"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27 ESV
Last week was an amazing week for my two teenagers! My daughter and her partner won a state-wide video contest, my son had a hat trick, his team won a weekend tournament, and their high school hockey team became State Champions! I can't help but be very proud of them!
Have you had days like this, where you're on top of the world? Energy is high and it seeps into everything you do. Take a moment to recall that time. How long did that euphoria last? How long did it sustain you? In our busy lives it's easy to forget even the most exciting & uplifting feelings that we experience. In fact, when I mentioned what a great week it was, my daughter said, "Oh yea, that was this week!" in reference to her video contest. Amazing! They had worked very hard on the project and drumming up votes, yet with everything else going on, she had forgotten that it was only days before that she had celebrated a victory. Memories can be short, even for the good things in life!
A one word description for chapter five is Remember. Mike talks about how forgetful we humans can be and gives us our first challenge: "Don't fail to remember." (pg. 76). Even with all the work that we put into discovering our one word, chances are that if we are not intentional, we can forget our word. He says, "... the single most difficult part of this One Word journey is continuing to focus on our word for a full year." (pg. 75). In the Reflect section, he gives us some good advice about how to keep our word in front of us.
Last year I decided to electronically sign all my e-mails with the Bible verse that contains my word. Every time I sent an e-mail, it was there. Often I would re-read my e-mail through the lens of My One Word and make appropriate changes or not send it at all!
What are the ways you are going to keep your One Word in front of you? Please share your ways in the Comments! I can't wait to read all your creative ideas.
The one word I chose for chapter six is: Obey. Personally, I find that difficult. I am a rule follower, but I don't like being told what to do! On page 82 Mike gives us challenge #2: "... stop making excuses for inactivity." Oh, I am so good at making excuses - I consider it a hobby! But that's not what God expects; 'he is waiting for us to obey.' (pg. 90). Mike also tackles the question of 'how do I know it's God's voice?'. According to him, hearing God requires the Four C's: Consistency in my walk; Clarity on his purpose; Confirmation in the Word; and Counsel from wise friends. When you're unsure if what you're hearing is coming from God, put it to the test of the 4 C's.
And don't forget to journal your journey! It's the best way to remember, reflect, and obey.
Connect and share in the comments :) I look forward to reading about your One Word journey!
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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