Sentiment (Luke 2.8-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “sentiment.”  Over the years I have had a ton of favorite Christmas movies.  But one that continues to stand out is A Charlie Brown Christmas.  It never gets old.  When I was a little kid, I loved it.  And, I love it now.  What is amazing to me is that right smack dab in the middle of it, Linus reads straight out of the Bible.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men." ~Lk. 2:8-14

My question is: what is Christmas to you?  There is a lot of emotional power that comes with this specific holiday.  Even though it is a religious observance by about 2 billion Christians, much of the world celebrates with us.  That gives us an open invitation to help others understand what we believe, and why.  My prayer is that you take the next few days and pray for someone that needs to experience the miracle of Christmas.  After all of the presents, cookies, family gatherings, and sentiments that come this week… remember it is the Savior we celebrate this season.  And so, as Linus would say, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Praying for you,

MO

Clishmaclaver (Proverbs 10.19)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “clishmaclaver.”  Growing up I was always one to speak way before I listened. Then I began hanging out with some people who made wiser decisions than me on a more consistent basis, as opposed to the way I was used to doing them on my own. At first, of course, I did not want to listen to anyone. I believed I knew enough on my own to get through life. But, of course I was wrong. It wasn't until I started listening to wise counsel that I began to make decisions differently.

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” ~Pr. 10:19

My question is: who are the people in life that you give advice… and whose counsel do you listen to most? The mentors in my life have always listened to me and never sought to speak into my life more than they knew I was going to accept their words and counsel. I guess that's why I always went to those specific people. Most of the time they were reluctant to give me any words of advice, knowing that I was probably going to do things the way that I wanted to anyway. And that is why I always hung on every word that these people said. They were never about meaningless clishmaclaver. They always had my best interest in mind, and gave me exactly what I needed. Who are those kind of people in your life?

Praying for you,

MO

Propinquity (Matthew 6.26-30)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “propinquity.” I realize that an occurring theme in my life at the present is that of time.  Use of time, availability of time, understanding of time, etc.  I believe that people do not really think about time in a productive manner very often.  I recall one of my favorite books stating something along the lines of people not being able to manage time, but rather the ability to manage priorities. I now try to live my life as such. Worrying has not gotten me very far, and so I try my best to know that God has control over both the big and small parts of my days.

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you…” ~Matt 6:26-30

My question is: what are the places in your life that you are not giving to God in their entirety? When we withhold those parts of who we are, God is not able to work the way he could if we gave him that trust and access.  My prayer is that you take one area of your life that you are holding close to the vest, and see what it would take to give God permission to begin work in that very place.

Praying for you,

MO

Fugacious (Psalm 144:4)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “fugacious.” I remember one of my mentors telling early on in my Christian journey that I needed to make sure to take every opportunity possible within my current time in life. He said that as I got older time would speed up. He used the analogy of how kids think that summer lasts forever… and then at some point in life, summer as well as the rest of life, speeds up. That is why there is an importance on using time wisely.

“They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.” ~Ps 144:4

My question is: how are you spending the days of your life? I think it is important to know that we sometimes overestimate what we can do a year, and underestimate what we can do in five years. Sometimes when life is not going the way we would like it, we withdraw and cease trying. But if we just hold on and try to make every day count, we will find that in a matter of time God can change and shape us. Whether it is regarding your spiritual life, or just something that you know needs to get done, God can make our lives worthwhile. So, although our lives might be fugacious, we have the opportunity to live in eternity with the father following a life of productivity, hopefully for the Kingdom.

Praying for you,

MO

Antipodes (Psalm 103.11-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “antipodes.”  I think one of the most reassuring parts of our realationship with God is that he allows us to remove sin from out lives by trusting in his son, without anything more than having a relationship with him. I remember as a young Christian in high school wanting to know more about this unbelievable grace that God wanted to extend, especially to someone like me. But that's exactly what we are told in the Bible that God takes the sin of those who are guilty and removes those inequities through the blood of Jesus.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” ~Ps. 103:11-12

My question is: what comes to mind when you think of the way that God has extended grace in your life? I think that early on in my relationship of Jesus, I never really thought about what it meant to live in his all-encompassing and endless grace. However, as I have moved through the years, I realize that I need to view both myself and others with more grace and acceptance. My prayer is that you allow God to change your heart today to move them closer in that kind of deep relationship, knowing that the sin in your life and the grace of God are antipodes, as far apart as one could imagine.

