Goal setting for 2008...

[Barb]

Originally Posted by John Atkinson

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...

This is true...

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Barb

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.

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!!

[Barb]

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!!