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

Foremost (Matthew 6:25-34)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “foremost.”  Jesus talks about some pretty important stuff in these couple of chapters in Matthew. In this passage he addresses the issue of worry and concern.  It doesn't matter what time period about which we are talking; these themes and feelings seem to be reoccurring.  So, when his followers bring up this issue, he addresses it pretty directly.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

~Matt 6:33

This is a pretty clear message from JC.  He understands that there are going to be cares and concerns that his people face.  He also knows that these will never go away.  But, if we keep a correct perspective God is going to make sure that we are on the right track.  My question is: what are the things in your life that you seek first.  Whatever is foremost on your mind is probably one of those most important items.  My mentor used to remind me that the most important stuff and our lives is what we are thinking about when we are thinking about nothing.  My prayer is that when you are resting and your mind is not racing, God permeates your thoughts and directs your ways.

Praying for you,

MO

Parse (Proverbs 4:1-9)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "parse."  It always seems that the Bible has a ton of different meanings.  I remember when I first started studying the Bible; I realized how many different ways there were of interpreting the meanings I was learning.  I knew that there were a lot of lessons that I needed to understand and apply to my life.  But it was up to me to take the correct steps and actions to make that happen.  Now that I was a believer, I knew that God expected me to do things a little differently.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”

~Pr. 4:7

My question is what are you doing to gain wisdom and insight?  I remember when I was a young Christian going to my pastor’s wife and asking her how she was so knowledgeable in the biblical matters.  She told me that she prayed every morning for wisdom and discernment.  From that day on, I did the same.  My prayer is that you seek wisdom and gain insight from those who have done life a little bit longer than you.  Take God’s word and pull it apart, or parse it, to understand a bit more each day.  Humble yourself to accept the teachings that others with wisdom might give in order to change your life for the better.

Praying for you,

MO

Hypogeum (John 11:38-44)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “hypogeum.”  One of the most awesome stories in the New Testament is of JC raising Lazarus from the dead.  Could you imagine being in the entourage of Jesus and wondering what he was going to possibly do with a dead guy. Well, as we know from this story, the Savior does not disappoint.  Always pushing the envelope, and keeping peeps on their toes.

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.

Jn 11:43-44

My question is: are you waiting in expectation for God to do cool stuff in your life? I know that he wants to change your life for the better.  and, the more we look to him, the better we can respond to his calling.  Just as Lazarus responded and came forth from the hypogeum, so must we listen for the voice of the Saviour in our lives. How can you respond to JC today?

Praying for you,

MO

Hempy (2 Corinthians 11:12-16)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “hempy.”  You really don't know what to expect in this life.  Sometimes things are looking up, and all of a sudden they can go south pretty quickly.  In today's passage, the apostle Paul recognizes that he must continually work to show the believers how much he cares for them.  He has given his life to Christ, and wants nothing more for God's people than to experience life the way he knows is possible.  But in the midst of all this is the Evil One.  Paul knows that to excel in this life he and all of the believers must continue to keep their eyes open for what can potentially end her any type of progress.

“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

~2 Corinthians 11:14

My question is: what are the actions that you are taking continually to stay on the path of progress?  Each of us has tons of responsibility in our lives.  And, that never changes.  Wherever God puts you, you will have to do your best to invest your time into things that matter.  My prayer is that you keep your eyes focused on what is important, and that you are always ready for the shady, or hempy, games of the evil one.

Praying for you,

Mo

Exilic (Jeremiah 29:1-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “exilic.”  God’s people have always had a problem following his decrees, which would eventually lead to a need for course correction.  There were a couple of main exiles in the Bible; the first was the Assyrian.  Following that was another one known as the Babylonian Exile that lasted for about seventy years or so.  The peeps were in a position that caused them to stray from God and need his forgiveness for doing some stuff that was less than informed… also known as stupid.

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.

~Jer 29:10

My question is: what kind of restoration do you need in your life?  The good thing for us is that God is gracious.  Even in the old days when his people totally messed up, he gave them another chance to be reconciled.  Whatever is going on in your life that you feel might take you away or further from God, don't think that is a spiritual relationship killer.  My prayer is that you search the corners of your heart and mind that need reconciliation with God.  What are a couple of items on your list of stuff that needs to be, done that you can tackle starting today?

Praying for you

MO

Demesne (Genesis 12:1-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is " demesne.”  One of the big decisions that people have in their lives is to purchase a house.  This seems to be something pretty important and intense in the lifecycles we experience because of the immense responsibility that comes with it.  God at one time told Abraham to leave everything that he knew, and to follow where God would lead.

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you.

~Gen 12:1

My question is: where do you think God is going to send you?  We often times get complacent and comfortable with the situations in which we live.  My prayer for you is that you take God's calling to heart, and that you are always ready to move for him.  Not necessarily in location, but in the way that you are to serve him and others.  Remember that God is yearning for willing hearts, both to change individually and corporately.  You can be the change today, both in your own life and as an encouragement for others.

Praying for you,

MO