Jen Russum

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Flowers Fade Friday: Verse for the Year

I know many people make resolutions or goals for the new year {I made some too!} and others pick a word to be their theme for the next twelve months, which I also think is a great idea.

However, I was at church on New Year’s morning and it struck me… why not have a verse for the new year? Instead of choosing my own word, why not let God’s Word guide me in 2012? Our pastor preached a verse that stuck out to me as a great summary of how I want to live my life this year:
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ 
and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
-1 John 3:23
Step 1: Believe in the name of Jesus… Of course, I believe in Jesus. He is my Savior. I have entrusted my life to Him. But do I believe in Him on a daily basis? When I am tempted to sin, do I believe that Jesus, who conquered death, can conquer any sin in me? When I am uncertain about the future, do I believe that Jesus has a plan for me that will always lead to His glory and my own holiness? When I feel forlorn, angry, or desperate, do I believe Jesus’ promises? That he will give me rest, provide for all my needs, and give me strength when I am weak? When I am captivated by idols and the things of this world, will I believe that Christ is my greatest treasure and highest joy and turn from all that is NOT Him? I want to believe in Jesus in new ways this year… I want my faith in Him to creep into every corner of my life and bring His light to areas I have kept dark with my self-reliance and lack of trust in my Savior.
Step two: Love one another… Sure, I love others. I love my husband, my family, my friends, the people at my church. But, again, do I allow love to seep through all areas of my life? Do I seek to love those who are unlovable? Who are needy and can’t give me anything in return? Am I patient with those who annoy me or ask for “too much” of my time? Do I love only when it’s convenient? When it means meeting a friend for coffee, but not when it means helping a friend move? Do I give Micah enough loving attention? Or do I cherish my own to-do list more than interacting with the husband God blessed me with?  Do I idolize a clean home or do I love people by inviting them in, even when the floor needs to be swept and there is clutter on the counters? Do I love others by sharing Jesus with them or do I, in selfish, hesitant pride, keep my lips shut when my heart knows the overflowing riches of Christ’s goodness? I want this year to be marked with love. I want to love people I’ve sinfully neglected to love in the past. I want to love when it hurts, when it’s inconvenient, when it seems, from my narrow human view, unfruitful or pointless. I want to love like Christ loves me.

Will you join me? 
Do you have a verse that can lead you to repentance and increased holiness this year?
xoxo,
Jen

P.S. I am HONORED to be over at Wild-and-Precious doing a giveaway today! 
I love Blair. Go check it out!

Linking up with Casey, Ashley and Jami.

Comments

  2. Great verse 🙂 A verse I'm passionate about right now is Galatians 5:22-23, about the fruits of the spirit. I want to remember to display those attributes EACH and EVERY day!

  3. One of my "big goals" this year is to judge less and love more. I've really struggled with that in the past. God has shown me over the past few months that I need to be merciful to others, as He is merciful. My verse for the year has to do with that. It's kind of a weird choice, but it's a reminder for me to "judge not".

    James 2:13 "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

  5. My husband and I were talking last night about how we want to start reading more scripture and memorizing verses…I love 1 john 3:23…I think I will start with that one because it encompasses everything being a Christian means!

  7. What a great verse, Jen! I'm glad you're taking so much meaning from it and really using it to examine your own heart – that can be very tough to do, sometimes. You've asked fantastic questions and challenged yourself and your readers. Love it!

    The Holy Spirit really laid Psalm 84:10-12 on my heart a couple weeks ago. It's incredible how convicting it was for me in my faith, realizing how little faith I have sometimes in the Lord's provision. It gave me a great sense of peace, but also empowerment, knowing that I have a Father who loves me perfectly.