Behold (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “behold.” Every time I hear this I think of the Bible. It’s such a great identifier. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul uses it to let the peeps know that it is important to recognize all that God has done for them. Although each of them were prolly all messed up and had a ton of problems – as most churches do – they were still God’s peeps. He writes to them…

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, she is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

2 Cor. 5:17

Experiencing something new is always exhilarating and gives us life. But nothing comes close to the change that God gives each of us through JC. The question is: have you taken the time to understand the magnitude of God’s grace in your life? My prayer is that God revitalizes you daily and that you behold his greatness. Each of you is a new creation… live in God’s favor!

Praying for you,

mo

Fall (Romans 3:23)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “fall.” This can be seen so many ways in the Bible. Paul wanted us to know that each of us have come up short in the quest for God’s glory. However, this was not a negative thing necessarily. It was almost an encouragement. Once we know that we are not good enough then we don’t have to pretend anymore. We can move forward and live the way God has intended… in his grace.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…”

Rom. 3:23

This year each of you have stuff to accomplish. Whether it has to do with work, school grades, relationships, or whatever, you will not always attain the intended goal. My question is: will you live in God’s grace in each situation? I was not always the best at this – and I still struggle with it, you know. It’s tough to not always succeed. My prayer for you is that you understand God’s love for you, and each time you fall, you do so in a way that brings you closer to him.

Praying for you,

mo

Greeting (2 Corinthians 1:2-4)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “greeting.” One of the many reason I really like the Apostle Paul is his ability to make others understand their importance in God’s eyes. I mean think about it, for a pretty in-your-face type of guy he always knew what the peeps needed to hear. He did not always tell them what they wanted to hear, but his message was spot-on. His greeting at the beginning of each letter was really important to let the church know his affection for them. When writing to the homies, he always started by giving mad love…

“May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours! Timothy, someone you know and trust, joins me in this greeting.”

2 Cor. 1:2

Wow! Now that is a greeting… my question is: do others receive a Paul-like vibe when you greet them? What is mean is that Christians need to greet one another with love, and all the good stuff that God has provided. My prayer is that you are the person that everyone wants to get a call from. Encourage others and let them know that they matter in God’s eyes. Each of you peeps is sooooo special and God wants to use you to prosper the Kingdom. Get out there and greet someone today!

Praying for you,

mo

Learn (Philippians 4:11-13)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “learn.” I think this was an important part of Paul’s life. He was in a continual struggle to become more like JC and knew that he was a long way from getting there. He learned that the secret to being happy is being content with his circumstances, and the secret to being content is realizing that your strength comes from a relationship with JC.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

~Phil. 4:13

God knows exactly what is going on in our lives and is able to get us through each circumstance. Whether it is a killer class, hurting relationship, or just keeping your sanity during work stuff… My question is: when have you totally surrendered your cares to the Father? God is willing to come along side and help you manage stuff, if we give him the opportunity. My prayer is that you look toward God and give him a chance to walk you through the madness. Have a great day…

Praying for you,

mo

Appear (Titus 2:11-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “appear.” Each of us grows up and learns about the Gospel a little bit differently. However, the cool part about this is that when we focus on God we have the opportunity to experience his goodness as a collective body. Paul understood that when we accept God’s grace it is then possible for us to know how God wants us to live…

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”

Titus 2:11

Because salvation has appeared to us we can live in accordance with God’s desires. My question is: what does God desire for your life? You live in community with others each day and God gives you the ability to follow him. My prayer for you is that you would live boldly through Christ Jesus and that you would be a witness to others who need to experience his goodness. Salvation will appear to others when we choose to join in God’s work to save the lost. Go in power today, knowing that God wants you to love others and show them salvation through JC.

Praying for you,

mo

Mercy (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “mercy.” This is one of my favorite words in the Bible; and with so many passages covering it, I was thinking of which one to use. In this particular passage the Apostle Paul is reminding the peeps at the church of Corinth that they were going to experience some madness in life – you know, that it’s not always going to be sunshine and flowers.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

~2 Cor. 1:3-4

Paul is telling this church to be aware of hardships that are happening… and to comfort those who are not in the best situation. The interesting part of this scripture is that we can assume that Paul has most likely gone through tougher times than any of these peeps would ever dream. Yet he does not say that. Instead he reminds them to help one another shift their attention for the temporary life to that of one eternal. My question is: who in your life can you remind of God’s eternal riches, in spite of their current situation. My prayer is that you bless someone today with the reminder of God’s mercy and love.

Praying for you,

mo

Grounded (Hebrews 10:32)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “grounded.” There are many implications to this word and the ways in which it can be used. Interpreted in this passage Paul reminds the peeps of their foundation in Christ. They know what it meant to stand their ground for the sake of JC.

"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.”

~Heb. 10:32

My question today is: can you remember at time when you stood your ground for the sake of the faith… either personally or for a friend? We have been given a great responsibility with the Gospel. God has equipped each of you with the strength and tools to persevere. You only need the will now to do so. My prayer for you is that God plants his word in your heart so that you may persevere and stand your ground when it is time. Today we have the opportunity to be ambassadors for the Most High God. Let’s have some fun ☺

Praying for you,

mo