Monthly word 2025 - Goals/Visions
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Great question! I used to be part of Spark People and one of the things that they taught us was to make a long term goal and then make short term and medium term goals that will help you reach that long term goal - and be specific! I'm going to eat more vegetables is vague. I'm going to eat 1/2 a cup of vegetables for dinner every night for six months, then 1 C for the next six months. Your long term goal could be eating 1.5 C of veggies a day by the end of the year! Well, that isn't one of mine! LOL.
My goal this year is to cut back on eating simple carbs and getting more complex carbs. Eating more fruits and veggies and less bread, potatoes, rice, etc... It's hard for me to make a specific on that because we don't always have what we would need to do that. We do try to keep different kinds of fruits in the house, but if they are very expensive, well we have a bag of frozen fruit in the freezer and can use that in a smoothie. Right now I am having an apple a day in my yogurt salad with some pineapple as well. My girls here know that I'm not a veggie eater so I take a scoop of green powder filled with lots of good things as well as a liquid multi-vitamin to make up for what my tongue just won't let get past it!
The vision part is for my church family. A vision for winning the lost and doing my part by reaching out every opportunity that the Lord opens. We met a guy who was offering a new internet service in our area. Our pastor shared the truth with him, my husband shared the truth with him and one of the ladies in our church shared the truth with him when he came to her house. He was astonished because no one else had shared the truth with him from all of the houses he'd gone to, and one of those people was another pastor! You may be the only one to share biblical truth with them. The other vision is for us to experience better health this year. Many of us have physical issues from diseases and are often in pain. We are a very small church and yet we have quite a few issues, but we don't let them stop us from worshiping and being the witnesses that we need to be. We have the truth of freedom from sin and eternal life and we need to be out there offering that to those who are lost. That leads to another personal goal, to be ready to share by studying and knowing the Word, spending time in prayer and seeking God's will for me.
God bless us in all we hope and pray for this year.0 -
For the last several years I have had a word of the year, and done a lot of weekly and monthly studies on that subject. Last year it was "Strength" because I have to be strong to take care of my husband. Keeping the spiritual strength was key to keeping my physical strength.
This year I decided on taking a bit of a different route. I wanted a physical planner instead of noting everything on my computer for everyday stuff concerning my husband's health. If I was going to do a physical planner, I wanted it to encompass more than just those notes. I searched and came up with a great one that has words of the month instead of the year - it also has scriptures of the week to study and meditate on. I took each of those words and found scriptures and short studies that i have printed and put in a notebook for when that month arrives. This month my word and my study is Motivation. Unfortunately the study hasn't motivated me back towards weight loss....But I will get there, eventually. Right now, I am trying to keep meals that Bill will eat and not wanting to cook something separate for me.0 -
Right now Bill needs to be your main focus and I know that you are working on getting as healthy down him as you can. Mom would only eat fruit near her end, at least that was healthy for her! That Bill is eating is a very good thing! I'm sure you're burning a bunch of calories taking care of him as well.0
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Lynndy - Does your church do short-term mission trips? My church back in Atlanta did 1-2 trips a year, with several people taking vacation time to go. Often a parent and teen would go together.
One of my goals is to be more active, like taking regular walks in the neighborhood. It's a beautiful area with mountain views, but hilly, so I have to be careful not to go further down than I can comfortably walk back up. My ideal day is when I don't have to leave the house, so my other goal is to get out and be around other people more. I believe that's called "getting out of your comfort zone."
Connie, focusing on Bill's health is helping you as well. You're doing exactly what you need to. By the way, what is February's word?0 -
February's word is Passion. I have found a lot more about Christian passion and a lot more verses about passion. I am more "motivated" for studying about passion.....0
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Love that Connie. There's a verse (1 Cor 16:15 KJV) that speaks of being "addicted" to the ministry of the saints. Having a passion toward ministry. Devoted is the word in most translations.0
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Connie, I'm enjoying your word of the month. Especially "passion," which is fun to explore. My first thought was "The Passion of the Christ" and all the rich biblical meaning behind that phrase. Then there's the meaning Kim alluded to - things about which we have strong feelings, fervor, devotion, etc. There's also the idea that passion can lead us astray, so I guess it all depends on the object of our passion. Such a rich and deep topic!0
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Great thoughts, Carole. I hadn't thought of so many different directions our passion can go in!0
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I went into my Bible application and did a search in the Message Bible. It isnt a translation that I normally use, but I came up with some great examples of passion. I thought it might be easier to find verses using passion, and in more meaningful ways.
