Word

No, I’m not trying to go back to 90’s street slang.

An inspirational friend of mine has inspired me to pick a “word” for the year- 2009. Actually her word for 2008, to be exact! When Dan and I decided it would be cool to have a “word” we really couldn’t think of anything but the one they chose for their family…. FREE.

First off, since this will be the first year for picking a “word” for our family, there’s really no other word that it could be. You really can’t do anything until you are FREE. It has to be your starting point!

But aside from that, this really does encapsulate the journey that Dan and I feel we’re on right now. I’ve been thinking/praying about this for weeks and the word just keeps coming back. FREE. God has spoken so much to us lately and so clearly. Not since He told me Dan was the one I would marry have I heard anything so directly. He’s been speaking to me very personally about the FREEdom that He has planned for our lives. FREEdom from such things as worry, debt, structure, lack of self-confidence, fear,  “the norm”, and so on. In fact, He has already FREE‘d us by sending His son to die for us. So it’s there for us to take. FREE FREEdom. Why would we not take it? Why is it so difficult to embrace it? These are things I hope my family learns this new year.

We feel we are at the beginning of a new chapter in our lives- one in which we are going to learn so much more about what it means to FOLLOW Him wholeheartedly. I’m excited about sharing more with you as the year goes on.

The following verses have impacted me greatly while looking into this term a little more. I hope they bless you as well!

Psalm 119:32
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 118:5
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.

Proverbs 11:24
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 3:12
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Colossians 1:22
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

What is God speaking to you for the new year?

(If you need help thinking of a word- go HERE)