The Goal

May 23, 2013 "I press on toward the goal to win the supreme and heavenly prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward." (Phil.3:14) This is the time of year when young people are graduating from school; others are looking for a job; others desiring to move to a different location, or a different church. The whole world is changing and full of advice on how to set and reach our goals, but the best advice and counsel comes from God’s Word – the Manuel for Life! Goal setting is a vital part of successful living in the secular and spiritual world. So this writing is for everyone in every phase of life, in every status, class, race and age: the graduate, the beginner (freshman), the novice (inexperienced, the apprentice (the learner), the teacher (the educated), the parent, the leader (parent, judge, Governor, President), husband/wife, employer or employee, everyone who want to have a fulfilled and successful life. By my observations of over 76 years, some of the most unhappy, frustrated and stressed people are those who do not have a goal to achieve – whether a bad habit to overcome, a position to gain, a foe to conquer or a destination to reach. They are just letting life go by without ever winning “the prize” for achieving any goal for which they have dreamed and worked toward, and they will become a drab, colorless, unintentional, uninteresting and unsuccessful person. But the Christian's goal setting is different because it starts with a focus and attitude that are God-centered. However small or temporary, everyone needs a goal to set his eye on and focus his attentions and efforts on, whether worldly or spiritual. In this life “goal setting” is the key to success. Of course only a Christ centered Christian who daily dies to himself, and like Paul is focused and reaching upward toward “the Prize,” which is Christ Jesus, will ever reach his ultimate goal. We should have daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals, and these are good, whether to get in shape physically; get up earlier; break bad habits and learn new good ones; etc. These are all good and we should set these kinds of goals to attain in this life. But how passing and unfulfilling these are compared to the spiritual goal – to know Him” - (become progressively more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly), and that I may in some way come to know the power out-flowing from His resurrection (which it exerts over believers), and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed (in spirit into His likeness even) to His death, (in the hope) that if possible I may attain to the spiritual and moral resurrection that lifts me out from among the dead (even while in the body) (Phil.3:10-11 AMP). Then all the temporal (needed and good) goals things “will be added unto you” (Matt.6:33). The goal to get to “know” Christ more is continually lifting us above the temporal and “earthy” and brings us joy and fulfillment, even while in the middle of our chaotic lives. Bruce Wilkinson had this good thought, “Nothing pleases GOD MORE than when we ask for what He wants to give. When we spend time with Him and allow His priorities, passion, and purposes to motivate us, we will ask for things that are closest to His Heart.” Psalm 37:3-5 says basically the same thing (and more), “Trust in the Lord, lean on, rely and be confident in Him and do good, so shall you feed on His faithfulness. Delight (luxuriate, be soft and pliable to His will) in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord (roll each care of your load on Him; trust (lean on, rely on and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass) (AMP). Read the rest of this chapter – it will encourage you in your goal setting. Charles Stanley has some thoughts that are timely, thought provoking and needful for those seeking to be successful. (Italics are his). Christian goal setting is different in that it starts with an attitude and focus that are God-centered. The attitude is: I want to be who God wants me to be. The focus is: I will look to the Lord for direction all areas of my life, and I will obey. Both aspects involve identifying the steps God wants us to take, but we often fail to follow His Path. What stops us? 1.& 2. Some people lack knowledge on how to identify the Lord’s plan, whereas others are mentally lazy. The solution to both is to give attention to the Word of God. This requires mental energy and commitment, but the reward is great. Consider Jesus’ life and words, His pattern for living. 3. Lack of faith can be another hindrance. We tend to think, “Why should I set goals when I’m convinced I can’t do what God is asking?” The answer is to build faith through systematic Bible study and apply scriptural principles by setting a series of smaller goals. 4. Fear of failure can also prevent us from establishing goals. We can overcome this obstacle by remembering that in Christ, there is no condemnation (Rom.8:1). Do you desire to move ahead in your Christian life, becoming more like Jesus and acting less like your old self? Goal setting with the right attitude and focus will help. Just as house keys are an important tool to opening the door to your house, so is goal setting a key that opens the door to Christlike living and affects us in a number of ways. Let’s look at some advantages of goal setting and ways that goal setting can affect positive changes in our lives. 1. Excitement is renewed – When we’re unclear about goals, enthusiasm wanes. Excitement comes as we aim for God’s “target” and see Him transforming us. 2. Direction replaces drifting – Without goals, we lose sight of where we’re headed and instead begin to drift. Complacency replaces passion, and we start allowing justification into our though process – such as, “This is just who I am.” Goals help us focus on who we are becoming. 3. Excellence replaces mediocrity – In the absence of goals, we start living in a humdrum “don’t bother me” manner. To work with focus counters this mindset. 4. Our attitude will improve – When we don’t like the choices we’re making our tendency can be to criticize others. But when we are following God’s plan we will feel better ourselves and relate more positively to those around us. 5. Life will be rewarding - If we live for ourselves, we’ll be disappointed. Setting godly goals helps us wisely use the time, energy, resources, and talents that the Lord has given us. Iife is a gift, and we are to be good stewards of it. That’s hard to do without having something for which to aim. It is easier to identify distractions and evaluate opportunities if you compare them with set goals. Choices then become clearer, which will help you reap the benefits of goal setting: enthusiasm, direction,excellence, healthy outlook and reward. Here are some questions that will help you reach your goal: 1)Do I have a clear picture of who God wants me to become? 2) Do I have a consuming desire to meet the goals the Lord has given me? 3) Is my confidence resting in my relationship with Jesus and His promises? (See Phil.4:13.) 4) Do I know my course of action that points me in the direction God wants me to go? 5) Have I established deadlines for meeting the goals? If you cannot answer most of these questions positively, don’t be discouraged. Instead, recognize the opportunity before you: the Lord already knew what you would answer – and He is waiting to help.

