The details may change over time, but these should stay at the forefront of my life decisions:
1) Honor and Love God
2) Honor and Love Others
(Luke 10:27)
How?
Here’s how.
Daily Personal Goals
Realize that I fall short of these goals sometimes(Romans 3:23), but I will never obtain them if I’m not reaching for them daily(Philippians 3:12), and if I’m not reaching for them I don’t really value them(Psalm 37:4, Matthew 6:21).
Manna (Exodus 16:12)
“First fruits” (Proverbs 3:9-10, Matthew 6:19-21) family prayer & devotional (immediately upon waking up)
Journal my devotional commentary (Mark 16:15)
Water (John 4:14)
Continual remembrance, prayer, and meditation on honoring God & sharing love and encouragement with others (Joshua 1:8)
Listen to praise music quietly while working (Psalm 119:97, Psalm 40:3)
Bread (Matthew 4:4)
Read from Bible in the free moments of time (waiting rooms, during any solitary meals, etc.) (Proverbs 18:9, Philippians 4:8)
Active praise when traveling in vehicle (Hebrews 13:15,
Family praise & prayer at meals
Family bible study, prayer & praise at bedtime
Meat
Dedicated Personal Prayer
— Focused, quiet place (if possible) (Matthew 6:6)
— Kneeling or prostrate preferably
— With Bible preferably
— Specific Praises for Today
— Guidance/Wisdom
— Conviction/Identify target areas
— Ask for measurable goals
— Intercession for others
Realize the results
— Follow up on those who have requests
— Track answered prayers
— Track measured progress on target areas
Review/Edit/Study devotional and post on blog (accountability, fellowship & evangelism)
Rest
Get adequate sleep
Eat healthy foods in moderation
Exercise
Daily Armor of God
Belt of Truth
Do not be found foolish
Breastplate of Righteousness
Do not let down guard of my heart.
Do not become cold towards others.
Do not become complacent towards God.
Shield of Faith
Do not lose trust that God has everything under contol.
Helmet of Salvation
Guard my thoughts against temptation.
Do not doubt my own salvation.
Gospel Shoes
Firm foundation and understanding of the gospel, as good news and encouragement – not judgement, accusation, or condemnation.
Sword of God’s Word
Use it to cut out those things in myself that are diseased.
Examine myself first. EXAMINE MYSELF FIRST!
If confronted by sin in others, don’t attack an unbeliever with scripture.
If I’m unsure about a person’s status as a believer, or I’m encountering a believer who is not sinning “unto death”, pray instead and demonstrate a good example in my walk, not in my words.
If confronted with someone sinning unto death (Galatians 5:19 & open, intentional rebellion) & I am a watchman accepted or assigned to/for them – defend my own position for why I avoid it (practical explanation of dangers & consequences) along with what steps I take to avoid it, then back it up with specific scripture example and listen to how they understand or dismiss it.
If I see someone not under my watch sinning unto death and I feel strongly convicted, I should first ask myself is my conviction pointing out a reflection of something similar in my own life that needs to be repaired?
LIFE GOALS
Honor God by leading my household:
Reduce debt, increase generosity
Weekly dedicated fun time with Mandee
Weekly dedicated prayer & Bible study with Mandee
Weekly dedicated fun time with Mia
Weekly dedicated prayer & Bible study with Mia
Become Ordained
Travel to Israel
Seminary
Honor God through Ministry:
Radical Evangelism
Weekly Christian Alternatives to “the temptations within normal Club/Bar settings”
Christian Counseling
Mission (Home/Farm)
— Elderly/Homeless/Prison/Foster/Adopt
— Transitional housing
— Seminary assistance
— Retreat/Healing for those in ministry
Preacher/Pastor
— Preach in area churches
— Build a gathering starting in our home
Found a charitable mission
Participate in charitable mission boards
Volunteer service in church/ministry
Honor extended family:
Restored relationship with estranged biological father & that family
Provide a retreat/retirement/hospice for family and friends in the foothills of the mountains
Help others realize and accomplish their life goals
Great goals! I like your thoughts on the armour of God and your plans for sustaining your spiritual life.
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I love this!
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It is so good to read back over this occasionally, both to see how God has moved, stretched and grown me — and to recognize areas that may need attention that I have been overlooking lately.
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Yes, I can relate to that.
Thanks for sharing this. It encourages me in my walk with God too.
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