Baleful (Proverbs 13:10-20)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “baleful.”  Do you remember that one friend that you were not allowed to hang out with while growing up, especially if there was not any supervision from adults?  Well, if you don't remember then chances are… you are that friend that everybody's moms was talking about.  The fact is that there are people in each of our lives who have influence over us.  It is up to us to decide who will be those influences in our lives.

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” ~Pr. 13:20

My question is: who are the peeps that have the most influence in your life? I remember one of my mentors saying that we are only as good as the people that we chill with, and the books that we read.  My prayer this morning is that you take a sort of inventory of the peeps that have influence in your life. Who’s opinion matters? Who do you look towards for advice.  Always remember that God wants you to spend time with those who make a posite impact in your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Chthonian (2 Timothy 3:10-17)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “chthonian.”  I’ve studied Scripture for quite a few years.  I remember when I was brand-new in the faith.  Everything was so exciting.  I had questions about everything.  I remember talking to my mentor about every little detail in the Bible, and it was pretty awesome time.  Because I went to Christian school I was able to continue this fervor.  Then I went to seminary, also known as pastor school, which helped me to keep my interest in Scripture.  And, just when I thought I could not get more excited, I remember hearing the following verse at my pastoral ordination ceremony.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” ~2 Tim 3:16

This was a pretty big deal for me to hear.  I realized that the word of God was more than just chthonian, or some kind of mythology… it was the real and inspired word of God.  I was given the task as a pastor to faithfully teach and administer the stuff that I had been learning for so many years.  My question is: what kind of authority have you given God’s word in your life?  My prayer is that you seek a life of righteousness, always doing more than is required to love others and be an active participant in God’s incredible plan for your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Pugnacious (Galatians 4:4-5)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “pugnacious.”  Have you ever gotten in a fight in your life?  I know that I have quarreled over some pretty dumb things before.  Stuff that I thought was pretty important at the time, but then realized how ridiculous I was acting.  Well, Jesus had to put up with this kind of stuff all the time.  During his short time of ministry, there were always people trying to mess them up and get in his way.  However, he refused to back down and let others dictate what he came to do.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” ~Gal. 4:4-5

My question is: what does godly redemption mean in your life?  Sometimes we can focus on stuff that really doesn't matter.  But, if we will choose to work with Jesus instead of fighting M then he will be able to fulfill his mission in our lives.  God is going to fulfill his promises, we just made to be ready for him to act in our lives.  When we stop our pugnacious and indignant nature, the Lord will work within us and around us to bring glory to himself.

Praying for you,

MO

Volte-face (Acts 9:1-19)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “volte-face.”  I think one of the most intriguing stories in the Bible is that of the conversion of Saul.  If there was any guy who was completely against Christianity and what it stood for, it was this guy.  He was raised to be a very smart dude, and had everything going for him in his life.  In fact, at one point, where we meet him, he is continuing his persecution of those who believed in Christ Jesus crucified and resurrected.  However, he experiences an abrupt change at a moment that he least expects it.

Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” ~Acts 9:3-6

My question is: was there ever a time in your life where you thought you had something right, only to find out that you are totally off base?  That's a pretty humbling experience.  In fact, as I grow older I realize that there is less and less that I actually know, and more that I need to learn.  What Saul learned here on the road to Damascus was that his entire life's achievements and endeavors were completely in the wrong.  He experienced in one moment that he needed to make a complete 180° turn, or volte-face.  My prayer is that you evaluate your priorities and see if living with and for Christ Jesus crucified could be something that would add value both to your life and those around you.

Praying for you,

MO

Turpitude (Ephesians 5:6-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “turpitude.”  The Bible talks about a bunch of stuff relating to the reasons we need God in our lives.  It seems that no matter what time in history, there is always bad stuff happening.  I often wonder to myself when God is going to send back Jesus.  With all of the madness going on on this planet, I pray fervently that the Son will come back sooner than later.

“...for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth)...” ~Eph. 5:6-14

My question is: what does it mean for you to look towards God’s light?  We have been given the chance and privilege to live in righteousness.  My prayer is that you are a light for the love of God to others in this world.  In a time of continued moral turpitude it is important for each of us to be above reproach and give non-believers a reason to want to be a part of this awesome family? Take an opportunity to thank God for his timeless love and grace in your life, and that he would extend that hand to others.

