One word can change your life. Scripture tells us that words can set a fire (James 3:6), or words can heal (Proverbs 16:24). The Bible also says, "The tongue has the power of life and death..." (Proverbs 18:21).
That's why I was very intentional about praying and asking God about a word to focus on in 2021 at Skyline Church. We serve a good God who cares for His children. He wants to steer us in the right direction and keep us from stumbling. He's not a God of difficult discourse but of clarity. After much prayer, God has confirmed that we are going to set our thoughts, actions, and habits on the word, THRIVE, in 2021. I talked more about this word in my recent blog "Word Of The Year".
I’m curious … have you ever chosen a word of the year? I want to encourage you to have a word to focus on this year. Words are very powerful!Our thoughts become words, our words become actions, and if our actions become habits, they determine who we become. Proverbs 23:7 says it like this, “As he thinks within himself, so he is” (KJV).Here are three easy steps to choosing a word of the year:
1. Ask: Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”And in James, it says, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you."
Take some time to pray with God and talk to Him about your needs. There IS something God wants to do through YOU this year! What is it?
2. Anticipate: When a word comes to mind, write it down! You may start with several words and over the course of a few days or weeks it becomes clearer and clearer which word it is. Anticipate three ways to keep yourself focused on this word throughout the year! What new habits will you need to make to keep your word of the year at the forefront of your mind?
One thing that helps me, is telling others about my word. It keeps me accountable and encourages me to stay focused. Share your excitement with others and invite them to pick a word too.
3. Acknowledge: God has no limits when it comes to revealing this word to you. Everyone will have a different experience. Your word may not make sense right away, but as you pray and confirm it, make sure to acknowledge that God chose this word for a reason!
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
I'm curious to know what your word of the year is! Let me know what word you'll be focusing on this year by filling out a Connection Card at SkylineChurch.org or commenting below!
Joshua Cramlett said:
Love this idea. Going to start the prayer process now.
rej56 said:
I’m working on finding my new 2021 word. I’m excited and hope to find it by tomorrow.
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Lon Bon said:
Thank you for the encouragement Jeremy!
Ask and you shall receive (according to him) right?! Ask in faith right? So what am I waiting for haha. 2021…
Jeremy McGarity said:
Amen Lon
Lon bon said:
my word is Renewed!
(past tense because I already have that which I seek ,because Its a yes and Amen! )but the goal is to go from where I am now to where I am meant to be this year by “renew”Ing my mind.(and other things). Thanx Coach!!
SJY555 said:
YOKED! Yoked as in joined with Jesus and also in unjoining with the things in my life that are no good. We can’t be yoked with light and darkness after all. Gonna get so yoked this year! 💪
Jeremy McGarity said:
Yes! Love it
Connie Lind said:
“Forward”