Vertex (Psalm 24)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "vertex." The Old Testament writers refer to God as being on high. This meant that he was usually at a spot where it was difficult for his people to reach him. To get to the Lord, one must be holy. We know that in the Old Testament, the priests were the ones who were able to take requests to God from people who were not worthy enough to speak with him directly.

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

~Ps. 24:3

My question is: what is it take for us to be holy people today? If God requires clean hands and a clean heart then who among us is that person? My prayer is that you would associate yourself with people who appointed you towards a more holy life. People back in the Old Testament times had priests to look at, but because Jesus has given us access to himself directly, we are given that responsibility to live as a holy people. Take some time today to ask God for clean hands and a clean heart. Our act of worship to him is the life we live.

Praying for you,

mo

Also-ran (Philippians 3:12-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “also-ran.” Out of all of the words that we have had lately, I think this one is probably one of the most straightforward and transparent. When the apostle Paul was writing to the church in Philippi, he knew that they would understand an analogy that had to do with the sports of the day. He likened his journey on earth to running a race more than once. He did so when speaking to young Timothy, and also to the churches that were a part of his ministry.

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

~Phil 3:14

My question is: what is it that you are running for? We all have goals and dreams and want to accomplish certain things in our life. My prayer is that this morning you take some time to find out where God fits in those plans. I would submit to you that the most important part of the race of life is to do the will of God. We will meet Jesus face-to-face one day and I know that when I get there I want to be like the competitor the Apostle Paul speaks of in this passage. I don't want to be an also-ran… I want to be the winner. The good news is, when we call on Jesus as Lord and Savior, we will all be standing in that winner's circle together. Who is it that you would like to be standing there with you on the day we meet our Savior?

Praying for you,

mo

Inveigh (Romans 8:1-8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “inveigh.” Whether someone is a Christ follower not I think that most would agree that Jesus went through some pretty to bottles times. Even for those who did not believe he was the Messiah, it seems that his demeanor and actions perforate him to be an innocent man. For those who are Christians, of course the story goes much deeper. The apostle Paul writes in Romans that those who believed in Jesus need not worry about ridicule from others. No one who believed in Jesus as the Messiah would face ultimate condemnation.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

~Rom 8:1-2

My question is: what are some of the things that bother you? When people talk bad about you how does it make you feel? I know that most of us get at least a little bit upset when others have a problem that concerns us. The cool thing about being a Christian is that we know that no matter how we are judged or by whom, the only opinion really matters is that of Jesus. And, we know that we are set free from sin and vindicated for all unrighteousness. So the next time someone inveighs, or rails against you, for any reason don't worry because you know you are accepted in Christ.

Praying for you,

mo

Bootless (Ecclesiates 2:1-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "bootless." King Solomon was said to be the wisest person ever to live. When God asked him what he wanted, more than riches or fame or anything else this man ask for God's wisdom. It is because of that was in that he was able to write these sayings. He is talking here about no matter what people do it all ends of being meaningless in the end. All of the things that people labor to do and accomplish really don't count for much when it is all said and done.

What do people gain from all the toil

at which they toil under the sun?

~Ecc 2:3

My question is: if everything is meaningless why do we try so hard at everything that we do? I think that people who put their trust in God have a leg up on the competition. I guess what I'm saying is if we are just living for ourselves then life would at some point get pretty frustrating. My prayer is that you look at your life and think about all of the things that God has put in front of you. What is his plan for you? One of the things that you need to be doing? Are you spending your time on things that are worthy of God's time? I think a ton of people spend their time on bootless, or useless, ventures. It is easy to get caught up in all of the madness in this world. We know that in the end life is not meaningless, but a show phrase for what God has done for us. He is your maker. He is your father. He is the one who is given you breath. Rejoice in the fact.

Praying for you,

mo

Aumildar (2 Timothy 2:20-26)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “aumildar.”  When writing to young Timothy, the apostle Paul was very careful to help him understand that everything the young man was to do would be a reflection on Jesus, and all other Christians. And it would not only reflect Christians of that day but for all of the days following as well. He wanted to make sure that Timothy had a mind so focused on the Messiah that nothing would get in the way of his dedication; even after Paul himself left the earth.

All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.

~2 Tim 2:21

My question is: have you dedicated yourself to the use of God and the mission that his son came to fulfill? It is pertinent as Christians that we remember Jesus uses us as special utensils, as mentioned in this verse, to fulfill his purpose for the world. He does not need us, but it is our privilege and duty to be used by him. My prayer this morning is that you become an aumildar, or agent, for Jesus. Give him reign in your life and allow him to use you as his special vessel, fulfilling his desire for both you and the world.

Praying for you,

mo