Praying for you,

MO

Cloister (James 1:12-18)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “cloister.”  I really like the stuff in the Bible that talks about wisdom.  The book of James gets overlooked sometimes, but there is a ton of awesome stuff in this small book.  The wisdom theme is seen throughout this book, and James is explicit and making sure that people understand that whatever they do, it should be wrapped around love.  In fact, he talks about what it means to an door through tough times.

“Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” ~Jm. 1:12

My question is: what are some of the tests in your life that you believe are pretty tough?  Remember that God is always given his promise and the crown of life weights for each of us in heaven.  My prayer is that each of you revisits the promise that God made to you, and that as he walks with you and your times of need, that he continually stands you up to the tests you face.

Praying for you,

MO

Exiguous (Mark 12:38-41)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “exiguous.”  I really enjoy this passage because it is at the end of a chapter filled with stories of JC and all of the big dawgs of the day.  Right now, we are in the middle of election season, and I continue to see and hear politicians give their opponents beat-downs; it seems that the better a candidate can slander his or her opposition, the more they feel it will help their own campaign.  Well, the Pharisees figured that if they could slander JC enough, or give him enough hard situations, that he would eventually slip up.  The verses here are following Jesus having to deal with the Pharisees.

As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” ~Mk 12:38-40

My question is: what are the things that you give to God in your life?  Does he get the best, or what is left over, or even nothing at all?  Although this woman in the above passage gave out of her exiguous status, what she gave was much more than all of those rich guys put together.  While the Pharisees and other teachers of law were busy in their own self-righteousness and trying to catch Jesus in some kind of lie, this woman humbly brought everything she had and gave it to God.  My prayer is that you take the lead from this woman, and think of one place in your life where you could maybe give God just a bit more.

Praying for you,

mo

Pavonine (2 Chronicles 2:3-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “pavonine.”  We see that in the building of the Old Testatment Temple that a ton of creativity was needed.  There was a group of people called the Phoenicians who were known all over the entire world for all of the cool stuff that they made, and were kind of the interior and exterior decorators of the time.  King Solomon, in building God’s temple, reached out to them to help work with his main guy to make the most incredible and luxurious Temple possible.

“Now send me a skilled man to work in gold, silver, brass and iron, and in purple, crimson and violet fabrics, and who knows how to make engravings, to work with the skilled men ^bwhom I have in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided.” ~2 Chron. 2:7

My question is: what are the gifts and strengths that you bring to the table?  There is something inside of you that God would like to use to help others be better.  And just as the Phoenicians were called in to use their masterful skill of pavonine, or peacock-like, coloring scheme for the building of God’s temple, so do you have a ton to offer to the building of His people.  Allow God to work within you today to glorify him through your strengths and skills.

Praying for you,

MO

Realpolitik (Matthew 23:12-14)

Good morning all,

THe word of the day is “realpolitik.”  Self-righteousness has been going on since, and even before, the Bible was recorded.  Some peeps just like to get up in other people’s business and tell them how to live.  Unfortunately, most of us have enough hang-ups to keep ourselves busy, and do not really need to worry about others and the way that they are living life.  The Pharisees were these kind of dudes back in the New Testament.  JC really had it up to here with the way that they were living, and judging others...

"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.13"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.… ~Matt 23:12-14

My question is: what do you spend most of your time and energy on?  Some peeps are so consumed with the business of judging others that they do not take time to look in the mirror.  My prayer is that each of you takes a moment and self-reflects upon the things in your own life that God would like to work on.  If we spend more time working out our own issues, we will have less time to try to run other peeps’ lives.  Live in grace today, and give others the same benefit that God would… an accepting heart.

