GOALS

So, How many of you have set goals for this new year? I set a goal last year, that I am going to continue to work on this year, as I am far from reaching it.

I have other goals as well. This one particular goal that I set though, is being authentically Christian... It still escapes me at times. I find myself getting so close to God, and being as I should...and then~ I fall back down again. When I look at my life compared to a year ago, it is much more in line with God's desire. I know that I can never each perfection, but I should be able to be authentic in all situations..no matter what!

The other day at work, I was not too authentically Christian. I was very authentically human though.
I allow myself to be pulled into such pettiness. I want to rise above it, and many times I can. There are times though that I fall right down to their level. I have been focusing alot on the book of Jude this past week. I believe that God gave it to me at this time to remind me that though there are grumblers, and those who stir up trouble and cause divisions.... We have to have mercy but show caution when we are around these people. We cannot allow ourselves to get sucked in. I have been doing just that.... allowing myself to be sucked in. I say allowing, because even though it is human nature, at some point my spiritual nature has got to be given control of my human nature. Instead, I determine when/what is going to guide me. This has to stop, and in all situations I have to get my guidance from God.

A friend of mine jokingly told me to just be sure to ask forgiveness later. Another friend then said, " As Paul said in Corinthians... so do you just going on sinning...." Immediately the Holy Spirit convicted me of what I was doing..what I was saying. I did ask forgiveness, and I am sure that God will forgive me as well as deal with me accordingly for the childishness. He will also expect me to repent and learn from the situation.

Second Corinthians 4:8-9 says: "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;"
Jesus said in John 15:18-19: "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

I read this earlier today; "The enemy will put pressure on you when you attempt to reach your goal. But you can handle it. Jesus did. You are in good company. In fact, you are running with the best. He has already warned you. If they persecuted Him they will persecute you."

So yeah, I am keeping that goal... it is a "roll -over" goal, that I intend (through the power of the God) to have even more control over next year.

Situations may arise in which you are unable to figure out what to do. We all have encountered this at one time or another in our lives. When you are walking in the Word and by the Holy Spirit you have divine, inside information to meet your goal. If you are steadfast, standing through the persecution, deliverance is at hand. You can obtain your goals.