In our small online group, January is a challenge month, which means the month is up to us to decide. We decided to focus on one word and one verse each day this month. Our hope is in focusing on one word each day and throughout that day, we will begin to find our faith strengthening. We want each word this month to help us build better habits, focus, and faith.
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NASB)
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PRESENT.
 “Make the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16, NASB)
The Message words it this way: “Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!”
These days are desperate. We are desperate for answers, for peace, and to hear solutions.
And the good news is this – As we are present with God, He will speak to us and we will hear His voice.
Every day will provide us opportunities. Opportunities to be present with God. Opportunities to be present with those around us.
What distraction is keeping you from your relationship with God and those around you? What can you do to be more present with them?
Some days it is the “ding”. The ding of a text message, or an email. As good as technology and electronics can be, they can also pull us away from being present with those right in front of us. This is an easy fix if we are intentional – silence the ding during our quiet time with God or when with others. If we don’t hear it, we won’t check it.
Do you have a solution or remedy for distractions?
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VISION.
“Then you will see this, and your heart will be glad, And your bones will flourish like the new grass; And the hand of the Lord will be made known to His servants, But He will be indignant toward His enemies.” (Isaiah 66:14, NASB)
Vision – it can be defined as what we are seeing. It can also be defined as what we picture mentally.
However, what we see can affect how we think mentally.
The enemy works hard to shift our eyes to see the problems, the controversies, and the challenges. As we let these things stay in our line of vision, they loom larger in front of us.
But if we set our eyes on God and His promises, our hearts will find joy and gladness.
Note what happens next >>> “and your bones will flourish like the new grass …”
Growth comes. Hope and joy begin to grow and flourish in our hearts.
Think about this past year. What encouraging thing do you see in your future with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength? If you were asked, “What is your vision?”, what would you respond?
In reviewing the past year, I find hope and encouragement for the year ahead. It may have been a difficult year, but we are here. We made it through, with the Lord’s help.
May we set our sights on His promises, on Him alone. May we feast our eyes on Him and not on the news around us.
This song came to mind and I pray it will bless you and help you to keep “Vision” in your thoughts today!
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MULTIPLY.
“God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28, NASB)
To multiply is to basically cause increase.
We know God gave this instruction to Adam and Eve so that the earth would be populated and filled.
But do we pause to realize we, too, are to be fruitful?
In John 15, we find Jesus speaking to His disciples about pruning and being fruitful. There He states that as we abide in Him, our lives will bear fruit. Much fruit to be exact. Jesus then goes on to say:
“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” (John 15:8, NASB)
As our lives bear fruit, we bring glory to our Father. Our fruitful lives prove we are His.
What can you do differently to see more multiplication in your life? How can you step forward?
As you think on these questions, ask the Lord what fruit He is wanting to bring out in your life this year.
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Staying free of distractions,
setting our sights on His promises, on Him alone,
is the way our lives will bear fruit and bring God glory.
Photo 1: Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash
Photo 2: Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
One thing I struggle to remember is when I bear fruit and multiply, I don’t have to decide on the fruit! In other words, I think being fruitful looks one way (success in some area), but God gently points out that the good things he does in my character are also fruit).
I’m asking the Lord to give me wisdom, discernment, and revelation for all He wants to bring out in my life. I trust Him. 🙂
I think my “busyness” keeps me from being present with God as I should. I’m working on it–trying to be more focused on my time with God–placing my time with Him as a priority, rather than “I’ll get to it if I can” excuse. Your inspiring message is encouraging. Thank you!
Oh, I really like this idea of being present to people. Right now, we need to listen to each other and be there for each other more than ever in our stress-filled world. We can offer comfort and healing by just listening and being there for each other.
Thank you for these prompts.