Goal setting for 2008...
 

Have you set any goals for this new year?!

Is goal setting even noteworthy...kinda like New Year Resolutions which are soon forgotten?!

In other words, better to not make a vow than to make one and break it?!

For me, the goals worth setting and keeping are those which will benefit the soul of me.

The psalmist wrote...

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul (Psalm 106:15).

Here the psalmist is speaking of the children of Israel and their desire for that which had not been given.

Unsatisfied with freedom from bondage, bread, and water, they murmured until God gave them the meat they wanted, only to become sick and diseased, both in body and in soul.

Leanness in soul is a dreadful state, and I speak from experience...it is a place I never want to return!!

So, to keep leanness from my soul, I have set goals...things that I am determined to see accomplished in my life through the Spirit.

My personal goals are just that, and reciting them here would not benefit much.

However, this morning I would encourage all who will read this to set spiritual goals and keep them.

In these closing moments of time, it is vital that we lay aside the stuff...the junk that will clutter our lives and keep us from being what God is calling for. :star

As part of my job I have to write my own review including what I accomplished last year, how I improved myself in my profession last year, and what goals and improvements are planned for the next year.

As it stands my annual review falls on January 9, so I have already written it for the Job.

This philosophy has caused me to do two additional ones:

1. A personal one
2. A spiritual one

I don't do the whole "New Year's Resolution thing" but an annual personal assesment (personal, family financial goals - most of us do something on the side these days) and a "Walk with God" assesment.

Some might think that should be included in the personal one and if someone isn't in the ministry maybe so. If someone is involved in the ministry we should asses that seperately I think.

It is good to honestly evaluate ourselves and set goals for the next year as well as monthly or weekly benchmarks to reach for in achieving those goals.

And also to honestly ask ourselves what kind of raise we deserve for last year's effort.

Good Thread!

Barb.....

You need to write more. :thumbsup

Thank you, Brother A...

When I was a teenager, the man who taught the Teen Sunday School Class was admonishing us to set goals for our life.

He said that a person should be able to tell in just a few sentences what their goals are.

It's funny that I never paid much attention to that then, but the older I get, and the lateness of the hour perhaps, has caused me to sincerely consider the direction I am headed.:star

Thank you, sis...not sure if you mean here or in general, but I know I have been considering getting back to the project I started.

If there is anything to be done for Kingdom sake, there's no time like the present. :star

My goals are to set goals and then completely ignore them for better or worse things. Then and only then can I truly be mediocre. Otherwise know as the "average joe".

LOL!! Help him, Jesus!! :star

Brother John, honestly evaluating ourselves is not something easily done, and for some, it is downright unpleasant.

Evaluating ourselves in any area, and I am thinking primarily at this moment of the area of the Spirit, means that we look at ourselves as God sees us.

This can only be done through and by the Word.

The Scripture states that "The entrance of thy words giveth light..." (Psalm 119:130).

It could be compared to walking into a dark room and trying to look in a mirror...we know what we look like from memory, but because the light is not turned on, we are unable to see if we have a smudge on our face or if our hair is windblown.

But once we flip on the switch and the room is illuminated, we see ourselves as others see us.

So it is with the Word...when it penetrates the soul and not just the mind, the Light is turned on in our inner beings. This Light brings conviction and hope...it keeps leanness from our soul.

The Light of the Word then allows us to make the necessary evaluations according to His will and way, and thus are able to keep the promised goals we so easily set in the heat of the moment.

It is when the Word is merely 'head knowledge' and not 'heart assurance' that we cannot, or will not, make changes in attitude and lifestyle.

We are able to speak words which sound good, but are not delivered through lips which are holy.

There is leanness of soul and desolation of spirit...and all because we are unable or unwilling to let the Light set us on a course that is pure.

Amen, you are correct, my post was more in regards to natural accomplishment and goal setting, but on the spiritual side there is this. It is EASY to honestly evaluate a natural task that didn't go off on time.

I wanted a new Apostolic.Net up by September, didn't get there until December and still am not where I want it. It is easy to say "I could have done thus and so, and met the goal so get with it for 2008 slacker"

Spiritually isn't easy because:
By "natural evaluation" we are going to listen to the "decietful bit". But since God knows the heart he will reveal what is there to us if we seek him over it understanding that we may not like what we find out.

We need to realize that this isn't an exercise we can ignore:

That kind of soul searching is what a good communion service is for, fast and pray leading up to it, go into it whith a "search me O lord" attidude and partakeknowing that we are eating and drinking worthily!

Maybe 2 or three days away from the job and the forums of fasting and praying would be good for all of us at this time of year. I have found myself that we pick up spirits in these discussions and walk away not knowing they are there...

Sorry to quote myself, but what a thought; a forum pact to seek God in Fasting and prayer while the board is closed for three days.

I bet the tone of posts would be different, I really bet they would. Talking about Apostolic Forums in general, not necessarily AFF.

This is true...:star

Allow me to add this Word...the writer is continuing in his remarks re the children of Israel...


Ps 106:43-44

43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:

KJV


Nevertheless...in spite of all of their murmuring and their sinful nature...even though they had rejected the Lord's bidding and He sent leanness to their souls, when God heard the cry of repentance, He regarded their affliction and brought restoration and healing.

God is looking for those who will set their goals and desires on heavenly things...may it forever be so with me!! :star

Setting goals, both natural and spiritual is necessary and right.

Diligently working to keep them is another.

As this first week of a new year comes to a close, may we seek to set goals which will edify, bringing life to us and those in our realm of influence.

Lord, help us to keep those things we have set before you and see them blossom and grow, in Jesus Name!! :star