Different this time, my word came practically as one year ended and another began. In the past, the word always came earlier in December, giving me days, if not weeks, to dwell, to linger, to ponder on the word. Not this year. Day after day and no word. I would think of a word. Pause. Then nothing. Not that gentle nudge. Not that conviction. Not that sweet peace.
So, I waited. Then.
On New Year's Eve, as I attempted to finish my first complete read of a chronological read of the Bible, yes, right there in Revelations, as I was writing down word after word that I thought might speak to me, there came My One Word: diligent. That gentle nudge. That conviction. That sweet peace.
Looking back now, I cannot find the word diligent used in the Revelation, although the word is used elsewhere. Yes, the word just spoke to me!
Thus, to kick off my participation in Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team and to begin my focus on My One Word, I am committing to memorize the next five verses in this order, which will take me into March for SSMT:
- 2 Timothy 2:15 - Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. HCSB
- 2 Peter 3:14 - Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. ESV
- Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. KJV
- 2 Peter 1:10 - Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. ESV
- Hebrews 6:11 - We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. NIV
As mentioned before, this is my seventh year. Listed below are my six previous words that I will not be leaving behind, as my growth in these word continues, every year.
- 2011: Peace
- 2012: Quiet
- 2013: Fit
- 2014: Smile
- 2015: Complete
- 2016: All
I simply cannot promote this choosing of a word enough, whether you choose the word...or whether that word chooses you. I have encouraged it at church and at school. Honestly, I am never sure if anyone climbs on board, for this seems to be a private step. Then, later in the year, a student will mention it, maybe never telling me the word. Maybe the next year...or two years later (as happened last week)...a friend from church will say, "This year, my word is..., and my previous two words were...." Fair enough. I understand private.
The effect is long-term, life-changing, love-indwelling.
Won't you join?
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