Emblem (Ephesians 5.1-22)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “emblem.”  You know, I really love sports.  I love rooting for my favorite teams, I love coaching, and I love influencing others.  For those of you who enjoy sports as well, isn’t there something about seeing somebody out on the street wearing the same logo of a team that you love to root for?  It’s almost like you have an instant camaraderie with them.  And, at the same time if you see someone wearing the logo from a rival team, it’s fun to heckle and badger those people… That is, of course of your team is winning at the time.  Well, I think that we need to approach our relationship to God in much the same way – not the heckling part… but the camaraderie stuff.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” ~Eph 5:1-22

My question is: what is the emblem of faith that you wear?  When people see you do they associate you with following God?  I know that sometimes it’s tough to follow God’s decrees and remain in a position where you are imitating him.  But, that’s what’s so awesome about this relationship.  You have to work to become better in your life.  Only then can you be that fragrant offering and sacrifice Paul talks about in Ephesians.  Be bold today.  As Jesus gave himself up for you, give up a little bit more for him each day.

Praying for you,

MO

Switcheroo (Ephesians 6.1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “switcheroo.”  Yes, this is actually a real word in the dictionary!  I think we all know exactly what this is.  And, I totally associate it with the stuff that we will face as Christians.  There are evil forces in the world that would want you to take your eyes off of God and put them on anything but him.  I like to call this the old switcheroo.  The Evil One is looking for any opportunity to trip you up and make you believe that what you are doing is okay, even if and especially if God is not cool with it.  I would submit that we need to fight this kind of nonsense.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” ~Eph 6:11

My question is: are you ready for the challenges that will come your way in life?  It’s easy to say that we have life under control, and then all of a sudden something doesn’t go our way and life comes crashing down.  My prayer is that you always look towards Jesus and remember that even in the tough times, he is ready to protect you by all means necessary.  Put on the armor of God today and make a difference in both your life and someone else’s.

Praying for you,

Mo

Callow (Ephesians 4:14-15)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “callow.”  When Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus, he reminded them of the their commitment to the gospel and the importance that they continue to grow in the face, not looking back at when they were without the discipline that was now in their lives.  He knew the importance of their need for real and effective change.

So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ… ~Eph 4:14-15

My question is: are you the kind of person that speaks the truth in love?  It's not only important that we tell people with honesty what we believe, but more importantly to do with the correct attitude.  I never really appreciated when those who had been in the faith longer than me ridiculed or criticized my lack of understanding of the Bible or other things of God.  I vowed early on that I would not be this kind of Christian.  My prayer is that each of you becomes more knowledgeable in Scripture and godly principles, but that you keep the message simple and clear, so that others might be encouraged by what you have to say, and not condemned.

Praying for you,

Crapehanger (Ephesians 5:15-21)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “crapehanger.”  When I was growing up I was a huge fan of Whinnie the Pooh.  In fact, I have to say that I still am.  There was one character in that cartoon series that was always really funny to me.  His name was Eeyore.  It didn't matter what was happening, he always had something negative to say about the situation.  Well, imagine the kind of people that all of the prophets and apostles had to deal with in both the Old Testament and New Testament.  The apostle Paul always put his attention to the works of God.  In fact, in this important chapter to the church and ethicists he writes the following…

“…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord…” ~Eph 5:19

My question is: what do people see when they interact with you?  My prayer is that you put on the things of God, and show others a reason why they should live a life of following Jesus.  Things are not always going to be the best… that would be kind of crazy.  But as Christians, we are called to be optimistic and turn our gaze towards Jesus, and not be crapehangers; nobody likes a Debbie Downer.  So, go out today and find something specific to do that will encourage others in God's love.

Praying for you,

MO

Accidence (Ephesians 2:6-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “accidence.”  There is a lot of stuff that we need to know in life.  It seems like you are always trying to stay ahead of the learning curve.  With all of the technology, changes in education or business or whatever, we need to be focused on staying at the top of our game.  The apostle Paul knew what it meant to connect with others at a deeper level… it seemed he was always at the top of his game.  As his life became more in-depth and complicated, he made sure that the word of God stayed simple and easy to understand.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

~Eph 2:8-9

My question is: is your life simple, or complicated?  The good thing is, no matter what the answer is to that question, God can fit in somewhere.  It’s good to know that we don’t really have to work our way into God’s favor.  We have been given grace from God because we choose to believe.  So, my prayer is that you take hold of this full faith and let God bestow this gift upon you.  God’s grace is one of the essentials, or accidence of our faith.  Allow the Maker to work in your life… that you might boast in his power in your life.

Praying for you,

MO