Praying for you,

MO

Addendum (Revelation 22:12-21)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “addendum.”  I remember the first time that I read the book of Revelation in the Bible.  It was a pretty scary endeavor.  Luckily though, I had one of my small group leaders help me through it.  I was only in high school.  It was me and a couple other guys.  We thought we would be courageous and try to learn and understand what that book was all about.  We soon realized that understanding everything in that particular work of John was going to be a much longer process than just reading through it once.  But, I do remember one of the verses that stuck out in my head, and still does even to this day…

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” ~Rev. 22:18

That is some crazy stuff.  My question is: do you believe that God’s word is good enough the way that it is?  What John is saying right here is that nothing should be added to the Bible… there is no addendum needed.  God took care of all of the stuff he needed to say, and would be sending his son back soon to get us.  My prayer is that you live and the hope that God’s words are true and accurate.  Whenever life gets you down, always remember that God is right beside you fighting the war.  And although you might lose a battle or two, you have been given the victory in God’s perfect Word, in its totality.

Praying for you,

MO

Deiform (2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “deiform.”  I remember back in high school when I was in Latin class for my second language.  It was actually a lot of fun.  When we got into the honors program the last couple of years, we started to read stuff in Latin a lot to translate.  Some of that stuff was Greek mythology.  It was funny to read about how all of the gods used to fight and because of that bad things happened to humans down on earth as a consequence.  They were really full of themselves.  Well, lucky for us, we have a true God who makes us in his perfect image…

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” ~2 Cor 3:18

My question is: how do people perceive your image?  The good thing is, if you give God a chance, you have the ability to live and reflect his glory.  He gives you the opportunity, and you just have to respond.  My prayer is that you respond favorably today.  As we continually receive his ever-increasing glory, remember that we will one day solidify our deiform nature when we meet him face-to-face.

Praying for you,

MO

Duple (Hebrews 4:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “duple.” I was a camp counselor for a number of years growing up in ministry. My favorite song is based on today’s verse.  I used to love singing more than the kids. When the dude up front started with a song that I like, which was all of them… me and all the kids in my cabin would go crazy.  It was a lot of fun.  And that was what I tried to teach the boys in my cabin.  They knew that learning about God and the Bible could be a lot of fun.  I was had fun.  And, God's word was always so powerful that we didn't really have to do much except for decide whether or not to follow.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” ~Heb 4:12

My question is: what are the things that pierce your heart?  I know that reading averse like the one above gives me hope that God will continue to decipher the things in my life that need to be changed or accepted.  My prayer is that each of you allows the word of God to penetrate your heart with its duple effect.  Allow God to make changes in your life today where needed.  He is always ready to move in your life.

Praying for you,

MO

R2D2 (Joshua 1:1-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “R2D2.”  Do I need to explain?  It’s probably only the coolest robot in history.  If you watched any of the Star Wars movies, this little guy has pretty much stolen the show numerous times.  But did you also know that this is a term for fighter pilots, as they use it for their RIOs (Radio Intercept Officer)?  That’s the fighter pilot’s flying companion, his partner that makes sure he can see everything that the pilot cannot.  Pretty cool, huh?  I remember watching the movie Top Gun back from the early 1980s, with Tom Cruise.  His character was named “Maverick,” and his RIO was named “Goose.”  Again, one of the best movies of all time!  Well, the cool thing about your life and God is that he will never leave you.  It’s almost like he’s your everyday RIO.

“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: what would it take for you to give God a chance to be a part of your everyday life?  Sounds like a little bit of a silly question, I know.  The way that I see it, I am lucky that God wants to be so intricately and intimately involved with my life.  But, he does.  My prayer is that each of you thinks about your life in terms of the journey.  You have a couple of options.  You can either do stuff on your own, or you can have the best R2D2 the world… God.  A little bit of a crazy analogy, but fitting for sure.

Praying for you,

MO

Yaff (Psalm 34:17-22)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “yaff.”  One of my favorite characters in the Bible is David.  He is an Old Testament guy that went through a ton of stuff.  He lived a pretty simple life when he was a kid and had the important job of taking care of family property.  Then his life that a little bit more complicated when God called him to be king.  Between being a kid and ascending to the position of ruler of Israel, he had to run away from a bunch of people who wanted to kill him.  At one point in his life, while on the run, he had come to the breaking point.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

~Ps 34:17-18

My question is: you ever been in a situation in life where you just wanted to give up?  You know, one of those places where it was a little bit darker than most other times.  I know that in my times of trouble, sometimes the last thing that I want to do is to yaff, or cry out, to God.  My prayer is that each of you take a moment to remember God during your times of trouble.  He wants to come to your rescue, and would love to help you through times of tribulation.  Just as David did while on the run from those who wanted to do him great harm, so does God want to come to your rescue, no matter the situation.

