Perfecter (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “perfecter.”  I love this one because it is not in the dictionary… or at least to my knowledge.  Which makes it even more cool and unique.  God sent his only Son to take care of the sin stuff that we could not do on our own.  That is why the writer of Hebrews is reminding the peeps that it is extremely important not to lose sight of the whole reason for doing the Christian life.  It is kind of sobering to know that even back then, so close to the time JC was on earth, it was difficult to stay focused. 

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

~Heb. 12:2

JC was a pioneer to a faith you and I could hold true. My question is: how are you letting the Savior be the perfecter in your life?  Think of specific ways that the Son touches your life and works to shape you.  My prayer is that you fix your eyes on the eternal throne, knowing that one day God will bring you into everlasting glory.  It’s a pretty crazy world, and sometimes we lose sight of what is important.  Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the madness. Hold fast!

Praying for you,

mo

Helper (Hebrews 13:6)

Good morning all,

the word of the day is “helper.” When the writer of Hebrews was giving this discourse, he knew that the people needed a lot of help. Using references from the Old Testament was important to get his point across. In this crazy world we know that we need a lot of help. And the cool thing is we have a helper.

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”

~Heb. 13:6

My question is: from where do you find your help? God wants to be the center of each of our lives, we just need to give the invitation. One of the best things I like about my Creator is that he does not force himself upon us. There are a lot of people out there that need a Savior. My prayer for you is that you would be the person who brings that Savior to them. So, live today in the confidence that God is on your side and wants to use you to reach others.

Praying for you,

mo

Relevance (Daniel 5:13-16)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “relevance.” God has always been willing to teach his people what it means to follow him. Daniel was able to teach the people because he was relatable. This prophet lived with the Babylonians and identified with their struggles and lifestyle. Daniel's ability to connect with the people came from his willingness to listen and learn from God…

“Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, ‘Are you that Daniel who was one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard of you, that the spirit of God is in you, and that the light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.’”

~Dan. 5:13-14

My question is: do you live in a way that is worth following? My prayer is that as you go through these next few years of life, you become an influencer and leader to those among you. God will make your voice relevant if you give him the chance. Choose your words and actions carefully, and you will glorify God by doing so.

Praying for you,

mo

Chains (John 15:14-24)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “chains.”  JC lays out right here in this passage what it means to love him.  You could imagine the scrutiny that he has gone through at this point.  He let’s the disciples know the best way to live a life that it’s focused on him.  The Lord is revealing priceless nuggets of wisdom to his peeps.  He knows they are going to need it when he leaves them…

“Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”

~Jn. 14:19

My question is: what is the one thing that has a potential to hold you back this year from really following JC the way he intended? We all have chains, whether that is some sin we feel is unshakable, or even something comfortable that seems can always wait a bit longer to fix.  My prayer is that you focus your attention on the Lord and give him the opportunity to draw you near to him.  The Spirit will continue to work in you and give guidance where needed.  You just need to give a little room.

Praying for you,

mo

Boldness (Acts 13:42-52)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “boldness.” Back in the day when the name of Jesus was not always the most popular among scholars and stuff, the disciples still did what needed to be done to get the word out.  Even when it seems to be detrimental to their own well-being or health, these men and women spoke with boldness the message that needed to get out to others…

“Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: 'We had to speak the word of God to you first…’”

~Acts 13:46

My question today is: what is it in your life that you need to approach with more boldness?  You know, that one thing that you have been putting off but you know needs to get done.  My prayer is that God would give you courage to face the crazy situations in life.  Do not be afraid to flex your faith.  The Lord is faithful to answer your needs and concerns. 

Praying for you,

mo

Send (Isaiah 6:8)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “send.” God has a long history with the human race of sending peeps to do his work.  Sometimes they are guys like Saul, who you would expect to be a leader.  And other times he chose guys like fisherman and tax collectors, not the most likely dudes to be the ones to lead a revolution.  One of the most famous callings in the Bible is when God chooses to send Isaiah…

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

~Is. 6:8

Here is my question: have you asked God to send you?  I know it may seem like a silly one, but I often think to my calling from the Lord and realize that I am not always on track.  God will send those whom he wants. But by prayer is that each of you yearns for the Creator to send you and use your gifts and talents for his glory.  There is a lot to do in this year regarding that Gospel.  Does God need us… well, maybe not.  But the cool thing is that he chooses to allow us to participate.

Praying for you,

mo

Consider (James 1:22-27)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “consider.”  God is a big proponent of getting things done right the first time.  Unfortunately we do not always like to do it that way.  James gives a great analogy in this passage about what we look like when God’s word is studied but not applied.  The funny thing is that the peeps back then dealt with the same stuff that we do today. I am encouraged to know that if they were not able to stay on the straight and narrow all the time and God delivered them, then I have a chance J

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”

~Jam. 1:26

I love how God wants to stay unpolluted by the world.  What a great way to put it. My question is: when you read the word of God and then go about your life, do you remember who you are in Christ?  That is the cool part about this journey – we have thousands of years of examples in the Bible.  We know what to do and what not to do. My prayer is that you would realize the freedom God has given you through JC.  Consider his favor upon you and live for him.

Praying for you,

mo