Gain (Philippians 1:21)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “gain.” Paul understood that his entire life was about glorifying JC. The Apostle was completely consumed with the understanding that everything in his live was about the Savior. While he was alive Paul did a ton to make sure others knew the love that came from God. And even if he died, which was always a possibility Paul could become martyred at any time, it would be for the benefit of the Gospel… so it was like a win-win.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

~Phil. 1:21

My question is: what will it take for you to die to the stuff that you know is in the way of a complete relationship with the Maker? My prayer is that you examine your priorities and realize that for you to live is to advocate something much bigger than just you. God wants us to live continually, and within that we must learn to die to ourselves a little more each day in this process. Take a few moments today and thank God for the ability to change a little bit more for the good…

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

Significance (Ephesians, 2:8-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “significance.” Paul knew that his life rested in the grace and love of JC. He was reminded the peeps here that they were important to God. He has prepared a path of good works for believers which He will perform in and through them as they walk by faith…

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

~Eph. 2:10

Teams share credit for the good stuff that happens, as well as the failures. Our success depends on one another. My question is: where do you see your role in each team you play, whether it be this team, your family, friendships, or a job. My prayer is that God shows the reasons he has put you in each situation in life. You are significant to God, and you are significant to our team. We can do more when we work together – that’s the great thing about being in JC’s family.

Praying for you,

mo

Sharp (Hebrews 4:12)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “sharp.” I really love the way Paul talks about our relationship with JC and how we need to lift one another up. Imagine the church in the old days and how difficult it must have been to keep the faith. Christianity was pretty new and there were a bunch of peeps who did not like them. So Paul here tells the church that they need have each other’s backs, always allowing the Word of God to be the driving force in our lives…

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

~Heb. 4:12

My question is: are you letting God speak to you through his word continually? I know that a lot of times when I get busy I totally forget and then its like my time in the Word is the first thing to go. My prayer is that you are very deliberate in spending time in God’s word. Each time you study the Word, you sharpen that sword… God is preparing you for great things! You just need to let him pierce your soul…

Praying for you,

mo

Listen (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “listen.” I love hearing the wind outside of my house when it pounds against the walls. It is so amazing and has so many implications of how God is great in our lives. When God called Samuel, the boy thought he was hearing voices, the wind, or this master with whom he lived. But all the while it was the Creator calling him…

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

~1 Sam. 3:10

Here’s my question: could you imagine if God did that with you? I guess the truth is that God does do that with us; we just choose not to hear it, or sometimes do not know what to listen for. My prayer for you is that you listen to God’s call on your heart. Learn to see when it is God tugging at your soul to do something. When you answer God and follow his direction, you have a pretty good chance that you will be successful. Have a great week.

Praying for you,

mo

Rock (Matthew 7:24-27)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “rock.” Every time I hear this one I am proud to be a Christ-follower. It reminds me of the craziness that life brings and how I sometimes get weary in my faith. And that is why I love reading this passage, knowing that JC didn’t pull any punches when he was telling his peeps that they needed to get ready for whatever…

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

~Matt. 7:24

He pretty much just lays it out right here and lets those who are listening know that they need to listen to God’s word. My question is: what does it mean to you that you have a foundation is Christ? I mean, this is amazing in the sense that those who believe in God through the Son have a totally awesome deal. There are going to be times in your walk when the rain comes down and the elements test your faith. My prayer is that you weather the storm. It’s not always easy… but it is worth it. I can tell you that in all the stuff that I have gone through so far in my life, it’s much better to have a Savior on my side. So, when you feel like life is beating up on you, remember your foundation.

Praying for you,

mo

Sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “sufficient.” Paul struggled a ton with the understanding that ministry was a difficult calling, yet he never gave up. He knew that the grace that came from the Father through JC was exactly what he needed. This did not change the fact that he was continually frustrated with the stuff that hindered his ministry…

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

~2 Cor. 12:8-9

My question is: what in your life is frustrating to the point that it hinders the person you are? God’s power is best displayed against the backdrop of our human weakness. My prayer is that you look at the frustrating stuff in life and realize that the more helpless you feel, the more room God has to do a great work in your life. Give JC a chance today to show you grace through the tough situations and feelings that you hold.

Praying for you,

mo