Degust (Psalm 119:100-110)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “degust.”  One of my favorite verses in the Bible comes from the longest Psalm.  I remember when I had first started attending church on a regular basis, my high school youth group leader used to give me random facts.  One of these had to deal with what would come to be one of my favorite Psalms and verses with the Bible.

How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” ~Ps. 119:103

My question is: do you yearn for the sweetness of God’s word?  Today is Thanksgiving, and each of us will probably eat more than our fill.  If you’re like me, you have your favorites.  Maybe it’s cranberry sauce, or yams, or your grandmother’s savory turkey recipe that is hidden to all except for those in the special inside loop.  Whatever it is, as you feast today, remember that God’s word is supposed to be the same.  As the psalmist writes, we are supposed to degust each and every succulent piece of Scripture that enters our soul.  My prayer is that you take some time today to be thankful for God’s presence in your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Pabulum (Psalm 1:6)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “pabulum.”  The Bible talks a lot about what it means for us to be spiritually nourished.  Each of us has a certain level of understanding of the word of God, depending on how much time we put forth learning it.  I remember when I went to seminary, which is a school for pastors, I learned an entirely new understanding of God’s word. Well, in he first psalm God really lays this out pretty good.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous..” ~Ps. 1:1-6

My question is: from where do you find your counsel?  There is so much out there today that wants to influence you.  With all of the social media, TV shows, religions, and everything else, you have to choose what is going to speak into your life.  My prayer is that you find people who are wiser than you, and read things – that provide proper written pabulum – that are smarter than you.  If we allow ourselves to learn from the best, then one day we may just have the opportunity to be in that echelon.  And, if we ever get there, it’s not for our praise, but our obedience and service to both God and humans.

Praying for you,

Nostomania (2 Corinthians 12:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “nostomania.”  Have you ever been homesick? I remember a time when some of my friends and I were out in Israel for school. It was about this time of year, Thanksgiving. There is something about the holidays that make up miss what is most familiar, when we are away from what we call home.  Well, Paul used to talk about the journey in terms of wanting to be home.  and, home for him was Heaven.  He knew that God had good stuff in store.

“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.  And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.  I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” ~2 Cor 12:2-5

My question is: what are your thoughts concerning your homelife… you know, stuff like upbringing, good memories, the tough time? My prayer is that you realize this morning that God has called you home to be with him one day.  Although we are on this earth for a short time, it is eternity that we can look forward to. It’s good to return home every once in a while, get rid of that homesick nostomania.  Remember to celebrate your family this week. Remember the ones who love and care for you.  Maybe even take a moment to let others know why you are thankful for them.

Praying for you,

MO

Gaslight (2 Corinthians 4:1-6)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “gaslight.”  Have you ever thought you were crazy for believing something?  One of your friends tells you some kind of whopper of a story, and you get sucked right into it.  We see in the passage below that the believers had to be on the lookout for things that were not in line with the truth of God.  Focusing on Jesus was tough, and still is today if you are not careful to focus on the light.

“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” ~2 Cor 4:4

My question is: what are the things that you spend your time believing?  There are a lot of people out there that would like you to move your faith away from God and put it into something else.  Whether that is material possessions, other religions, or just simply wanting to mislead you.  We have to be on the lookout for the stuff that would move us away from a relationship with God.  My prayer is that each of you solidify your faith each day, reading the Word and fellowshipping with other believers.  There will always be someone out there wanting to gaslight, or pull one over, on you.  The more you associate with people that know the truth, the better off you will be in succeeding in life, walking alongside God.

Praying for you,

MO

Vespertide (Psalm 113:1-9)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “vespertide.”  Most of us lead pretty crazy lives. We get up early and go to bed late. There is always something to be done and work to be finished. At times we can even become consumed with the tasks that are in front of us. But how many peeps take the time to sit and reflect on the things of God? I am not saying that we need to shut life down, although sometimes i believe that is appropriate. I do know that we need to give God his due and realize what is important.

“From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the LORD is to be praised.”

~Psalm 113:3

ANd that is about it… so here is the question: Are you praising God on a continual basis? I know that stuff needs to get done. THere is always something pressing that cannot wait.  But there is always a way to incorporate God into whatever is going on in your life. My prayer is that you take a moment to praise God.  And, whether you're going through good times or bad, day or nite, morning or vespertide, you realize that you have been given this life, which is the best gift God could give. And it’s a simple way to give back to God through a bit of simple praise.

