What will the new year bring?
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
James 4:13-17
James 4:13-17
The first thing many of us think about in the new year is "what do I want to do or achieve this year?" We set goals and we dream of losing weight, making money, or starting a new endeavor. My goal for our church this year is that we consider "if it is the Lord's will" as our primary filter for all we will set out to do this year.
I have many goals and dreams this (and every other) year. There is a main difference this year. I am spending considerable time filtering my goals through the will of God. In fact, I have not set any hard goals yet. I am still filtering my good ideas down to one or two "GOD IDEAS". (I know that sounds cheesy and cliche.)
I have disconnected from my social and news feeds and spent time journaling and praying for this year. I am excited about our FOCUS RETREAT because I believe God is going to use it to radically impact our church.
My hope for anyone who reads this is simple. Instead of setting our normal goals- like making money or losing weight, consider a lengthy time of consideration. Weight can be gained back in a weekend after your commitment ends. Money can be gained or lost in a day. I believe that a goal that is refined through the lens of God's calling can be much more rooted and substantial. So remember that this year is a mist and will be over soon, so don't waste it!
I have many goals and dreams this (and every other) year. There is a main difference this year. I am spending considerable time filtering my goals through the will of God. In fact, I have not set any hard goals yet. I am still filtering my good ideas down to one or two "GOD IDEAS". (I know that sounds cheesy and cliche.)
I have disconnected from my social and news feeds and spent time journaling and praying for this year. I am excited about our FOCUS RETREAT because I believe God is going to use it to radically impact our church.
My hope for anyone who reads this is simple. Instead of setting our normal goals- like making money or losing weight, consider a lengthy time of consideration. Weight can be gained back in a weekend after your commitment ends. Money can be gained or lost in a day. I believe that a goal that is refined through the lens of God's calling can be much more rooted and substantial. So remember that this year is a mist and will be over soon, so don't waste it!
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