Gracious (Romans 3:21-23)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "gracious.”  I have been in a study of Romans lately and love to read about the stuff that Paul has to say to the believers in Rome.  He spends the first few chapters talking about all the stuff that is going wrong.  But then he gets to the good news.  The reason we know that God's news is so good is because by ourselves we have such bad news.  This is how we know God is gracious. 

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…

~Rom 3:21-23

My prayer this morning is that you learn a little bit more what it means to live a righteous life through faith in the Creator. He is the one who brings that good news as it is explained by at how rebellious gods people are but the cool thing is that Paul reveals and reaffirms to each of the centers in Rome, and us today, that God is gracious and wants to give us his righteousness.

Praying for you,

MO

Meander (Psalm 119:9-16)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “meander.” This psalm is the longest in the Bible. There are some really good nuggets of information and wisdom in these verses. The psalmist wanted to make sure that people understood what it meant to follow God and live a life of purity. This was very tough in the old days, just as it is now. Each word was specifically meant for the reader to build positively upon his or her relationship with God.

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

~Ps. 119:11

It's one thing to read God's word, but quite another to store that word into one's heart. My question is: how often do you read God's book, and of the time that you spend how much of it do you retain to memory? I think that too many times we just want to get our reading in for the day, just to feel good about spending some time in God's word. But, I think we need to look back and see the quality of the time spent with him. My prayer for you is that you take the necessary amount of time to move through God's word, and stored up in your heart. Rather than meander through the Bible, write God's word on your heart and let it meander through all parts of your life.

Praying for you,

Mo

Allocution (Matthew 5:1-7:29)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “allocution.” Every few years we have the opportunity to hear the inauguration speech of either a new or current president. These are known as some of the most listened to speeches by people from not only our country, but all over the world. On the morning of this year's presidential inauguration I am inclined to think of one of the greatest speeches ever given. The Sermon on the Mount was given by Jesus a couple thousand years ago, yet it still resonates with people today. Even though most of us would not even realize it, people often use parts from the Sermon on the Mount in present day speeches and every-day conversations. Jesus was speaking to a crowd of people, including disciples, and others who chose to follow him. He chose his words carefully, knowing that these words should and would resonate with those who heard.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

~Matt 5:13-16

My question is: what are some of the greatest speeches that you have ever heard? In all of my years of ministry I have heard a ton of great speeches, sermons, and other allocutions. And, I have to say that I am really proud that my Savior gave perhaps the most moving challenge of all with the Sermon on the Mount. My prayer is that each of you takes heed to each section of this encouragement by Jesus. Take time today to read through this particular sermon, and give thanks for a God who reaches out to love us continually.

Praying for you,

mo

Couthie (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “couthie.” The situation in Corinth that Paul addresses in today’s passage is probably more popular in the Bible.  He talks here about what it means to be Christian and relating to others. I guess, if you think about it, this principle could really work across the board for life. Even though the Apostle Paul was not necessarily the most agreeable person all the time, he really worked at making sure that he helped people move towards the gospel.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

~1 Cor 9:19

For a guy with Paul’s personality you have to understand that for him to make a statement like this was pretty crazy. My question is: are you the kind of person that others are drawn to because of the way that you act and live your life? When it is all said and done and we come to the end of this life, my prayer is that you do not have any regrets in the way that you dealt with the relationships that God has given you. Even when you do not understand somebody else's point of view, I hope that you can be couthie, or agreeable, so that maybe you can win them over in the name of Christ.

Praying for you,

mo

Deprecate (Matthew 5:43-48)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “deprecate.” Jesus understood the meaning of true persecution. When he spoke, he understood that people go through certain trials and tribulations. Each of the people in the audience listening to him had relational problems. It is probably a safe bet to say that people back then dealt with the same kind of stuff that we do today. He gave a pretty solid statement concerning the way that we should act:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

~Matt 5:43-45

My question is: in this New Year as you make resolutions, are you willing to act like Jesus? This part of Jesus’ sermon highlights the fact that we should always treat others the way that we would like to be treated. But we should also go further than that and do what others will not do. If you want to be different, this year needs to encompass an attitude of the Savior. We have no time to deprecate, or belittle, others for any reason. Let us begin this year the right way, acting the way Jesus did and treating others in a way that will make this world a better place.

Praying for you,

Mo

Exordium (Acts 3:17-26)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “exordium.”  This is the day each year in which most of us think of the possibilities to come for a new turn in life.  Luke wanted the new church to understand that starting out in a correct manner is important for spiritual health.  He knew that the day of the Lord was going to come quickly and that the people needed to repent in order that they become right in the eyes of God.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

~Acts 3:19-20

My question is: do you resolutions for the New Year include a change in relationship with God?  I think that the Lord would call for each of us to repent of our sins and begin this year in a way that would set up our attitudes and hearts for Jesus to do some cool stuff in our lives.  My prayer is that you take some time to talk with God and ask for his forgiveness and his way in your life for this year.  I know God can do great things… if we only repent and live for him.

Praying for you,

mo

Whinge (Philippians 2:14-18)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is whinge.” One of my favorite attributes of the apostle Paul is the way that he was able to help people understand the way they should be acting. There was a ton of people complaining in the church for various reasons. I'm not saying they didn't have a reason to do so, but the fact is that they were complaining, and he felt that this needed to stop.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

~Phil 2:14-18

Paul was all about running for that final destination of heaven. The day he was with Christ would be the ultimate goal and destination of his life. But even further than that he wanted to urge others to make sure they were ready to face Jesus on judgment day. Paul expected people to rejoice rather than whinge, or complain, no matter what the circumstances. My question for you is: what are some of the circumstances that you find yourself leaning towards beginning to complain? I know that I have my quirks and stuff that bothers me, and I'm sure you do as well. My prayer is that you remember to always look toward Christ in every situation and think to yourself whether or not your attitude reflects that of Christ. I think that as we continue to move through struggles and do not complain, God will be faithful and spreading his word through our words and actions.

Praying for you,

mo