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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This is what the LORD says: “Stand by the ways and see, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk-in it and you shall find rest for your souls.” -- Jeremiah 6:16a NASB

Having a God-inspired word, verse, and simple plan for your life, God now points us to the development of the interior life of a follower of Jesus.

It is a transformed lifestyle - away formed by the cultivated interior life of spiritual tenacity, endurance, and love which fits us to the outward life where dreams and goals become reality.

What then are the “ancient paths” Jeremiah is referring to and how do we learn to become skilled in their usage? This is the focus of the next 12 sessions of the Breathe Meditation series.

A word of caution before we begin. “Hurry” will short circuit your learning. Go slow. Practice slowing. What our hearts hunger for is not found in a rush.

Reflection

We begin today with reflection; i.e. to think deeply or carefully about something. Similar words are: contemplate, meditate, or focus.

“...very simply it is becoming still and settled in the knowledge that God is God and we are not. It is a silent place where we can hear and submit to the voice of God. It’s being marinated and simmered in the Truth until it moves from head to heart. It’s that simple...and it’s that hard.” Chasing the Sage, Page 148

Reflect on Scripture

Reflect on small sections of the Bible, slowly reading and re-reading, paying attention to what your heart is responding to, and talking with God about it.

This is more like reading a love letter than it is skimming a user guide for a new gadget. Reading fast is not reflecting. Go slow.

Set a modest goal of 5 to 10 minutes 2 or 3 times each week.

Set a time and place where you can be quiet and alone. Whenever and wherever works best for you.

Begin breathing slowly with your eyes closed as you pray, asking God to bless this time together.

Psalm 23 is a good place to begin. I suggest you reflect on it for a few weeks. Yep. A few weeks.

Then to John 14:1-6 followed by Matthew 6:1-13.

Integrate reflective reading into your regular reading when you come to a verse or story that moves you. Pause then, and reflect asking God to guide you.

Reflection, learning to become still, and spiritual reading are ancient paths to our faith as followers of Jesus. Become skilled with it and your intimacy and friendship with God will blossom!

Be patient with your learning process.

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Pray

God, the idea of being still...yes, I like it. If You knew how busy my head is You would know just how much I need to learn this. But You ARE God and You know all about me and what I need today. Will You quicken my heart to learn a new style of living. It sounds so appealing and yet daunting. Amen

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This is what God is saying to us:  “Stand by the ways and see, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk-in it; Then you will find a resting place for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16a NASB

We are designed to connect with our Maker. He is infinite; beyond our ability to understand or control, yet He is intimate and proximate enough to be known.

Yes, God is beyond our ability to completely comprehend, yet, He is intimate and near. How does this happen? Well, simply, God invites us to communicate with him by talking and listening.

Prayer is simply talking and listening to God. “We learn to pray by praying. There is no right or wrong way to pray. You cannot pray a bad prayer. The best prayers come from the heart; no pretending and no special language.” --Bud Lamb  Chasing the Sage, page 148

We are encouraged to talk to God about anything that concerns us.

Talking with God is just like talking with your spouse or kids or friends -- you talk about things you’re concerned about as they listen. Then they talk and you listen. It is a give and take conversation where both express ideas, emotions, and concerns.

The best prayers come from the heart; no pretending and no special language.

When praying, be real.  If you’re confused or angry, let the emotions flow. If you’re sad or depressed, let Him know. If you’re in need of guidance or help in any way, just put it out there and ask.

How long to pray? It can be as short as “Jesus, help me!” or as long as it takes to work through all the details about the concern you are grappling with. God is a great and patient listener! He doesn’t limit you to 280 characters! 

Slow down - He’s got all the time in the world to be with you!  Being in a hurry will frustrate your conversations with God.

What matters is that you do your best to engage in the conversation with God. He understands and reads your heart so you don’t have to make the words come out “right” -- just let it flow.

Remember, prayer is learning to talk to God and listen to Him in return...and we learn to pray by praying.

So, "Let's pray!"

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Pray

Take a few minutes right now to talk with God about what is going on in your heart right now.

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Next, learn to put aside your own desires so that you will become patient and godly, gladly letting God have his way with you.  This will make possible the next step, which is for you to enjoy other people and to like them, and finally, you will grow to love them deeply.   The more you go on in this way, the more you will grow strong spiritually and become fruitful and useful to our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:6-8 The Living Bible

Yes, the more we go on in this way - the way of learning a new lifestyle modeled on the lifestyle Jesus lived -  the stronger we grow spiritually, the more we know and enjoy God, and love like Jesus.

