Allocution (Matthew 5:1-7:29)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “allocution.” Every few years we have the opportunity to hear the inauguration speech of either a new or current president. These are known as some of the most listened to speeches by people from not only our country, but all over the world. On the morning of this year's presidential inauguration I am inclined to think of one of the greatest speeches ever given. The Sermon on the Mount was given by Jesus a couple thousand years ago, yet it still resonates with people today. Even though most of us would not even realize it, people often use parts from the Sermon on the Mount in present day speeches and every-day conversations. Jesus was speaking to a crowd of people, including disciples, and others who chose to follow him. He chose his words carefully, knowing that these words should and would resonate with those who heard.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

~Matt 5:13-16

My question is: what are some of the greatest speeches that you have ever heard? In all of my years of ministry I have heard a ton of great speeches, sermons, and other allocutions. And, I have to say that I am really proud that my Savior gave perhaps the most moving challenge of all with the Sermon on the Mount. My prayer is that each of you takes heed to each section of this encouragement by Jesus. Take time today to read through this particular sermon, and give thanks for a God who reaches out to love us continually.

Praying for you,

mo

Patience (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “patience.” Not really my favrit virtue in the world. In fact, when I was younger one of my mentors told me that it was important for me to have patience, but never to pray for it. Why… ‘cause you might just be put in a situation to have to test it. Instead, I prayed for understanding in all situations and learned to be patient as I was given those hard times in life. Solomon knew a thing or two about patience…

"The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."

~Ecc. 7:8

Think about it. Of all the peeps ever to live you would figure that Solomon dealt with the pride issue a ton. Try being the wisest dude ever to live – either before or ever since. Craziness, I know. My question for you today is: How are you when it comes to patience… is it something you are good at or do you need some work? God wants us to rely on his power and love for us, in all situations. My prayer for you today is that you learn to wait on God in all parts of your life.

Praying for you,

mo

Search (Romans 8:26)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “search.” After telling us that the law of God’s spirit has set us free from a life of sin, Paul then explains what that kind of life we should live. Paul was intent on helping people understand that God has cool stuff in store for those who believe. The Creator searches our hearts to help us realize the love we are given…

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings."

~Rom. 8:26

Sometimes we do not know what we want. Actually, sometimes we think we know what we want and then God helps us see something completely different. My question is: do you allow the Spirit to search your heart? When we open our lives to God we are freed from all other distractions. My prayer is that the Spirit fills your heart with a yearning for God. The more we let God in, the less of the old self dictates our actions.

Praying for you,

mo

Anticipate (2 Peter 3:11-13)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “anticipate.” Back in the day God's people had a huge emphasis on witnessing. The reason for this was the actually believed that Jesus Christ was going to come back possibly before they even died. I mean, think about it. All these books were written within a relatively short time of the Savior's death. So, with the letters that are being written to these churches, you could imagine that they wanted to be ready for the day of the coming of the Lord.

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”

~2 Pet. 3:12

My question is: when it comes to your faith, what do you anticipate? Within your relationship with God, you should have specific items on your agenda that you plan to accomplish. You need to wait on the Lord patiently, but at the same time with a proactive mindset. There are people in your life that need to see Christ. As you live as an example for them, the Lord will be faithful and just to take on his side of the bargain. My prayer is that you seek the Lord today with anticipation of the great things he will do concerning your faith in him and your witness to others.

Praying for you,

Mo

Door (Proverbs 8:34-36)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “door.”  God has always called his people to seek wisdom.  The proverbs written were done so by one of the wisest men ever. In fact, God said that no one had been, or ever would be, as wise as Solomon.  So do you think that this guy knew what he was talking about? You better believer it.  In this passage the writer says that whoever waits on God continually for wisdom will receive it…

“Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.”

~Pr. 8:34

My question is: do you wait for God daily to give you instruction for how to live your life?  I think that sometimes I get so busy or whatever that I forget to wait on the Lord.  The Creator wants you to seek his wisdom often.  When is the last time you really just waited on the Lord… and without agenda? My prayer is that you make a resolution this year to wait at God’s door each day.  He will bring you something new.

Praying for you,

mo