Realignment for 2019: Goals-Ambitions-Pursuits for The Journey

The end of the year is always an important time to take inventory of one’s life. I often self-reflect, and in doing so, usually find myself coming up short of my own expectations. However, I realize it’s all about the pursuit. It’s about pressing towards that mark…We shall never attain it in this life, yet we can reach for it with strenuous effort. As I have been reflecting, as well as reading some new books I received for Christmas, I have jotted down a few goals and pursuits of mine, and nuggets I would like to share. To each his own!!

#1. Inspired by the current book I am reading, “Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff” If you are wired like myself, I plan to, ~Make Peace With Imperfection~ Being a perfectionist comes with a great price. Much energy is spent and may I add “wasted” when living as a perfectionist. A negative side to this is, our focus is usually zeroed in on what’s wrong in life..The constant pursuit of correction to find perfection wears on the mind, and will steal our joy and contentment in this present life!!! Make peace with the imperfections of life, and truly learn to “not sweat the small stuff!”

#2. Our Family should not get our leftovers…Keep relationship with family nurtured and cultivated. Their unconditional love is essential in this life. Our “to do list” will never be completed, so make sure it doesn’t rob us of investing quality time with those who are dear to our hearts. When the dust of life is settled, my wife and children (and your family) will be there waiting for you and I…God help us to not take that for granted!

#3. Quit trying to harvest relationships with those who continuously reject it. Life is too precious to waste your energy on such a frivolous pursuit. Our energy should be spent on simply loving people with no strings attached. Accept the truth that not everyone likes you…(Jesus Christ Himself wasn’t liked by everyone…we are chasing the wind with this needless pursuit.) Instead, focus on loving as Christ loves, move on when necessary, and keep a pure spirit with all men.

#4. ~ Live Intentional ~

Live with purpose and zeal. Passion governed by the Lord, will enable us to do great exploits in this short life. We have one chance here on Earth: Don’t squander it with an apathetic heart!!

#5. Live out the following passage of scripture!! Years ago, the Lord directed my mind to this passage by the psalmist, and I began to pray it, and pursue this in my own life. It’s a directional prayer of action to be lived by the life of someone who seeks to please God in this life.

*Trust* in the LORD, and *do good*; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. *Delight* thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. *Commit* thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. *Rest* in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. – Psalmist David

#6. Beautiful words found in the book of Micah: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee:”

-but to do justly,

-and to love mercy,

-and to walk humbly with thy God…

Do the right thing in all manner of life. Keep our motives pure before the Lord. God’s Mercy always gives us another chance (do the same to others) Remember to always walk humbly before the Lord…don’t allow the pride of life to usurp our position in Christ!

#7. STOP trying to please everyone!Give of yourself to please GOD NOT MAN! (Pastor recently preached on this very topic!!) Servility will leave us frustrated…focusing on pleasing the Lord will bring true fulfillment!! Serve the Lord in your gifting and calling to the best of your ability. Remain diligent and faithful to the work of God!

“Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart.” -Apostle Paul

#8. Trust God in ALL things (The good, bad, and ugly)

He will work it ALL out for our good…according to His purpose!! God does not expect us to understand everything we may encounter in this life, but He does wish for us to trust Him. When we can rest in His providences, there we will find true peace within our soul.

#9. ~ Become More Patient ~

Another inspiration from my current book! Learning to accept what is, rather than insisting life should be as we expect it!! Impatience leads to a frustrated life, which will result in an unthankful heart! Allow each frame of life to teach us a few things…starting with patience.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. -Apostle Paul

#10. ~ Pray for the Fruits of the Spirit to be made manifest in our life! ~

Sounds like a no brainer, right? However, in my transparency, I cannot remember the last time I purposely prayed this in my own life! I have spent many hours this year reading self-help books to help me as a teacher! Yet, I felt the Lord saying, “My Spirit will equip you with all you need!!” The Fruit’s as well as Spiritual Gifts are available to us!! Be intentional with our prayers!

#11. ~ Surrender Your Desires To God ~

The desires of the heart is the driving force of our lives. The human will is one of the most powerful things here on this earth. God won’t force us into anything. Thus, our desires will ultimately determine where we spend eternity. Surrender them to God, and watch Him take your life and use it for His Glory!!

Love God. Love People. Do what your hand findeth to do with all our might. Be faithful over what the Lord has given us. Reach out to a lost and dying world. Preach Jesus. Plan as if the Lord is coming back 100 years from now, but live as if He is coming back in the next moment. We only get one chance to live life here on Earth…we are living for eternity whether we acknowledge it or not (Heaven or Hell) The choice is solely ours!

Blessings,

JDS