Alexithymia (Luke 9:28-36)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “alexithymia.”  Have you ever not understood something?  I'm talking about when you sit down for that math test and realize that you have absolutely no idea what you are even looking at.  Well, sometimes I feel like that with the Bible.  No matter how much I read it, there are always things that seem to perplex me.

“While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.” ~Lk 9:34-36

My question is: what are the parts of the Bible that you really don't understand?  I know for me, when I was really young in my faith, I really didn't know very much.  I had questions about pretty much everything.  My question is that you do not shy away from the things that you understand.  Just like the disciples here experienced a kind of alexithymia, you too will sometimes not understand stuff.  That will cause you maybe to not want to deal with it.  That might be better left alone.  But, always know that God will continue to help you understand his word, and way.  You need only to respond positively to his promptings.

Praying for you,

Flummox (2 Timothy 2:7)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “flummox.”  Throughout my life I've heard from each of those who have influence over me – parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, etc. – that I'm really only going to get out of life what I put into it.  I think this is a pretty standard way of thinking.  I mean, it makes sense.  I've seen a lot of people with a lot of talent that did not amount to much.  On the other hand, I've seen people who have been less talented excel in whatever they were doing.  I think the same goes for the word of God.  The more that we try to read and understand what God might have for us, he is going to help us understand the teachings and principles.

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” ~2 Tim 2:7

My question is: how focused are you in your vision of what your life should be?  I know that God wants each of us to have the best opportunity to be successful in our endeavors. But sometimes we get a bit frustrated with the lack of direction in our lives, either because we create it, or are flummoxed by circumstances that we cannot control. My prayer is that you think on God’s words and allow him to bring understanding in your life. 

Praying for you,

MO

Amphigory (John 7.14-20)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “amphigory.”  As a new Christian, I took a look at the Bible and thought to myself, there is no way that I will ever be able to learn all of the stuff in here.  However, after taking the next several years to be mentored by guys who are older than me in the faith, many of them in college or just out of college, I learned to know the Bible pretty well.  That's what caused me to choose Azusa Pacific University over the other colleges that I was looking at.  It reminds me of those who probably heard the word from Jesus back in the day.  At that time, the authorities, like the scribes and Pharisees, did not know Scripture as well as they probably should have.  This was seen in the fact that Jesus was an untrained and unskilled teacher, but spoke with authority because of the knowledge he was able to apply.

Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. ~Jn 7:18

My question is: are you seeking to know the word of God?  Sometimes it is intimidating to read the Bible for various reasons.  Some don't feel like they are good enough to deserve to even read what's in the Bible, because they know that they go against those principles and sin.  Others just never really give the Bible a chance, and think it is just an amphigory.  My prayer is that you try and learn a little bit about the Bible each day.  You don't have to dive into it and read a whole bunch, just enough to spark a conversation or two with someone else who is reading.  That's how you will become sharper in your knowledge of the truth.  And, it is then that you will be able to influence others in a positive and godly manner.

Praying for you,

MO

Peripeteia (Matthew 13.10-15)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “peripeteia.”  I figured that all of you English majors out there would appreciate this one.  I think what really drew me close to the Bible early on in my Christian walk was that stuff was pretty easy to understand, when it came to stories anyway.  And, that’s the way that Jesus lived most of his ministry.  He did not try to sound all important and smart.  He looked at the audience, figured out what they needed to hear, and said it the way that they would best understand it.

The disciples came up and asked, “Why do you tell stories?” He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they’re blue in the face and not get it. ~Matt 13:10-15

My question is: how do you best receive the word of God?  I know for some people, relationships are very important because the conversations with others help them understand their own faith.  For some, the experience they have with God brings better clarity to the way they should be living. What I love about reading the Jesus stories is that his readers think they know what he is talking about, then he all of the sudden he takes you on a kind of peripeteia.  My prayer is that you seek to find information on how you best learn and understand God’s plan for your life.  Take today to ask someone you trust to help move you through that.

Praying for you,

MO

Birling (1 Corinthians 10.23-33)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “birling.”  Have you ever felt like your life is spinning, but not going anywhere? I know sometimes I get in the middle of doing life and realize that I am not being as productive as I should be.  That is when I need to step back and remember what my goals are. The bible is pretty clear about keeping your priorities straight, and that no matter what you do, to do it with the intention of pleasing God.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” ~1 Cor 10:31-33

My question is: what are your intentions behind the actions you take?  We are given a ton of freedom in our relationship with Jesus.  And, no matter how much we stay in line with his teachings, that freedom will always outweigh the responsibilities that we have because we are Christians.  I have done life without a relationship with Jesus.  And I've done life with that relationship.  The former made me feel like I was in a Burling contest.  Whereas the latter surprisingly has helped lower my stresses and concerns.  Not that life has been any easier, as a matter of fact it has not been.  But, knowing that I have Jesus on my side allows me to move forward with confidence in my decisions and actions.  Setting my sights on him keeps me grounded, knowing that I am making good and informed decisions. My prayer is that you focus on a life where JC is central in pointing your directions in the proper ways.

Praying for you,

MO

Minimax (Matthew 24:36-51)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "minimax."  Throughout the years I have had many mentors.  Many of them have been strictly through reading.  These are the men and women with whom I will never really ever have a chance to sit down, but I can learn a ton from the stuff that they write.  One of these gentlemen is John Wooden, the famous UCLA basketball coach.  He used to write down what he believed would be the score of each basketball game before the game even took place.  This is how well he knew his team, and his opponents.  His strategy was to maximize the effort of his players to withstand anything that would come up against his team.

“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” ~Matt 24:44

My question is: what are you doing to maximize your potential in relationship to JC? With all of the stuff out there that can hinder your ability, it is good to know what are capable of.  Just like a sports team looks at all of the odds and possibilities to give themselves the best possibility of winning, so must we as Christians know both the good and the bad that encompasses our lives. And from there, make good decisions. My prayer is that you get your spiritual house in order and be ready for God to work in you life.

Praying for you,

MO

Wayworn (Matthew 11:25-30)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “wayworn.”  Have you ever had one of those mornings where you just did not want to get out of bed?  You know… you wake up and your sheets are just the right temperature, and your pillow has never felt so good.  I can think of a few times in my life where I have been that tired.  But, I realized that I had to, and still have to, keep going.  I could only imagine what Jesus and his followers experienced in that crazy three years of intense ministry.  At one point, Jesus knew that he needed to give a word of encouragement to some who felt like they were dragging a bit.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ~Matt. 11:28-30

My question is: what are the cares in your life that might need to be presented to the Lord?  Sometimes we get so caught up in the stuff that needs to get done that we forget this gentle command from Jesus.  My prayer is that you bring everything to him.  It doesn’t matter whether it is something big, or small.  Our Savior is great and compassionate, and wants to give you rest.  The next time you find yourself tired, weary, and wayworn, allow yourself to step back and rest in God’s love.

Praying for you,

MO