Praying for you,

MO

Vicissitude (Malachi 3:1-7)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “vicissitude.”  The last book of of the OT was written, and then God was silent for like 400 years.  Could you imagine how crazy this must have been?  Well, God reiterates some truth in today’s passage that will withstand time.  The writer of this book talks about the way being prepared for the One who is to come. How awesome that must have been; at which time the only thing anyone could really do is wait…

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the [i]alien and do not fear Me,” says the Lord of hosts. “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, [l]are not consumed.

~Mal 3:5-6

My question is: how are you waiting with expectation on the Lord. Just a JC fulfilled prophecy and came to make God’s promises good, we also wait knowing that God’s word never brings on vicissitudes, or irregular or sudden changes.  He is unchanging, and will be the stalwart in your life.  My prayer is that each of you takes a moment in the midst of craziness and thank God for his constant care for us.

Praying for you,

MO

Accidence (Ephesians 2:6-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “accidence.”  There is a lot of stuff that we need to know in life.  It seems like you are always trying to stay ahead of the learning curve.  With all of the technology, changes in education or business or whatever, we need to be focused on staying at the top of our game.  The apostle Paul knew what it meant to connect with others at a deeper level… it seemed he was always at the top of his game.  As his life became more in-depth and complicated, he made sure that the word of God stayed simple and easy to understand.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

~Eph 2:8-9

My question is: is your life simple, or complicated?  The good thing is, no matter what the answer is to that question, God can fit in somewhere.  It’s good to know that we don’t really have to work our way into God’s favor.  We have been given grace from God because we choose to believe.  So, my prayer is that you take hold of this full faith and let God bestow this gift upon you.  God’s grace is one of the essentials, or accidence of our faith.  Allow the Maker to work in your life… that you might boast in his power in your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Ci-devant (Romans 6:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “ci-devant.”  The apostle Paul has some really good words to say concerning sin.  In this particular book he is at the point with these people where they need to hear information about a relationship with JC pretty straightforward.  He pretty much gives them a couple of options.  They can either live the way that they always have been, or they can change and take a different path.

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

~Rom 6:11-12

My question is: what will it take for you to make a decision to move a little bit closer to God, and a little bit further from the sin that keeps you from knowing God perfectly?  I’m not saying that you have to be perfect, but we really should strive to be the best we possibly can, knowing that moving towards righteousness causes us to move away from sin.  My prayer is that you evaluate your relationship with Christ.  Do the things that take you away from your ci-devant old self, and become more in tune with Jesus, who wants to work on the new you each and every day.

Praying for you,

MO

Frisson (John 8:48-58)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “frisson.”  The Bible offers characters with such an array of emotions that sometimes I feel overwhelmed reading about them.  But I guess the good thing is that I know whenever I need to read about someone who is going through the same stuff as me… I am sure to find that person somewhere in the Bible.  Among those emotions is that of excitement. I mean, how could you not get happy at least for a moment with the good news that we read in the Bible?

“Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

~Jn 8:56

My question is: what are the things in life that make you happy?  Each of us has experienced life in such a way that there have been moments of true joy and happiness, or frissons.  My prayer is that you remember back to those times and ask God to help you experience that feeling again.  Jesus knew that there were different feelings towards him coming to fulfill God's promises.

Praying for you,

MO

Foremost (Matthew 6:25-34)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “foremost.”  Jesus talks about some pretty important stuff in these couple of chapters in Matthew. In this passage he addresses the issue of worry and concern.  It doesn't matter what time period about which we are talking; these themes and feelings seem to be reoccurring.  So, when his followers bring up this issue, he addresses it pretty directly.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

~Matt 6:33

This is a pretty clear message from JC.  He understands that there are going to be cares and concerns that his people face.  He also knows that these will never go away.  But, if we keep a correct perspective God is going to make sure that we are on the right track.  My question is: what are the things in your life that you seek first.  Whatever is foremost on your mind is probably one of those most important items.  My mentor used to remind me that the most important stuff and our lives is what we are thinking about when we are thinking about nothing.  My prayer is that when you are resting and your mind is not racing, God permeates your thoughts and directs your ways.

