The 2 Most Important Goals For 2019

Let me begin by saying …

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope this coming year will be filled with past dreams realised and new dreams birthed in you.

With all the emails, blog posts, social media posts, courses etc. on setting goals for 2019, I’d like to suggest two of the most important goals that you could ever set.

No, it isn’t losing weight, saving money, decluttering – even though they are worthy goals to set.

These two goals are even more important and can change your life forever.

I really enjoy mowing the lawn. I love the smell, it’s physical work and I don’t mind at all getting dirty. What I love most about it is that I can immediately see the results of my hot and sweaty efforts. One of the great satisfactions in life is being able to see what you have accomplished with tangible results.

You may not think these goals have tangible results but may I suggest that they can.

These two goals are needed for a fulfilled and amazing life.

A couple of years ago I gave an offering message at a Women’s Ministry event and I had it all planned – as I do. Then on the way home from dropping off my husband at work, the day of the event, God decided to change my planned message – as He does.

He told me to get an empty ice-cream container and put in 5 apples. That was all the instruction He gave me. Don’t you just love that? Not really. I did what He asked, got our small children ready and went to church. I still had no idea what I was supposed to be talking about but I knew that He would tell me. OK, I hoped He would tell me … and soon!

Right before I was about to walk up to the stage, God told me what to say. I gave out the apples to the ladies who were listening and it quickly became obvious that the container was empty and I had nothing left to give.

You can’t give out of what you don’t have. If you are like me and struggle at times showing love to those who really rub you the wrong way, then these goals are for you. You can’t give out God’s love if you haven’t first received it. You can’t give what you don’t have.

Ok. Here they are:

Goal No. 1 – Receiving God’s love for you.

This is your most important goal.

“Well how do I do this?” I hear you say. Don’t worry, I have a few suggestions.

Take some time to sit quietly by yourself if you can. Then:

Read the books in the Bible of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Look at how Jesus treated the people that came to Him. Imagine Him coming to you and smiling at you, loving you.

Ask God to show you how He sees you.

Ask God to reveal Himself to you as a loving Father. This will be very hard for some – especially those who had or still have unloving earthly fathers. I can assure you, God as Father is nothing like your earthly father if your upbringing was difficult. This was extremely challenging for me but I persevered and did what I am suggesting you do. The results are worth it. You need to see the truth of who Father God truly is. This revelation will change your life forever. It certainly did me.

Make a conscious decision to actively receive the love God has for you. This is not as difficult or weird as it sounds.

I sit, close my eyes, put my hands out with my palms up and ask God to fill me with His love. I actually say out loud, “I choose to receive your love right now.” I am a feely person so my body feels tingly and a beautiful peace comes inside. You may not feel anything but don’t let that deter you. Everything in the Christian walk is by faith. Choose to believe that you are receiving it and the feelings will catch up.

Try and do this on a daily basis, even more than once if you are able.

Goal No. 2 – Finding Your True Identity.

This goes hand it hand with receiving Father God’s love for you. If you learn to know who you are, your whole life will change.

I wrote about this in depth here and it will really help you.

For now, here is a small list describing who you truly are as the Bible tells you. Say these out loud 2 or 3 times a day and see how your perspective towards yourself will change.

I AM a saint    (1 Corinthians 1:2)
I AM a royal priesthood    (1 Peter 2:9)
I AM the righteousness of God in Christ    (2 Corinthians 5:21)
I AM a child of God    (John 1:12)
I AM the light of the world    (Matthew 5:14)
I AM a co-heir with Christ    (Romans 8:17)
I CAN do the impossible    (Matthew 17:20) 
I CAN heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons    (Matthew 10:8) 
I PRODUCE much fruit in my life    (John 15:5)
MY prayers are heard and answered    (1 John 5:14-15)
I AM desperately loved by God ….. just as I am right now    (Romans 8:38-39)
I AM filled with the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead    (Romans 8:11)
I AM the Bride of Christ and I AM already married to Jesus      (Revelation 19:7)
I HAVE the mind of Christ so therefore I am loving, creative and intelligent and kind    (1 Corinthians 2:16)
I HAVE understanding, wisdom, insight, knowledge, revelation, might and power because Christ lives in me   (Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 1:9, Galatians 1:12, Ephesians 1:19-20)
I AM a brand new person in Christ   (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I AM chosen and I belong to God   (1 Peter 2:9)

This IS who I am ….. right now!

If you seriously say these out loud a few times a day, you can’t help but be changed.

Tangible Results

As you receive God’s love for you, you will begin to understand who you truly are according to the Bible – which is what God says about you – then you can’t help but show love to others.
* You will have more peace in your life.
* The things that used to irritate you won’t so much anymore.
* When it used to be a real drag reading the Bible (let’s be honest here), you will have a hunger for it.
* You will long to be in God’s presence and will want to receive His love.
* You will search for ways to bring joy to your Heavenly Father’s heart.
* You will look for ways to serve other people and to bring joy to their lives.
* You will even begin to have compassion on those whom you have previously struggled with.
* Other people’s opinions about you (whether perceived or real) won’t matter so much to you anymore.
* You will gain an inner strength that you never thought possible.
* You will experience such an amazing fullness in your heart that will bring you a drive to fulfil every purpose that God has created you for.
* You will recognise God’s voice much clearer.
* But ultimately, you will KNOW that God is good and that He loves you – no matter what. This will grow such a deep and intimate relationship with Him, that you’ll never want to turn away. He is incredibly amazing!

Pretty good hey?

Action Steps

All of the above. Begin with 10-15 minutes a day. Of course you can go longer but if this is all you can manage, even less to start with, do that. God as your Heavenly Father understands. You can build up over time. Set an alarm if that’s easier but don’t give up before the alarm sounds. Persevere and don’t give up. Keep going until it becomes natural. As time goes on, it will become easier and easier and you may even get to the point where you don’t want to stop. I know I do.

Most Importantly …

… if you don’t have a relationship with Father God and you want one, this is a prayer you can pray, right now:

“Thank You, Father God, that you are good. Thank You that Jesus Christ came to the earth to die and come alive again – just for me. Thank You that Jesus is the only way to You. I admit that I have ignored You and that I have chosen to live my life the way I thought best. I ask that You will forgive me. I submit my life to You today and I ask that Jesus will walk beside me and live in me for the rest of my life.
Today I choose to live as Your daughter/son and to get to know You for the rest of my life. 
Thank You, Father God. I receive Your love and acceptance today.”

Congratulations!

If you prayed this prayer for the first time or you have decided to submit to God after being away from Him, I’d love for you to either let me know in the comments below or send me an email here. I’d love to encourage you at the beginning of your journey.

I pray that you all have a most amazing year and may 2019 be your best year yet!

Many, many blessings to you.

(Photo Credit: www.pexels.com)