My One Word: Ponder and...?

 I began choosing One Word in 2012...and what an amazing journey this has been. 

This year's word was ponder, with my theme scripture being Luke 2:19.  A quiet, calm, reflective word, this one stayed with me.  Yes, I should have pondered more!  I am learning though that sometimes less is more.  I just need to keep practicing this!

I have known 2022's word since October:  knowledge.  This seems quite the strange word for me, as I am in year 31 of teaching and have shared much knowledge (hopefully).  Where will this word take me?  I shall continue to share knowledge...and I will continue to learn.

This year's theme scripture is Colossians 1:10: "so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God..."  

Growing in the knowledge of God:  Yes.  Please, Lord.

Here's a quick recap of my previous words:

• 2011:  Peace
• 2012:  Quiet
• 2013;  Fit
• 2014:  Smile
• 2015:  Complete
• 2016:  All
• 2017:  Diligent
• 2018:  Less
• 2019:  Birth
• 2020:  Restore
• 2021:  Ponder
• 2022:  Knowledge

I am looking forward to my continued journeys with all twelve words...for I do not want to leave any of them behind...and with an increased focus on knowledge.  

Here's to 2022...

Part of the Lord’s Army

The walls of Jericho fell! That’s right! Hands in the air! Success! (See Joshua 5.)

But first...

Joshua recognized and honored the “commander of the Lord’s Army.”

But first...

The fighting men had to march...without saying one word. Not. One. Word. For seven days. On the seventh day...they marched seven times. Not one word. 

But first...

The priests had to carry the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant.

But first...

The priests had to blow the trumpets. Not just any instruments. Those used in religious festivals. Reminder: this is the Lord’s battle. 

But first...

The people had to shout. As loud as they could. 

What does this mean to me? To you? The Lord leads and fights our battles...but...He expects us to follow orders, also. Had the above instructions not been followed, would the walls have fallen?

I know...I understand...I do...you have walls that are 25 feet high and 20 feet thick...just as those around Jericho were. Totally insurmountable. Nothing is going through them. 

Then, the Lord activates His Army...and those walls will fall. 

But first...

I have to recognize and honor the commander of the Lord’s Army. 

But first...

Sometimes...I have to be very quiet. Very.  

Sometimes...for days. 

But first...I have to march...for however long it takes. 

But first...

I have to be in The Word. 

Then...the shouting begins!

Hands in the air! Your victory is coming!

PS...still with me? REMEMBER...this battle began days before they crossed that river when two spies had an encounter with Rahab...a woman...an ancestor to Jesus...only one of two women mentioned in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews. 

PS...when those walls fell? Those spies kept their promise and rescued Rahab...and her entire family! Keep claiming your family!