Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Word Is...

I was reading over at Penless Thoughts blog the other day and she wrote about her word and goal for 2009. I started thinking about it and praying for a word that I could use to express my desire for me this year. This morning I found it....
Deeper.
In Luke 6:46-48 (The Message) we read about builders and foundations.
Why are you so polite with me, always saying 'Yes, sir,' and 'That's Right, Sir,' but never doing a thing I tell you? These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on.
"If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last.
I want the foundation of my life to be deep and built on the truths of God's word.
Ephesians 3:18 (The Message)
I ask Him to strengthen you by his Spirit - not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength. - that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite Him in. And I ask Him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love.
Reach out and experience the breadth!
Test its length!
Plumb the depths!
Rise to the heights!
Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
So as I type I also pray these scriptures that I will plumb the depths this year and grow deeper in my relationship with Jesus.
In future post I"ll share some ways I will be digging deeper.
If you have a word for the year, please share it.

7 comments:

HOPE said...

Mine Joy will be...Pursuing.

Read my last two entries on THis is the Day and you'll appreciate the word more fully.

The beginning of this New Year has been such an overwhelming blessing to me personally. This man's testimony...answers to prayers that have been on my heart for a while..answered the first week of this New Year.

It was a blessing to read your post...looking forward to what you have to share...

blessings..
HOPE

Susan said...

This is a great word, Joy. We all must go DEEPER in the Lord and His plans and purposes for our lives. It's going to be a blessing to follow how He uses the words we've picked in our lives in '09.

I'm going to go DEEPER with you in my UNITY :o)

Susan

Betty said...

You inspire me to do better !

Joyful said...

Your post made me think of a beautiful old hymn.

"Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.

Refrain:
Oh, deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.

Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.

Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.

Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.

Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow’r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue."
Charles P. Jones

Thanks for your personal word on my blog too.
Blessings,
Joy

Joyfulsister said...

Deeper... That is awesome my sistah, and you alreading know what mine is *smile*. I love having a goal and pursuing it whole heartily with all my heart, mind, soul, spirit, and strength. Somedays I may fail at times, but there is always a tomorrow to try again!!

Ronnica said...

That's a good word! Especially in a world that is stuck on the superficial.

Michele said...

Great post, Joy. I guess you already saw mine is AWAKEN!