One Word | Pattern

The one word in this verse that stands out to me here is 'pattern'. As in something that repeats itself, like your grandmother's quilt. Every few squares or inches, the design begins again. It’s often only a small section or detail that makes up a larger design.

Here 2 Timothy 1:13 says ‘Keep what you've heard/read of the Lord as a pattern of sound teaching.”

But also, there is a quote by a man named Frank Outlaw “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

While our verse ends more with an onus on teaching, so much of our behavior and our actions starts in our mind. Patterns of thoughts. The things that we meditate on.

It can be condemnation, judgment, insecurity, comparison-- 'shoulda coulda', ambitions, to do lists, and pride, and fear. Many times, it's disguised under the stories that we tell ourselves. Like when we rehearse a conversation or let an event play out in our mind. These patterns often lead to anxiety, stress, frustration, and depression.

In contrast, praying all day (1 Thes 5:17) or meditating on the word (Psalm 143:5) are also patterns. But these patterns lead to a more peaceful response and power of the Holy Spirit.

You and I are the only ‘seamstress’ in this scenario. If you were to capture your thoughts (2 Cor 10:5) filter them, and arrange them against this verse, how would they line up with what God says? What is your physical response to each one?

In the bigger picture, if each little thought adds up, is it worth including in the final design?

P.S. If you’re having trouble stopping your chain of thoughts and breaking negative patterns, try fasting from it or consider starting a new hobby. New activities require focus and even distraction from ourselves. The repetition and practice of it, can also bring a new association. -Meaning that we can eventually just start doing the new thing (like think good stuff) as soon as we start the new habit.  –Not just changing the pattern but also the final design.

One Word | Seek

One Word: SEEK
The verse does not say look, see, or watch.
It says to 'Seek'.
Which means an attempt to find something.
Think of Gold Miners. They do not go to look at gold or to watch gold. They go
to pan it, mine it, to sift it and shake it out.
To collect it for oneself.
Jeremiah says SEEK me.
In fact, it’s said twice in one verse! It must be important.
‘You will SEEK me and find me when you SEEK me with all your heart.’
There is a reward between the occurrences. You will find me.
I challenge you, friend, seek Him. It changes everything.

Image from: http://www.charlottefive.com/reed-gold-mine/

One Word | This

THIS is the day

That the Lord has made

(not tomorrow after the work gets done, or when something returns)

Let's rejoice and be glad in it! ❤️

What message are you delivering?

Sometimes no matter how many times you’ve read, or heard, or even said something, ONE word suddenly stands out more prominently than the others.

Sometimes what the one word IS NOT, stands out all the more.

This morning, it was the word GOSPEL.

I was praying the armor of God (found in Ephesians 6:10-20) and as I got to the shoes in v15, the word 'Gospel' struck me.

You see, we are to be 'fitted with shoes of the Gospel.’

-Not shoes of agenda

-Not shoes of judgment

-Not shoes of rules or expectations

-Not even shoes of what I think, or what you know (even though we have some great experience).

Shoes of the Gospel

And of course we know this but how many times do messages slip out or even get planned without the Gospel?

After all, it is the Gospel that brings _____. (Hint: read the whole verse.)

What kind of message will you ask the Lord to prepare in your heart today?