Vehement (Psalm 37)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “vehement.”  Sometimes when I feel like I've lost my way, I look to the Psalms.  I like to read about people who have been in situations and encountered feelings that I've had to deal with.  Taking action in God's plan can lead to peace of mind and realizing that it is not us that makes the final decision, but the Lord who chooses to bless us.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

~Ps. 37:5

My question is: what are the things in life that you give special attention to?  What are you committed to doing?  My prayer is that each of you take time to realize that if you give God a chance to be a part of the stuff that you do, he will probably make a positive impact on those situations.  Take some time today to realize what is important to you and see if you might ask God for a little bit of guidance and favor in your life.

Praying for you,

Mo

Transpontine (Acts 22:16)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “transpontine.”  One of the pastors in my old church was a pretty gifted dude.  In fact, I think God liked him a lot more than most people.  I remember seeing him at breakfast recently and asked him how he was doing.  His response was that God graciously used him earlier that morning to lead a total stranger into a relationship with JC.  I mean, talk about the hand of God!  Although he makes it sound easy, most of us of been on some kind of journey regarding our relationship with the Savior.

“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name…”

~Acts 22:16

My question is, where are you when it comes to making decisions concerning God?  One of the main practices that this guy used to do with people is help them understand that making the decision to follow JC was like getting from one side of the Grand Canyon to the other.  There is no way that we could actually do that without some means possible.  When we are looking at the transpontine love of God on the other side, it is the Cross that allows us to get there.  My prayer is that each of you seeks ways to become closer to God, knowing that he is willing to lay the foundation and give you the means to reach him.

Praying for you,

Mo

Klaxon (Joshua 6:4)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “klaxon.”  One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in the book of Joshua.  I love how God's people were pretty much outnumbered and terrified.  They never knew exactly what to do.  It seems like they were the underdog team that you always thought was going to get their rear ends kicked, and then all of the sudden God the hero shows up and allows them to win.

"Also seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark; then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.

~Josh 6:4

My question is: are you ready to do God's work?  I think for most of us, we would like to do things for the kingdom but just do not know exactly how to put it into action.  My prayer is that you are always ready to witness to others, both in action and in love.  Just as the priests I'm sure were a little bit miffed at what God was about to do, they still followed him and did what he told them to do – and made those klaxons sound off loud!  I know that God will call each of us to serve him in some capacity in life; it's up to us to be ready.

Praying for you,

Mo

Jocose [Romans 15:13]

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “jocose.”  The Bible speaks a ton about joy and the way we need to be when it comes to living and acting according to God’s will.  Paul wrote this letter to the Romans with the intent of reminding the church that they were part of God’s great plan and design.  He knew that these people had potential to serve with the power of the Holy Spirit. They only needed to be intentional.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

~Rom. 15:13

My question is: how is God filling you with hope daily? Each of us has hopes and dreams for where we would like to see our lives.  Sometimes it is difficult to see God’s plan in the midst of current circumstances.  My prayer is that each of you finds peace in the knowledge that God wants you to live a life of blessing.  Remember to always rejoice, whether times are good or bad. it is not easy, of course; but we must continue to know JC more each day and abound in hope!

Praying for you,

mo

Cusp [2 Corinthians 5:17]

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “cusp.”  Deciding to live a life with JC is all about newness.  The peeps in the Corinthian church knew that they were in a unique position to receive a fresh start.  As this church grew in numbers and spiritual understanding, they were urged to keep the message simple.  Learning to change one’s life to focus on God was not an easy task.  However, it was essential for these believers to know that with any beginning comes much desire and need for change.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

~2 Cor 5:17

My question is: what are the things that you have changed since you gave your life to JC? I know that i continue to do my best to become new each day, and refresh my relationship with him.  For those of you who are struggling in your relationship to God, or do not know where you fit into this grand plan, what are the things that you would like to change in your life… if you could. My prayer is that God shows you your potential new-self and that you learn how to be better each day.

Praying for you,

mo

Ochlophobia [Matthew 13:1-9]

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “ochlophobia.”  I can imagine how Jesus must've felt every now and again.  Whenever he wanted to get away and have a little bit of personal time, it always seems that people will follow him.  In fact, in the passsage we see today Jesus was trying to teach the multitudes.  So many people were there that he had to actually get in a boat and push off of shore.

“Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach.”

~Matt. 13:1

My question is: do you see Jesus with the kind of fervor that these crowds do?  I always read these stories and wonder that if I was living in Jesus’ time, would I have been one of those in the crowd?  My prayer this morning is that each of you yearn and a little bit more for the Savior daily.  Stories like this make us realize that there was something uniquely intense about the Messiah, and there still is.  And although Jesus probably had a little bit of ochlophobia because of all of the people that wanted to get near and touch him, he waded through that because he knew how important it was to get his message across.

Praying for you,

mo

Hardihood [Joshua 1:9]

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is "hardihood.”  I really like to read the stories in the Old Testament.  It seems that God always has a really cool story and saves his people right before they are going to be beaten.  I've always liked an underdog.  One of my favorite movies is Miracle, the one about the 1980 Olympic hockey team that went against all odds in quest to beat one of the best teams of all time.  Several times I am sure these young men on the USA Olympic team wanted to give up.  But, just as they had to face their fears, so do we as God's people need to do the same.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

~Josh 1:9

My question is: when is the last time that you felt down and out?  You know what I'm talking about, those times where you don't think that you can go against the odds anymore.  You've already given all that is possible, and still there seems to be no victory in sight.  My prayer for you this morning is that God gives you the encouragement to be strong, and to have courage… or hardihood, just as young Joshua needed.  As you look towards this week and the obstacles in front of you, always remember that God is on your side and with you wherever you go.

Praying for you,

Mo