It is God who gives us vision and power for us to do the right things. Philippians 2:13 BLT [1]

Look back over 2020. What three words would describe 2020 for you? 

Note, I’m not asking for you to recap 2020 like you were a newscaster listing the top three stories; i.e. the pandemic, the election, the economy.

When I was asked this question out of the blue by my good friend Dave I responded with:

Focus.

Hard-work.

Best-year-ever.

At the beginning of 2020, I selected a “word for the year” - FOCUS. I’ve been a “word for the year” kind of guy for a long time. Like others, I’ve found one word can make a big difference if I pay attention to it 365 days in a row.

2020 was a focus year for me to get after things that were important to my family, my faith, and my service to others.

2020 was a hard-work year for me because the important things are not always the easy things - and so, I needed to do the work and do it well.

2020 was a best-year-ever for me in spite of the pandemic, the election, and the economy due in large part I think because I focused on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t. I showed up each day for work, and at the end of the day, I put the tools down, ate a good meal with my wife, and took the rest of the day off grateful for what we had.

So, take a few minutes and come up with three words you would use to describe 2020 for you. 

Write them down, talk to God about them.

If you need to weep then weep. If you need to celebrate then celebrate. The big idea here is to open your heart to God, let Him in on where you are, then surrender what those words bring up for you to Him.

Next week we will talk more about the “word for the year” idea. For now, take that short look back.

[1] Bud Lamb Translation

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Pay attention to how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise men, and make the best use of your time because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16 (paraphrased)

In our last session, we took a short look back over 2020 and crunched it into three words.

2020 was the BEST YEAR EVER for me in spite of the pandemic. I did not start 2020 with any resolutions. “Resolutions are well-meaning, but they rarely last. To make anything last, there must be a change of heart, not just a change of season.” (1)

Instead, I started with ONE WORD going forward, ONE VERSE to inspire, and then implemented a SIMPLE PLAN, with micro-steps, and my heart was changed one day at a time.

In this session, we will begin by asking God to lead you to ONE WORD and ONE VERSE. 

Select one from this list that inspires, fuels, or unsettles you out of your comfort zone.

Compassion.  Colossians 3:12-13 

Purpose.  Jeremiah 29:11 

Self-discipline.  1 Timothy 4:7b-8 

Focus.  Hebrews 12:1-2 

Faith.  Hebrews 11:6 

Pray.  Philippians 4:6-7 

Love.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Risk.  Proverbs 3:5-6

You will know you’ve selected the right one if it fires you up. It may not juice anybody else up and that doesn’t matter -- if it does you, then you’re set.

I wear my ONE WORD stamped onto a key made by the good people at The Giving Keys, an inspiring “pay it forward” company. It is a constant reminder that God is changing my heart and walking with me. 

My ONE WORD for 2021 is TRUST and my ONE VERSE is John 14:1.

Let me know yours and I will pray with you into 2021 that God will use your ONE WORD and VERSE to lead you into your BEST YEAR EVER. 

Next week we will dig into a SIMPLE PLAN.

(1) Erika Michelle asymphonyofpraise.com/about

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PRAY WITH ME:

2020 was a rough one for me. The idea that 2021 could be my BEST YEAR EVER seems ridiculous. I’ve heard that with God all things are possible. So, I trust You will guide me as I begin my year with You. Thank You.

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Writing to his friends, many of which start well but veer off having lost their way, the Apostle Paul says, “Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.” Philippians 3:16 MSG

So, how can we keep on track for an entire year? I can hear some of you questioning incredulously, “Keep on track for an entire year?!?!”

Yes! That is what I’m proposing for you brave friends who have selected ONE WORD, ONE VERSE, and crafted a SIMPLE PLAN for your BEST YEAR EVER 2021.

The idea of keeping on track doesn’t mean you never get off track. Keeping on track means you have a few guardrails in place going into 2021 to literally help you keep on track.

Here are a few tips for this marathon year you’re undertaking:

Begin Each Day With God

As part of your daily morning time with God review your simple plan and make a shortlist of things you intend to do that day. This way you invite God into it from the get-go as you ask Him to help you stay on track.

Adjust as Needed

Adjust means when you become aware you’ve been chasing a rabbit trail, you get BACK on track as soon as possible. This will help you maintain momentum and make allowance for your humanity.

Embrace Accountability

Ask a trusted friend to be your check-in partner for 2021. Share with them your desire to keep on track with your life. Tell them about your word, verse, and simple plan.

Ask if they will have a 15-minute conversation with you every week. Explain that you want them to ask you to answer these questions:

1. What did you do from the big items on your list for last week? Go over the big items on your list for last week that you DID. This is not storytelling. It is as simple as reading a shopping list where you line off items as you toss them in the cart.

The big idea here is to review with your check-in partner and yourself, “This is what I started out to do last week and this is what I did.”

2. What are the big items on your list for this week? Talk about the big-ticket items on your list for this coming week. A bit of storytelling is OK just so long as you leave time for the final question...

3. What might be difficult about this next week? This is the BEST question as it will help you anticipate rabbit trails or obstacles that might discourage or distract you.

Conclude the remainder of your time asking how things have been going with your friend and asking how you can pray for him--then, as I like to say, “Can I pray both of us out the door?”

When it comes right down to it, it’s up to you to make your list and stay on track, or adjust and get back on track.

This is the only way to avoid drift and keep on track for the entire year.

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PRAY WITH ME

Here we go, God! This is where the rubber meets the road--where my good intentions are put to the test. It’s daunting and it’s new and I’m a bit afraid I don’t have what it takes. Steady me to take it one day at a time. Remind me that You are in me, with me, and for me. Help me adjust without shame or guilt. Guide me to a trusted friend to check-in weekly. Amen

PS My good friend Dr. Parker Houston writes, “Harvard research by Gail Matthews shows that you are significantly more likely to achieve your goals when you have a written plan, clear action steps, and regular accountability.”

Best-Year-Ever Resources

One Word & One Verse

A Simple Plan

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