Niveous (Isaiah 1.1-20)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “niveous.”  There are some verses in the Bible that most of us can probably recall, even if we do not exactly know the Scripture reference.  Although the book of Isaiah is pretty tough to read during parts or sections, I love the symbolism and the way that God uses his words to penetrate our hearts.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like woo.” ~Is 1:18

My question is: what are the parts of your life that you need to give over to Jesus this year?  It’s pretty clear here in the Old Testament, as it is throughout the entire Bible, that we must look to God as the one to cleanse us from sin.  My prayer is that you remember that the awesome power that God possesses allows us to thrive even in spite of all of the bad stuff that in our lives.  Even though we all have dark places, God can restore us to the niveous and blameless state of the heart that he longs for each of us to possess.

Praying for you,

MO

Expiate (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “expiate.” Understanding the gospel is pertinent to our ability to spread God's love to others. The authors of the New Testament understood that their words might be the only testimony to ever reach the people with whom they spoke. The main piece of that message was the atoning death of Christ in their lives, which was also given freely to people that heard the word.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

~1 Cor. 15:3-4

My question is: what are you doing to spread the word of God? Are you taking every opportunity to let others know the importance of a relationship with Jesus? Remember, when people come in contact with you the impression that you give may be the only time and chance to minister to that specific person. My prayer is that you understand how God has expiated, or atoned, for your sins through his only son… that you would rejoice in that understanding and the opportunity that each of us are given to spread that good news.

Praying for you,

mo

Veniel (Psalm 3:5)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “venial.” We have all heard this sometime or another, prolly in our understanding of the Catholic Church or the like.  JC forgave in the New Testament because it was in his nature.  And everything that he did, he did through the Father.  Each of his actions related back to the old scriptures, which he new really well.  And, all the way back to those scriptures, even the Psalmist knew his need for forgiveness as well.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." And you forgave the guilt of my sin. 

~Ps. 32:5

Wow! That is a pretty humble way to approach life.  This dude knew that he had a ton of stuff that was not acceptable in God’s site.  However, he also knew that he was venial, or capable of being forgiven.  My question is: do you feel as if God will forgive you?  I know it may seem like a weird or rhetorical question… but we must understand that God can and will forgive us before we can accept that forgiveness. My prayer this morning is that each of you seek the Lord earnestly, and let him cleanse you from within.

Praying for you,

mo