Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 3, 2017
He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ Luke 13:32
Goal-setting was a part of Christ’s thinking. First and foremost His goal was to do the will of His heavenly Father. This is the goal that got Him out of bed in the morning. It was a joint mission with the Holy Spirit. His goal was also to serve the people. He cast out demons, healed, and taught. Jesus was a focused individual with specific goals in mind.
His example is a model for goal-setting; so keep God and people the priorities. If you set no goals, you will reach them every time. If you do set goals, you will reach some, modify others, and miss a few. For the extremely thorough and cautious temperament, it is hard to plan toward something, and not see it accomplished. However, this is part of trusting God to help you meet necessary goals and wait on others.
On the other hand, there are some personalities that set too many unrealistic goals. Yes, all things are possible with God, but not to the point of irresponsible planning. Too many goals can overwhelm you and water down your effectiveness in reaching the right ones. This is where prayer is critical in goal-setting.
Ask God what His best is for your life. Ask Him how to pace yourself over the long term, so your family develops robustly and your health is enhanced in the process. Goals are a guide to be adjusted daily, weekly, monthly, and annually depending on their nature and the timing of their necessity and implementation. There is a logical flow in goal-setting. Make sure your goals flow out of your God-given purpose.
If your purpose is to glorify God by being a faithful husband, an available father, a loyal friend, and a loving leader, then start there. Let your purpose statement be a filter for your goal-setting. If a goal does not pass muster with your purpose, then omit it and move on. Goals are not meant to be barnacles that slow down your life ship. Goals are meant to free you up to focus on God’s will. Goals are like billowing, white sails powered by the winds of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s empowerment moves you forward by faith.
Daily time with God is a good goal. A regular marriage conference and marriage teaching with your spouse is a good goal. Give 10% and save 10% is a good goal. Using your work as a platform for ministry is a good goal. Exercising three times a week and eating a balanced diet are good goals. You may even have a God-given goal to travel around the world. Go for it! Write down what God is putting in your heart. Set a timetable that is not so rigid that it cannot be adjusted. God works through goals, so be a prayerful goal-setter, and watch Him work. You may be surprised what He can accomplish through you. Simply writing down your goals may give you just the needed inspiration and accountability to attempt great things for God. Prayerfully set goals and watch Him work.
The Bible says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me courage and wisdom to set goals pleasing to You.Application
What big goal do I need to trust the Lord to accomplish in His timing?Post/Tweet today
Make sure your goals flow out of your God-given purpose. #godlygoalsetting #WisdomHuntersWorship Resource
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I understood part of what I read I do have an inportant question does this include obtaing medicial insurance that I cn afford. I know that it will eventually happen in Gods timing and not mine. Could you please pray for me for obtaining helth insurance because right now I have none and their are still tasts tht I need done and going to the doctors for my results. I would like to thank you in advance for praying for me. May God Bless you for this.
Please list some scriptures for setting goals. I looked in my bible concordance and there is no references for goal setting. If I could not find it and you did not list any, what is this telling us?
Dear Kurt,
Thank you for reaching out to us with your question. I do have some scripture verses for you regarding goal setting. I am just sure there are so many more and what I have found is that 1/2 the learning is in the search! So here are some to get you start and enjoy the “hunt’ for more of God’s wisdom about goal setting found in His Word. If you get a chance, let us know the ones you found that really spoke to you.
Here are a few:
Romans 12:8
1 Kings 9:4
Matt 4:19 ** a favorite
Matt 8:18-19
Matt 5:37
Proverbs 28:1
Proverbs 2:20
Just a few….enjoy the search and pray over how they apply to you.
We are thankful for you and look forward to hearing from you again, Kurt.
Blessings,
Gwynne
“You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 1:6
Dear Suzanna,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We would love to pray for you and will pray for you as you search for health insurance. I am sending you a personal email that will not be posted on the blog. Please look for it from gwynne@wisdomhunters.com.
Praying for you now, sister.
Gwynne
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident by all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, by prayer and petition, and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-6