Too-too (Proverbs 3:11-12)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “too-too.”  It is amazing how many cool principles that we can learn from the book of Proverbs. When I was a new Christian I remember my group leader telling me that if I wanted to start getting better at my spiritual life, that going through a proverb a day would be a healthy recipe. He was correct. I still love reading the good stuff that I get from them each day.

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” ~Pr. 3:11-12

My question is: do you seek discipline from others to make you better? Sometimes we think that we have it all figured out.  We think that God’s discipline is too-too and annoying.  We let our pride get in the way of learning from others who are more experienced in life.  My prayer is that you find someone to share your thoughts with. Someone who is wise in the areas in which you would like to excel. You can be as good as you want, but it takes time to get there.  The process is always longer than we would like. But that is what makes success so sweet.

Praying for you,

MO 

Crackerjack (Matthew 3:27-28)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "crackerjack."  Contrary to popular belief, someone who possesses such qualities is actually a positive.  Jesus was often challenged by those who were experts in the law.  Some people might say they are and were marksmen.  They could recite Scripture with exact precision.  They always knew the right thing religious or spiritual answer to give you and any given situation.  However, Jesus knew that that just because they say knew God’s Word, didn't mean that they were living life according to God's battle.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” ~Matt 3:27-28

My question is: what kind of life are you living?  Even though the Pharisees were crackerjacks when it came to knowing Scripture, they were hardly the same in their spiritual lives.  Sometimes we think we are doing the right thing, but others look at us realize that we are not people who pretended to be.  I think that Christians have a pretty tough time often because people like to point out the bad stuff that we do.  And, it is pretty difficult to get away from the judgment of others.  But, what we can do is do our best to live by God's principles.  My prayer is that you search your heart for the parts of your soul that need changing and replenishing.  God wants to do great things in your life.  Allow him to shape you today.

Praying for you,

MO

Mollify (James 2:13)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “mollify.”  Living a life with Jesus is not always easy.  In fact, living in the same house as some people in your own family does not always work out the best.  I remember years ago when I was still in high school, my brother and I went through a pretty crazy phase where we did not like each other very much.  There’s no real reason.  We came from a pretty good upbringing and although we did not always get what we wanted, we did always have what we needed.  Anyway, we would often get in fights and accuse one another of of some ridiculously petty stuff.

“For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” ~Jam 2:13

My question is: where do you fall on the judgment versus mercy scale?  Just like me and my brother went through a tough time of thinking that the other was completely on the wrong side of every issue, and were at each other’s throats, each of you are going to have opportunities to show either judgment or mercy to others.  My prayer is that you take your time and this next season of life and really understand both.  Believe it or not, judgment and mercy go hand in hand.  God uses one to affect the other in a positive way.  He mollifes his anger towards us and replaces judgment with mercy.  I hope that you accept the teachings from both.

Praying for you,

MO

Blarney (Ephesians 4:29)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “blarney.”  I think one of the most important parts of growing up is learning how to interact with other people.  We learn at a young age, without anyone really having to tell us, how to deal with people.  It doesn't take too long for little kids to understand that there are rules within society.  Pretty much, words matter.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” ~Eph. 4:29

My question is: what do the words that come out of your mouth say about you, and your character?  Are you the kind of person where people know you as a person of your word?  My prayer is that in a world of lessening morals and restraint, that you become a person who serves God both in word and in deed.  Take the opportunity to become more like Jesus, as the apostle Paul recommended, and engage less in flattery and nonsensical blarney.  You can never go wrong with allowing helpful speech and all of your relationships.

Praying for you,

MO

Swimmingly (Psalm 116:6)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “swimmingly.”  One of the guys that I have been doing business with for years knows that I am involved in the swimming world, and have been for most of my life.  Every time he meets me, whether it has been one day or one month, he always asks if life is going swimmingly.  It cracks me up.  It is good to have friends that know the important pieces of your life.  God is a friend to us in much the same way.

The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.

~Ps 116:6

My question is: how do you live your life?  There is much that the Bible has to say about living our life in a simplistic matter.  We are to do a certain number of actions, the most important of which is to serve God.  Sometimes we get caught up in the complexities of life, and forget that God is a simple and direct God.  I can’t promise that life will always go swimmingly, but we can rest assured that God will continue to act in simple ways to help us serve him in the best way possible.  My prayer is that you reach out to God and live a simple life, and both the easy and difficult times.

Praying for you,

MO

Mundane (Genisis 1:1)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “mundane.”  I have been reading a bunch about the beginning of God’s Word lately. The more that I get into it, the more God amazes me, and the way that he decided to create this world.  And, we are a part of that grand design. It is pretty cool how we were made in God’s image, and that we get each day to live with Him.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” ~Gen. 1:1

There is nothing mundane about God, His creation, or the part that we play in it. My question is: with a new season of life upon us, what are you going to do to live with vigor and life, the way God intends this Fall? My prayer is that you understand that God calls you to something great. Each day you are given the opportunity to follow Him. As Christians, our lives are anything but dull. Live in God’s fullness today.

Praying for you,

MO

Malarkey (2 Timothy 3.16)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “malarkey.”  What a great word for April Fools’ Day.  Contrary to popular belief, the actual meaning is not a curse word.  The real definition has to do with the way that someone would like their words to be perceived.  The funny thing is, this word has a lot to do with the way that people perceive the Bible.  I remember when I first started to learn about stories in the Bible, a lot of people tried to skew my views and tell me that this wasn't true or that was true.  I guess I just never really listened to the naysayers.  I spent a lot of time and effort delving into God’s word myself, and of course with the help of many mentors and other people who walked alongside me.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” ~2 Tim 3:16

My question is: what are the things that you have decided to believe about God’s word?  We can always get caught up on things that are small.  God’s word is not malarkey, or writings that are designed to mislead people.  My prayer today is that you give God the benefit of the doubt.  In all my years of studying Scripture I have seen that God continues to work in my life and the lives of those around me.  As you continue to put your trust in him, he will reveal for you the spiritual truths of his word, pointing you in the direction of correct living.

Praying for you,

MO