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

Amphigory (John 7.14-20)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “amphigory.”  As a new Christian, I took a look at the Bible and thought to myself, there is no way that I will ever be able to learn all of the stuff in here.  However, after taking the next several years to be mentored by guys who are older than me in the faith, many of them in college or just out of college, I learned to know the Bible pretty well.  That's what caused me to choose Azusa Pacific University over the other colleges that I was looking at.  It reminds me of those who probably heard the word from Jesus back in the day.  At that time, the authorities, like the scribes and Pharisees, did not know Scripture as well as they probably should have.  This was seen in the fact that Jesus was an untrained and unskilled teacher, but spoke with authority because of the knowledge he was able to apply.

Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. ~Jn 7:18

My question is: are you seeking to know the word of God?  Sometimes it is intimidating to read the Bible for various reasons.  Some don't feel like they are good enough to deserve to even read what's in the Bible, because they know that they go against those principles and sin.  Others just never really give the Bible a chance, and think it is just an amphigory.  My prayer is that you try and learn a little bit about the Bible each day.  You don't have to dive into it and read a whole bunch, just enough to spark a conversation or two with someone else who is reading.  That's how you will become sharper in your knowledge of the truth.  And, it is then that you will be able to influence others in a positive and godly manner.

Praying for you,

MO

Peripeteia (Matthew 13.10-15)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “peripeteia.”  I figured that all of you English majors out there would appreciate this one.  I think what really drew me close to the Bible early on in my Christian walk was that stuff was pretty easy to understand, when it came to stories anyway.  And, that’s the way that Jesus lived most of his ministry.  He did not try to sound all important and smart.  He looked at the audience, figured out what they needed to hear, and said it the way that they would best understand it.

The disciples came up and asked, “Why do you tell stories?” He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they’re blue in the face and not get it. ~Matt 13:10-15

My question is: how do you best receive the word of God?  I know for some people, relationships are very important because the conversations with others help them understand their own faith.  For some, the experience they have with God brings better clarity to the way they should be living. What I love about reading the Jesus stories is that his readers think they know what he is talking about, then he all of the sudden he takes you on a kind of peripeteia.  My prayer is that you seek to find information on how you best learn and understand God’s plan for your life.  Take today to ask someone you trust to help move you through that.

Praying for you,

MO

Birling (1 Corinthians 10.23-33)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “birling.”  Have you ever felt like your life is spinning, but not going anywhere? I know sometimes I get in the middle of doing life and realize that I am not being as productive as I should be.  That is when I need to step back and remember what my goals are. The bible is pretty clear about keeping your priorities straight, and that no matter what you do, to do it with the intention of pleasing God.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” ~1 Cor 10:31-33

My question is: what are your intentions behind the actions you take?  We are given a ton of freedom in our relationship with Jesus.  And, no matter how much we stay in line with his teachings, that freedom will always outweigh the responsibilities that we have because we are Christians.  I have done life without a relationship with Jesus.  And I've done life with that relationship.  The former made me feel like I was in a Burling contest.  Whereas the latter surprisingly has helped lower my stresses and concerns.  Not that life has been any easier, as a matter of fact it has not been.  But, knowing that I have Jesus on my side allows me to move forward with confidence in my decisions and actions.  Setting my sights on him keeps me grounded, knowing that I am making good and informed decisions. My prayer is that you focus on a life where JC is central in pointing your directions in the proper ways.

Praying for you,

MO