I have not made resolutions for many years. I never kept them for long so gave that whole idea up. In 2007, I happened upon “One Word 365” and decided to pick one word that I could study in God’s Word, thereby seeking His face as I desired to draw closer to Him. I chose “love” that year. I rowed steadily on this annual river until 2016. I found that after ten years, I was moving into a similar “resolution” stream so I called a halt to this when it was time to pick a 2017 word. Four years have passed and I am very ready to begin again. I am choosing “decrease” as my 2021 word from which to dwell, ponder, study, seek guidance. I pray that my wings will spread and that I will draw nearer to my Christ in the process.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you across the Jordan, to Whom you bore witness—look, He is baptizing, and all are going to Him.” John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before Him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He Who comes from heaven is above all. John 3:25-31
Oh, to understand this, to acknowledge this Truth, to walk this out not just for 2021 but for the remainder of my days, to love the outcome no matter the trials and pain, no matter the joy and beauty in this journey.
Blessed be His glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with His glory!
Amen and Amen! Psalm 72:19
Father God, may the things of me, my selfish ways, my need to be in charge, all of me that shades out Christ from view to this world, that places His light in me under a bushel basket, may all that and much more decrease in me in order that You may increase. May Your holiness overwhelm me that I will glorify You, O Lord. May all of You become all of me. May my light be Your’s in this ever so dark world. I pray all in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
P.S. I will purpose to write of my journey with “decrease” once a month.
Weaving by ~ lindawoven; photo and graphics by ~ linda
Weaving by ~ lindawoven; photo and graphics by ~ linda
Up and Down arrows: Wikimedia (graphics added by me)
Such a good word for 2021. Reminds me of the poem “My life is but a weaving, between my Lord and me…” Keep writing. It is a gift.
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Rebekah, thank you for visiting Being Woven. I have a version of the poem on my site. Here is the link to that post: https://beingwoven.org/2010/10/16/the-master-weaver-a-poem-and-praise/. Just thought you might like to reread. I have been a weaver and spinner for years and that poem is how I got started on this blog.
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Thank you for sharing your word for the year. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30, calls us to walk in humility.
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At first glance this word seems an odd choice, but so much wisdom here.
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I think it is an odd choice cuz there is a whole bunch I am going to be needing to learn!! Yes, I am actually glad God showed me this word for the year.
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Enjoyed your thoughtful choice of a word. It is a word that I can apply to myself. Linda, I have to apologize for a comment that I posted regarding immigration a few weeks ago. Politics, the issue in our country can distract from my role as a believer that seeks to point to the Lord. May God’s light shine.
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Five years ago, I chose “Less” for my OneWord. God prepared me through that word for what was coming. THis year I am “confident” in Christ. I’m your neighbor at the ABC’s of God’s Love LEtter. Come visit my site and go to Legacy LInk-up and share your ONeWord
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What a great one word for 2021. So many times a one word choice is “me-focused.” “Decreased definitely focuses on Christ and Him alone!
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It’s been years since I felt led to chose and mediate on a one-word. It is a great practice and I know the Lord will bless you greatly through His word as you seek Him this year. Blessings to you, Linda!
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I enjoyed reading about your word for the year. This sounds like it will be a great focus and it’s always interesting to see how it works out over the year. I’ve had a word for a few years now and my word for 2021 is “faithfulness.”
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I’m already blessed by your word, Linda. Humbling ourselves to decrease so He can increase is a worthy goal for each of us! May I do better at that this year myself. I’ll share this on our 1W21 Facebook page with our group! So glad you’re a part of it.
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Wishing you a healthy joyful peace filled 2021 ❤
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Decrease – a humbling word indeed. Yet as we decrease and He increases, more is done through our lives to honor Him and bring others to know Him.
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Yes, Joanne, those are my prayers.
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