Advert (Matthew 10:26-31)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "advert." At this point in Jesus ministry a ton of people do not really like him. In fact, a ton of people would like to see him killed. So in this particular passage Jesus is talking to the disciples and helping them understand what they need to be in store for. You have to imagine that if people were after Jesus and you were associated with him then they would probably want to do the same things to you. And, that is the case in this passage. But Jesus reassures the disciples:

 “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

~Matt 10:26-31

My question is: what are some of the things in your life that cause you stress? I think that sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own cares and worries that we forget that Jesus pretty much has us exactly where we need to be. My prayer for you this morning is that you understand that the father knows every hair on your head. It's pretty amazing to know that God would care about each one of us individually, and at the same time collectively as the body of Christ. Use today not to live in fear or regret, but to advert, or turn your attention, to the promise of Jesus.

Praying for you,

mo

Birl (2 Corinthians 1:12-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “birl.” One of the things I love most about Paul's writings is how simple he keeps stuff. In this particular passage, Paul is reminding the Corinthians that the message that he brings, and that they should act out to the world, is a life of simplicity. This is seen in Christians as a kind of single-mindedness that does not worry about what other people think, but only that of God's heart.

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace.

~2 Cor 1:12

My question is: what is it that you convey to the world by your thoughts and actions? Paul talked about a sincerity that Christians must have, knowing that the holiness of God would show in our lives. We understand that being a part of this world causes us to be caught up in stuff that is not very important. However, because of God's grace we are called to a life lived for him. My prayer is that you live in God's grace today and realize that it is a single-mindedness of heart that God desires. Whenever your mind starts to birl, or spin out of control, because of the difficulties and trials you face… remember that the more simple we keep the gospel the more effective we are as Christians.

Praying for you,

mo

Couthie (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “couthie.” The situation in Corinth that Paul addresses in today’s passage is probably more popular in the Bible.  He talks here about what it means to be Christian and relating to others. I guess, if you think about it, this principle could really work across the board for life. Even though the Apostle Paul was not necessarily the most agreeable person all the time, he really worked at making sure that he helped people move towards the gospel.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

~1 Cor 9:19

For a guy with Paul’s personality you have to understand that for him to make a statement like this was pretty crazy. My question is: are you the kind of person that others are drawn to because of the way that you act and live your life? When it is all said and done and we come to the end of this life, my prayer is that you do not have any regrets in the way that you dealt with the relationships that God has given you. Even when you do not understand somebody else's point of view, I hope that you can be couthie, or agreeable, so that maybe you can win them over in the name of Christ.

Praying for you,

mo

Deprecate (Matthew 5:43-48)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “deprecate.” Jesus understood the meaning of true persecution. When he spoke, he understood that people go through certain trials and tribulations. Each of the people in the audience listening to him had relational problems. It is probably a safe bet to say that people back then dealt with the same kind of stuff that we do today. He gave a pretty solid statement concerning the way that we should act:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

~Matt 5:43-45

My question is: in this New Year as you make resolutions, are you willing to act like Jesus? This part of Jesus’ sermon highlights the fact that we should always treat others the way that we would like to be treated. But we should also go further than that and do what others will not do. If you want to be different, this year needs to encompass an attitude of the Savior. We have no time to deprecate, or belittle, others for any reason. Let us begin this year the right way, acting the way Jesus did and treating others in a way that will make this world a better place.

Praying for you,

Mo

Exordium (Acts 3:17-26)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “exordium.”  This is the day each year in which most of us think of the possibilities to come for a new turn in life.  Luke wanted the new church to understand that starting out in a correct manner is important for spiritual health.  He knew that the day of the Lord was going to come quickly and that the people needed to repent in order that they become right in the eyes of God.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

~Acts 3:19-20

My question is: do you resolutions for the New Year include a change in relationship with God?  I think that the Lord would call for each of us to repent of our sins and begin this year in a way that would set up our attitudes and hearts for Jesus to do some cool stuff in our lives.  My prayer is that you take some time to talk with God and ask for his forgiveness and his way in your life for this year.  I know God can do great things… if we only repent and live for him.

Praying for you,

mo