Mirth (Psalm 126.1-3)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “mirth.”  When I first started reading the Bible, my mentor told me that whenever I was in doubt of what I should be reading, if I opened up to the Psalms I would be in good hands.  Not only are the Psalms spot on when you need to hear something, but they are easy to read and even if you don’t understand the whole thing, you can pretty much get a good concept of what is happening.  Today’s Psalmist is speaking for those returning from exile, and about the feeling of God bringing his people back.

When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. ~Ps. 126:1-3

My question is: how do you approach God delivers you from the hard stuff in your life?  As we see in today’s a Psalm, God restores his people and gives them everything that they need, when they need it.  Lord has done marvelous things in my life, and I suspect that if you looked into your own, you might be able to see and say the same.  My prayer is that you approach today with the spirit of joy and mirth, or laughter.  Give God a chance to show you his mercies and allow him to be a part of your life today.

Praying for you,

MO

Crapehanger (Ephesians 5:15-21)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “crapehanger.”  When I was growing up I was a huge fan of Whinnie the Pooh.  In fact, I have to say that I still am.  There was one character in that cartoon series that was always really funny to me.  His name was Eeyore.  It didn't matter what was happening, he always had something negative to say about the situation.  Well, imagine the kind of people that all of the prophets and apostles had to deal with in both the Old Testament and New Testament.  The apostle Paul always put his attention to the works of God.  In fact, in this important chapter to the church and ethicists he writes the following…

“…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord…” ~Eph 5:19

My question is: what do people see when they interact with you?  My prayer is that you put on the things of God, and show others a reason why they should live a life of following Jesus.  Things are not always going to be the best… that would be kind of crazy.  But as Christians, we are called to be optimistic and turn our gaze towards Jesus, and not be crapehangers; nobody likes a Debbie Downer.  So, go out today and find something specific to do that will encourage others in God's love.

Praying for you,

MO