Pastor's Ponderings, January 2, 2019

Complete Our Divine Assignment in 2019

Today is new day, a new month, and a fresh new year. Now is the time to write down our overall vision for what we want to accomplish in 2019.  First, the Bible tells us to write the vision and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2-3).  We want to be able to see a clear path toward our finish line.   As we write our vision, we can pray for inspiration from God who guides us in His paths (Psalm 119:105). We have to establish our goals and objectives such as consistent prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), disciplined Bible study, or practicing loving others without expecting a reward.  David Ramsey suggests seven goal-setting categories that are spiritual, physical, intellectual, financial, social, family and career.

Next, we must count up the costs of reaching our goals (Luke 14:28).  We have to analyze the steps, the goals and objectives. What will it take to reach each task? We may not know what to do, but God declares we can get wisdom from Him (James 1:5).  We have to make an effort not to do something carelessly, inconsistently, or half-heartedly, but we have to research and study to work with divine excellence (2 Timothy 2:15).

Lastly, we must motivate ourselves to complete our tasks like David who encouraged himself after a tragedy (1 Samuel 30:6). We must look at our small beginnings as the start of a successful journey and know that God will light our path (Zechariah 4:10). As we go through this year we must keep our eyes on the prize (Philippians 3:13-14) and continually declare that we can do all things through the strength of God (Philippians 4:13).  We can declare continually that we will reach our goals since God will bring to maturity all of the vision that He has assigned us.  Let us fulfill God’s vision for our lives in 2019.

Habakkuk 2:2-3
New International Version (NIV)

2 Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
New International Version (NIV)
17 pray continually

Psalm 119:105
New International Version (NIV)

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Luke 14:28
New International Version (NIV)

28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?

James 1:5
New International Version (NIV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

2 Timothy 2:15
New International Version (NIV)

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

1 Samuel 30:6

New International Version (NIV)

6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

Zechariah 4:10
Amplified Bible (AMP)

10 Who [with reason] despises the day of small things (beginnings)?...

Philippians 3:13-14
New International Version (NIV)

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13
New International Version (NIV)

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.