Fasting is one of the ancient pathways Jesus practiced and spoke of when He said “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.”  We truly are on solid ground when we seek to model the style of living Jesus lived.

“Really, it’s just abstinence from something for a limited duration for the purpose of focusing on God.  Abstinence from food (and sometimes water as well) is what is primarily meant by fasting in the scriptures.  But fasting can also be abstaining from other things, such as technology or entertainment.  As we deprive ourselves of physical, emotional, or intellectual satisfaction we learn to find our sufficiency in God.” -- Bud Lamb, Chasing the Sage, Page 148

It’s not that what we abstain from is bad. But in our world today where more is better, faster is never fast enough, multi-tasking is esteemed, life can return to its proper speed when we give it a break.

A typical food fast of 24 hours abstains from eating food yet allows drinking water.  Our compassion for the homeless and hungry grows.

Fasting from technology turns off the TV, smartphone, and all electronics from 6 pm to 6 am the following morning.  Our connection with family grows as we play cards, take walks, tell stories.

Taking a 10-minute walk in the morning and afternoon is abstaining from the ruthless pursuit of “getting it all done.”  We find delight in sunshine or snow outside the office or home.

In all these outcomes we find ourselves more open to the majesty of God.

Fasting we learn to let go of being in control, create space to hear as our hunger screams, and enjoy resting in God’s provision in slowing down.

Go to your calendar now and mark off some times to schedule a fast.

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Pray

OK God, over these past few weeks I’ve learned about the ancient paths of reflection and prayer.  They are pretty familiar but now fasting?  Really?  When it comes right down to it God, I just don’t want to - kind of like a little kid being reminded to eat his broccoli.  But...I’m going to give it a try.  Help me let go of my need to be in control.  Amen

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The Bible tells us that - “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

The Bible is no ordinary book. It is inspired by God. Written with history, biography, poetry, songs, and a mysterious prophecy. It can be intimidating. It consists of 66 “books” written by over 30 different authors. If you started with the first book, Genesis, it wouldn’t be too long before you got bogged down and quite possibly discouraged.

Learning to study the bible begins with a few simple tools. Your confidence will grow as you add study to your list of ancient practices to your modern-day life.

“Whereas meditation on scripture is devotional, the study of scripture is analytical. We study scripture to learn the history of our faith, the people who have gone before us, and how to know God, enjoy Him, and to love like Jesus.” -- Bud Lamb, Chasing the Sage, Page 148

The ancient pathway of “study” means we devote time and attention to acquire a growing familiarity with God’s Word. Note: You may not study the Bible every day; however, you will come to reflect, remember, and apply it to life every day!

I have found myself most motivated to study when I’m “faced with a need-to-know or need-to-grow situation” ― Larry Osborne, Sticky Church.

So here are a few tools I have used which will help you gain confidence as you read and study the Bible.

30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. Yes, in 15 minutes a day you will be introduced to key Bible characters, places, and events in chronological order as well as core teachings of the Bible.

Life Application Study Bible by Tyndale House. I call this the “big gun.” It has over 100 profiles of key people, 500 maps, charts, and a dictionary. It also has verse-by-verse commentary which explains the complicated sections and helps make them more understandable.

Yes, your confidence with your faith will grow leaps and bounds, you will discover food for its soul, and you will come to know what you believe!

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Pray

I have read parts of books about You, but I’ve not read the Bible -- it’s confusing. I don’t understand the “why” about so many things - like why You seem so angry at times, or why You “smote” (Exodus 32:35 NASB) some people and not others. I’m curious though about these simple tools Bud wrote about, so I’m going to check out the links and take it from there. Help me do the right thing. Amen

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In this episode, Bud talks with Dr. Aaron Carr. Aaron is a fellowship-trained minimally invasive, robotic, and bariatric surgeon. He specializes in bringing the latest surgical techniques to the treatment of common diseases like reflux, obesity, and gastrointestinal pathology. He and his author-wife, Meredith, and their three children live in Athens, GA.

Together Bud and Aaron unpack the idea of “The COVID Man: Lessons from the COVID Wilderness.” As they share the story of their friendship, recovery, and faith in Jesus, they will discuss:

1. How COVID is affecting men as a magnifier for men in their relationships, marriage, and parenting.
2. How “Pre-COVID” issues at work and business can become hyperactive or more problematic in this time of uncertainty. 
3. How COVID brings to surface dormant issues in many areas of our life (i.e health, emotional/psych, and spiritual). 

They will also talk about how this crisis has affected their faith and practice as followers of Jesus as they draw comparisons with this COVID wilderness and the wilderness experience of the nation of Israel found in the book of Exodus in the Bible.

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