Well, it’s April and we’re 3 months into the new year. Can you even remember your One Word (IF you chose one!)?

I decided we need each other if we’re going to cooperate with God on His work in us, so I’m posting a One Word exercise at the beginning of each month that may help. If you want to look at the first two prompts, look here and here.

This month I was motivated by a post from Life Church on the power of personal declarations 

Craig Groeschel says,

“Our lives move in the direction of our strongest thoughts.” 

It’s kind of like the difference between looking at a flower bulb and saying “That’s an ugly mess”, and looking at it and saying “That is a picture of soon-to-be-beauty”.

The post suggests asking:

  1. What negative thoughts are influencing or hindering your life?
  2. What spiritual truths can set you free from those strongholds?

If we’re going to be transformed into the people God designed us to be, we must replace negative thoughts with His truth.

So, my One Word is “fruit”, and I’ve been focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit. I want this exercise to be reminders of God’s truth.  Here are some of my declarations.

  • The Holy Spirit lives in me, guides me, advocates for me, and reminds me of God’s Word. (John 14:26; 2 Timothy 1:14)
  • I have power from the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)
  • I have the Spirit from God who gives me understanding, unlike the spirit of the world.  (1 Corinthians 2:12)

What if I made the statement when sitting in traffic:  “I am patient because the Holy Spirit lives in me”? Because of the power of the Holy Spirit…

  • I am joyful. (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • I am gentle. (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • I am not easily offended and will not hold onto bitterness.
  • I am patient. (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • I am faithful. (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • I am self-controlled. (Galatians 5:22-23)
  • I am kind. (Galatians 5:22-23)

How about you? Is this an exercise that you might journal about? Can you see it helping you?