I found this post that I wrote for Faith Lifts last year, and thought it would be fitting to post it here for this year. I will add that I had a verse that I felt like God had given me for this year, but I have forgotten it! I can either say that it really wasn't God's verse for me or blame it on mommy brain! I am praying for God to bring it to mind, and I will let you know if He does. In the meantime, know that this was written for 07.
I like what Valarie wrote in her blog-- instead of having a theme verse for the year, she has a motto: God is great in 08! I think we need to all let that be our battle cry. Do you have a verse for the year this year? Please post it in the comments section if you do, and let's inspire each other with His words.
A Verse For The Year
II Peter 1:4, “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
Every year I claim a verse for the year. This verse is usually something that has been a recurring theme in my life, or a verse that keeps popping up inexplicably. After prayer and consideration, I determine that this verse is mine for the year and claim it as my theme or promise for the next 365 days. I try to post it somewhere prominent, write it in my journal and meditate on it often. This verse is between me and God. It is His word for me, personally, based on what I am facing or dealing with in my life.
One year my verse was “And Mary treasured up all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) That year I knew God was challenging me to treasure all these things—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Another year my verse was “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (I John 4:18) That year I knew we were in for a rocky road, but I was not to be afraid. That year I had to learn to lean into God’s perfect love for me.
This year I want to share my verse with you. Actually, it is two verses. The first is John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” And the second ties into this verse: “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?” (Matthew 7:11) Two phrases have been recurring in my life: “to the full” and “how much more.” These two verses testify to the abundant life and victory God desires to give us if we will only open ourselves up to it and stop living in defeat.
I want to learn to live a life of expectation and abundance this year—and I am depending on God to teach me how to do that. I want to receive His blessings, while being mindful that He does not give as the world gives (John 14:27). And so this will be a year of finding Him in unexpected ways. I am not talking about a new car or a big new house, but in finding peace and compassion and hope and joy… the things of Heaven that aren’t necessarily embraced here on earth.
As we head into a new year, perhaps some of you will want to prayerfully consider claiming a verse for the year. Maybe it will be one of the verses I mentioned, or maybe God has a special one just for you. Pray specifically that God would lead you to the verse He has for you this year. Write the verse down and journal whatever God brings to mind. Put this somewhere you can come back to. Add to your journal throughout the year, then return to what you have written on December 31st. Reflect on how this verse has been an encouragement to you and helped you grow closer to God all through the year.
6 comments:
2008. Eight is the number of new beginnings. The verse I am claiming for 2008 is Hosea 13:6, which says "Therefore, return to your God. Observe kindness and justice. And wait for your God continually."
A verse that's been kind of a life-theme for the past few years has been Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue".
Kindness is a big one for me, wanting to be more kind.
Oh and I wanted to say also, I just started Streams in the Desert today too for my devotional this year!
Our church is starting 21 days of prayer and fasting today, with prayer meetings scheduled at various times throughout the three weeks, focusing on individuals, family and community. I am anxious to hear what God has to say to me and to our church body during this time.
Blessings,
Kelly
My theme verse this last year has been Psalm 126:3 "The Lord has done great things for us. What joy!" It was simple, but the reminder that I needed! He hasn't given me a verse for 2008, but I am sure it will be what I need to get through the valleys and celebrate on the mountain tops!
Marybeth,
Speaking of mottos for 2008...on Sunday, my hubby, Scotty (he teaches our SS class) talked about the clothing line FUBU and what it's intials stand for (For Us, By Us) and threw down the gauntlet in the form of a challenge to adopt a new set of intials, BHFH. By Him, For Him. I think I am going to adopt that as my motto for '08...it really stuck with me.
Lisa :)
P.S. Hmmm...I came to your blog looking for YOUR picture without make-up, but funny thing, it wasn't there. Don't girlfriends support one another? :) hee hee
1 Corinthians 1:21b, "God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."
This verse has struck me and in some ways freed me. All that I have to offer is foolishness before the wisdom of God. But God loves to use a heart not full of wisdom but of willingness.
Thanks for the challenge to ponder this! Love you friend~
—“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
I've had to struggle some in the past with my thought content. I want to bless the Lord by thinking like Him. I want to see the world the way He does. As much as I can, anyway. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes and failures, I want to focus on the victory there is in Him!
The sermon series in our church has been the book of Isaiah. I have read along during the week and found myself becoming more deeply acquainted with Jesus. Right now I am moved by His desire to speak to me! Who am I? Yet He says that He will be with me to teach me!
Isaiah 30:20-21 - "The Lord...will be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say,'This is the way you should go, whether to the right or to the left.' "
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