Frisson (John 8:48-58)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “frisson.”  The Bible offers characters with such an array of emotions that sometimes I feel overwhelmed reading about them.  But I guess the good thing is that I know whenever I need to read about someone who is going through the same stuff as me… I am sure to find that person somewhere in the Bible.  Among those emotions is that of excitement. I mean, how could you not get happy at least for a moment with the good news that we read in the Bible?

“Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

~Jn 8:56

My question is: what are the things in life that make you happy?  Each of us has experienced life in such a way that there have been moments of true joy and happiness, or frissons.  My prayer is that you remember back to those times and ask God to help you experience that feeling again.  Jesus knew that there were different feelings towards him coming to fulfill God's promises.

Praying for you,

MO

Chansonette (1 Samuel 18:1-8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “chansonette.”Have you ever gotten the song stuck in your head?  I know that whenever someone mentions a song like YMCA, I will be singing it over and over again to myself for who knows how long.  As we see in today’s passage, the boy David did some pretty incredible things.  And, when he came home the people were singing songs and chansonettes about him.

“The women sang as they played, and said, "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands."

~1 Sam 18:7

My question is: if someone were to ask what song they most associated with you, what do you think it would be?  As human beings, we all have personas and reputations.  The stuff that you do on a daily basis accumulates and gives people an idea of who you are.  As David moved through his life we see that he became closer to God.  My prayer is that you make decisions that help others sing both good songs about you, and praise God for having you in their lives.

Praying for you,

MO

Propitious (Psalm 5:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “propitious.”  King David wrote a bunch of good Psalms.  No matter what kind of mood he was then, he always knew how to write it down.  It was almost a little bit like a journal.  David was not afraid to ask for God to come and help him in his time of need, and bring heavenly favor to his life.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

~Ps. 5:11-12

My question is: what are the things that you ask for in your life from God?  I think it's easy for us to lay our laundry list of wants and needs at God's throne.  When have you really asked him to make significant change in your life?  My prayer is that you give God the opportunity to come to your aid. Call on him to bring his propitious favor into your daily activities. Change comes subtly, but God is always faithful to do it.

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