Paying for you,

MO

Reliance (1 Peter 5:1-11)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "reliance."  One of the great things about the Bible is the comforter brings in times of trouble and need.  I know that I have had my share of troubles, as each of you have.  One important lesson I learned from my mentor early on was that life was not always going to be easy.  But he did assure me that God would never leave me.  I now think back to the times where I had trouble in my life but did not have a relationship with Jesus.  I mean, really, how did I get through it?

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” ~1 Peter 5:7

My question is, how well do you give your concerns and fears over to God?  Just as Peter was talking to those in the congregation who were experiencing tough times in their lives, so do we have to remember that in our tough times we have a choice as well.  My prayer is that you step out on faith a little bit today and when you don't understand something, really tried to get over to God.  It's the times where we don't feel like we can trust God to take care of stuff that we really need to allow him to do so.  God will sustain you in times of trouble.  He made the promise, and you keep it.

Praying for you,

MO

Apocryphal (Hebrews 12:1-8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “apocryphal.  The author of Hebrews was especially focused on helping his readers understand that the Gospel needed to be first and formost.  He realized that Jesus was the center of faith, and that because he made the ultimate sacrifice we are now able to share in his glory. 

“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ~Heb 12:2

My question is: what are the things that you spend most time on?  Some of us give a lot of time to work, others family, or maybe fun stuff.  I think that there is a kind of balance that we needed to have in life.  Not to say that everything is going to have an equal amount of time always, but that in certain seasons of life you know what is most important.  We don't have to worry about something fake, or apocryphal, when it comes to the gospel.  Jesus Israel and his word persevere.  My prayer is that the matter what you focus on, God is always part of that equation and central to the tasks and relationships in your life.

Praying for you,

Rufescent (Matthew 19:1-22)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “rufescent.”  Have you ever been embarrassed in a situation? I know that is kind of a rhetorical question. Of course, we all have.  Well, one of the reoccurring themes in the New Testament is the Pharisees trying to catch Jesus in a lie, or worse yet, something to condemn himself in front of all of his followers.  We all know that he is God, but what comes along with that sometimes is a lack of spiritual understanding, as we are all in need of growth.

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. ~Matt 19:21-22

My question is: what the things that are most important to you? I know that sometimes we put stuff in front of our spiritual growth.  My prayer is that each of you takes moment to evaluate all of the important items of your life, and make sure that God is a part of those growth areas.  Each of you has a ton of blessings from the Lord, we just need to capitalize on all of the stuff that God puts in front of us.  That way we will never have a sheepish and rufescent, or reddish, shade of embarrassment on our faces.

Praying for you,

MO

Callow (Ephesians 4:14-15)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “callow.”  When Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus, he reminded them of the their commitment to the gospel and the importance that they continue to grow in the face, not looking back at when they were without the discipline that was now in their lives.  He knew the importance of their need for real and effective change.

So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ… ~Eph 4:14-15

My question is: are you the kind of person that speaks the truth in love?  It's not only important that we tell people with honesty what we believe, but more importantly to do with the correct attitude.  I never really appreciated when those who had been in the faith longer than me ridiculed or criticized my lack of understanding of the Bible or other things of God.  I vowed early on that I would not be this kind of Christian.  My prayer is that each of you becomes more knowledgeable in Scripture and godly principles, but that you keep the message simple and clear, so that others might be encouraged by what you have to say, and not condemned.

Praying for you,

Pell-mell (Matthew 26:47-56)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “pell-mell.”  Could you imagine being sold out by one of your closest friends?  This was the place that Jesus was in.  It must’ve been a little bit lonely and frustrating.  In today’s passage we see that when Jesus is arrested all those who are close to him pretty much deserted and left him to fend for himself.  After so many years of ministry, building relationships, making a difference… Jesus was now alone.

55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” ~Matt. 26:55-56

My question is: have you made the decision to follow Jesus, even when times get bad?  If his own disciples left him when the going got tough, how much more should we be concerned about doing the same thing?  Even though God is always in control of situations, we see that sometimes even those closest to Jesus were unable to understand the chosen path that needed to be fulfilled.  What was at one point a strong coalition of disciples and followers was now a pell-mell mass of jumbled and confused individuals.  My prayer morning is that each of you make a decision to remain loyal to the Savior, no matter what the circumstances.  We need to stick together as the family of God.  Allow Jesus to solidify your faith a little bit more today.

