While on Facebook I came across the following post from my church
Then while reading my friend Nina’s blog http://www.ninagraceblogs.com and she spoke about finding her word for the new year. Nina Said
“One of the “traditions” I’ve seen the past few years is to choose a “word of intention” for the coming year. This word should represent your main goal or focus, it helps you narrow things down to your top priority. I like that idea because it really causes me to reflect and decide what it is that I really want to accomplish in 2017. Rather than a whole list of hopeful maybes that may or may not happen, this word gives me something to pray over and believe in.”
Before I continue go read the rest of her blog, (http://www.ninagraceblogs.com/my-word-for-the-new-year/) I’ll wait, her writing is excellent and will draw you in. She’s been on a pretty amazing journey over the past year or two and it comes through in her writing. God is using her as she stepped out in faith with her blog.
Ok, if you came back to my blog, thanks, if not I understand, haha.
I’d never heard of a “Word of Intention” (yes, I may live under a rock sometimes) as I pondered this concept I thought it was a great idea. I emailed Nina to ask where she heard of it and she responded “social media”. I Googled it and found other writers explained the concept much as she did above.
I wanted to try this in my life for 2017. So I pondered and prayed about my priorities for 2017, and I kept coming back to three words. Patience, Purpose, and Prayer.
Patience. I’ve written about Patience before in 2011 and posted to the blog in 2014. That blog is here, and the points I make there are still valid today.
Also on my desk is a rock from the Palmer House with “Patience” written on the front. Whenever I sit down at my desk I look at this rock and its neighbor “Friend” rock. On the back of the Patience rock is Titus 2:2.
Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Titus 2:2 ESV
I can be impatient. I need to cultivate patience. Patience is a fruit of the spirit, and love is patient. I’m sure there will be more to it, but 2017 is just beginning.
Purpose. We all need one. What will define my purpose in 2017?
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way. - Psalm 37:23 (NASB95)
The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. – Proverbs 20:5 (NIV)
I’m getting older, I said older NOT old, I still have passions that drive me. I want the passions to drive my purpose and I want my purpose to glorify God. Lord help me to understand your purposes for me throughout 2017.
Prayer. Prayer needs to undergird EVERYTHING!
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. – Luke 11:9-10 (NIV)
17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
I don’t know what 2017 will bring, but these three words of intent, Patience, Purpose, and Prayer, will help me keep focused on the main things.