Praying for you,

MO

Foudroyant (Matthew 24.27)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “foudroyant.” Throughout time many people have tried to predict the second coming of Jesus. However, no one has been successful in doing so. The Bible says that no one really even has any idea of when Jesus is coming back. Not even Jesus himself knows when that day will be. In fact, it will be so abrupt that there will be no mistaking that very day, as we see in today's passage.

For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” ~Matt 24:27

My question is: are you ready for Jesus to come back? I remember one of my spiritual mentors once told me that I should live my life in such a way that I would be ready at any moment for Jesus to appear and take me with him. My prayer is that you make each decision today with the expectation that God is watching, and that he has the best in mind for your future. Knowing that our Saviour is coming back to claim his people should give a sense of joy; and the Bible tells us that when this happens the sky will open in a very foudroyant display of awesomeness… are you ready for JC to come back?

Praying for you,

MO

Bibliotaph (1 John 5.14-15)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “bibliotaph.”  I remember the first semester of my Masters program. I have never done so much reading in my life. In fact, up until that point I don't think I had ever read an entire book all the way through. Sure, I had read parts of books for school and for fun. But, I really did not have a love for reading. That's when I realized that if I was going to get through a full Masters degree program I was going to need to love reading… and fast. That was the only way I was going to be able to read 10 huge books a quarter. I prayed hard, and miraculously, God answered.

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” ~1 Jn. 5:14-15

My question is: do you pray for the stuff that God would want for you? One of the main lessons I learned in the beginning of that program was if I prayed according to God's will, he would answer. And, I am absolutely positive that there is no way that I would have made such a miraculous jump from hating to read, to the other end of the pendulum and loving to read, unless it was by God's divine hand. Now, you may or may not believe that. But, I am a firm believer that if we ask according to God's will, he will answer us. My prayer is that you do just that… Pray according to what you believe God would want for your life. This is tough because we know that sometimes God may not want the things that we do. But, it works out when we trust him. Hey, how else would I have ended up one of the world's great bibliotaphs?

Praying for you,

MO

Penetralia (Colossians 3.15-17)

Good morning all, 

The word of the day is “penetralia.” I think what sets Christians apart, or is God's intention to do so, is the understanding that we are called to be a people of peace that love other Christians, and nonbelievers. Today's passage talks about being thankful, which is very appropriate considering the fact that Thanksgiving is tomorrow. This is a great time for each Christian to take a moment and evaluate his or her relationship with God.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ~Col. 3:15-17

My question is: What are the parts of yourself that you set aside for God? I know that it is important for us to remember more often than not how God has bestowed his blessings upon us.  However, sometimes we fail to understand that as God’s people share an intimate connection with him.  My prayer is that you allow God into your life’s pentralia to be known and shaped by the Creator.  When he knows the innermost parts of us, we are more apt to move closer to him, building the relationship, and eventually living as a witness for his glory.

Praying for you,

MO

Splendiferous (Psalm 145.3-5)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “splendiferous.” This week marks the beginning of a pretty crazy season. It seems to me that the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier every year. Which means, along with that is the chaos and shopping and everything in between. The psalmist reminds us this morning that no matter what the season, we should always remember that God's greatness outweighs anything that may consume our minds and hearts at any given moment.

God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. ~Ps. 145:3-5

My question is: what are you most thankful for at this point in your life? As we enter this holiday season, my prayer is that you always put forth God's greatness, and remember that he is the reason for all that is good in your life. As he continues to guide you daily, allow his splendiferous nature to encompass your very being. Give God thanks for his mighty acts in your life today.

