Factitious (1 John 5:13-20)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “factitious.”  The Evil One would like us to think certain lies.  We live in this life fighting a constant spiritual battle. Now, I am not saying that God speaks to me in an audible voice… but I do have a friend that says that God indeed does that with him. Do I believe it? Well, I know that this dude is a pretty stand-up guy. And just because I cannot see something I am not going to say that is does not happen. It does freak me out a bit though :)  The point is, we need to remember that there are evil forces out there...

“We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

~1 Jn 5:19

Not what you might want to hear.  But let me be clear.  This verse should be very encouraging. My question is: do you live in the expectation that you are not of this world, but waiting to go to your true home with God? I know that the Lord would like you to put your trust in him, knowing that the factitious lies of the Evil One have no power over you.  My prayer is that each of you remembers that you are of God.  Give Him the power in your life today, lay down whatever you think is controlling you, and turn to him.  Our God is mighty to save.

Praying for you,

MO

Immix (Matthew 18:1-20)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is  “immix.”  It always seemed to me that the closer JC got to the end of his ministry that everything started piling up.  At the point of this passage, he is dealing with some pretty heavy stuff.  His disciples want to know what it is to become the greatest in heaven.  Jesus answers that, then goes on to tell a story about going after people who need a relationship with God, and then tackles the issue of sin like a champ.  He pretty much puts the responsibility on the brothers and sisters to take care of one another, and point out the things that they are doing wrong.  But then he ends with something that is most important in this passage.

"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

~Matt. 18:19-20

My question is: who were the people that you spend most of your time with?  We see a lot of promise from God in that this particular chapter in Matthew.  God has specific disciplines for those who do stuff in his name, or under his rule.  It always amazed me and still does how people get upset with the stuff that God requires of us.  We are not forced into his family.  It is our choice.  My prayer is that each of you understands the promise that is given freely, which is the resurrected Christ.  It is our privilege to be a part of the stuff JC calls us to do through community.  So as you immix, or mingle and associate with others, do so wisely concerning the choice of that company.

Praying for you,

MO

Triumph (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)

Good moring all,

The word of the day is “triumph.” If you’re like me, you’re always trying to find enough time to do stuff. One of the biggest problems that a lot of people have is that they want things to go their way, and if they do not than they spend a lot of time in the weeds. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He understood that overthinking things was a pretty big trap. Could you imagine being in his place? All of that money and power, and trying to follow God. And we think it's hard! In fact, he said in Ecclesiastes…

Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”

~Ecc. 11:4

Solomon totally understood what it meant to wrestle against the enemy. In fact, we see that the devil actually got to him a little bit and caused him to stray from God. My question is: do you spend more time thinking, or doing. The more we procrastinate, the more time the evil one has to do bad stuff in your life. If you just start moving, God will help direct you and the right path. My prayer is that each of you works in such a way that when God blesses you it is not a surprise, but a pleasant reminder of why you are proactive in his name.

Praying for you,

MO

Bibliophobe (2 Timothy 3:10-16)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “bibliophobe.”  I remember early on in my seminary degree program how much I disliked reading.  I'd pretty much gotten through college on the bare minimum… that was probably the dumbest thing ever.  But now that I was in a Masters program I was expected to read thousands of pages a week.  I sat down with God about three weeks into my first semester and prayed that he gave me a yearning to love books.  Otherwise, I was not going to make it.  That was the turning point in my scholastic career.  In today's passage, Paul gives young Timothy words to live by that will serve him far beyond the completion of their mentorship process…

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…

~2 Tim 3:16

My question is: how much do you lean on the Scriptures for the everyday decisions in your life?  It's pretty tough to love to read in general, and anyone who chooses to be a bibliophobe, or one who does not like books, is setting themselves up for failure.  But learning to love The Good Book is essential.  One of my mentors told me that I would only excel to the point that I read books and associated with those who were better or farther along in life than me.  My prayer this morning is that you do the same… lean on good books and good people.

Praying for you,

MO

Iwis (Matthew 5:17-20)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “iwis.”  When I first started reading the Bible, I was pretty confused about the Old Testament and the New Testament. What were the differences and similarities… and why did we need to even split it up in the first place.  I remember my mentor telling me that the OT was dudes like Noah and Moses, and they lived without Jesus Christ.  Then there was like a 400-year hiatus, where we did not hear God speak to his people. Then JC came on the seen in books like Matthew and Luke. What was JC here to do?

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

~Matt 5:17-18

My question is: what are a couple of thoughts that you have concerning Jesus, and what he came to do on earth? It is important to understand the old law and the new. This will help you to begin putting stuff together, knowing why God sent his Son to take care of some unfinished business.  My prayer is that you learn just a bit more each day, even if it is not a ton – God’s Word is never iwis, or obselete. The more we do to know and learn about both the OT and the NT the more we will open our hearts and minds for God to speak in our lives.

Praying for you,

MO

Chansonette (1 Samuel 18:1-8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “chansonette.”Have you ever gotten the song stuck in your head?  I know that whenever someone mentions a song like YMCA, I will be singing it over and over again to myself for who knows how long.  As we see in today’s passage, the boy David did some pretty incredible things.  And, when he came home the people were singing songs and chansonettes about him.

“The women sang as they played, and said, "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands."

~1 Sam 18:7

My question is: if someone were to ask what song they most associated with you, what do you think it would be?  As human beings, we all have personas and reputations.  The stuff that you do on a daily basis accumulates and gives people an idea of who you are.  As David moved through his life we see that he became closer to God.  My prayer is that you make decisions that help others sing both good songs about you, and praise God for having you in their lives.

