Good morning family and friends. I’m thinking that we are now headed in the right direction toward Spring with all its beauty and fascination. Remember those on the other side of the world who are suffering. Pray for them daily. Pray that the governing authorities involved will come to a peaceful resolution.
Let’s think about GOALS! Do you have goals for your life? In Luke 2:52 we find that Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. To grow, one of the most important elements is desire. When we earnestly want to grow, we will take the necessary steps toward growth. We will begin to see ourselves smarter, healthier, stronger, and happier.
Have goals to grow in knowledge. Read you Bible daily. Meditate on what you read. Discuss what you learn with others. Be in attendance for Bible study and participate in the discussion. Visit the local library and become a reader. It takes time and effort to learn. Knowing something is well worth the effort. Grow in wisdom through knowledge. If you don’t know, learn.
Set goals for a healthier life? Walk outside. Sit in the sunshine. Take in God’s creation and feel the breeze. There are rich blessings all around us. Go for a walk. Try something different for dinner. Plant some flowers in the yard and maybe a tomato plant or two. A fresh tomato right off the vine from your own garden is certainly a wonderful joy. Do you really need to salt your food even before you taste it? Eating less salt can lead to lower numbers on your bathroom scales and your BP.
Set spiritual goals for your life? A stronger faith in God comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). In 2 Peter chapter 1 we find a list of what we call the “Christian Graces.” To our faith we add virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These “graces” are spiritual goals that God has set for us to diligently work toward in our lives. Did you notice that this is a “stair-step” approach? If you are having trouble with, let’s say self-control, work on your knowledge. A person who lacks knowledge usually has trouble staying under control. With knowledge comes the capacity for temperance. In the end true love is built upon kindness to others.
Set goals to be a friendly welcoming person? Smile. A smile blesses everyone, especially you. Laugh. I have heard that laughter is the best medicine available to heal and help all who fill the prescription. If there isn’t much to laugh at, laugh at yourself. Just the other day I pulled into the driveway, got out of my truck and couldn’t get into the house because I didn’t have my keys. I did find them. They were with my Bible. My Bible was in my hand. I guess that is what is called a “senior moment?”
On Sunday I brought our series “Finding the Joy” to a close and spoke about 5 steps we can take to find the joy in studying the Bible together. On the evening we looked at 10 Rules for a Happier Life: Give something away – Do something kind – Get advice from an older person – Note the face of a baby – Laugh – Give thanks – Pray – Work and Plan as though you will love forever because you will and Live as though you will die tomorrow because one “tomorrow” you will. MB
Leave a Reply