Purpose and Priorities Part 2

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Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.

 

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.

 

Last week we talked about the year end depressions that hits so many. Loneliness and isolation have a lot to do with it and we stayed there a lot last week. But as the New Year draws closer and more people begin to think about the future, past the Christmas parties and New Year gatherings what waits for you in the next year? If you are thinking next year will be a replay of last year I can see why you might be discouraged. But I don’t believe it has to be more of the same for you.

 

You may not have control over your circumstances or the people around you but you have a loto of influence over your response to those circumstances and people. More of the same from them doesn’t have to mean more of the same from you!

 

But change requires CHANGE.

Where do you start?

Prayer and fasting. What is God doing in you? What is God doing in the people around you? How does God want to use you this year to influence those around you toward Him?

 

Work Goals: What you can do.

Faith Goals: What only God can do.

 

First pray about the big needs you see in the world. Most people need to know Jesus in a real and personal way. The evidence of that is in the news every day. How often do you pray about it instead of complain about it? Where do you see evidence of this need in the people around you?

 

Who are the people working to meet those needs? Pray for workers. Get to know the workers in the harvest field around you. How can you help and encourage them? Don’t know? Pray for wisdom, then go and ask those workers how you can help them!

 

If not NOW, WHEN? If not YOU, WHO? - Ask God to give you the burden and vision for His work.

 

Want to have a better year next year? Pray about how you can serve others more and better.

 

After a short break I will be back with some thoughts on how to use some strategic planning principles to clarify a new direction for a new year in a way that can get you excited about what God is doing in your life!

 

PART 2

 

If you follow my advice you will spend some time at the end of this year and the start of the next in intentional prayer and fasting. Although it is easy to focus on the negative in the world, God uses difficult times to open hearts. If you look for people who need a friend, you will find them. Pray for the compassion of Jesus to guide you in the coming year.

 

Second, after spending time with God, reflecting on Him and the work He is doing in the world, spend some time praying and considering how God made you and what He made you for. You have a purpose.

 

John 15:9-17

 

However you may think about your purpose in this life, I encourage you to consider the FIVE truths from this passage.

 

1. God wants you to Abide in Jesus. John 15:4

 

2. God wants you to have real Joy! Galatians 5: 22-23

 

3. Jesus is a true friend, even when you have no one else. Proverbs 18:24

4. You are chosen! God wants you even when no one else does. Ephesians 2:10

 

5. God wants you to live a fruitful life! Ephesians 2:10 – Created for Good Works! John 15:16 – Chosen to bear fruit!

 

What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths? Next week let’s look a little more at how you can narrow down all that you COULD do, to a few things that you can commit to in the coming year. Even one or two small changes in your weekly schedule can make a big difference in your spiritual life. This week, pursue knowing God in His Word, meditate on Who He is and what He is doing in the world around you.

 

Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your life this holiday season? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.