A Word for 2020

“Choose one word to live by in the next year.”  This was the challenge introduced to a room full of high-school bible study students at my church a few years ago.  “A word that will define your actions and priorities this coming year.”  This challenge was a welcome depart from New Year’s resolutions which always seem to skillfully elude us after a couple of months.  That year, I chose the word “servant” to live by.  I failed many times to uphold that word, however, it provided an indispensable goal and something to strive towards throughout the entire year.  

After much prayer and consideration, the word I’m choosing to focus on this year is Peace.

  

Peace in the Bible is not the same as we casually use the term today - “If I could just have some peace and quiet I could get a lot more done.”  Or, “If only there was peace in the world.”  The kind of peace Jesus offers is joyful rest and contentment in God’s plan for us.  Peace is knowing that every aspect of our lives is for our good and His pleasure.  Additionally, it is one of the Fruits of the Spirit.  I can think of wonderful Christian influences in my life that live with this mindset of peace. It is truly amazing to see how this mindset affects every aspect of their lives. 

Two Bible verses immediately come to mind when I think of peace: Isaiah 26:3 and John 14:27 (emphasis added).  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” and “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  These are powerful promises from a powerful Savior.  

I always loved writing goals on New Year’s Eve.  It was a fun time of reflection on the closing year, and a time of hopeful prospects for the coming year.  But they rarely stuck, and once they were gone...there was no motivation to resume the resolution anew.  Having a word as inspiration for the New Year transforms and replaces every goal and resolution.  I am so thankful for the many blessings this last decade held, and look forward to what God has in store for 2020.  

Set Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy

A sweet friend loaned me this book after she read it and spoke so highly of it.  After only reading a few chapters, I quickly realized why my friend valued this book so much.  In a culture that praises immodesty and covets worldliness, this book was a refreshing detour from worldly pursuits.  I highly recommend reading this book!  It was an energizing and convicting read.  It offers a great reminder of why saving your heart for Christ is so important. Here's the link to the book on Amazon.

Charles Spurgeon Quote

"My faith rests not in what I am, or shall be, or feel, or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done and in what He is now doing for me."

-Charles H. Spurgeon

The Reason for the Hope Within Us

Often Christians are asked what makes them seem so different from everyone else they observe around them.  The radiant joy and astounding peace of Christians makes unbelievers curious.  They wonder why they don’t share the same disposition, and how the Christian has attained it.  “Maybe that Christian has the ideal job, designer clothes and a luxury car, and that gives them their happiness,” muses the unbeliever.  However, this is never the case.  The Christian finds his/her joy and peace resting in the Savior’s Arms. This kind of joy cannot be bought, sold, or traded, and is only attained by knowing Him.  We know these simple truths, but how can we share them with others?  The answer: live a life filled with His joy, peace, and love.  You see, when we live like this it attracts attention because it is not what the world is used to seeing.  People notice our joy and peace, and want to know what sets us apart.  A quiet Christian life attracts more attention than standing on a street corner yelling how much people need Jesus.  Model it for them.  You will be the only Bible some people will ever read.  Pray for opportunities to witness to those around you who are curious where you find your strength.  In a society that promotes love and tolerance everywhere you turn, the most loving thing you can do for a person is point them toward Jesus.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.” -1 Peter 3:15 NIV

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” -1 Thessalonians 4:12 NIV (emphasis added).

We will be asked as Christians to explain our reason for hope - it’s part of our job description!  But as Peter says, do it with gentleness and respect, and you cannot possibly go wrong.

Top Five Christian Classics Every Young Lady Should Read

Christian classics are so wonderful!  They are so rich and full of wisdom.  These are the five I believe are crucial for every young lady to read.

Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss.  This is a sweet story of a girl’s trials and victories in her Christian walk and life as recorded in her journal.  She starts her journal at sixteen, and continues it throughout her whole life.  The mother in this book is so sweet!  Katherine, the main character, has a hard time enjoying praying, but learns how wonderful a privilege it is.  Elizabeth Prentiss is the one who wrote the hymn “More Love to Thee, O Christ.”

Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard.  This is an allegorical tale of a girl through the refining mountains and valleys she passes on the way to her new, transformed heart and life.  It could not be more beautiful!   The sequel,  Mountains of Spices, is my all-time favorite book.  I have read these two over and over again and they never lose their charm.  My copies are well worn, and I could not recommend them more!

Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman by Gladys Aylward.  This book chronicles the life of Gladys Aylward, a missionary who over one-hundred children called “mom.”  Her life was dedicated to serving the children of China and bringing the gospel to them.  It will give you chills!  It is incredible!

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.  This book encourages a life of living in the presence of God, and continual conversation with Him.  Brother Lawrence’s love of God is contagious and so refreshing.

In His Steps by Charles Monroe Sheldon.  In this fictional tale, a town’s pastor challenges his congregation to ask themselves “what would Jesus do?” before every action for a year.  Of those who participated, the results were dramatic.  Many lost or gave up what they had, but were so fulfilled with what they were doing.  This is a wonderful read!