Word of God Speak – Linky – Freedom and Change for 2016?
by Janis Cox
This week I want to look at freedom and change for 2016.
As we head into a new year – 2016 – I am filled with expectancy. After much praying I finally found my word for 2016. – ABOUND
This year these words have been flowing through my mind:
Freedom and Change
Expectant, rebirth, birth, growth, newness, refreshing.
And that’s probably what led me to eventually find my word ABOUND.
This week I was led to Hebrews 1:10-12 so this is our scripture to memorize for this week.
It’s a longer passage to memorize but I really like it. I want to change and I will; God will not change – ever. Hallelujah.
S – Say the passage out loud:
In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end. (Hebrews 1:10-12, NIV).
I – Interpretation – Find out all you can about the passage. When? Where? Why?
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory, and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.
Read through the following: Ps 8:6; Zechariah 12:1; Isaiah 34:4; 51:6; Hebrews 12:27; Hebrews 13:8; Psalm 102:25-27;
As I read through these verses these thoughts stood out:
God is the Ruler of All Things
He lays the foundation of the earth; formed the Spirit of man
He will make judgment on all nations
Even though the heavens will vanish He will save us
God can shake things up. But we can remain unshaken.
I love Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.
Notice how Psalm 102:25-27 is very similar to our passage.
M- Make a list of thoughts, questions and ideas.
Tozer talked about the unchangeableness of God; but he also talks about God giving us freedom and change.
He can change us too. Working in our sphere of influence God can make changes in us and others.
I thought about why God can’t change. Here’s what I think.
God can’t get better – He is perfect.
God can’t get worse – He cannot sin.
God is unique – so He can’t change.
He is immutable, which means that He has never changed and can never change in any smallest measure (Tozer, The Pursuit of God). (tweet this)
A couple more quotes from Tozer made me really think:
Much of our difficulty as seeking Christians stems from our unwillingness to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly.
Are we “unwilling to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly”? AW Tozer (click to tweet)
A satisfactory spiritual life will begin with a complete change between God and the sinner … a conscious and experienced change affecting the sinner’s whole nature.
One of the first Bible verses I learned:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17, NIV)
My mind focuses on permanence – of God but the changing of us. This year 2016, is it one of change, rebirth, experience for me?
I see a butterfly and freedom and change.
P- Pray for God’s Guidance This is a silent time of prayer, listening to God Speak.
L- Life – How can I apply what I have heard from God to my life?
This time was different. I don’t usually fall asleep during my prayer time. But this time I did. I felt like the disciples when they fell asleep when Jesus asked them to watch and pray with Him.
But through my dozing I heard – newness of life; change; rebirth. I know that my Word is exactly what God told me.
I know I must change for my relationship with God to grow. (click to tweet)
E- Exit with a prayer of confirmation, forgiveness, praise or acceptance.
O Lord, mold me, melt me, make me into the one You want me to be. Help me to listen to You, study Your Word and grow closer to You. Help me to know how to feed Your lambs. Increase my wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This hymn kept going through my head:
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Join us at Word of God Speak Community both here and on Facebook.
On Facebook Word of God Speak Group Community we look more into how to express the scripture through art and memory work. I share colouring pages and ideas of how to paint in your Bible.
Today is Word of God Speak – Please link your posts below.
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Thanks for hosting Jan!
I didn’t know you were an artist as well as your many other talents!
Elizabeth,
Yes when God gave me the passion to write, He gave me a passion to learn to paint. I’m a late comer to both but that proves God can do anything.
Blessings,
janis
Beautiful devotional, watercolour and coloring page, Janis
Tracy,
As always such an encourager.
Thanks,
Blessings,
Janis
Janis what a beautiful watercolor.
Thank you,
I love butterflies – I need to paint them more often. This one was painted a few years ago but is my favourite.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis – thanks for the invite to link-up and I love your heart and artwork – beautiful post and beautiful watercolors 🙂 Blessings
Debbie,
Thank you for entering your post. I hope we see you more. Thanks for your kind words as well.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis…thank you for hosting. Have a great week. 🙂
I’m studying and teaching through Hebrews right now, so this verse . . . I love it!
And your word: Abound! II Corinthians 9:8 must have had something to do with your choice because it certainly put my heart into a framework of appreciating God’s over-the-top abundance throughout this week.
Michele,
Isn’t that wonderful that we are looking at the same thing? I didn’t find the scripture until searching for the word “abound”. That’s the word I heard from God.
Blessings,
Janis