In a world of darkness, blurring lines and the divide cracking open wider…we choose JOY. Not joy based on circumstances. Not joy based on feelings. Not joy based on productivity. But the joy found in Jesus alone. The kind of joy that is our strength from day to day. Real joy that stops to enjoy life. Joy that enters in and creates a ripple effect to those around. Joy that lasts. Joy that stays. Joy based on the truth of what Jesus has done and all that He endured for us. Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” In 2014 we are choosing joy. We are choosing, not to ignore the circumstances, but to fix our eyes on Jesus and endure- to press on as we wait and behold the victory that He will bring. Romans 15:13 is the verse we have chosen, from the Word, to focus on, as a beacon, as we walk out this one word, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Here’s to a joy-filled 2014, with eyes wide open to see the wonders of His love!

For more on this head on over to our blog: http://www.echoesofmyheartcd.blogspot.com/2014/01/one-word-2014.html