Praying for you,

MO

Penurious (Matthew 6.19-21)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "penurious.” I read a great book some years ago about the rat race of life. Sometimes it seems that we are just trying to keep up, keep our heads above the water. However, at the same time that I read the book, I had been a Christian, and community leader for a number of years. I realized that of course we need to be productive in society, but if we do not have a relationship with God then it pretty much does not mean anything.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~Matt 6:19-21

My question is: where do you find your riches in life? One of my mentors used to often say, and still does, that we must add value to others each day if we want to make it worth anything. My prayer is that each of us searches the depths of our souls and find what drives us. I made it a point very early on to make sure to do my best at all times and, in every situation, to put God and his plan first. That is not always easy.  Because at the end of life, no matter how many material possessions we have, it is all penurious without the love and fellowship of God and his people.

Praying for you,

MO

Empyreal (John 3.13)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “empyreal.”  I think one of the most fascinating parts of being a Christian is knowing that some day we will be in Heaven with God and the rest of those who believed in this lifetime.  There a ton of shows and movies that give portrayals of what it will be like, or of people who have experienced Heaven in one way or another. But the reality of it all is that our Savior is unique in the fact that he has both ascended and descended from the place we will one day be.

“No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” ~Jn 3:13

My question is: are you ready for the richness that God has in store for you and me? I know that's a little bit of a rhetorical question, because each of us has so much more to do in this lifetime. My prayer is that you keep the important matters important, and those that are not as important where they need to be. Keep your eyes focused on Heaven, knowing that Jesus has called you to be a part of that community following this lifetime. And then that which at one time seemed empyreal, will then become reality.

Praying for you,

MO

Slugabed (Mark 1.35)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “slugabed.”  What an awesome word!  I remember playing sports and doing a ton of extracurricular activities while I was in high school.  It seems that I never had enough time in the day.  And then something happened.  I accepted Jesus somewhere around my sophomore year.  I was pretty new in the faith and had a lot of good mentorship, pointing me in the right direction in a relationship with God.  Part of this was adding prayer to my routine.  It did not seem tough at first, but when I realized that I had to actually set some time aside to now and again, it caused me to have to rethink my schedule.  It’s taken me several years, and even now sometimes I struggle with getting away to spend some time with God.  I always lean on today’s verse in my quest to fit that time in, along with a busy schedule. 

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ~Mark 1:35

My question is: how do you fit prayer into your routine?  JC was no slugabed by any means… he made sure to sneak away before the day started on this occasion to make sure he got some good time with his Father.  It’s not necessarily even that you have to get up early in the morning or stay up late at the end of the day to do so.  Spending time in prayer, and investing in your relationship with Jesus, must be a proactive piece of your life.  And, even though we are supposed to pray always, we do need to find time to set aside to allow God to speak to us.  My prayer is that you do just that; carve out a little bit of time for God today and allow him to speak to you.  You will be amazed with what he might have to say.

Praying for you,

MO

Panglossian (1 Corinthians 15.1-23)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “Panglossian.” The Apostle Paul had a pretty rough time individually after he was changed on that road to Damascus.  We see in today’s passage that he understood the responsibility put on him as an ambassador for JC, knowing his past life.  His belief and trust in God was very focused, and Paul realized that others should share in his passion; but to do so they would have to first put their faith in Christ and his ultimate return.

My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don’t, your faith was all for nothing.” ~1 Cor 15:1-2

My question is:  are you putting your faith in JC, both on a daily basis as well as hope for eternity? Living a Christian life is not about having an absurd Panglossian belief that Jesus might return.  It is having true faith in the fact that our optimism is healthy and real, knowing the God will do what it says in the scriptures. My prayer is that you take a moment to reassure yourself about the promise in which you believe. Allow God to strengthen your belief and resolve, both for this life and in the next.

