2019 Word of the Year

For the last six years, I have shared a Word of the Year.   Last year, it was "New," and God did do a new thing for me, something I will be sharing in the days to come.

The word for 2019 is "Stewardship."  A few weeks ago as I was praying for strength and wisdom to become a better steward of all that God has given me, it occurred to me that I should use it as the Word of the Year.   Then suddenly, I was hearing and seeing the word everywhere.  The preacher mentioned it...I heard it on a video, I read it on some obscure post somewhere.  Funny how confirmation works, isn't it?

In the past, my words of the year, I felt, were mostly for me.

This one, I believe, is for all of us.

You may be wondering about the scripture choice for the word "Stewardship."  My other choice was Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  I chose "Seek My face" because it is more personal...to seek His face is to seek the very presence of God.   If we are in His presence, we are going to be aware of His goodness, and we will strive to be good stewards of all He gives us.  In His presence, we will want more of Him and less of ourselves.  Its funny the things we will try to hold on to....I suppose that's a whole post to itself.

What is an area where you could be a better steward in 2019?   It is easy to take for granted all His blessings when we've had them all of our lives, never having to be without modern conveniences.  I try to remember to be grateful for simple things, something I've come to realize with age is that not everyone can get up out a nice comfortable bed every morning, go take a hot shower, toss wrinkled clothes in a dryer, go to a job they love...I can't help but wonderful if thankfulness and stewardship go hand in hand.

• Are we good stewards of His love?   Do we share the Love of the Father with those who have fallen, or do we pass judgment?  Do we help others when we can?   What about when it's a little inconvenient?   
• Are we good stewards of the freedoms He has provided?  We live in a country where we can openly read the Bible, go to church, pray, all without fear.   Every now and then, we may have to put up with some snide remarks or an insult for our faith...but, so?   

Last year, I read the Bible through.   It wasn't the first time I did it, but it was the first time I really tried to take the time to understand more about what I was reading.  I used two and sometimes three versions to help me understand the more difficult passages.  This year, I plan to try harder to understand what I'm reading.

Have you ever heard that reading the Bible is life-changing?  It really is.  In July of 2017, I made up my mind to endeavor to not miss a day of reading at least some scripture, even if it was just one short chapter.   It wasn't until just over a year later that I realized that, indeed, He was doing a work in me.  I have so much to tell you!

For now, I want to tell you...to implore you...read the Bible.  Every day.   You don't have to read it through in a year, though at least once in your life, you should do that!   Just read it.   Start with Psalms.  Or Genesis.  Jonah, Ruth, Esther, Proverbs...all are interesting books!   Or any of the New Testament books.  Just read! 

When you come across a verse that speaks to you, 

underline it, reread it, memorize it!

Be a good steward of all I am given, be aware of His goodness.  Be grateful for His blessings, every day.  These are my goals for 2019.   Seek His face, His presence.  Seek him first. 

Prior Words of the Year: