God created us to know Him and to be known by Him. Therefore, the most crucial priority of anything you accomplish this year is not what you do but who you are becoming in Christ.

Paul tells us God created and saved us to become like Jesus (Romans 8:29-30). So, before we set resolutions and goals for this year, Jesus wants us to know Him more profoundly and significantly. Just as Mary “believed” the promise (Luke 1:45) and Thomas “believed” what he saw (John 20:29), Jesus wants you to trust Him in a greater way this year.

Considering the verse you chose yesterday, what is one word you could make your focus on for this year?

Author and speaker Jon Gordon popularized the concept of “one” in his book “One Word that Will Change Your Life.” He says, “There’s a word meant for you. One word that will change your life when you find it, live it, and share it.”

An excellent story from the Gospels echoes Paul’s words, “I want to know Christ…” (Philippians 3:10). Jesus visited with his dear friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. It is the classic story of the doers and the talkers. Martha is busy working to provide for everyone gathered in her home. Mary is sitting with Jesus, listening intently. Martha gets frustrated because Mary is not helping. Jesus’ response to Martha gives us insight into how we can stay focused on knowing Christ this year. Jesus says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Jesus reminds us we can be “worried and upset about many things.” Martha didn’t get reprimanded for her preparations for the guests. Instead, He encourages her to focus on the few things needed. He helps us to make sense of our priorities. Mary made listening to Jesus her one priority.

What is one word that will be a reminder to help you stay tuned into what Jesus has for you this year?

You could choose an action word like,

BELIEVE

TRUST

LOVE

You could choose a noun such as:

FAITH

HOPE

COURAGE

You could choose an adjective such as:

QUIET

CALM

BRAVE

You could choose a word from a favorite Scripture:

Galatians 5:22-23- A Fruit of the Spirit

2 Peter 2:5-7- Godly Virtues

Colossians 3:12-14- Virtues to put on

 You can also choose a word from the theme verse for the year you chose yesterday.

Today: Write down a list of 3 to 5 words. Pick your one word. Write it down and put it someplace you will see daily. Write why it is your word for the year. How can your word help you stay focused on Jesus this year?