Praying for you,

MO

Propitious (Psalm 5:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “propitious.”  King David wrote a bunch of good Psalms.  No matter what kind of mood he was then, he always knew how to write it down.  It was almost a little bit like a journal.  David was not afraid to ask for God to come and help him in his time of need, and bring heavenly favor to his life.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

~Ps. 5:11-12

My question is: what are the things that you ask for in your life from God?  I think it's easy for us to lay our laundry list of wants and needs at God's throne.  When have you really asked him to make significant change in your life?  My prayer is that you give God the opportunity to come to your aid. Call on him to bring his propitious favor into your daily activities. Change comes subtly, but God is always faithful to do it.

Praying for you,

MO

Hebdomadal (Hebrews 10:19-25)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "hebdomadal.”  At this point in time, Christ-followers were living under a new covenant.  There was no longer a barrier between God and his people.  The writer wanted to make sure that the believers knew that they had direct access to God, and that they were living as new beings, which gave them the opportunity to partake in the real and present kingdom of God.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you seethe Day drawing near.

~Heb 10:24-25

My question is: are you taking advantage of the relationships that God has put in front of you?  One of the parts of Christianity I really liked early on as a new believer was the opportunity to meet weekly, or hebdomadally with others who had my best interest at heart.  My prayer is that you find both strength and refuge in the church.  Living in fellowship is something that God has called us to do.  We only need to take advantage of that which is set before us.  Continue to draw near to God!

Praying for you,

MO

Onus (Psalm 55: 1-23)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “onus.” I can always turn to the Psalms, no matter what my mood might be.  Somewhere in there one of those writers was going through something very similar to the stuff that I encounter.  Whether they are feeling good and praising God, or even feeling down and blaming him for something or other, I always find refuge in that book.  I really like what David has to say to God in this Psalm.  The whole thing is pretty cool, but the first line is just very forthright with his maker.

Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me.

~Ps 55:1

My question is: what situation are you in right now?  You might be up, or you might be down.  But my guess is that God is speaking to you.  My prayer is that you open your heart and listen for what he has to say.  Much of the time we like to put the onus, or blame, on God when we don't see things pan out the way that we think they should.  But if we just sit back for a second, take a deep breath, and let him speak than he usually does.  Take courage and the fact that God loves you and will answer your prayers.  Not in your time, but his.

Praying for you,

MO

Higgledy-piggledy (2 Timothy 2:1-7)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “higgledy-piggledy.”  Do I even really need a reason to have such an awesome word of the day?  Not really, but here we go.  Towards the end of Paul's ministry, he knew that he was going to be leaving behind a force of young men and women that he trained.  The danger was real, both spiritually and physically.  We can tell in this book that he wrote to Timothy that he felt very strongly about the advice that he was leaving with the next generation of leaders.

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”

~2 Tim 2:7

My question is: what are the thoughts and desires that motivate your heart?  Sometimes we can be in a place in life where we do not understand certain things, whether they pertained to God or just regular life.  My prayer this morning is that you punch the Enemy right in the face!  There are evil forces in this world that want to cause a kind of higgledy-piggledy confusion that will mess you all up and get you further away from a growing relationship with the Almighty.  Ask more questions, and wait for the divine answers.

Praying for you,

MO

Lorn (Isaiah 1:1-9)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “lorn.” The beginning of Isaiah was not really what you would like to hear if you were one of God’s peeps. The Israelites to this point were in a pretty bad place. They did not do what the Lord needed them to do, and so it was time for him to lay the smack down. This seems to have been quite the pattern for God and his people. The problem is, not much has changed from that time until now…

Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.

~Isaiah 61:7

My question is: Where are you in your relationship with God at this moment in time. The nature of the way that we live our lives is that we have ups and downs.  The most important thing is that we learn to bring offerings to God that are true and with meaning. I have been in places in my life when I would just go through the motions. My prayer is that you give God what is due his name… which is holy.  Choose today a way to remember some of the cool things God has done for you lately. We are not a lorn people, as God has given us everything we need.

Praying for you,

MO

Redoubt (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "redoubt."  If you remember what we talked about the other day, we must realize that God is the strength to which we must turn.  Paul realizes that we often get caught up in the problems we have on earth.  However, there is a much bigger war at stake.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

~2 Cor 10:3-5

My question is: what are the things in your life right now that are trying to hold you back.  I think often times we have so much going on in life that it is almost like we are in a sort of prison.  My prayer is that the divine power of God descends on your life to demolish any redoubts that may be challenging his power.  Allow God to be your warrior, especially in times when you think that you cannot handle life.  He will come to your rescue.

Praying for you,

MO

Rejectamenta (James 1:19-26)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “rejectamenta.”  There is stuff in this world that matters, and stuff that does not. The tough part for all of us is to figure out the difference between the two. James gives great insights in the way that we should be living as Christians.  Apparently, based on the verses following, there was a problem or two with the speech practices of the peeps to which he was talking...

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

~Jam. 1:26

Ouch!  You gotta love this guy. Some of the church members thought they were all that and a bag of chips, but James pretty much gives them a spiritual smackdown.  How would you like to be told that your religion is worthless? Wow. My question is: how would you rate your speech concerning the way you talk to others, language, etc.? My prayer is that you understand you are a representation of Christ.  James in effect was saying, don’t say you are a follower of Christ and make the rest of the church look bad because of your behavior. Strive today to make a positive change in yourself and others.

Praying for you,

MO