December 29th, 2023
Read and Reflect on Nehemiah chapter 6.
Nehemiah was compelled by God to rebuild the broken walls surrounding ancient Jerusalem. There were many distractions and detractors to his God-appointed work. Focus on his response to his enemies in verse 3. Pray this will be your response with distractions seek to take you away from the ‘one word’ God is calling you to live out.
When your One Word comes to you, it may come in the form of a character trait, a discipline, a person, a spiritual focus, an attribute or a value. The following examples of possible words are not meant to be a particular list from which to choose, but rather a starting point of ideas: love, joy, patience, kindness, rest, prayer, health, train, flexible, devotion, intimacy, discipline, commitment, bold, positive, green, inspire, finish, purity, integrity and strong.
Living out your word will keep you focused and prevent you from being distracted. We see the impact of Nehemiah being focused when he was building the wall. In Nehemiah 6:3, he did not come down from his work, because he was doing the one thing he committed to do—build the wall! And he was doing a great work. Remember, when you live your word, you are doing a great work.
The process of ‘one word’ is exhilarating, but it will also prove to be challenging. You’ll face obstacles you didn’t anticipate. You will be stretched, But you will learn the most when you step out of your comfort zone, so stay the course.
It’s essential to remember and focus on your word throughout the year. If your word is not at the top of your mind, it will be forgotten.
Here are several simple ways to keep your One Word front & center throughout the year.
• First, post your word in prominent places so you see it on a regular basis. What gets your attention gets your focus; what gets your focus gets done. Creating reminders is important. Write it down and post it in prominent places, such as your school locker, in your car, on your desk or in your locker room.
• Second, share your word with a partner or Life Group—that inner circle of friends, teammates, and family most important to you and whom you trust without hesitation. Give them permission to ask you about your word.
You will experience highs and lows in the New Year, but caring connections with friends are all part of the process. As you live out your word, let God use the simplicity of your One Word theme to revolutionize your everyday life.
Pause & Reflect -
1. What is one thing you can do to remember your One Word?
2. List three people in your inner circle who you will share your word with.
3. How can you live your One Word as a family, business, team?
Prayer Response -
"Abba Father, I pray that you will help me live my word to its fullest this year. Just like Nehemiah, keep me focused on living it and prevent the distractions. And if they do come, give me the courage to stay focused on what You have called me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen."
When your One Word comes to you, it may come in the form of a character trait, a discipline, a person, a spiritual focus, an attribute or a value. The following examples of possible words are not meant to be a particular list from which to choose, but rather a starting point of ideas: love, joy, patience, kindness, rest, prayer, health, train, flexible, devotion, intimacy, discipline, commitment, bold, positive, green, inspire, finish, purity, integrity and strong.
Living out your word will keep you focused and prevent you from being distracted. We see the impact of Nehemiah being focused when he was building the wall. In Nehemiah 6:3, he did not come down from his work, because he was doing the one thing he committed to do—build the wall! And he was doing a great work. Remember, when you live your word, you are doing a great work.
The process of ‘one word’ is exhilarating, but it will also prove to be challenging. You’ll face obstacles you didn’t anticipate. You will be stretched, But you will learn the most when you step out of your comfort zone, so stay the course.
It’s essential to remember and focus on your word throughout the year. If your word is not at the top of your mind, it will be forgotten.
Here are several simple ways to keep your One Word front & center throughout the year.
• First, post your word in prominent places so you see it on a regular basis. What gets your attention gets your focus; what gets your focus gets done. Creating reminders is important. Write it down and post it in prominent places, such as your school locker, in your car, on your desk or in your locker room.
• Second, share your word with a partner or Life Group—that inner circle of friends, teammates, and family most important to you and whom you trust without hesitation. Give them permission to ask you about your word.
You will experience highs and lows in the New Year, but caring connections with friends are all part of the process. As you live out your word, let God use the simplicity of your One Word theme to revolutionize your everyday life.
Pause & Reflect -
1. What is one thing you can do to remember your One Word?
2. List three people in your inner circle who you will share your word with.
3. How can you live your One Word as a family, business, team?
Prayer Response -
"Abba Father, I pray that you will help me live my word to its fullest this year. Just like Nehemiah, keep me focused on living it and prevent the distractions. And if they do come, give me the courage to stay focused on what You have called me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen."
No Comments