Praying for you,

MO

Indefatigable (Galatians 6.1-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "indefatigable." There are often times in our lives when we get tired. I remember when I was getting my masters degree some years ago, and there was a point in time where I felt like no matter how much I tried to sleep, there was always something more to do. And, even when I had a moment to rest my eyes, it was never enough. There was always something to get done. I did not know if I could ever get it all done. Well, today's passage is an encouragement to Christians not to give up striving for the kingdom, and taking as many souls with us as possible.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." ~Gal. 6:9

My question is: are you willing to wait for God's timing to reap the benefits that he has in store, both for you and his people? The Apostle Paul knew all too well that he needed to thrive just a little bit longer with indefatigable tenacity, knowing that God would bring the harvest at the proper time. My prayer is that you keep a steadfast heart, and no matter how tired you are, either in life or spiritually, that you give just a little bit more. God will be faithful to deliver his people in the proper time.

Praying for you,

MO

Inconnu (Galatians 5.14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “inconnu.” There is a lot of madness going on out in the world right now. The way that people treat one another is often pretty appalling. What I realized when I accepted Jesus as my Savior was that I was now called to a higher standard. It was now my job to love not only my fellow Christians, but everybody with whom I came into contact. This is sometimes tough. People are not always the nicest. However, today's challenge is summed up in one verse…

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ~Gal 5:14

My question is: are you the kind of Christian that others would look at and want to emulate? Meaning, are you a good enough person where people would want to be like you. Apostle Paul had to make some pretty dramatic changes in his life after accepting Christ as Savior. My prayer is that you also take inventory, and see where you need to judge less and love more. God has called us to love without borders. We are called to be witnesses to both those who know Jesus, especially those who do not. We must take challenge seriously.

Praying for you,

MO

Soporific (Psalm 119:98-105)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “saporific.”  Although it is the longest psalm in the Bible, it is definitely one of my favorites.  And, I love today’s verse because it makes my mouth water every time.  I think that the writer of this Psalm really captures the essence of God’s word, and what it should be in each of our lives.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” ~Ps. 119:103

My question is: do you allow God’s word to permeate your soul, and drink it in as if it were the sweet nectar that the psalmist puts forth?  I think we each need to take a good amount of time to remember that without God’s word it is very difficult to navigate through life.  Many of the times that I talk to people about hardships, and I ask them if they have gone to prayer or looked at God’s word, I am astonished to find out that neither of those aspects have been a part of the process.  My prayer is that you respond favorably to the soporific goodness of God’s word, taking in as much as possible in hopes that it will change your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Magnanimous (Luke 9.61-62)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “magnanimous.”  Today we honor the men and women who serve this great country.  You know, the more I talk to servicemen and servicewomen who put on the uniform, the more I realize how much hope there is for not just this nation, but humanity as a whole.  And, for Christians, I believe that it is a little bit more at home to think of what it means to serve.  Not that Christians do a better, but that we are held to a higher standard.  Picking up the cross for Jesus is no simple task.  Once you become a soldier for Jesus Christ, you are choosing to give up all of your rights, and take up a ton of responsibility.  And, I would not have it any other way.

Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."  ~Lk 9:62

My question is: are you preparing yourself to be fit for service in the kingdom of God?  Each of us has a decision to make in our lives.  We can live for ourselves, or we can take up something that is more magnanimous, or the most noble of causes.  My prayer is that you take this mandate from Jesus very seriously.  Put your hand to the plow, look forward, and change the world for Jesus.

Praying for you,

MO

Lassitude (Romans 12:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “lassitude.” The Apostle Paul always understood what the most important piece of the God puzzle was. He knew that for the church to succeed, it was going to have to be rooted in love. Everything else was secondary. Within this was the way that Christians should treat each other. We have a tough enough time helping others who do not believe know why they should believe, let alone adding to the fights within the church. It was important for Paul to tell his followers that keeping zeal was an absolute must.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” ~Rom 12:11

My question is: are you playing a part when it comes to God's great design? I have always found great value in living life with fervor and zeal, knowing that God could use me at any moment. When we are not ready, opportunities to witness to others. My prayer is that you increase in hope and prayer. Allow God to use you and direct your steps, with all spiritual fervor and excitement. If each of us stays connected to the body of believers, and we remain excited to spread his word, God will do the rest.

Praying for you,

MO

Crepuscular (Proverbs 7.1-11)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “crepuscular.” I remember growing up riding my bike with my friends a lot of the time. It did not really matter where we went, so much as we were away from our parents and embracing freedom. But no matter what, I always had to be home and the streetlights turned on. Dusk governed my life much of those younger years. My mom would often tell me well into my teenage years that nothing good happens after dark. Now of course, she was making a general statement, but with very specific intentions of helping me understand that I needed to be aware of what I was doing, and who I was with at all times. It reminds me of today's passage.

“He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.” ~Pr. 7:9

My question is: how are you allowing the Lord to guard your heart on a daily basis? Just like this young man was walking directly into a temptation, which he knew would overcome him… so do we flirt with our own daily temptations, like the desire to need more, do more, expect more or different things from God. Whatever it is that consumes your mind, whether thoughts or actions, make sure that they are fully devoted and fixed on God's plan for your life. My prayer is that the Lord protects you during those crepuscular moments in life… the times where the Evil One would like you to take your eyes off of Jesus and follow him down the road to sin. Isn't it great that we have an incredible Savior.

Praying for you,

MO

Landloper (Matthew 3.1-9)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “landloper.” One of my favorite dudes in the Bible is John the Baptist, also known as J-Bap – a term commonly used by one of my proffs at Fuller Seminary.  He was hardcore in his living style, using the land to live off of and make his own clothes. Wow, what a crazy way to do life. But, he did it well, and knew what God’s plan for him was the whole way through…

Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey… As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ~Matt 3:4, 11

My question is: what are you doing to live a life the way God has intended? We see that J-Bap was a man of conviction. His role in the New Testament is pivotal, yet he sees himself as nothing more than one who is preparing the way for JC. My prayer is that you live such a life, that you realize the potential that God has for you, and that you live within that plan. God will give you direction. And even though some might see J-Bap as just a landloper, crazy and moving from place to place, he was actually a very important  part of the God story.  We should all take a page out of his book, and play our small part as well.

Praying for you,

MO

Epicedium (John 11.1-44)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “epicedium.”  Some of the best parts of the Bible are when Jesus totally throws people off.  One of the great stories that I remember hearing early on in my faith journey was that of Lazarus.  Here it is, this guy dies and everybody knows that there is absolutely no way he could be anything but dead.  Jesus comes along, and turns the situation into something miraculous, and of course uses it for God’s glory.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” ~Jn. 11:40-44

My question is: what kind of faith do you have in God?  It seems that very few people believed Jesus could do what he was about to do in this situation.  But, can you blame them?  I mean, they were singing the ritualistic epicedium, and all of a sudden Jesus comes and breaks up the solemn gathering to let them know that Lazarus will rise again.  What a great story.  My prayer is that you never count God out of the equation.  If we remain faithful to him, he will continue to show us miraculous signs even today.  Take some time to ask God to do such things in your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Oneiric (Daniel 1.1-17)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “oneiric.”  One of my favorite places in the Bible is the book of Daniel.  It is amazing the favor that God had on him and the others.  I am amazed at the faith that Daniel and his buddies had when following God.  In the beginning of the story, we read an important piece that tells us how we must discern each situation and live with in the confines of what God knows will get us the results to which we look.  The youths we see in this story understand both worldly wisdom, and God’s real truth.

“As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” ~Dan. 1:17

My question is: do you ask God for his blessing on your life, and with specificity?  I know that God wants to take care of his people and give them all that they need to succeed in life.  Not that life is going to be easy, but that you will have all that you need to be an active part of God’s family.  Daniel was quite oneiric, interpreting dreams and visions that would make an impact on those in this sphere of influence.  I do not expect to have this gift specifically, or anything from God… I am just happy to be a sinner saved by grace. However, I often ask for wisdom, as we are told to do in the book of James.  Just as God had his hand on Daniel, would you give God the opportunity to speak truth into your life.

