09 January 2023

At the beginning or end of a new year, many people are drawn to a single, special word that remains a focus until the next year. Often these words spark a series of thoughts, prayers and events, or they retrospectively speak to what has already been experienced.  But without actions – the thoughts, prayers, events and experiences – these words are ultimately just a string of letters, and their meaning cannot be fully embraced.

Romans 12 is wonderful chapter for encouraging a faith that is in action – with over 35 instructions for a life that glorifies God, being passive is simply not an option! Inspired by Paul’s message to get on and ‘do’ holy living, we have gathered 23 words to inspire your faith into action this year:

1. Shout

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. (Psalm 95:1)

2. Trust

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

3. Serve

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

4. Overcome

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

5. Strengthen

Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. (Isaiah 33:2)

6. Heal

Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:20-23)

7. Run

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

8. Laugh

Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. (Job 8:20-21)

9. Declare

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

10. Pray

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

11. Stand

Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:14-15)

12. Delight

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart towards your statutes and not towards selfish gain. (Psalm 119:35-36)

13. Give

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)

14. Receive

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

15. Devote

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:9-12)

16. Listen

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… Do not merely listen to the word. Do what it says. (James 1:19, 22)

17. Hold

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

18. Follow

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12)

19. Worship

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:14-17)

20. See

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19)

21. Rest

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)

22. Encourage

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing… Acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. (1 Thessalonians 5:11-12)

23. Shine

You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16, The Message)

Tags: WM News, Women's Ministries