Coaptation (Acts 19:1-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “coaptation.”I recently spoke at a youth event, in which I told my faith story. Every time I do so, I realize that my coming into relationship with Jesus was no accident. Looking back on all of the events that occurred in my life, I realize that God had been tugging at my heart for some time. I only needed to respond.

And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.”

~Acts 19:4

My question is: are you living in the power that Jesus has bestowed upon you? When you came in to the presence of the Lord and accepted his calling to be one of his followers, you immediately received the power of the Holy Spirit as you have become a coaptation… your life adjusted to a one now lived with God. It is not you, but him does the work through you. My prayer is that each of you takes that power and is used as a vessel for Christ in your daily activities. Be bold today and know that the Holy Spirit is behind you and everything that you do, and is actually going out in front of you preparing the way for you to do ministry in the name of Jesus.

Praying for you,

mo

Yen (Jeremiah 29:1-14)

Good morning all,

I have always enjoyed the book of Jeremiah. I think one of the reasons is that I heard so much about it when I was in high school. I remember my pastor talking about God having a plan for my life and referring to this book on multiple occasions. More time that I spent with the people in that youth group, the more I yearned to be in God's good graces. I was learning throughout those years to seek it in such a way that it would change my entire being.

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

~Jer. 29.13

My question is: what are the thoughts of your heart? What are the things that consume your daily activity? I think as Christians we live life at a different level, one that is more taxing and full of expectancy. We expect that God is going to do great things are life, and God expects that we obey him. What I do know is that God is faithful and will carry out his part of the plan. My prayer is that each of us takes on the responsibility that God has given us and live with such a yen, or desire, that nothing will stand in our way of fulfilling that plan. Take an opportunity today and reprioritize your desires. Ask God to be a part of the equation and give you guidance. He will.

Praying for you,

Mo

Logorrhea (Proverbs 10:1-32)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “logorrhea.” You don't even really have to be Christian to understand that words matter; but the fact that you call Jesus Lord means that you have a pretty good sense that they do. In fact, by the time someone is done conversing with you, they either have one of two thoughts. They either feel better or worse for the experience. For this reason, we as Christians need to make sure that we are always helping others to feel better about themselves and the gospel.

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

~Pr. 10:31-32

My question is: are you working towards a life of righteousness? One of my spiritual mentors told me early on in my time as a Christian that I needed to pray each day for both wisdom and discernment. I think this is an incredible counsel. If each of us take the time to remember that our words matter, we will not have to worry about whether or not what we say is or is not acceptable. My prayer is that you stay away from logorrhea, or incoherent and talkative nonsense... and instead are an example for others in your speech, works, and love. Go out and encourage someone in the name of Jesus today.

Praying for you,

Mo

Scabrous (Revelation 3:7-13)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "scabrous.” Well, no one ever said it was going to be easy. A life lived with Jesus is not necessarily going to be a cakewalk. In fact, I remember the day I accepted Christ when my mentor told me that I just used my last get out of jail free card. It was kind of funny, but at the same time sobering. I realized that from that day on I was to live a life for Christ. The Bible talks about difficulties, trials, and tribulations throughout. And, at the end we see yet another verse that reminds us that we must continue on with fervor.

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”

~Rev. 3:11

My question is: are you hanging onto the hope that is in Christ? I know that oftentimes we feel like giving up and see that others are living in a way that is not pleasing to God. And then you think yourself, why in the heck am I trying so hard? This verse and passage right here gives us the precise answer. You have been given a crown that you will wear one day with your Savior. But, you must also remember that this world is not the end game, but only a passing and fleeting moment. So as you remember that this life is scabrous, or full of difficulties, you can always know that in the end it will all be worth it. My prayer for you is that you hold onto this hope, and that no one takes the crown you have attained through belief in Christ.

Praying for you,

Mo

Bushwa (Philippians 3:7-11)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “bushwa.” I had to laugh when reading this word. It reminded me of one of my most favorite sections of the Bible. Paul was a pretty feisty character. When he used to preach, he wanted to make sure that he got the attention of the people to whom he was speaking. This meant that every now and again he had to shock people. And for that reason, this passage right here pretty much says that Paul sees anything that is void of the gospel to be rubbish, or in other words of that day… trash. I mean come on! What an incredible way to minister to people. You figure that they would either turn to Jesus, or away from him altogether. But, that's exactly what Paul wanted people to do – to make a decision.

“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

~Phil. 3:7-8

My question is: with what kind of fervor do you live out your own faith? The apostle Paul realized that if he was going to live for Jesus then he needed to be ready to give everything for him. And for this reason, he considered everything that he had to this point to be absolutely nothing. Anything less than a relationship with Jesus is bushwa, or rubbish.  My prayer this morning is that you sit in the knowledge of surpassing greatness of your relationship with the Savior. When you are ready to give everything to him, the Lord will do a mighty work in your life.

Praying for you,

Mo