Y’all, I turned 40 last week.
40!
Four has always been my favorite number so I’m pretty confident that I’ve just entered the BEST DECADE OF MY LIFE. Really, it’s silly how giddy I am about it. I can’t help myself.
On the day before my birthday I was feeling a bit nostalgic, so I scribbled down a few lessons learned in the last decade of my life. Here’s what I wrote:
What a journey the thirties have been!
As I look back at my list and think about the bumpy road I’ve walked to grab hold of these truths, I see two major themes surface:
- The life-changing power of God’s Word
- A fresh faith built on the unshakable character of God
First of all, learning how to understand and apply God’s Word has changed my entire life. It’s changed the way I think, the words I speak and the course of my day-to-day. God’s truth is now the filter through which I see the world. It’s the food that nourishes my soul. By grace, God lit a fire in me that cannot be extinguished. I need His Word; it is life to me.
And secondly, what can I say about the ways that God has revealed His character to me? Three years ago I began digging into the heart and character of God by studying His many names. In the process, God wooed and wowed me by the stunning perfection, presence and power found in each of God’s names – names that enabled me to understand more clearly who God is and how He works in my life. I have been forever changed. My faith is new. Established. Firm.
Yet even as I type these words, my hearts still whispers,
Oh God, I barely know you. I want to know you more.
Keep Doing the Things
Last weekend at church I was reminded that it’s important to keep doing the things that brought us to where we are. If you feel better in your skin after working out, keep working out – If your marriage has new life because you’ve started making time for weekly dates, keep dating – If you’ve found freedom from comparison by filtering who you follow on social media, keep filtering.
It is important to keep doing the things …
- Stay in the Word. Let it’s truth keep making you.
- Stay focused on the LORD. Let His character keep shaping you.
Which brings me to this:
A New Monthly Series
Starting in February, I will be sharing one Bible verse (based on one name of God) each month to grow our faith in 2017.
In each post I will:
- Introduce one of God’s names as revealed in scripture
- Share one Bible verse that applies to the name
- Show you how both the name and the verse apply to your life
- Challenge you to memorize the verse during that month
- Provide a scripture memory card (to print), a cell phone lock screen image with the verse, and whatever else I can think of between now and then to keep the verse in front of you
What now?
Interested in joining me? I hope so!
Here are a few things you can do today:
- SUBSCRIBE: If you haven’t already, scroll down to the bottom of this post and fill out the form to receive blog posts via email.
- SPEAK UP: If you plan to join me in learning 11 verses to Grow your Faith in 2017, speak up. Let’s hold each other accountable! Simply reply to this email, comment below or say “I’m in!” on Facebook.
- FOLLOW ALONG: Be on the lookout in the first or second week of each month for a post entitled “Monthly Memory Verse” for the new name of God and new Bible verse to memorize.
Emily Bonin says
I’m in!!
admin says
Yay Emily! I’m excited to learn and grow more together!
Janet Scott says
I’m in! Scripture memory is a spiritual discipline I am working n for 2017 so this will be perfect! I taught HE IS in the fall so definitely looking forward to spending more time meditating and marinating on His nature and character!
admin says
Awesome Janet. That’s exactly what I’m needing too – to spend more time meditating and marinating! Plus, every time I study His names, He peels back another layer for me to discover. Glad you’re with us!!
Kanisha Ellis says
I am interested. I would love to work on scripture memory.. Thank you..
admin says
Welcome, Kanisha! Happy to have to along.
kacee says
I’m working on memorizing more scripture this year. so let’s do this!!!
admin says
Hey Kacee! Good timing 🙂 So glad to have you with us!
Daniela Nunes says
I’m in! My new years resolution is to grow the fruits of the Spirit in my life.
admin says
I love that Daniela! Glad to have you with us 🙂
Julie F says
I’m in!
admin says
So glad to have you with us, Julie!
Ling Waters says
I’m in!! I might be biting off more than I can chew but I’m totally committed. I think one month is ample time to get these verses down! #noexcuses. As a new follower, I have purchased a study bible and am dedicating myself to growing closer to Him by reading my daily devotional, reading 1-3 verses a day, and now trying to memorize verses. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on what I should/should not do as I begin this amazing journey! There’s just so much I want to do but need to take it one step at-a-time!!
admin says
Hi Ling! So glad to have you with us. Yes!! I love your hunger and excitement for the Word. I know that feeling well 🙂 Sometimes it can feel like you are drinking from a facet, can’t it? For me, when I wake up each day with with the prayer, “Jesus, I want to know you more!”, He always proves Himself faithful. Like with every relationship, growth happens over time as you spend time together. Enjoy the process – it’s grace upon grace!!