So many sweet visitors have stopped by here this month from my article titled “An Annual Verse To Shape My Heart” featured at P31 Everyday Life. Most of you have been quiet visitors. I warmly welcome you all (whether outgoing or quiet) with a humble, contented heart. Thank you sincerely for stopping by! I don’t take it lightly that you would take time to visit.
I’ve been seeking the Lord for my 2011 verse…the one He wants to use throughout this year to do a specific work to mold and reshape my heart. As I daily read His Word, I’ve been excited for a verse to pop off the page for this divine purpose. I do believe I am honing in on the scripture(s).
He keeps bringing me back to the theme of “righteousness leading to holiness” (Romans 6:19). 1 Corinthians 1:30 says “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” He is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. And throughout scripture I am moved by how righteousness, holiness, peace and joy are continually linked together.
My verse for 2010 was: “If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You.” Exodus 33:13 How I want Him to continually teach me His ways so I may know Him and find favor with Him. I’ve prayed my 2011 verse would be a continuation of that.
A few weeks ago I read this passage and it halted my heart.
Oh, a holy hush filled my dining room that morning. “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Wow.
Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Serving Christ. Doing what leads to peace and mutual edification. Holiness. These are biggies! And they are only attainable through Christ.
I know the rotten, sinful areas of my heart that need to be cleansed. Big gulp. Yet, with complete trust in the One who is perfect in faithfulness (Isaiah 25:1), I willingly and gratefully put my heart of clay into the hands of the Perfect Potter who will, with grace and love, reshape and mold my heart according to His Word. And He promises us in these scriptures that He will be pleased, we will have approval, and others will see the Lord! How comforting and humbling to know all of this can only be accomplished in and through Him.
I do treasure His Word. I desperately require His precepts. And I count on His Word to shape my heart.
Psalm 119:45 (AMP)
If you have an annual verse, please share it! I love to hear what God is doing in other’s lives. Spur us on!
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great verses.
Just finished reading Romans. There are too many great words to settle on just one verse.