The issue is not to master the whole Bible in 2008: but will you know it and its Author better than you do now because of habits and priorities you now establish?
That is one of my main focuses this year. I want to know God more deeply. I want to know His word more thoroughly. It is up to me to set up habits and priorities this year so that these two things can be accomplished.
I am going to continue reading straight through the Bible, not focused on “getting it done”, but on knowing Him more deeply as I read at my own pace. I had gotten out of the habit of blogging my journey in His Word and I desire to return to my blog as a journal and record of my reading.
I have also felt a call to simplify my life and lead it in a way that reflects my priorities without constant distraction. I know I am not the only one out there seeking a more deliberately simplified life. (Check out Becky’s on Simple and Slow Fridays for others on this journey)
As part of this goal, I will finish reading, “Breathe,” by Keri Wyatt Kent and then read the book Becky sent me, “Mitten Strings for God,” by Katrina Kenison. I read the first chapter and it felt like the author was speaking directly to my heart and I can’t wait to read more. I have made quite a few changed in my life as a result of my reading and I am sure more are coming.
Finally, my word for this year (and perhaps my life) is PURPOSE!
This past year has been an amazing journey of deepening my walk with God. As a result, His purpose for my life has been brought to the foreground of my mind. I want to keep that word in front of me this year so that I remember that God has purposed EVERY minute of EVERY day for me and THAT brings significance into each moment I live. Even when I am in the midst of the ordinary, it is extraordinary because He is working. He is planning. And He has a purpose for that moment.
PURPOSE.
I am gonna live this year KNOWING that there is a beautifully planned purpose for my life.
Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you…”
(for more of my thoughts on this verse, see this post)
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13 comments:
Great post! That's my constant prayer also, to know God more intimately and to draw closer and closer to him.
I'll pray that you'll keep pursuing that goal and that God will also draw closer and closer to you!
Thanks for your sweet comments. I love the book "Hold you, mommy", great, easy to read devotions that every mom can realte to.
I have also been feeling the call to simplify. It's so easy to clutter up our lives, then it seems 100 times harder to simplify, doesn't it? One thing I am very glad I did before our daughter was born was that I told our pastor that I would only do one ministry (music, as that's what we get paid for!) during our daughter's first year. I am so glad that I said that! It keeps me from saying yes to anything new this year. As much I see needs in our church family, I keep my mouth shut. My daughter has be a greater priority than even ministry.
What a great post, Mary. It is such a long, sometimes scary journey to try and find out what your purpose is. It can also be so exciting and fulfilling. I think that I have hit that point in my life, too. Why am I here? What does Jesus want me to accomplish with my life?
Thanks for sharing this.
Purpose is a good word! I, too, am hoping to simplify life this year - easier said than done in our culture. I'm glad you plan to share more of your thoughts from the Word - they're always a blessing.
great post. my goal this year too, is to know Him better. this verse keeps coming to mind...
come near to God and he will come near to you... (james 4:8)
i look forward to future posts hearing how God is working in your life. when you get a chance, head over to my place. i have something for you.
I love your word for the year. And, it fits perfectly with all that you've been writing about and learning.
I am working on simplifying...not easy for me. I look forward to hearing all that God does in your life in this area!
ah yes, a purpose, a meaning and a lot of fun!
I have the same resolutions this year... if you can call them that. It's always my desire to come to know the Lord more deeply... more fully...
And I've been thinking about simplifying this year too, just not sure what shape or form that's going to take this year.
Thanks for such an encouraging post!
Heather
What a great word! Can't wait to hear about your journey.
Great post! I hope you will find your walk with Him more and more rich and deep. Enjoy your Bible reading. I like it that you are taking time to meditate and not just check off the reading. Love the verse in Jeremiah!
Ohhh, I so love that verse!! It is so comforting to remember that He has a purpose for us. I pray that you will be diligent in your time in the Word and come to know God more deeply. I have the same goal for this year, as I never have been able to maintain my quiet time in the Word through a pregnancy (a time when I need Him more than ever!). I feel the need to live in Proverbs for quite a while.
Thanks for your honesty and encouragement!
Andrea
Thanks so much for all the linky-love! :)
It is amazing how life can be so much better when you just take a different perspective and trust God. I am really looking forward to this new year and a new way of thinking. So glad you are along on the same journey!
I hope you know how much you inspire me by posting what is on your heart.
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