Lassitude (Romans 12:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “lassitude.” The Apostle Paul always understood what the most important piece of the God puzzle was. He knew that for the church to succeed, it was going to have to be rooted in love. Everything else was secondary. Within this was the way that Christians should treat each other. We have a tough enough time helping others who do not believe know why they should believe, let alone adding to the fights within the church. It was important for Paul to tell his followers that keeping zeal was an absolute must.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” ~Rom 12:11

My question is: are you playing a part when it comes to God's great design? I have always found great value in living life with fervor and zeal, knowing that God could use me at any moment. When we are not ready, opportunities to witness to others. My prayer is that you increase in hope and prayer. Allow God to use you and direct your steps, with all spiritual fervor and excitement. If each of us stays connected to the body of believers, and we remain excited to spread his word, God will do the rest.

Praying for you,

MO

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

Avidity (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “avidity.” Paul is reminding the church of the word he proclaimed to them sometime before. Holding fast to the message that the apostles brought was important for each man and woman who heard the gospel. Tons of stuff would potentially get in the way of helping others follow Christ. Paul did not want this to happen.

Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

~1 Cor 15:1-2

My question for you is: how do you hold firm to the message of Christ? Paul believed that once a person received the word of Christ they must continue to take specific action to keep that word hidden in their heart. My prayer is that you do whatever it takes so that you never lose your avidity, or dedication, to the decision you made to follow Christ.

Praying for you,

mo

Zeal (Romans 12:9-13)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “zeal.” Paul reminds his peeps in this passage about a couple of attributes that make a Xtian more attractive to others. One of these was the way that believers should approach life is with a positive attitude. This allows us to relate with others and share the Gospel to those who need it. We do not need to be fake, but live in the love that God has promised to us through the Son…

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

~Rom. 12:9

My question is: what do peeps see when they look at you? Others should know there is something different about you. My prayer is that you live the grace and love of JC and understand that you were called to live with a fervor for the Lord. Don’t give up and keep your attitude focused on the promise that God has given you. Take these last couple weeks of the year and really spend some time with God and your family. What is it that he wants you to do to increase your zeal for the upcoming year? I am excited to see what God does through his peeps in 2012…

Praying for you,

mo