Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That!

I don’t want to mess around in 2020. I don’t have time for that. I want to set and to work at and to accomplish goals that matter. At the end of this year, I want to look back and be blown away — actually astounded by the results! Most of all, I want God to be right at the center of it. I don’t want to mess around.

Are there goals like that? If so, what are they?

Read on, and you will find 5 goals God will bless. A couple of them may be expected. A couple may be out of your comfort zone. All of them will require some serious commitment. Still, the truth is God will bless them. This year, I’m going to relentlessly pursue them. You should, too.

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5 Goals God Will Bless

Here is the thing — God is alive and God is still speaking. The greatest thing that could happen in the coming year is that I would consistently hear His voice. The greatest thing is that, in hearing His voice I would know Him, and in knowing Him, I would grow in my love for Him.

So, how does God speak? He speaks through His Word, the Bible. To hear His voice, to see His character, to know of His plans, we simply must be in His Word! There is no other way. There are no shortcuts. And Friend, be sure — God will crazily bless it.

“The unfolding of Your words gives light…” – Psalm 119:130

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I don’t think we’ll ever fully understand the power and the blessing we have in prayer. Imagine, God Himself, invites us to actually talk to Him in prayer. What’s more, He tells us He hears, answers, and responds to the earnest prayers of His people. Jesus says whatever we ask in His name, the Father will do. That sounds so crazy, I need to clarify — that’s what Jesus says, not me! (John 16:23) What a resource! What a blessing! More than that, what an honor! We can talk to our Creator God. And Friend, be sure — God will crazily bless it.

“Pray, then, in this way…” – Matthew 6:9

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This is where the adventure gets real! This is where we can be certain that we have the heart of Christ. If you want to see radical results, if you want to stretch your faith, raise your pulse rate, and know you are right in step with Christ — set out to lead someone to Him. It is the heartbeat of Jesus. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) It is His purpose for us. “…and you shall be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8) The world right around us is suffering, missing its Savior. They are hopeless behind their forced smiles, hurting in darkness. Step out and shine a bright light on Jesus. Proclaim the Good News. And, Friend, be sure — God will crazily bless it.

“…always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you…” – 1 Peter 3:15

The world right around us is suffering, missing its Savior. They are hopeless behind their forced smiles, hurting in darkness. Step out and shine a bright light on Jesus. Share on X

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I’m pretty sure most people have arrived at a wrong mindset when it comes to the church. We believe we are on our walks with Christ, and that the church exists to supplement us. We think the church is to serve us with events, programs, and the like — all to provide for us, to cater to us, and ultimately to make us happy. Be sure, we do benefit from the church. In fact, our walks are terribly handicapped apart from the church. But, the truth is, we are built, gifted, and placed in the church to serve in it. Get that — the church needs YOU!

It would be difficult to list all of the things that go on daily to accomplish the church’s mission. Many are never even seen. There are people singing in the choir, others driving buses, some teaching kids. There are folks running projectors and soundboards, people greeting and ushering, some cooking meals for funerals. In my church, there is a man who comes and quietly picks up trash in the auditorium and outside. What a blessing! And, that is all in God’s plan. This year, watch what God does and watch your joy soar as you seriously serve in your church. And, Friend, be sure — God will crazily bless it.

“But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” – 1 Corinthians 12:18

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Life is full of hard stuff. Some of it is like a punch in the gut. Hard. Stuff. God knew that is how it would be living in a fallen world. Jesus said in following Him we can expect even worse. This world truly is not our home. (Praise the Lord!) It is full of struggles, troubles, and strife. Yet, God, in His kindness, makes provision for life in these days.

First, He assures us we can count on Him. He will be our peace, our hope, our comfort. We can rest in Him. Then, second — strangely — He gives us the ability to encourage one another. It fills the New Testament record. Titus encourages Paul. Paul encourages Timothy, Barnabas encourages everybody! And, on and on it goes. Not only are we able to encourage, we are commanded to. Think about that. God’s plan for believers enduring troubled times until He comes back is for you and for me to encourage others. If this is true, and it is, then what an awesome thing to try and outdo everyone in. And, here is the thing — we have everything we need to do it: a settled hope in Jesus, a sure eternity in glory, hands to demonstrate it, and a mouth to proclaim it. How tremendous to think of the result! Be the most encouraging person you know. And, Friend, be sure — God will crazily bless it.

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We have everything we need to be the most encouraging people ever: a settled hope in Jesus, a sure eternity in glory, hands to demonstrate it, and a mouth to proclaim it. Share on X