Letter To A Hurting Friend

May 8, 2013 "God's divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness." II Peter 1:3 Dear Friend, It grieves me so to hear of your divorce (now final). We know that Satan, that old deceiver and accuser, is alive and well (for now). But, thank God that He has made you an over-comer through Christ Who lives in you, strengthens you, and provides for you (spirit, soul and body) - and He is Faithful - He will never leave you nor forsake you - He is your All in all! I read a marvelous scripture this morning that just jumped off the page at me. I have read it dozens of times before, but it was my encouraging and faith-building promise for today, and I thought it would be encouraging to you also. It is II Peter 1:2-3 - the third verse says, "God's divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness." "Experts" (?) talk about the power of the mind, the power of exercise, the power yoga, the power of education, etc. But nothing compares with God's divine power - nothing can stand against it nor overcome it when we we have the knowledge of Him and trust in His promises. When we are trusting in God's divine power, He gives us everything needed for life - (tribulations, divorce, wants, cares, etc. - all of that is part of life). God's divine power gives us everything needed to walk a godly life - power to be more godlike in every respect, when we infuse ourselves with the knowledge of this unspeakable God we serve and Who lives in us. He gives us these glorious things because He has called us by (and to) His own glory, excellence and virtue (to be like Him). That is what godliness means, "Godlikeness." I love the words, which speak my heart's yearning, to that old song by Thomas O. Chisholm: O To Be Like Thee O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer , this is my constant longing and prayer. Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear. O to be like Thee! Full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind; Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wand'ring sinner to find. O to be like Thee! While I am pleading, pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love. Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling; fit me for life and heaven above. Chorus: O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art! Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness - Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. Dear friend, I pray the sweet Holy Spirit will fill you, cover you, guide you and teach you in the way that you should go. Always look up, not out. Reach out to others who are hurting and it will help heal your hurt. Remember, "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good courage for Jesus has overcome the world!" I pray the Lord will bless you and keep you and make His face to shine on you and give you His peace!