Relevance (Daniel 5:13-16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “relevance.” God has always been willing to teach his people what it means to follow him. Daniel was able to teach the people because he was relatable. This prophet lived with the Babylonians and identified with their struggles and lifestyle. Daniel's ability to connect with the people came from his willingness to listen and learn from God…

“Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, ‘Are you that Daniel who was one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard of you, that the spirit of God is in you, and that the light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.’”

~Dan. 5:13-14

My question is: do you live in a way that is worth following? My prayer is that as you go through these next few years of life, you become an influencer and leader to those among you. God will make your voice relevant if you give him the chance. Choose your words and actions carefully, and you will glorify God by doing so.

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

Boldness (Acts 13:42-52)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “boldness.” Back in the day when the name of Jesus was not always the most popular among scholars and stuff, the disciples still did what needed to be done to get the word out.  Even when it seems to be detrimental to their own well-being or health, these men and women spoke with boldness the message that needed to get out to others…

“Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: 'We had to speak the word of God to you first…’”

~Acts 13:46

My question today is: what is it in your life that you need to approach with more boldness?  You know, that one thing that you have been putting off but you know needs to get done.  My prayer is that God would give you courage to face the crazy situations in life.  Do not be afraid to flex your faith.  The Lord is faithful to answer your needs and concerns. 

Praying for you,

mo

Send (Isaiah 6:8-10)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “send.” God has a long history with the human race of sending peeps to do his work.  Sometimes they are guys like Saul, who you would expect to be a leader.  And other times he chose guys like fisherman and tax collectors, not the most likely dudes to be the ones to lead a revolution.  One of the most famous callings in the Bible is when God chooses to send Isaiah…

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

~Is. 6:8

Here is my question: have you asked God to send you?  I know it may seem like a silly one, but I often think to my calling from the Lord and realize that I am not always on track.  God will send those whom he wants. But by prayer is that each of you yearns for the Creator to send you and use your gifts and talents for his glory.  There is a lot to do in this year regarding that Gospel.  Does God need us… well, maybe not.  But the cool thing is that he chooses to allow us to participate.

Praying for you,

mo

Consider (James 1:22-27)

 Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “consider.”  God is a big proponent of getting things done right the first time.  Unfortunately we do not always like to do it that way.  James gives a great analogy in this passage about what we look like when God’s word is studied but not applied.  The funny thing is that the peeps back then dealt with the same stuff that we do today. I am encouraged to know that if they were not able to stay on the straight and narrow all the time and God delivered them, then I have a chance J

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”

~Jam. 1:26

I love how God wants to stay unpolluted by the world.  What a great way to put it. My question is: when you read the word of God and then go about your life, do you remember who you are in Christ?  That is the cool part about this journey – we have thousands of years of examples in the Bible.  We know what to do and what not to do. My prayer is that you would realize the freedom God has given you through JC.  Consider his favor upon you and live for him.

Praying for you,

mo

Door (Proverbs 8:34-36)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “door.”  God has always called his people to seek wisdom.  The proverbs written were done so by one of the wisest men ever. In fact, God said that no one had been, or ever would be, as wise as Solomon.  So do you think that this guy knew what he was talking about? You better believer it.  In this passage the writer says that whoever waits on God continually for wisdom will receive it…

“Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.”

~Pr. 8:34

My question is: do you wait for God daily to give you instruction for how to live your life?  I think that sometimes I get so busy or whatever that I forget to wait on the Lord.  The Creator wants you to seek his wisdom often.  When is the last time you really just waited on the Lord… and without agenda? My prayer is that you make a resolution this year to wait at God’s door each day.  He will bring you something new.

Praying for you,

mo

Grant (Psalm 20:1-9)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “grant.”  King David was about to go to war and decided that it would be a good idea to stop by and ask the blessing of the Lord.  And as he had done many times before, God granted his servant favor.  These psalms from the king were so awesome because it shows the reliance that David, one of the most powerful monarchs of time, on a higher King…

“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.”

~Ps. 20:1-2

My question is: what do you believe that God has in store for you this year?  Even David, who had tons of skill and accolades, understood that he needed continual support and favor from the Lord.  My prayer is that you take a moment to look toward the cool stuff that God is about to do in your life this year.  He will grant you all that you need; ask his blessing on your year.

Praying for you,

mo