It is week seven of the What's Your Word series. If you have a word for 2025 and would like it to be considered for an upcoming podcast, there's still a bit more time. Send us your word at [email protected] and we will add it to the list.
This Week's Podcast
This week’s word, exchange, was sent in by Jennie. Normally, when we think of an exchange, it is the version described in most dictionaries; “an act of giving one thing and receiving another (especially of the same type or value) in return.” But it should come as no surprise, that in God’s kingdom, everything is turned upside down. What Jesus offers us in this great exchange is not something of equal value. He is taking our filthy rags, and giving us royal robes. Even better, he is taking our death sentence, and giving us freedom. Exchange is such a powerful word!
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of God’s favor to them has come, and the day of his wrath to their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.
Reflection
What does God want you to bring to him today for an exchange?
What is God offering you in return?
A Daily Declaration
God gives me beauty for ashes, and joy for my mourning.
Join Us In Our Community
We are exicted to invite you into our Culivate Connection online community. Our goal this year is to create an inviting space for this community to connect and get to know one another. If you haven't joined yet you can join the community here!
We kicked off this year with daily posts intended to create a space to reflect together on 2024 and then project into 2025. It doesn't matter if you missed a day, you can jump in at anytime and participate.
Blessings!
Jesus took our pain and suffering, and in exchange, gave us his peace.
Are you suffering and afflicted? Do you have a broken heart? Do you feel like a captive, or blind to things you feel you should be able to see? Are you mourning the loss of a loved one or friend? Come and give these things to Jesus, and in exchange for them He will give you comfort, liberty, sight, beauty, joy, and praise.
As always, if you want to get in touch, feel free to drop us a line at [email protected], or better yet, join the community!