Regarding passion, but not using the word: Colossians 3:23-25
Servants, do what you're told by earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.
Using passion: Matthew 22:37-40
Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself. These two commandments are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them.0 -
I love how the Message uses "passion" in the first phrase of the Matthew 22 passage. I find that translation very helpful at times.0
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I did a children's lesson on the Greatest Commandment and defined heart, mind, soul and strength (Mk passage) as all that you love, with all your thoughts, with all that you are, and with all that you do. I like passion there too because it has a deeper meaning that you can see. Agape love has a godly passion associated with it.0
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Just jumping on to say that my word for March is Integrity.
Just the starting of my study:
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew work translated "Integrity" means "The condition of being without blemish, completeness, perfection, sincerity soundness, uprightness, wholeness." Integrity in the New Testament means "honesty and adherence to a pattern of good works."
Proverbs 2:20-22 (Mesage) So - Join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tired and true paths. It's the men who walk straight who will settle the land, the women with integrity who will last here. The corrupt will lose their lives, the dishonest will be gone for good.
Proverbs 11:20 (Message) God can't stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.0 -
Great word! Many are preaching today that we can't be good or do good works let alone have the integrity that the Bible speaks of. Thanks for sharing it with us.0
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This Month's word is Simplicity. That word really resonates in our lives. The simpler that I can keep things, the better for Bill and I both.
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I like that word! You are so right about life being easier when we just keep it simple. Thanks!
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In my study of Simplicity today, I came across this verse.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.0 -
Amen to that!
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I wrote a song called BE CONTENT and that was one of the verses that I used! So true.
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May's word of the month - Balance.
I looked up what balance in a Christian life should look like and this is the AI answer. Wow - I must say that I am impressed!
A balanced Christian life involves integrating spiritual, physical, psychological, and relational aspects, while prioritizing both personal needs and the needs of others. This means seeking to balance prayer and meditation with serving others, caring for one's own health and relationships with those of others, and prioritizing God's will while also fulfilling personal responsibilities. Here's a more detailed breakdown of balance in different areas:1. Spiritual:
- Prayer and Meditation: Set aside regular time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual reading to connect with God.
- Biblical Study: Regularly study the Scriptures to deepen understanding and grow in faith.
- Witnessing: Share your faith with others as God leads.
2. Physical:
- Nutrition and Exercise: Prioritize healthy eating and physical activity to care for your body.
- Rest and Sleep: Ensure adequate rest and sleep for optimal physical and mental well-being.
3. Psychological:
- Mental Health: Seek mental health resources and prioritize practices that promote a positive mindset.
- Emotional Well-being: Cultivate healthy emotional regulation and seek support when needed.
- Volitional Obedience: Strive to make choices that align with God's will and principles.
4. Relational:
- Family: Nurture relationships with family members, providing love, support, and care.
- Friends: Cultivate healthy friendships within the church and beyond.
- Workplace: Maintain positive and respectful relationships with coworkers.
- Serving Others: Actively engage in acts of service and compassion, especially towards those in need.
5. Balancing Serving Others and Personal Needs:
- Prioritize God's Will:Seek God's guidance in prioritizing your time and energy, balancing your own needs with the needs of others.
- Learn to Say No:Recognize your limitations and learn to decline requests when necessary to avoid burnout and maintain balance.
- Practice Self-Care:Prioritize your own well-being through healthy habits and activities, as it enhances your ability to serve others.
6. Jesus as an Example:
- Balancing Involvement and Withdrawal:Jesus' life demonstrates the importance of being present and involved in ministry while also seeking solitude and rest to maintain his spiritual connection with God.
- Prioritizing God's Will:Jesus consistently placed God's will above human expectations, which can serve as a model for Christians seeking to balance their lives.
