Flapdragon (Romans 12.1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “flapdragon.”  If your family is anything like mine, each year you have your ritualistic boardgames, flapdragons, and such that bring in the new year.  I remember vividly growing up and having different families over at the house, engaging and all the fun and festivities of bringing in the New Year.  I am also reminded of a renewing of my faith and a continued understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~Rom. 12:1-2

My question is: what are your resolutions for the New Year, and is God a part of them?  My mentor has me make resolutions each year and defined my goals for the next 12 months.  I’ve been doing this for quite some time now.  Because I am an avid Journaler I am able to look back at this year and those previous to see what kind of progress, or changes that I’ve made up my life.  My prayer is that you would look forward to the New Year and make sure that God is a part of any of your decisions to change.  Use this time as a refresher in your faith, and make decisions that will last a lifetime.

Praying for you,

Mo

Praise (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “praise.” I’ve got to say that this is one of my favorite words in the Christian language. Peter reminds his people of how special they are in God’s eyes. To be called as part of a royal priesthood is pretty incredible. The author reminds his readers of who is responsible for the good stuff in their lives.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

~1 Pet. 2:9-10

My question is: how does praise affect your life? God has set out to do some good stuff through you. The only thing we really need to do is be ready for that stuff, accept it, and then give him the praise and honor. Think of all of the good stuff in your life right now. I would encourage you to take a few moments and just give God praise for those things. Then, think of all the hard stuff in your life. Give him praise for working through it with you. God will continue to do amazing things in your life. Always remember that he has called you to be set apart. My prayer is that you accept his blessings and realize how special you are in God’s eyes.