Habiliments (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “habiliments.” The church in Ephesus dealt with many situations like we do today. In fact, there was a ton of stuff going on and beliefs were often hindered by the teachings of others who were not in accordance with God's law. Paul reminds this church that as they were made in God's likeness, they must act accordingly and clothe themselves in righteousness and holiness.

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

~Eph 4:22-24

My question for you is: what are the two or three main things in your life that hinder you from developing a close relationship with God? I know that sometimes the evil one would like to make us feel as though we were not deserving of God's love. But the funny thing is, we already know that. My prayer is that each of you takes God's righteousness and holiness to be your own. Continue to be renewed by God's spirit and let your mind throw off all habiliments, putting on the clothes of God. Let your life be a representation of Christ's love for others. I believe in you!

Praying for you,

mo

Clangor (Psalm 98)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “clangor.” I love to read the Psalms because of the awesome picture that is always painted in my mind. The psalmist in this passage reminds us that we should always give great thanks to God because of all of the cool stuff that is done in our lives.

Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together.

~Ps. 98:8

Unfortunately, sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day activities of what is happening around us that we forget to praise God. My question is: when have you actually taken some specific time to devote in prayer, song, or an extended period with the Lord? My prayer this morning is that you find some time to be alone with God, and rejoice in his love with a clangor, or a clamorous noise – both in your heart, and for all to hear! God deserves our best, and worshiping him jubilantly reminds us that his goodness will continue to extend to his children.

Praying for you,

Mo

Aumildar (2 Timothy 2:20-26)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “aumildar.”  When writing to young Timothy, the apostle Paul was very careful to help him understand that everything the young man was to do would be a reflection on Jesus, and all other Christians. And it would not only reflect Christians of that day but for all of the days following as well. He wanted to make sure that Timothy had a mind so focused on the Messiah that nothing would get in the way of his dedication; even after Paul himself left the earth.

All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.

~2 Tim 2:21

My question is: have you dedicated yourself to the use of God and the mission that his son came to fulfill? It is pertinent as Christians that we remember Jesus uses us as special utensils, as mentioned in this verse, to fulfill his purpose for the world. He does not need us, but it is our privilege and duty to be used by him. My prayer this morning is that you become an aumildar, or agent, for Jesus. Give him reign in your life and allow him to use you as his special vessel, fulfilling his desire for both you and the world.

Praying for you,

mo

Loup-garou (1 Peter 5:8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “loup-garou.” This is got to be by far one of my favorite words of all time. I'm just going to start out by letting you know exactly what it is, instead of make you wait like I usually do. This is another word for werewolf. The Bible depicts the evil one in different manners throughout the different books. One of my favorites is in the latter part of the New Testament…

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

~1 Pet. 5:8

Make no mistake about it, the evil one is always looking for a foothold in your life. You must continually be alert and on your guard and ready for anything that is thrown your way. My question is: are you living your life in a manner that gives you the best opportunity to fight against the attacks of the enemy? My prayer this morning is that you take all means and ways necessary to be ready for the attacks against you. They're coming your way, and much of the time we do not know exactly what we will face. But, whether the devil comes as a roaring lion, a serpent, or even a loup-garou… you will be ready.

Praying for you,

mo

Endure (Hebrews 12:3)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “endure.” Back in the day the disciples had to deal with a lot of scrutiny from people. Not everybody believed in the things that they did. Sounds a lot like today, doesn't it? But the cool thing is the author of Hebrews understood that God's people needed to endure all things for the sake of the gospel. This verse comes after the famous opening of Hebrews chapter 12 that is quoted in Scripture pieces all of the time. We are reminded:

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

~Heb. 12:3

My question for you is: what does it mean for you to endure in your faith? Think back to a time where you actually had to stand up for what you believed in. Those are the times where we strengthen our faith. Just as the author of Hebrews did, we must consider the opposition we will receive from those who do not believe in the goodness and deity of Christ. My prayer is that you pray for these people, those will yet to experience the overwhelmingly incredible compassion of the Savior. Do not grow weary or lose heart, but endure in all things.

Praying for you,

Mo