Jan
04
Goals of Godliness
Posted byWell, it is the first full work week of 2009. As I begin 2009 there are some things that keep coming to mind. What are my resolutions? I honestly do not do resolutions. I know that many of the resolutions are no longer resolutions by March. Many people make resolutions just to be overwhelmed and discouraged when they cannot meet their overly ambitious desires.
With that in mind, I try to make only one or two goals that lead me to a more intimate relationship with God. For example my two goals this year is to add an evening Bible reading to my daily activity. My other goal is to get back to memorizing one verse a week.
What are your resolutions, or goals for 2009?
6 Comments
January 5th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Tim,
Like you I try not to make “resolutions,” as I have in the past and been pretty disappointed (long before March). However, I have over the past couple of years set goals which I believe the Lord has blessed. For example, this past year, in addition to my daily Bible readings (twice through the OT and four times through the NT), I was able to memorize 29 scripture passages, something I hadn’t done in years. I also was able to keep my goal of reading a number of books this past year – something that I am rather slow to do.
This year I really believe the Lord wants me to lead our church in such endeavors as a body. We are reading through the Bible together, memorizing twenty four scripture texts together and I have introduced them to a “Reading Club.” We will be reading twelve books together as a church (one each month) and then meeting once a month for a couple of hours to discuss them.
My prayer is that this is only the beginning. Once we accomplish this together it will wet their appetites for even more. I hope and pray that you have a great 2009.
Grace,
Wes
January 5th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Brother Wes,
What awesome goals. I believe the Lord is going to bless your efforts. I am trying to get into my mind that if I do not memorize one scripture each week, then I still have not failed. If I only memorize one scripture every other week, then that is 21 scripture verses that I have not memorized before.
Keep us informed about your progress with your congregation. That is great.
Blessings,
Tim
January 5th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Brother Wes,
Your congregation will certainly be blessed by reading God’s Word. For the past two years, during our corporate worship on Sunday, I have encouraged another Pastor to read and exposit a chapter of Isaiah. We are now moving to a chapter of Genesis each week, and it has been fantastic. Another gentleman reads a portion of the Gospels without exposition during our worship time as well. This is all done previous to the central message that I bring from Romans as I hope to complete the exposition of the letter within three years.
I have found that the congregation begins to fall in love with the Word as we learn to worship in spirit and in truth. True worship is rare, but as the Word is read and heard, the Holy Spirit sanctifies and brings growth.
I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the Saints in Coahoma, and I hope to get back to visit with you soon!
Blessings,
Chris
January 5th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Tim,
Thanks for the encouragement. I am rather excited about the response we’ve had. Of course we’ve had the usual grumbling about being able to memorize scripture – but I have found that the more you do it, the easier it becomes. I’ve said before that I’m not the brightest bulb in the box so if I can do it – any body can. And as you said, even in you only get 10, 15 or 20 verses down – that’s still more than you had.
Chris,
Happy New Year young man! I am absolutely convinced that the more of God’s Word we get into the hearing of people the better. I like what your fellowship is doing and hope to do something similar – but it will take a while to get there. Considering where our folks are coming from this is a big step. But, praise God we have had a good response and we will trust Him for the results.
And, you’re welcome out here anytime my brother. Our folks continue to pray for you and your family. I would tell you that I could fire up the grill and fix you some of my famous BBQ ribs, but that’s probably no longer on your diet! 8->
Grace,
Wes
January 5th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
If yall want to see my resolutions, then you need to stroll on over to my blog at
http://fromthehillsandhollers.blogspot.com/
David
January 7th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Hi Tim. Happy New Year!
This year? Write more. Complain less. Give up more of myself to God each day than I did the day before and maybe by 2010, I will have disappeared and all that would be left is His glory.
One can hope. selahV