What's Your Word of the Year?
(and a Christian suspense book up for grabs!)
The New Year began with the turn of a page and, while many people create a series of New Year resolutions, I once again asked the Lord to give me a specific word and Bible verse for the year. 2024’s word? Abide.
Did you know that 105 Old and New Testament verses include the word abide in the English language? An overview of the Hebrew and Greek reveals the variety and richness of abides multiple meanings. For example, the Hebrew shakan means “to dwell” while meno infers the ability to “steadfastly”. A few other definitions derived from the original language include “to endure”, “cling”, and “remain beside or near”.
When I juxtapose abiding with the world’s current season of shaky political conditions, threats of war, and economic woes, fear loses its grip on my heart and mind. I anticipate the future knowing He chose to place each of us in our now. We were made for such a time as this.
Over the next twelve months, I plan to seek God’s guidance while I consider abide what it means to spiritually abide. You will notice the theme threaded throughout many upcoming posts as I mull over the ways in which God intends for us to remain in Jesus. In love. In hope.
I’d love to know—do you craft resolutions or perhaps have a word God impressed on your spirit for the New Year? How do you abide in the Lord?
A Few Ways I Will Intentionally Abide in Him
Bible reading plan. I make it a habit to read through the Bible each year. What an enriching experience! If you struggle to know which scriptures to read on any given day, check out Ligonier ministry’s range of plans.
Scripture memory. One of my weakest areas, I’ve set the goal of memorizing one scripture each week with Psalm 24 my current focus.
Prayer journaling. Prayer journaling has been my practice since my early twenties. I continue to grow by listening to the Lord while I pray and even recording what a hear spiritually.
10 Bible Verses About Abiding
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1 NKJV)Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. (Psalm 125:1 NKJV)
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (John 15:4-5 NKJV)
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[a] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:4-7 NKJV)
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV)
By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. (1 John 4:13 NKJV)
And now, little children, abide in Him, that [a]when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (1 John 2:28 NKJV)
Bookish News and a Giveaway
I recently participated in author Lynette Eason’s launch team as she revealed her newest book baby to the world. If you would like a FREE copy, reply to the question(s)in the top section of this message and I will draw one name. (Sorry—only entries by those in the contiguous US will be considered. Thanks for understanding!)
Read the review below for more information.
Double Take grabbed my interest from the first line. A fast-paced book featuring physician assistant Lanie Jackson and police officer James Cross, a series of trials, twists, and turns intersperse this Christan suspense novel.
Hunted by a man who looks like her murderous ex-boyfriend, Lanie struggles with her previous experience. Did Adam really die? Certain he did, Lanie accepts help from her high school crush, James, and together they try to determine the man's identity before the attempts on her life prove successful.
Favorite Photos
My wonderful husband and I trekked to the Royal Gorge Bridge while celebrating our 31st anniversary. What an amazing sight!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I liked what I read, so I subscribed. I also ordered the book you recommended. I had never heard of her. I write Christian Suspense also, so I'm interested to read some of her books. Thank you. Abide! I spend time with God first thing every morning, praying, seeking, studying the Word, and keeping a journal. I've always avoided memorizing verses, but I know I should.
Good word Ms. Tammy. I don't select a word to focus on for the year, but that's just me. I pray yours is one that brings you even closer to God this year ma'am.