Praying for you,

MO

Fugleman (1 Corinthians 11:1-7)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “fugleman.”  It seems to me that the apostle Paul always had pretty much the right thing to say, at the right time.  Not to say he did not mess it up every now and again, but for the most part he was pretty intuitive.  In today's passage, we see that Paul has some positive stuff to say to God's people.  I think one of the reasons for this is because he knew he was going to have some harsh words later on in this section.  But, I think that is what Paul did well.  He could read an audience and then say what needed to be said. Here, it is very simple…

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” ~1 Cor. 11:1

My question is: Are you being the example that others can follow in life? I know that there is a ton that each of us have on our plates as we move through the day.  But if we want to be intentional, like the Apostle Paul, it will take more than just living and breathing. We should always act as if we are witnessing to others around us.  Paul was definitely one of the Church’s first fuglemen.  It is our duty to take his lead, and imitate those who imitate JC.

Praying for you,

MO

Tremulous (Deuteronomy 31.1-9)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “tremulous.”  The Israelites had a ton of baggage and mess-ups while on their way to the Promised Land.  One of the consequences for their lack of obedience was that a bunch of the older crowd was not going to have the privilege of entering that new land that God was going to give.  And it is worth noting that Moses was among those who would not be going with them on this new journey.  God had chosen Joshua, who was Moses’ second-in-command, to be the new leader to lead the people in.  You could imagine how young Joshua felt, knowing that after following Moses for so many years, he was now called to step up and lead.

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~Deut 31:7-9

My question is: what are the tasks in life that you have been called to do, but are sometimes unsure of your abilities?  I can only imagine what young Josh was feeling at this point.  Following a leader like Moses for so many years, and then knowing that you are next in line, and called to deliver God's people to this phase had to be a pretty crazy and somewhat tremulous time.  My prayer is that you take heart from the words that Moses gave his protégé. We have been given the opportunity to take God’s guidance to ready ourselves to be effective for Him.  Go forth today in courage!

Praying for you,

MO

Convive (Luke 14.15-24)

Good morning all,

the word of the day is “convive.”  Have you ever been invited to a really nice dinner, like one with more than one course? I have only been a part of a couple of them in my life, but they were always pretty fun. I still never know what fork to use first.  Well, in Jesus’ time, he used a lot of different stories to help people understand the message he was trying to convey.  The one he told about the banquet party thrown by God himself was one of my favorites to envision.

Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ ~Lk 14:16-17

Unfortunately for some, they chose not to be a part of God’s invitation. My question is: are you making room for God in your life in ways that will allow you to make good decisions when he calls you to be a part of his great banquet? Many of us have accepted the invitation, but have stopped there.  My prayer is that you live in such a way that you are inviting others to be a part of God’s family and work.  What better convive to have than the Almighty God, and those whom we love!

Praying for you,

MO

Dithyramb (Mark 7.24-37)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “dithyramb.”  I know that many people have been healed by Jesus, both when he was doing ministry on the earth as well as to the present day. I remember asking why he would want the people that he healed not to say anything. And I guess there are more than a couple of reasons for that. However, for the people that were being healed by Jesus, they had only one thought on their minds.  They were now healed did not have the infirmities or demons that they thought would have to deal with for the rest of their lives.  How would you feel if you were one of these people?

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” ~Mk. 7:36-37

My question is: Are you excited for what God has done in your life, and how do you express that?  God is very active in our lives today.  A lot of us just don't stop to realize that he is present.  My prayer is that you make the necessary adjustments in your daily routine to reflect your appreciation towards what God is doing.  Even though the people in today's passage were told specifically by Jesus not to go and tell anyone, many of them did so in the form of enthusiastic dithyrambs.  How will you express your appreciation for what God is doing in your life today?

