Dipsy-doodle (Romans 16:17)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “dipsy-doodle.”  I love watching football because of the strategy involved.  Two teams slugging it out with the hope that at the end of the game they will be victorious over the opponent.  Within that time many plays are pretty straightforward, and don’t seem that they will accomplish much. Only to see a running back or receiver dip and dodge their way to more yardage. The object of the game is to evade your opponent enough to break free every now and again, and get some major yardage, or even a touchdown. As I was thinking about how we play this game, it made me think about how we are in a spiritual battle each day.

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” ~Romans 16:17

My question is, are you on the lookout for ways the enemy would like to thwart your plans at a spiritually focused life? Although he may want to confuse us, it is our job to stay alert and do everything we can to turn the tables, and stay ahead of the game. My prayer is that you remain close to God, and allow him to run the spiritual dispsy-doodle on the enemy.  Nothing better than trusting in God, letting him call the plays in your life, and watching him bring you success. Trust in him today.

Praying for you,

MO

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

Ci-devant (Romans 6:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “ci-devant.”  The apostle Paul has some really good words to say concerning sin.  In this particular book he is at the point with these people where they need to hear information about a relationship with JC pretty straightforward.  He pretty much gives them a couple of options.  They can either live the way that they always have been, or they can change and take a different path.

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

~Rom 6:11-12

My question is: what will it take for you to make a decision to move a little bit closer to God, and a little bit further from the sin that keeps you from knowing God perfectly?  I’m not saying that you have to be perfect, but we really should strive to be the best we possibly can, knowing that moving towards righteousness causes us to move away from sin.  My prayer is that you evaluate your relationship with Christ.  Do the things that take you away from your ci-devant old self, and become more in tune with Jesus, who wants to work on the new you each and every day.

Praying for you,

MO

Certainty (Romans 11:25-32)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “certainty.”  Have you ever felt like God has given up on you?  I know there were a couple times in my life where I really thought that he should have.  But because I stuck close to people who knew both me and God very well, I was able to constantly change to become more recognizable to myself.  God already saw me for who I was, it was me who had the need for change.  I love what the apostle Paul says in the following verse…

“As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”

~Rom. 11:28-29

My question is: what is the calling that God is given to you?  I have been trying to answer that with certainty my whole life as a Christian.  I never seem to get an answer that I am okay with.  But remember that God has given all of us the ability to do specific and certain things well (Rom 12:6). My prayer is that you do not underestimate the purpose that God has given you, knowing that the gifts and talents you possess are waiting to define who you are.  Allow yourself to be affected by God so that you might in turn affect the souls of many in a positive way.  Choose to let God use your unique qualities today, your God-given perfection in his sight.

Praying for you,

MO