Goals For The New Year

As we begin the final approach to 2013 I have taken some time to reflect on the impact God has had

on my life to date.  I am amazed on how He continually wants to develop a Christ-like attitude in me so that

I can have a positive impact on my family, friends, Church family, co-workers and those who I may

meet for the first time. As I reflect on this past year I am grateful for all He has done in my personal life, family life and ministry. I realized that no matter how difficult my circumstances became, God was much

bigger than any those circumstances and was able to put the difficulties I experienced

in the proper perspective. God is always working through all circumstances to serve His purpose in this 

world. Whether it is for me personally or through me in order to impact others, God has a plan that I am a honored to be a part of. However, I am not always aware of the greater purpose behind His plan until I have the opportunity to reflect back on it, and even then, I may not totally understand it. But it is good to look back and see where I was, where I am now, and what an awesome God we have.

One thing I am continually trying to embrace is this promise from God:

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been

called according to his purpose.

I realize that even when I suffer, feel beat up, mess up, and let down by others, God is still is weaving

an incredible tapestry that brings Him Glory, honor and praise. I have been  given the high privilege to be a part of His plan even if it means I endure some difficulty and pain.  

So with this in mind I can have the confidence to trust God even though my circumstances may tempt me

to doubt that He is still in control.  Since faith and trust in God are areas I can always improve upon,

I have decided to examine some goals for myself for 2013 that will require me to lean on God quite heavily. These areas include all relationships, ministry and personal spiritual growth.

Ministry and support of the Church:

·         To let God lead me in ministry.

·        To love & serve God with excellence.

·         To play a role in Church unity

·        Take initiative in strengthening relationships with others

·        To continue to develop my own spiritual gifts and talents.

·        To encourage others

·        To continue to seek good counsel  

·         To give my time, talent, gifts, financial support and other resources in support of the Church's mission.

Relationship with God & Spiritual Growth:

·        To praise God for all He has done and will do.

·        To develop and grow deeper in my relationship with God, desiring for God's 

       continual refinement and sanctification.

·        To develop a regular quiet time with God.

·        To continually seek God’s direction in every area of my life.

·        To be obedient to God’s Word.

·        To repent from any sin in my life.

·        To put God first and balance family and ministry time through His direction.

·        To read and study the Bible as part of my daily spiritual nourishment.

·        To openly live a life as a Christian without fear.

·        To have continued faith in Jesus and act on that faith.

·        To encourage others in their walk with God.

·        To learn from my mistakes and errors in judgment.

·        To remind myself that I can’t do things in my own strength.

·        To ask the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and actions.

·        To always remember that my good works will not save me or tip the scales in my favor.

·        To be reminded that even with a greater knowledge of the Bible, and the continued growth in the area

     of my spiritual maturity, I am no more righteous than anyone else and I still desperately need a Savior.

·        To trust God to provide the strength, help and desire I need to continually revisit all the above areas.

Relationship with family and others:

·        To reconcile any broken relationships.

·        To have a forgiving heart.

·        To strive to love and serve others with a Christ-like heart and attitude.

·        To share my faith whenever I can and do it with respect

·        To connect with those who don’t have a relationship with Christ and offer hope.

·        To invite someone to Church on a regular basis.

·        To love, serve and minister to my family.

·        To be the spiritual leader of my family.

·        To love my wife like Christ loved the Church and in marriage strive for a one flesh relationship

·        To have more family time and date my wife on a  regular basis

Prayer:

·        To pray specifically and continuously.

·        To pray for my wife, children, extended family and friends.

·        To pray with my wife and children daily.

·        To pray with others when prompted and not wait till a later time.

·        To pray for my Church, ministry leaders and staff.

·        To pray for our country and leaders.

·        To pray for our troops.

·        To pray for missionaries who serve around the world.

·        To pray for those who are persecuted for their faith in Christ.

·        To pray for our enemies.

Since I am human with a sin nature I am pretty sure that I will always be a work in progress and won’t be able achieve any of my 2013 goals perfectly. What I can expect from myself is to acknowledge that I need God’s help and direction for all the goals I have set out to meet. I also need God’s help to remind each day that life is not about me and that my greater purpose is to love Him and others while fulfilling His desire that I become more like Jesus. 

In closing, I really love God's Word. These passages below speak volumes about God’s desire to give me direction, peace and strength through His amazing grace, great love and compassion.  When I need help to live a life that honors God, who better than to lean on Jesus for all the wisdom, direction and strength needed to be a good and faithful servant.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Mark 10:27 NIV
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Philippians 4:13 NLT

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 1:6 NIV

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion 

until the day of Christ Jesus.

I'm praying that this new year will be continually filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and with an even greater sense of purpose in all things. That I would see all circumstances and difficulties through God's eyes and with an eternal perspective that sheds light on His good plan for His people. That the Holy Spirit will guide my family and my Church community.  And with even greater challenges ahead, and goals to be met, to always love God and to love others, always being grateful for my new life, my awesome wife, sons and family, and most of all grateful for my relationship with my great and awesome God.   

Have a blessed and awesome New Year!

Just Sayin………..Dave