Praying for you,

MO

Shirk (1 Corinthians 3.8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “shirk.”  I used to think that life was a bit unfair.  It always seemed that my friends were getting away with stuff while I was getting the short end of the stick.  Specifically, I remember coming home from school and telling my parents that one of my teachers was being very unfair to me.  She had singled me out in the middle of class.  It doesn't matter whether I was right or wrong, because when I told my mom about the unfair treatment, she told me that I probably deserved it… and if I did not deserve it that time, I probably deserved it for all the other grief that I had put that teacher through.  And of course, my mom was right, as always.  Responsibility was a big theme in my house.

“He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” ~1 Cor 3:8

My question is: what is it that you put first in your life?  I think that God wants us to take responsibility for what we have been given, and live according to his principles no matter what.  My prayer is that you do not shirk this responsibility, but instead remember that how you live and act directly reflects upon both you, and Christians as a whole.  Even when life seems unfair, and that you are not necessarily having things go your way, always make decisions based on the responsibility God has given you.  Situations tend to work themselves out when we do our best to serve God in those decisions.

Praying for you,

MO

Jejune (Ecclesiastes 10:10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “jejune.”  Growing up, I remember there was always something to do.  My parents were pretty intentional on making sure that I stayed active.  My brother and I would play outside, go on bike rides, play baseball at the park with our friends, and do pretty much anything we could do while the sun was still up.  I don’t remember ever really being bored.  When we were not doing our own thing, we were involved in a ton of sports, extracurricular activities through school, and community projects.  Life was pretty good as a kid.  I kinda feel the same way about being a Christian.  There is always something more to do.  There is always someone more to serve.  It is important for us remember that God wants us to live life to the fullest.

If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” ~Ecc. 10:10

My question is: are you sharpening your ax?  Although we do not change and choose the circumstances in our lives, we do choose a way that we respond.  As we become more skillful in our daily routine, including seeking out God’s word, we put ourselves in a better position to be successful.  My prayer is that you ask God to give the strength that is needed to become a better person, and that you stay away from the dull and jejune life.  There is so much potential that God wants to bring out of you, you need only to ask him to see you through.  Become just a little bit better today.

Praying for you,

MO

Cognoscenti (Matthew 23:1-39)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “cognoscenti.”  It is always amazing to me that people can be so stuck in their ways that they refuse to learn.  One of the first principles that I learned when I was in my early leadership training was to always remember that somebody else had a different perspective on whatever it is that I believed.  This was tough for me.  On all of the personality assessments that I had ever taken, and would take following that, I realized it was definitely in my personality to judge both situations and people.  I had to get rid of this way of thinking.  We also see this kind of treatment of others by the Pharisees in the time of Jesus.  Although they knew a lot about religion and law, they lacked what was most important.

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” ~Matt 23:1-4

My question is: do you follow the principles that you believe deep in your heart?  It was not bad that the Pharisees knew so much about religion and law.  In fact, that was really good.  The problem is that there became some kind of disconnect between what they were learning and how they were living.  The bottom line is, you can be a total cognoscenti in life, and understanding lessons.  But if you do not apply those principles, then it does not really amount to much.  My prayer is that you hold close to your convictions, continue to learn, and above all else make sure that you love others according to God's law.

Praying for you,

MO

Bromide (John 8.1-11)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “bromide.” Sometimes we tell people what they want to hear. In fact, I once asked my mentor why he never gave me any answers to my questions. He told me that even if the did give me an answer, it would not mean much unless I really believed it myself. So, he has spent the last 20 or so years helping me understand both what I want, and what I need to do. He never just said something without thinking about it first. Platitudes were never his thing. It reminds me of the way that Jesus talked to people. He pretty much got right to the point without making others feel inferior or unimportant.

But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” ~Jn. 8:9-11

My question is: what do people think about when you speak? Do they think of you as a person of your word… or of empty words? At times, I do not really understand what people are saying . I know that they are trying to communicate, but there is a disconnect. The cool thing about Jesus is that he knew how to connect with people. And in this instance, he saw something that even this lady did not know about her own life. My prayer is that you allow Jesus to speak into your life, and that you do not believe the bromides that others might try to attribute to your life. Jesus knows you intimately. That is why he is able to tell you stuff that you otherwise would not want to hear. Allow him to change you from within.

