I am not a person who makes “resolutions” for the new year; however, I do have/make spiritual goals. These goals can occur at any time in the year and range between three and six months. The reason I call my goals “spiritual” is because the outcome will bring me closer to God and to other people. When I feel like God is stirring/nudging me to make something a goal, I acknowledge that I cannot attain this without His help. I know that I am absolutely unable to change myself with any lasting results! I know that I need God’s accountability, strength and motivation. I need God’s help to embrace the monotony of consistency. I also confess that if I am not willing to partner with God, He will not nor is He under any obligation to help me meet this goal!
How this works is that I write my goal(s) on an index card. Sometimes I use Bible verses to support the goal, sometimes I write a prayer, other times I just write down the goal itself; then I place the notecard in my Bible. At first I read the card every day. As the goal seeps more into my brain the less I read it and the more I live it out. There are some goals that I have continued longer than three or six months. Some I am still working on!
Father God, thank You again for the gift of new beginnings! Father God, I ask that You help us to make, keep and achieve realistic goals that bring You glory rather than goals that elevate ourselves, status, position, possessions. Father, if Satan tried to tempt/test Jesus with power, prestige and possessions it is only logical that he would do the same to Your people. Lord God, refine our characters and help us to be more like Jesus. Thank You Father, for all that You have done, are doing and will do. Thank You Lord for this reader! In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.
