Thursday, March 20, 2014

My One Word - Chapters 11 & 12

"And the Lord replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses.  I will give you rest - everything will be fine for you."  Then Moses said, "If you don't go with us personally, don't let us move a step from this place."  Exodus 33:14-15

As we come to the end of the book, we are reminded of the importance of The Journey.  By now, you have probably chosen a word, or at least narrowed it down.  But in the process of choosing, don't forget the purpose of your One Word - to draw closer to God.

I chose an obvious word for chapter 11: WAIT and for chapter 12 it is JOURNEY.  Both words point to the fact that it takes time to get to our destination, just as both chapters talk about the importance of what happens between today and a year from today with our one word.  We all have a 'destination' in mind when we choose a word - a new & improved self, attitude, outlook, etc.  But it's the moments and days in between now and then that make the change possible. Often times we see a journey as just a waiting time til we get to our destination.  But there's a better way to view it;  Mike puts it this way, "Waiting prepares me for his (God's) lead." (MOW, 159).

Most importantly, it's who we rely on to make that change in us.  Just before the passage above, Moses is a talking with God and expressing concern about traveling to the Promised Land.  The Lord's assurance is not just for Moses - it's for us, too!  When we wait on the Lord, our time is not wasted.  When God travels with us on our journey, he teaches "...us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" Psalm 90:12  

Over the next few days, as you finish reading "My One Word" and begin a year-long journey with your word, don't forget to travel with the best tour guide around: God!  Remember to stop and smell the roses and keep a travel journal so that you can look back and recall all the things, big & small / good & bad, that you experienced along the way.  "The normal, natural pace of our lives will not likely lead us toward spiritual formation" (MOW, 23), so be intentional in your endeavour, stay focused on your word, and remain open to what God is doing in your life.

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly
honey

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24



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