Praying for you,

MO

Tumescent (Mark 12.38-40)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “tumescent.”  Have you known anyone in your life that just seems to have an opinion for everything?  It could be any subject, at any time, for any reason.  But that person will have some kind of answer.  Well, most of us don’t like when others talk down to us or use unnecessary language.  During Jesus’s ministry he encountered a lot of people who thought he was wrong, or thought he was completely crazy.  He had to battle this day in and day out.  It did not matter how much he pointed to the Scriptures, even those who were the most educated in the law were rude and unbelieving.

 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: where is it that you place your faith?  The Pharisees and other teachers of the law often talked about Jesus with tumescent and contemptuous language.  They do not respect him and were always trying to get him in some kind of trap to say something that would trip him up and make his followers leave him.  The truth was that he was always speaking the truth, and even though the teachers of the law did everything that they could, they could not find anything wrong with the way that Jesus lived or taught.  My prayer is that you hold on to the words of Jesus, and know that he spoke the truth then, and still yearns for an intimate relationship with you.  God will always fight for you.  You need only to trust him.

Praying for you,

MO

Atelier (Isaiah 64.8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “atelier.”  I have never really been very good at art.  I think I took a couple of classes when I was in college, but really just wanted to do my best to get through.  It’s not that I did not like it, or did not try.  I just was genuinely bad at it.  I really wish that I was able to paint, draw, or sculpt something really cool.  Maybe someday I will muster up enough courage to test those artistic skills.  This reminds me of God’s role as the master sculptor of our lives.

“But as for you, O LORD, you are our Father; and we are clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hands.” ~Is. 64:8

My question is: are you allowing God to shape your life?  It sounds like a pretty simple question, but I think the answer is a bit more complicated.  What a great analogy this is.  Sometimes I wonder if I trust God enough to shape and mold me, or if I fight him to be the potter of my own life.  My prayer is that you give God control of your life.  Whether your thoughts, actions, or desires of your heart, let them be pointed towards God and allow him to shape you into everything he knows you can be. We are the clay, He is the potter, and this life is his atelier with which to work.

Praying for you,

Alexithymia (Luke 9:28-36)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “alexithymia.”  Have you ever not understood something?  I'm talking about when you sit down for that math test and realize that you have absolutely no idea what you are even looking at.  Well, sometimes I feel like that with the Bible.  No matter how much I read it, there are always things that seem to perplex me.

“While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.” ~Lk 9:34-36

My question is: what are the parts of the Bible that you really don't understand?  I know for me, when I was really young in my faith, I really didn't know very much.  I had questions about pretty much everything.  My question is that you do not shy away from the things that you understand.  Just like the disciples here experienced a kind of alexithymia, you too will sometimes not understand stuff.  That will cause you maybe to not want to deal with it.  That might be better left alone.  But, always know that God will continue to help you understand his word, and way.  You need only to respond positively to his promptings.

Praying for you,

Flummox (2 Timothy 2:7)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “flummox.”  Throughout my life I've heard from each of those who have influence over me – parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, etc. – that I'm really only going to get out of life what I put into it.  I think this is a pretty standard way of thinking.  I mean, it makes sense.  I've seen a lot of people with a lot of talent that did not amount to much.  On the other hand, I've seen people who have been less talented excel in whatever they were doing.  I think the same goes for the word of God.  The more that we try to read and understand what God might have for us, he is going to help us understand the teachings and principles.

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” ~2 Tim 2:7

My question is: how focused are you in your vision of what your life should be?  I know that God wants each of us to have the best opportunity to be successful in our endeavors. But sometimes we get a bit frustrated with the lack of direction in our lives, either because we create it, or are flummoxed by circumstances that we cannot control. My prayer is that you think on God’s words and allow him to bring understanding in your life. 

Praying for you,

MO