Sagacity (Proverbs 3:18-22)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “sagacity.”when is the last time you had to make a really big decision? I can remember several times in my life when there was probably a better way than another, and I wanted to make sure to choose that. So, I began asking other people to help me in those decisions. It actually took a lot of work for me to trust others with certain pieces of my life. I think that’s kind of what the Christian life is all about.

“My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them…”

~Pr. 3:21

I talk a lot about how my pastors wife once told me that it was important for me each day to ask God to give me both wisdom and discernment. So I guess my question is this: from where do you get your common sense and discernment? Who are the people, readings, and other sources that give you information in making sound decisions? My prayer is that you add the tools that God gives you in your daily decisions, whether those decisions are big or small. If we seek to do things God’s way, I think that the overall outcome of life might have a pretty good chance of being better, as opposed to taking a different path.

Praying for you,

MO

Parse (Proverbs 4:1-9)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "parse."  It always seems that the Bible has a ton of different meanings.  I remember when I first started studying the Bible; I realized how many different ways there were of interpreting the meanings I was learning.  I knew that there were a lot of lessons that I needed to understand and apply to my life.  But it was up to me to take the correct steps and actions to make that happen.  Now that I was a believer, I knew that God expected me to do things a little differently.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”

~Pr. 4:7

My question is what are you doing to gain wisdom and insight?  I remember when I was a young Christian going to my pastor’s wife and asking her how she was so knowledgeable in the biblical matters.  She told me that she prayed every morning for wisdom and discernment.  From that day on, I did the same.  My prayer is that you seek wisdom and gain insight from those who have done life a little bit longer than you.  Take God’s word and pull it apart, or parse it, to understand a bit more each day.  Humble yourself to accept the teachings that others with wisdom might give in order to change your life for the better.

Praying for you,

MO

Counterpoise (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “counterpoise.” The writer of Ecclesiastes was said to be the wisest man ever to live. Wow… that takes in some folks!  He reminded his readers that life is full of changes… ups and downs.  He understood, as king, that there was a ton of stuff that would happen both good and bad. In fact, he knew that there was a time for everything in life…

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing…

~Ecc. 3:1-6

My question is: what season of life are you and right now?  My mentor spoke to me years ago about seasons of life.  He knew that I would have the chance to make decisions that would affect others positively.  I know that as you ask God to be with you through this season of life, he will help you to be effective in the relationships that you have, and the impact that you on others. Remember the influence you have on others will only increase, as you understand where you are in life, and with God.

Praying for you,

mo

Logorrhea (Proverbs 10:1-32)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “logorrhea.” You don't even really have to be Christian to understand that words matter; but the fact that you call Jesus Lord means that you have a pretty good sense that they do. In fact, by the time someone is done conversing with you, they either have one of two thoughts. They either feel better or worse for the experience. For this reason, we as Christians need to make sure that we are always helping others to feel better about themselves and the gospel.

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

~Pr. 10:31-32

My question is: are you working towards a life of righteousness? One of my spiritual mentors told me early on in my time as a Christian that I needed to pray each day for both wisdom and discernment. I think this is an incredible counsel. If each of us take the time to remember that our words matter, we will not have to worry about whether or not what we say is or is not acceptable. My prayer is that you stay away from logorrhea, or incoherent and talkative nonsense... and instead are an example for others in your speech, works, and love. Go out and encourage someone in the name of Jesus today.

Praying for you,

Mo

Build (Isaiah 57:14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “build.” As we continue into this latter part of this year we will do more and more. You are now establishing your schedules as they shape who you are specifically in season of life, and combining them with the rest of stuff that is going on. Taking the proper steps in any venture is crucial to success. God often told his people through various prophets how to move toward this success…

“And it will be said: Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people."

~Isaiah 57:14

God was not messing around when he told his peeps to get ready. I think we should view our faith in the same light. My question for you today is: What are you doing to build your faith and relationship with God. My prayer for you is that God uses you to build the Kingdom here on earth as we get ready to see him soon. He has cool things in store; and as you build, both in your swim season and in life, God will be faithful to do some amazing stuff through you.

Praying for you,

mo

Context (Matthew 12:1-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “context,” inspired by Pastor Khristi Adams’ message in APU chapel the other morning. JC was the master of context. He always knew where he was and the environment of each setting. It’s pretty amazing that no matter where the Savior ministered, he always had the right thing to say or do. I mean, think of all the smart peeps like the Pharisees and Sadducees that constantly tried to stump him. Take for instance the following passage:

“One Sabbath, Jesus was strolling with his disciples through a field of ripe grain. Hungry, the disciples were pulling off the heads of grain and munching on them. Some Pharisees reported them to Jesus: "Your disciples are breaking the Sabbath rules!" Jesus said, "Really? Didn't you ever read what David and his companions did when they were hungry…”

~Matthew 12:1-3

JC went on to let all the haters know exactly why his actions were correct. Here is the thing – he knew that peeps were always going to be looking at him. He could not go anywhere without having to defend himself against those who did not like what he was about. Here is my question: Do you know the different contexts that you are in each day? As a Christian you are always subject to peeps looking to see how you live and act. My prayer for you today is that you understand God’s great calling on your life to witness to others, in any context.

Praying for you,

mo

Navigate (John 14:1-31)

Hey all,

The word of the day is “navigate.” Most of us have a pretty clear idea of the obligations to our jobs, family, and all the other stuff in our lives you know what you have to get done? Can you prioritize your week and still leave time for play and relaxation. If you do not look ahead now, chances of burning out increase.

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.”

~John 14:10

Planning is important. Jesus laid out a plan for the future, as he has promised to prepare a place for each of us who call him Lord (v.1-4). That is rad! Jesus knew that his followers dealt with stress and anxiety and all the other stuff that came with daily life. Yet he told them to not be troubled and believe in him. That is a pretty bold statement to make. But I guess JC was a pretty bold dude.What is it that you can do to not only add God to your schedule, but to let the Spirit permeate your daily activities? Are you navigating well? Navigating well this season will take constant tweaking of your priorities and time. I pray that God gives you peace this year, as promised in the Word (v.27).

Praying for you,

mo