Praying for you,

MO

Panivorous (Matthew 4:1-11)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “panivorous.”  In today’s passage we continue with the understanding that Jesus constantly has opposition in his ministry.  It started as early as him being tempted in the wilderness by the Evil One.  When he is in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted three times.  And, these were no small tasks to overcome.  In fact, in this passage, the Savior used the same words that we see in the Old Testament when God’s people were in the wilderness, wandering.  The reference implies a need for God’s sufficiency.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~Matt 4:4

My question is: what are the things closest to you that give you the most life?  I think it’s important to understand that we must always look to God to sustain us.  Just as we are panivorous people, relying on bread to sustain us, so does God’s word give you what you need to give him the same spiritually, which is a loving heart and obedience.  My prayer is that you subject yourself to God, living by his word and realize the necessity of its sufficiency in your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Slubber (James 3:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “slubber.”  I really enjoy the book of James because of the frankness that he has when speaking with the believers.  He knew that God's people needed good instruction, and so he made sure that he was upfront about what it took to be someone of influence in the church.

“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” ~Jam 3:1-2

My question is: what are the gifts and talents that you believe you possess?  James instructed the people here to make sure that each of them looked inward at their own actions before they wanted to be any kind of leader or person of influence.  My prayer is that you ask God to pick you up when you slubber and stumble... and look to be more like God.  Having the ability to have influence over others is a big responsibility, and we know that the more that we know and apply when it comes to the Bible, the more we will need to keep our own thoughts and actions in check.  Make a resolution today to get a little bit better each day.

Praying for you,

MO

Horripilation (1 Timothy 4:10-13)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “horripilation.”  The Apostle Paul (then Saul) had a pretty crazy experience with Jesus that changed his life from persecuting Christians, to being one of the most influential people in biblical history.  He knew God’s message was so important that Paul would risk his life day in and day out to help others understand why they needed to be a part of what God was doing. Especially when he was away from his people, Paul made sure to send words of encouragement to his fellow leaders to always persevere…

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” ~1 Tim 4:13

My question is: What are the things in your life that most excite you? God wants us to live in excellence and to know that we are doing all we can to be productive and devoted, both to one another and to experiencing an excellent life.  My prayer is that when you think about the possibilities God has set before you that you get goosebumps, or more formally and scientifically known as horripilation.  The Lord has a ton of good stuff in store for you. Just keep you eyes fixed on him and allow his works to move you to a state of awe.

Praying for you,

MO

Gapeseed (John 5:20-25)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "gapeseed.”  As we have seen in the past few days, Jesus stood up to some pretty crazy opposition.  But the cool thing is that he never backed down.  And even though people were persecuting him and trying to kill him, he was always there to extend his hand of grace and mercy and help people move away from judgment and into the arms of God.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” ~Jn. 5:24

My question is: what are the things that you believe when it comes to a relationship with God?  If you're like me… I used to think that there is no way that a God so big would want anything to do with a screw-up like me.  But, the beauty of it is that we are the kind of people that he wants.  He does not want perfect people, but instead those who hear the word and believe.  The word of God is not a gapeseed, or something mythical and unbelievable.  It is real and waiting for you. My prayer is that you take heed to those words and put your trust in God.  He can change lives, and I'm glad he has done so with me and so many others.  Allow him to change you today.

Praying for you,

MO

Basic (1 Peter 4:1-8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “basic.”  Persecution has never been anything new for those who follow God's path.  In fact, as you read into the book of 1 Peter you can tell that he wants to make sure his audience understands that this is just par for the course.  It's important for those who believe in the gospel to know that they will be persecuted and maligned and ways that, although will be unpleasant at the time, will shed light on the glory of Christ.

“With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” ~1 Peter 4:4-5

My question is: what are you doing to get away from the way the rest of the world does things?  As Christians, we are called to be different.  You are called to live a life that is separate from anything that would bring shame or contempt to the name of Jesus.  Although it is a simple task, it is also very difficult.  Living as a witness to others should be a focus in your life.  Don't be surprised when you do the right thing and others scoff at you.  Just as the “Instagram Starbucks Red Cup Selfie” is pretty basic, so is persecution of the saints – nothing new, we just have to endure.  Don't live a mediocre life, but stepped out of the box and live intentionally for God.

Praying for you,

MO

Hoyden (Proverbs 12:1-16)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “hoyden.”  The writer of Proverbs gives some great insight in this particular passage.  When speaking of the difference between a fool and a wise person, we see that someone who is in pursuit of the former always makes sure to listen to counsel.  I remember early on in my ministry, I believed that everything that I did was the right way to do stuff.  Unfortunately for me I had to learn from the school of hard knocks.  It wasn’t until I started listening to my mentor that I realized that I actually did have room in my cluttered arrogant head to gain wisdom.