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I think I would add to the mental and emotional is to seek Christian/pastoral counsel before seeking other counsel. And to #6 - I would add that not just in being present in ministry and finding time by yourself with the Lord, but also walking in the same manner that He walked, in ministry and in private. There are a lot of people out there today who look right up on the stage or in the pulpit, but away from it you wouldn't know that they were a Christian. I do like that it mentions seeking God's will in whatever we do because there can be no balance if we are outside of God's will.
Thanks, Connie.
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Kim - I was just really impressed that AI even gave anything as good as that! If is was my pastor, or your pastor, I'm sure it would be deeper, but for artificial intelligence, it was definitely thought provoking.
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That is surprising because it often gives a negative response to Christian issues. It must have just gleaned the info from someone who believed!
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I'm sure it did. I tried it on next month, too. It did a pretty good job there as well. I will share it next month.
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AI - Christian perspective on "lean"
In the Christian context, "lean" often refers to a reliance on God, particularly in times of difficulty or when seeking guidance. It signifies trusting in God's wisdom and strength rather than one's own understanding. This "leaning on God" can also involve relying on the support and community of other believers. Biblical Basis:
- Proverbs 3:5-6:This verse is a key text for understanding the Christian concept of leaning. It states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
- Matthew 11:28-30:This passage, where Jesus invites those weary and burdened to come to him for rest, is often interpreted as an invitation to lean on him for support and guidance.
- Psalm 37:3-7:This psalm encourages trusting in the Lord and doing good, emphasizing reliance on God's faithfulness.
- Other passages:The Bible uses the concept of "leaning" in various contexts, including relying on God's wisdom, strength, and provision.
Practical Implications:
- Trusting in God's wisdom:Christians are encouraged to seek God's guidance and not to rely solely on their own knowledge or understanding.
- Seeking support from the community:Leaning on other believers can provide support and encouragement in times of need.
- Overcoming self-reliance:The idea of "leaning" encourages believers to move away from a self-sufficient mindset and embrace reliance on God.
- Living by faith:Leaning on God requires faith, which is the belief that God is capable of providing support and guidance.
- A shift in perspective:"Leaning" shifts the focus from personal control to a reliance on God's strength and guidance.
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Wow, pretty much spot on! So much here you just don't think of. The verses it gave are ones that I have memorized in the past, cool!
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August word - Discipline.
Search instead for what does disclipline mean in a Christian's lifeAI Overview
In a Christian context, discipline refers to training oneself to live in accordance with God's will, often through practices like prayer, Bible study, and self-control. It's about making choices that align with spiritual growth and becoming more like Christ, rather than being solely driven by personal desires. This process involves both God's work in a believer's life and the individual's active participation in cultivating habits of godliness. Elaboration:Training and Shaping:.Discipline in Christianity involves training oneself to live a life that reflects God's character and purpose. This includes developing habits that nurture one's relationship with God, such as spending time in prayer, studying the Bible, and engaging in acts of service.Spiritual Growth:.Spiritual disciplines are tools for growing closer to God and becoming more like Jesus. They help Christians cultivate virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which are often referred to as the fruit of the Spirit according to Galatians 5:22-24.Self-Control:.Discipline also involves exercising self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit, and making choices that align with God's will, even when they are difficult or counter to one's immediate desires.God's Role:.While Christians are called to actively participate in spiritual disciplines, it's important to recognize that discipline is ultimately a work of God's grace in their lives. He empowers believers to grow in holiness and righteousness.Examples of Disciplines:.Some common spiritual disciplines include prayer, Bible reading, fasting, worship, service, and fellowship with other believers. These practices are not just rituals but are meant to be avenues for connecting with God and growing in faith.Beyond Productivity:.The goal of Christian discipline is not simply increased productivity or personal benefit, but rather the transformation of one's life to reflect God's heart and will.
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Wow, this sounds right on. I was getting ready to put up a post about Perfection in the Christian life, and it has a lot of the same points. We call it Believer's Perfection, and if you read the article you will understand why it's not absolute perfection which only God has, or angelic or Adamic perfection, but God does require us to be perfect in things that pertain to our walk with Him. This is really good. Hopefully the answers will stay good, but I think it won't take long for the developers of AI to take it in the opposite direction and wipe out Biblical answers. Thank you!
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I really didn't have a lot of hope on the AI answer on discipline, but I was really surprised on the depth of the answer. It got to the heart of what I was thinking.
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