You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘Goals’ tag.
TODAY’S STEPS
READ: 1 Peter 2:9-25
REFLECT: Why did God create us? What is our true purpose? Say, or write, a prayer of praise that is inspired by the words of this passage.
RESOLVE: Write a phrase from the passage that affirms God’s purpose for your life.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
READ: Ephesians 2
REFLECT: Why did God create us? What is our true purpose? Say, or write, a prayer of praise that is inspired by the words of this passage.
RENEW: Write a phrase from the passage that best reminds you of God’s purpose for your life.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Praise God for giving us the New Year to use for His glory! We look forward to growing in our faith alongside one another in 2013. As we begin the New Year, we are preparing for our next “Journey.” Let’s continue to reflect on our goals, purpose, and mission.
TODAY’S STEPS
READ: Isaiah 43
REFLECT: Why did God create us? What is our true purpose? Say, or write, a prayer of praise that is inspired by the words of this passage.
RENEW: Write a phrase from the passage that best reminds you of God’s purpose for your life.
“But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
*Share thoughts on Comments.
Turn the clock forward one year. If you could change your life into whatever you want it to be - what would it look like?
Imagine that money, time, or resources are not a hindrance. Be as honest as you can possibly be with yourself. What would you have in your life? What would you be doing? Who would you be with?
*Share thoughts on Comments.
“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. 12 Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
After setting & reviewing our goals - what about the things we CANNOT control?
List 3 things that are directly involved with your goals over which you have NO control.
*Share thoughts on Comments.
“To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. 2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans…9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:1-3, 9)
Review your physical fitness goals.
Then, meditate on our third theme verse: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8)
How does this mindset help you achieve your physical goals?
*Share thoughts on Comments.
Review your social and intellectual goals (Fellowship & Career/Academic).
Then, meditate on our second theme verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight..” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
How do your goals involve the Lord’s guidance in these areas?
*Share thoughts on Comments.
“And Jesus grew in wisdom”(Luke 2:52)
Goal-Setting - Step #6 (Career/Academic Goals)
1 - Record 3 tangible ways you plan to improve your career or academics in the next 3 months
2 - Record 3 long-term goals
*Share one of your goals on Comments.
“If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, like Beethoven composed music; sweep streets so well that all the host of Heaven and earth will have to pause and say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper, who swept his job well.’“ (Martin Luther King Jr. - March 18, 1968, to a crowd of street sweepers in Memphis, TN)
Before moving to the last category, let’s review our spiritual goals (personal faith, family faith, outreach).
1 - Meditate on our first theme verse: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3-4)
2 - Consider how your goals encourage commitment to “love and faithfulness.”
3 - Commit the passage to memory.
*Share thoughts on Comments.
Goal-Setting - Step #5 (Fellowship Goals)
1 - Record 3 tangible ways you plan to make your friendships grow closer in the next 3 months
2 - Record (or adjust) 3 long-term fellowship goals
*Share one of your goals/plans on Comments.
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
