Spiritual Goals For 2009

Starting the New Year is a good time to set some real goals. Each year I record two to three goals in my journal for each of the following categories: Spiritual, Family, Physical, Financial, Personal Development, Professional Development, and Social.

There are a lot of different ways to set goals. The main thing is to just do it. Keep them reasonably doable, measurable, limit the number you set, and be accountable for them; that keeps it real.

Here are some more thoughts on spiritual goals from Pastor Nate Elarton, of Temperance, Michigan written on his blog “Simultaneity”. May they inspire your goal setting!

“Some asked me for some ideas about spiritual goals. Here are some ideas as you evaluate your life and walk with Jesus:

• Read the Bible through this year.
• Read the Bible daily.
• Fast a day a week, or some lunches for prayer.
• Listen to more edifying music.
• Turn off talk radio, and feed your soul on your drives to work.
• Volunteer for a ministry
• Stop swearing, criticizing, gossiping, lying.
• Worship during worship times.
• Pray out loud with your family.
• Read the Bible to your family.
• Tithe faithfully and believe God for finances.
• Speak words of blessing and encouragement.
• Stop sinning on the Internet and get accountability.
• Be faithful to your local church, bringing your Bible, and journal.
• Start coming on Wednesdays.
• Not putting sports ahead of God, or encouraging your children to.
• Memorizing and meditating on a verse a week.
• Stop gaming into the night and go to bed with your family for prayer.
• Don't turn on your computer until you have had time with Jesus.
• Raising your hands in worship publicly.
• Becoming more bold in your faith at work.
• Leading your family spiritually at home.
• Stop reading those trashy novels.
• Quit social drinking and "be filled with the Spirit".
• Get on your knees to pray occasionally.
• Mentor someone in Christ.
• Lead someone to the Lord
• Join a ministry team at your church

.....get quiet before Father and ask Him about your life and spiritual goals and I bet if you are real quiet, He will give you some. Let 2009 be a year of amazing growth in Christ!”