Praying for you,

MO

Parse (Proverbs 4:1-9)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "parse."  It always seems that the Bible has a ton of different meanings.  I remember when I first started studying the Bible; I realized how many different ways there were of interpreting the meanings I was learning.  I knew that there were a lot of lessons that I needed to understand and apply to my life.  But it was up to me to take the correct steps and actions to make that happen.  Now that I was a believer, I knew that God expected me to do things a little differently.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”

~Pr. 4:7

My question is what are you doing to gain wisdom and insight?  I remember when I was a young Christian going to my pastor’s wife and asking her how she was so knowledgeable in the biblical matters.  She told me that she prayed every morning for wisdom and discernment.  From that day on, I did the same.  My prayer is that you seek wisdom and gain insight from those who have done life a little bit longer than you.  Take God’s word and pull it apart, or parse it, to understand a bit more each day.  Humble yourself to accept the teachings that others with wisdom might give in order to change your life for the better.

Praying for you,

MO

Hypogeum (John 11:38-44)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “hypogeum.”  One of the most awesome stories in the New Testament is of JC raising Lazarus from the dead.  Could you imagine being in the entourage of Jesus and wondering what he was going to possibly do with a dead guy. Well, as we know from this story, the Savior does not disappoint.  Always pushing the envelope, and keeping peeps on their toes.

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.

Jn 11:43-44

My question is: are you waiting in expectation for God to do cool stuff in your life? I know that he wants to change your life for the better.  and, the more we look to him, the better we can respond to his calling.  Just as Lazarus responded and came forth from the hypogeum, so must we listen for the voice of the Saviour in our lives. How can you respond to JC today?

Praying for you,

MO

Hempy (2 Corinthians 11:12-16)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “hempy.”  You really don't know what to expect in this life.  Sometimes things are looking up, and all of a sudden they can go south pretty quickly.  In today's passage, the apostle Paul recognizes that he must continually work to show the believers how much he cares for them.  He has given his life to Christ, and wants nothing more for God's people than to experience life the way he knows is possible.  But in the midst of all this is the Evil One.  Paul knows that to excel in this life he and all of the believers must continue to keep their eyes open for what can potentially end her any type of progress.

“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

~2 Corinthians 11:14

My question is: what are the actions that you are taking continually to stay on the path of progress?  Each of us has tons of responsibility in our lives.  And, that never changes.  Wherever God puts you, you will have to do your best to invest your time into things that matter.  My prayer is that you keep your eyes focused on what is important, and that you are always ready for the shady, or hempy, games of the evil one.

Praying for you,

Mo

Exilic (Jeremiah 29:1-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “exilic.”  God’s people have always had a problem following his decrees, which would eventually lead to a need for course correction.  There were a couple of main exiles in the Bible; the first was the Assyrian.  Following that was another one known as the Babylonian Exile that lasted for about seventy years or so.  The peeps were in a position that caused them to stray from God and need his forgiveness for doing some stuff that was less than informed… also known as stupid.

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.

~Jer 29:10

My question is: what kind of restoration do you need in your life?  The good thing for us is that God is gracious.  Even in the old days when his people totally messed up, he gave them another chance to be reconciled.  Whatever is going on in your life that you feel might take you away or further from God, don't think that is a spiritual relationship killer.  My prayer is that you search the corners of your heart and mind that need reconciliation with God.  What are a couple of items on your list of stuff that needs to be, done that you can tackle starting today?

Praying for you

MO

Demesne (Genesis 12:1-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is " demesne.”  One of the big decisions that people have in their lives is to purchase a house.  This seems to be something pretty important and intense in the lifecycles we experience because of the immense responsibility that comes with it.  God at one time told Abraham to leave everything that he knew, and to follow where God would lead.

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you.

~Gen 12:1

My question is: where do you think God is going to send you?  We often times get complacent and comfortable with the situations in which we live.  My prayer for you is that you take God's calling to heart, and that you are always ready to move for him.  Not necessarily in location, but in the way that you are to serve him and others.  Remember that God is yearning for willing hearts, both to change individually and corporately.  You can be the change today, both in your own life and as an encouragement for others.

Praying for you,

MO