Goals (Philippians 3:14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “goals.” Back in high school I was young in my faith and struggling with issues of anger and poor sportsmanship during my athletics. I turned to my youth pastor to help me choose a “life verse” that might spur me on. Kevin always had a good word, and at that point challenged me to think of what God might want for my swim season. We prayed together for God to speak. After countless passages and tons of thinking, we came up with this:

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

~Phil. 3:14

Talk about a revelation! I realized that no matter what my goals were in sports or life in general, that this was the ultimate goal in front of me. Paul pretty much sums it up and says that we need to keep our eye on the prize. My question for you today is: What are you doing daily to press on toward a life in Christ? Tell yourself right now that this year is going to be off the hook! My prayer for you today is that you get wrapped up in JC… and as you set your career and spiritual goals… never take your eyes off him.

Praying for you,

mo

Context (Matthew 12:1-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “context,” inspired by Pastor Khristi Adams’ message in APU chapel the other morning. JC was the master of context. He always knew where he was and the environment of each setting. It’s pretty amazing that no matter where the Savior ministered, he always had the right thing to say or do. I mean, think of all the smart peeps like the Pharisees and Sadducees that constantly tried to stump him. Take for instance the following passage:

“One Sabbath, Jesus was strolling with his disciples through a field of ripe grain. Hungry, the disciples were pulling off the heads of grain and munching on them. Some Pharisees reported them to Jesus: "Your disciples are breaking the Sabbath rules!" Jesus said, "Really? Didn't you ever read what David and his companions did when they were hungry…”

~Matthew 12:1-3

JC went on to let all the haters know exactly why his actions were correct. Here is the thing – he knew that peeps were always going to be looking at him. He could not go anywhere without having to defend himself against those who did not like what he was about. Here is my question: Do you know the different contexts that you are in each day? As a Christian you are always subject to peeps looking to see how you live and act. My prayer for you today is that you understand God’s great calling on your life to witness to others, in any context.

Praying for you,

mo

Selfless (John 15:13)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “selfless.” I was chattin’ it up with one of my buddies yesterday and he was saying some good stuff about friendship and teamwork. He mentioned that he believed one of the biggest detriments to a team was selfish acts and not looking out for others. He made a great point that if team members, whether in sports, business, or life took an approach of selflessness then we would start seeing some great stuff happen. JC said it best:

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

~John 15:13

Wow. I think the Savior knew a thing or two about this statement. This year you have so much to think about – responsibilities are of no shortage in each of your lives right now. As a family in Christ we have the opportunity to be even stronger than if we were on our own. My question is: What will it take for you to become the kind of friend in the above passage? God has given us life, friendship, and influence. I pray that each of you asks the Lord to make you a better friend each day, both in your personal lives and in your daily relationships.

Praying for you,

mo

Defend (Galatians 2:1-21)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “defend.” This word can be used a ton of different ways, but I would like to capitalize on the way Paul uses it here in Galatians. Paul had been doing ministry for like 14 years. Yet he still found himself defending both himself and the faith. He was laborious and meticulous in this dealing with the Gospel and his excitement for Christ’s love for others. He was definitely always on the lookout for ways to express his love for JC and the opportunity for others to follow the Word.

“And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.”

~Galatians 2:2

Each of us have opportunities daily to share our faith. Peeps will be looking at you and the way you act and live. At times it could seem unfair; I mean aren’t you just a regular person like everyone else? Yes and no. As a believer representing our God it is your duty and privilege to wear the faith with pride, as a witness for JC. My prayer for you this morning is that you defend the Gospel, first with your actions and then with your voice. This year is underway and I am excited to see how God will use you to manifest his Word this year.

Praying for you,

mo

Word (Psalm 119:105)

Good morning all,

Ironically, the word of the day is “word.” I was thinking this weekend at the intensity of God’s word in my life, as I pray it is in yours. I thought it was aptly appropriate to start this week right. So many times I have let my thoughts and words slip and been careless. God’s word is always intentional and perfect. How I long for my life to align with God’s. As I pondered our season, I realized that we have a long way to go. We are in the beginning… and that is good. We have the opportunity to live by God’s light and let his word direct our thoughts, actions, and direction. The Psalmist here says:

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

~Psalm 119:105

This verse has been a prayer of mine since high school. The cool part about our relationship with God is that no matter how we act or who we are at any given moment, the word of God never changes. I can always look back and get back on track with what God would have for me in my life and relationship with him. So I guess the question today is: Are you allowing God’s word to be a light in your life? My prayer today is that God would manifest goodness in each of your lives and guide your every thought and action. We are so blessed to be in community with one another. Make this week great.

Praying for you,

mo

Freedom (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Hey all,

This is one of the funny words in our faith that nobody really ever thinks about. The reason I say this is that those who have put their faith in God through Christ Jesus believe that they have freedom. The rest of the world would say that being a Christian is all a bunch of rules and stuff that we cannot do. Our job is to show others what it means to be free in Christ. I think that I have had more fun as a Christian then I have had before I came into relationship with all of you crazy God-loving people! As Christians, fun and freedom come with responsibility. Each of you are representatives of Christ Jesus.

“For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.”

~1 Cor. 9:19

Paul was a pretty knowledgeable and straight-laced guy. He knew both the Jewish law and the new law by which he now lived in Christ. He was constantly on the lookout for opportunities to share his faith with others. And if that meant being a certain way to represent JC, then that is what he did. This did not mean that he was a sell-out in the bad sense of the word. Instead, Paul was so aware of his witness for JC that he was able to adapt in any situation to show others why they should choose to follow Christ. Today’s question is: When others see you are they more drawn to JC for what they see? I pray that as you enjoy the freedom God has given you through Jesus, you are a representation for his name. Have a great weekend.

Praying for you,

mo