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

Malarkey (2 Timothy 3.16)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “malarkey.”  What a great word for April Fools’ Day.  Contrary to popular belief, the actual meaning is not a curse word.  The real definition has to do with the way that someone would like their words to be perceived.  The funny thing is, this word has a lot to do with the way that people perceive the Bible.  I remember when I first started to learn about stories in the Bible, a lot of people tried to skew my views and tell me that this wasn't true or that was true.  I guess I just never really listened to the naysayers.  I spent a lot of time and effort delving into God’s word myself, and of course with the help of many mentors and other people who walked alongside me.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” ~2 Tim 3:16

My question is: what are the things that you have decided to believe about God’s word?  We can always get caught up on things that are small.  God’s word is not malarkey, or writings that are designed to mislead people.  My prayer today is that you give God the benefit of the doubt.  In all my years of studying Scripture I have seen that God continues to work in my life and the lives of those around me.  As you continue to put your trust in him, he will reveal for you the spiritual truths of his word, pointing you in the direction of correct living.

Praying for you,

MO

Mackle (2 Timothy 4.1-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “mackle.”  Many of us live pretty complicated lives.  I am the kind of guy that used to like to make stuff more complicated for no real good reason.  I have since realized that simplicity is key.  When the Apostle Paul was speaking the Timothy through his letters, one of the main points he asserts is that the Gospel, and life for that matter, should be kept focused and single-minded.

“I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.” ~2 Tim 4:1-2

My question is: What parts of your life do you feel are the most stressful?  My prayer is that you focus on the stuff that God puts on your heart this year. But even more so, that you are deliberate in your relationship with him, and others as you continue to grow in him.  Keep it simple and don’t allow it to get all mackled.  We have the privilege of living as his children.  I know that the more you live intentionally, the better you will be as a person, and as a Christian.

Praying or you,

MO

Bibliophobe (2 Timothy 3:10-16)

Good morning all,

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

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

~2 Tim 3:16

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

Praying for you,

MO

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

Good morning all,

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

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

~2 Tim 2:7

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

Praying for you,

MO