Sunlight through old growth forest, Oswald State Park“And God said, “Let there be light.” Genesis 1:3
God’s word is his command. He performs his word. God’s word is active in my life. What he says about me and the characteristics he attributes to me I must put on. In my own might and struggle many things are impossible — but with God’s commands about who I am and my abilities — even things I thought impossible, are possible.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
God knows me more intimately and deeply than any other person does on earth; he knows me better than I know myself.
“For the Word of God is alive and active,
sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow,
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
His love and commitment to the wholeness of my life is so deep that he uses his word like a scalpel, cutting way the dysfunction to reveal the person, the true image he created me to be — who is patterned after himself.
“But that is not how you learned Christ if you know of him
and were taught in him as the truth is in Jesus.
To put off your former manner of life
which is corrupt through deceitful desires
and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and to put on your new self which is created in
God’s likeness in holiness and righteousness.”
Ephesians 4:22
My call for 2014 is to fully accept what God says about me and to apply his word to every area of my life. I also must let him cut me, where necessary. I must apprehend him. I must not put assumptions on how his word is to be performed but must give him freedom to perform his good work in me as he sees fit.
“God is not a man that he should lie, or a son of many,
that he should change his mind. Has he said and will he not do it?
Or, has he spoken and will he not fulfill it”
Numbers 23:19
It is up to me to take him at his word. I must actively communicate with him and listen to him and make concrete commitments in 2014 and leave them with him with expectation.
A view of Short Sands Beach, Oswald State ParkWith God all things are possible.
SPIRITUAL
I want my pursuit of Jesus to be foremost in my life. I want to pursue him through his word and understand him — as the person of God. I don’t want to just read about him, I want to know him.
Commitments —
- Journal on the words of Jesus.
- My reading of the word must be of quality, not quantity.
- Continue to remember and pray verses that emphasis the Word.
- Build prayer for others as a habit; more focused.
- Lessons Learned. I must treat this blog like a ministry instead of a pastime. I must commit to it and consider it vitally important. It is my legacy of God’s work in my life … far more valuable than any riches.
- Forward Edge outreach in Mexico. My travel has been self-indulgent and self focused. I want to be used by Jesus in the life of another. I want to be his conduit to do whatever he intends through me.
- Community outreach. Senior citizen. Pray about what this looks like and timing.
RELATIONSHIPS
Words in my spirit: Be others centered; continually check my motivations and combat unforgiveness, envy, impatience, control with God’s word. Be continuous and steadfast. Don’t let any negativity gain a foothold. Be kind, tenderhearted and compassionate.
Commitments —
- Foster relationships among others.
- Continue scheduling meetings with individual women and engaging in their lives genuinely and sincerely.
- Host a Women’s Community Group.
- Continue women’s breakfast.
- Consider ‘Life Together’ Thursday Circle book club.
HEALTH
If I am not healthy — I am not strong — this impacts me physically, spiritually, psychologically and emotionally. It impacts what I do and what I deliberately don’t do. My health can hold me back if I let it.
Commitments —
- Jumpstart exercise by enrolling in a yoga or pilates class.
- Continue paleo/primal diet because it makes me feel physically good.
- Don’t eat out of laziness — instead apply that energy to something creative or physically active like hiking, etc.
CREATIVITY
I can create beautiful things. God has put that within me because he is within me. Therefore I don’t doubt my ability but I must apply myself and not let laziness or doubt stand in my way. I must apply myself and build creative habits. I must try new things and get better at other things.
Commitments —
- Photography
- Mosaic Work
- Sketching and watercolor journaling during travels, personal renewals.
- Sewing
- Gardening
REST
Continue to balance time with time spent with Jesus first and foremost. Don’t sacrifice that for other things, sacrifice other things for that.
Commitments —
- Commit to sleep. By getting enough sleep I can give God all of myself — my full attention.
- Financial peace. Focus on paying off credit cards and not getting into more debt. This means no big trips, no expensive purchases. Cancel store credit cards.
- Turn off the technology. Literally. Don’t have it on during time with God or during creativity.
- Personal spiritual renewal. My time away is so refreshing and renews my heart, spirit and love for God in such healing ways that I want to schedule more planned retreats with him four times this year.
- Travel. Take small trips, road trips — no big international trips. Take a break from these.
Lessons learned 