a paladin, or the champion of a cause, but what they got was much, much, more.

Praying for you,

Mo

Abrogate (1 Peter 4:12-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "abrogate.” The Bible has a lot to say about suffering. God's people have always gone through crazy stuff and come out as winners on the other side. The writers in the New Testament understood that Jesus was returning and all suffering would eventually be abolished. But this would not happen until the Savior came back to reclaim his people.

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

~1 Pet 4:12

My question is: how do you view suffering in your life? I know that there is a lot of bad stuff out there, and especially stuff that does not make sense. This world is filled with suffering and sometimes Christians forget what is on the other side. The truth is, Jesus is coming back and will abrogate, or do away with, all suffering. We must only wait with expectancy and rejoice in the fact that we will be on the receiving end of that perfect plan. My prayer is that you are witness to everyone around you of God's power through his only son.

Praying for you,

Mo

Fulgurant (Luke 17:20-26)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “fulgurant.” When Jesus was done with his mission here on earth all of the chatter began concerning his coming back. Although there was a lot of uncertainty, and still is, a lot of people thought that when he came back there would be quite a rumble.

“For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.”

~Lk 17:24

I am not sure what it will be like when Jesus comes back, but I am pretty sure that it will be exciting. My question is: are you ready for the Savior to come back in this fulgurant manner, with thunder and lightning and all the other good stuff? My prayer is that each of you looks toward the people in your life who do not know the Savior. Life with Christ can be wonderful if we allow it. I know that God is working in each of your lives and will give you an understanding of what it means to be ready for his coming back.

Praying for you,

mo

Overcome (John 16:31-33)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “overcome.” JC was in a pretty intense place at this point in his ministry. Imagine knowing that all of your best friends were going to diss you in your darkest hour. Pretty crazy, I know. But through all this madness, realize what he says right here about the Father never leaving him…

“Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.”~Jn. 16:32

My question is: do you understand what it means for God to never leave you? The cool thing is that it’s much different for each of us. So, we are at the end of this meet and the end of the semester… you have overcome. Chalk this up to a victory in your life and get ready for another great year. But not before you take some time off and remember all that God has given you. We conquer because he is with us. My prayer for you is that God manifests himself to you a bunch while you are off for these next couple of weeks. You have overcome.

Praying for you,

mo

Prevail (Romans 3:3-4)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “prevail.” Paul was in the midst of some of the peeps not believing in the promises given by God. This alarmed some Christ followers because they thought this lack of faith could potentially nullify those promises. But the Apostle reassures them that nothing can stop God from pouring out his goodness. The Creator would remain forever unshaken…

“What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.”

~Rom. 3:3-4

My question is: what is it in your life that causes you to be shaken? I am not saying that any of us would ever give up our trust in God… but I know that each of us goes through struggles. As you near the end of the year with finals, the meet this weekend, and other stuff that weighs on the soul, where is your heart in terms of your relationship with God. My prayer is that the tough times bring you closer to him. Continue to work hard, be faithful, and you will prevail.

Praying for you,

mo

Tenacious (John 16:19-24)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “tenacious.” Most of us relate this word with a band, but God has a very different way of what it represents. At this point in JC’s journey he knows that his ministry on earth is a about to reach the end of a chapter. With this will bring the beginning of something new and fulfilling…

“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

~Jn. 16:24-25

You could imagine the mixed emotions that JC had at that moment of his ministry. My question is: are you holding on to your faith and a belief in JC that can bring about real change? Everything following this passage tells us that we need to grasp with everything we have at a relationship with the Son. My prayer is that as you face the craziness of college, especially now with finals and such, God reminds you of his power. Ask the Father for direction… you just may get it.

Praying for you,

mo

Crown (Philippians 4:1)

Good morning ladies,

The word of day is “crown.” What a fitting word, given our goals and aspirations as student-athletes. Paul was very proud to have so many peeps with whom to share the Gospel. Although he was miles away, he always had such a love and joy for his friends. He writes:

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!"

~Philippians 4:1

Now this is the kind of friend that I want. Paul did a ton of ministry and saw each person in the body of Christ as special. He knew that the road to life with JC was tough and so he reminded his peeps to stand firm! My question for you today is: Who are the friends in your life that are pushing you to be a better follower of Christ? This season we will compete for the victor’s crown… but we must also remember our ultimate goal – life in Christ. My prayer for you today is that God would surround you with the right individuals to help you achieve that.

Praying for you,

mo