Tag: scriptures

Follow Through–My F-Word for September

Posted on by Evangeline

Two months ago, I shared with you that there were certain F-words that I would use to help me finish strong in 2014.

In July, my F-word was Fellowship. My goal was to increase my commitment to fellowship and communicate with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to influence my life on a daily basis. I wanted to build upon my relationship with Him and enjoy Him more.

In August, my F-word was Focus. My goal was to decrease the level of attention I gave to the distractions of life and to increase my attention to the benefits that come as a result of “looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Distractions serve one purpose —  to divert your attention from what and who you really need.

Now that it’s September,  my F-Word will be Follow Through. My intention is to follow through on the goals I’ve set. I’ve decided to look at my goals as promises I’ve made to myself  rather than just a wish on paper. I don’t like to break a promise so this little tweak should help me get the follow through done. I also want to follow through on whatever Holy Spirit gently whispers to me to do each day, trusting that His way is the best way.

Follow Through - F-word
My F-word card for September

I write these F-word cards and keep the current month’s card on my desk so that I’ll remember what the target is. This also helps me to remain committed to the process!

My two key scriptures for this month are:

 “ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. Think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”

Proverbs 3:5,6 RSV and HCSB

AND

“Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NLT

What are some things you do that help you follow through and live with integrity? How does trusting God play a role in your follow through?

Sharing my F-word journey/experiment with you really gives me a sense of accountability, which most times, spurs me on to action. So thanks for holding me accountable to “follow through” this month!

Some of you found it helpful to join me in August and challenged yourself to FOCUS. It would be much appreciated (and motivating to me) if you’d leave a comment about how that went for you.

If you haven’t already, I’d love it if you would  join me in this challenge of following through on what you’ve committed to do or on what would bring about a blessing in your life. Just make a decision to do so (which means cutting off all other options and excuses). Then, let me know you’ve joined the movement (below).

Yes, I’m joining the F-word movement!

Focus and Finish

Posted on by Evangeline

At the beginning of every year, I try to designate a scripture that be my “theme” for the year. The scripture becomes a focal point that helps me to expect good things, remember where my help comes from, and  know Who it is that loves and favors me.

It’s important to me to set the stage of 2013 with a scripture that will impact not only my personal life but also my business. I believe God’s Word brings illumination and Life [Ephesians 1:17,18; John 6:63] to our lives and I definitely need those for this year. This year is bringing big changes in my life, which include building a business as an author and speaker and my husband and I becoming official empty-nesters later this year. I know I have to press into God in order to manage these and other changes well!

I’m still looking for the verse(s) that will be “the one” but here are some I’m considering:

  • Psalm 65:11 ~ “You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.” [NIV]
  • Psalm 84:11 ~ “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
  • Jeremiah 17:7,8 ~ “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” [NLT]
  • Colossians 1:10 ~ “Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” [NLT]

Do any of those resonate with you? I’d love to hear what you think, especially if you’d like to suggest other scriptures. Here’s to focusing on God’s Word and finishing strong!

Image courtesy of koratmember / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of koratmember / FreeDigitalPhotos.net