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.” ~Pr. 12:16

My question is: do you seek counsel in your life from those who know what they are talking about?  I’m don't mean taking advice from just anyone... I mean really looking for wisdom from those who have fruit on the tree.  I feel very blessed to have the influence of so many phenomenal mentors over the years.  My prayer is that you are prudent in your quest for righteousness and self growth.  Don’t allow people to look at you as hoyden, or obnoxious and arrogant, but instead be a witness to them with your quest for humility and excellence.

Praying for you,

MO

Crapehanger (Ephesians 5:15-21)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “crapehanger.”  When I was growing up I was a huge fan of Whinnie the Pooh.  In fact, I have to say that I still am.  There was one character in that cartoon series that was always really funny to me.  His name was Eeyore.  It didn't matter what was happening, he always had something negative to say about the situation.  Well, imagine the kind of people that all of the prophets and apostles had to deal with in both the Old Testament and New Testament.  The apostle Paul always put his attention to the works of God.  In fact, in this important chapter to the church and ethicists he writes the following…

“…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord…” ~Eph 5:19

My question is: what do people see when they interact with you?  My prayer is that you put on the things of God, and show others a reason why they should live a life of following Jesus.  Things are not always going to be the best… that would be kind of crazy.  But as Christians, we are called to be optimistic and turn our gaze towards Jesus, and not be crapehangers; nobody likes a Debbie Downer.  So, go out today and find something specific to do that will encourage others in God's love.

Praying for you,

MO

Oeuvre (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “oeuvre.”  The Apostle Paul understood the importance of reading the Word and using it for every part of his ministry.  As we see in today’s passage, we know that the importance that he gave to Scripture was very high.  He relied on God to give him confidence and understanding concerning his ministry.  He studied harder than anyone else, and made sure that he was always ready for the opportunities that God was going to put in front of him.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” ~2 Tim 3:16-17

My question is: What are the thoughts and actions that guide you through the day. We have been given a compilation of great works in the Bible. Just as Paul looked towards the Old Testament scriptures to give him credibility and authority, so should we do the same in our hope to live life and make a difference in the lives of others.  My prayer is that you take some time to think about your competency in the Word of God. Ask the Lord to give you what is needed to be a witness to others in your daily life.

Praying for you,

MO

Pusillanimous (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “pusillanimous.”  Towards the end of his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul gave a few salutations and encouragements.  In the middle of all this, he did what is said by any true pastor and evangelist.  He urged people in the church to love one another and stand firm together in their faith.

^“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men and women of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love.” ~1 Corinthians 16:13-14

My question is: what are some of the areas in your life that you are most diligent?  Paul talks right here about carrying out the will of God.  The Corinthian church had to deal with potential false teachers coming into their congregation, and so they needed a reminder to be strong and stand together.  This showed maturity for them as a community.  I pray that you would look at your own ability to mature just a little bit more today in the faith, as we build a strong community that makes a difference for Jesus.

Praying for you,

MO

Kickshaw (Philippians 3:1-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “kickshaw.”  One of my favorite chapters in the book of Philippians (my favrit NT book) is the third. It does not get a ton of play because of the chapter it precedes. But Paul said some pretty outrageous comments here. The following verse used an actual cuss word of his day, and the peeps had to be totally astonished to hear him say it. But, he needed to get his point across as to why he followed Christ and believed in the Gospel.

“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ...” ~Phil. 3:8

The word "garbage" has been inserted here by English scholars to replace a more colorful word that we would use today.  I will let your imagination take you there for explanation.  My question is: what are the important things in your life… what do you value most?  My prayer is that you would take Paul's advice here, which is to realize everything in your life doesn't mean very much, and is pretty trifle in comparison to what Jesus has commanded to do in following him.  Take some time today and ask yourself what would be like to lose everything for the sake of your relationship with Jesus.  He did it for us, and asks us to do the same.

Praying for you,

MO

Horology (James 4:13-17)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “horology.”  I remember early on in my college experience not having a lot of time to do all of the stuff that I wanted.  I was working for the church full time, going to school full-time and trying to fit in the rest of life as well.  Each of us has the same amount of time, whether we are the average Joe, Bill Gates, Billy Graham, or somewhere in between all of that.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” ~Jam. 4:13-15

My question is: how are you going to prioritize your time?  None of us are forced to do anything.  That is the great thing about this country.  Although we may often feel that someone or something has control over us, and that we must spend our time one way or another, the fact is that we are all given the opportunity to do exactly what we want.  My prayer is that no matter what you choose to do and spend your time on, that you add God to the equation and allow him to give you some guidance and influence.  Although none of us is equipped with the abilities and power to create or change the horology of things, we can use the time allotted in our lives to be productive and efficient.  Choose today to invest your time in the things that matter to God.

Praying for you,

MO