Philippians 3:14 (ESV) I press on toward “the goal” for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

If we are going to grow, it’s important that we take some down time to think, meditate, and pray for some goals. We need to ask God to help us get vision and ideas for our year, next 5 years, and our long term future. Here is a great quote from someone who is an expert at goal setting:

“Your ability to discipline yourself to set clear goals and then to work toward them every day will do more to guarantee your success than any single factor.” – Brian Tracy

In order to set proper goals, we need to pause, take a breather, and hear from God.

Question: Why do you think it’s so important to pause in order to set goals?

Question: What will happen if we never pause or take a breather?

Question: Has anyone ever burned out? What did you do to cause yourself to burn out?

The main reason someone will burn out is when you’re working hard, not resting, and getting NO RESULTS!

WORKING HARD is not going to cause you to burn out when you’re doing God’s will.

John 4:34 NLT Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.

Let’s take a look at Proverbs 21:5 NLT. Would someone like to read that scripture for the group?

Proverbs 21:5 NLT Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Question: According to this scripture, why would someone NOT prosper?

The push to growing is doing something when you don’t feel like doing it.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT GOALs

FACT: NO GOAL WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT BEING INTENTIONAL ABOUT IT.

FACT: NO GOAL WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT A “PRESS”. (I “Press” on toward the goal.)

Question: How do you know when you’re “pushing” towards a goal?

FACT: NOTHING GREAT WILL EVER BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT A “GOAL”.

FACT: AFTER A GOAL IS ACCOMPLISHED THERE IS ALWAYS A “PRIZE”.

Question: What is one way you can reward yourself after hitting your goals?

WHAT IS A GOAL? 

1. A DESIRED FUTURE RESULT

A. GOD PROMISES TO GIVE US THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART.
Psalms 37:4 (GNT) Seek your happiness in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desire.

2. A PRAYER

A. EVERYONE WHO SETS GOALS/PRAYS RECEIVES.
Matthew 7:8 (NKJV) For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

HOW DO WE SET GOALS ? 

1ST STEP: PRAY AND ASK GOD FOR VISION AND GUIDANCE. 

2ND STEP: WRITE DOWN THE DESIRES AND VISION IN YOUR HEART. 

3RD STEP: BE SPECIFIC. 

4TH STEP: CREATE A PLAN OF ACTION FOR EACH GOAL

“Goals are dreams with deadlines.”– Diana Scharf