Writing Smart Goals

Suppose your goal is “to have a better marriage.” That’s a good idea, but it is not really a goal yet. Until you write it in such a way that it empowers you to move toward it, all you have is a wish. So let’s turn it into a goal.

Step 1:
How do you determine where you need to set goals? Jesus established 5 goal areas for His church. At CAML we state them as “Love, Serve, Reach, Grow, Connect.” Use these main headings to identify areas you should be targeting.
1. How’s our Love life with God and each other?
2. How well do we serve our spouse’s dreams and visions?
3. How effective are we are reaching every part of our spouse’s life?
4. Are we investing in the healthy growth of our marriage?
5. Have we identified marriages we admire and what are we doing to connect with those couples?
You may not need to set goals in each area. Sometimes too many goals are overwhelming. Remember, you eat an elephant one bite at a time. Or, maybe you are strong in several of the areas but have an obvious area that could use improvement. An easy way to measure this is just give yourselves a grade from 1 to 10, 1 being low and 10 being high, in each area. Then pick your lowest area to set your first goals. For our example, let’s suppose you want to increase your Love level.

Step 2:
Now use the SMART goals model to write your goals. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Oriented, Timetable)
1. Specific: We are going to increase our time spent together with God.
2. Measurable:
Each night before going to sleep we will pray out loud for each other, led by the husband. We will do this either in person, or by phone if we are away from each other.
We will worship together in a church service at least ____ times a month.
We will each share one verse from the Bible each week and why that verse was important to us.
3. Achievable: all the above action items are ‘do-able’.
4. Results-oriented: Each action item moves us toward our goal of increasing our Love life with each other and God.
5. Timetable: Each action item has a time to be accomplished.

Step 3:
Now use the 4 growth areas defined in Luke 2:52 (wisdom, physical, spiritual, social) to help you develop strategies for accomplishing your goal.
1. Wisdom: Each of us will read at least one book (or listen to a teaching series) every 3 months about growing closer to God as a couple.
2. Stature (physical): Each of us will make an effort to make our prayer time before bed conducive to intimacy with God and each other.
3. Spiritual: Each of us will spend more time in our cars and home listening to worship music that draws us closer to God.
4. Social: We will identify couples whose relationship with God we admire and will find ways to connect with them.

01/27/10 - SMART Goals - Pastor Tony Ashmore

Pastor Tony Ashmore discusses "SMART Goals" as part of the "Winning In 2010" series in this Wednesday evening service.

SMART Goals
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

www.churchatmirrorlake.com


Sermon Notes:

SMART Goals

Increase Yearly Salary from 25K to 60K by Dec 2011

- Set Quarterly Goals for overall 35K increase

* 24 months to accomplish $2917/month increase
* Increase $100/mo by end of 1st quarter (snowball effect)
* Increase $300/mo by end of 2nd quarter
* Increase $600/mo by end of 3rd quarter
* Increase $1000/mo by year end 2010
* Increase $1400; $1850; $2350; $2917

SMART Goals

Develop Strategies Based on Increase Needed

* Can present situation provide platform for increase
* Define processes and target easy increase areas
* Increase “Capacity”
* Invest in your skills
* Identify new income possibilities
* Identify “outgo” reductions

1The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and 1sent them ahead 2in pairs to all the towns and places 3he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. 3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4 4Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And 5don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

1. Natural precedes Supernatural
2. Power of Connections and Shared Vision
3. Seek the Holy Spirit for Heaven’s Plans
4. Trust Him instead of Depending on You
5. Sense the Divine Urgency

5 “Whenever you enter someone’s home, 6first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ 6 If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. 7 7Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay. 8 “If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. 9 8Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’

5. Sense the Divine Urgency
6. Not judgment, vindication, alignment—PEACE
7. Prosper Where You Are Planted
8. Be the Kingdom of God!

01/27/10 - SMART Goals - Sermon Notes - Pastor Tony Ashmore

SMART Goals

Increase Yearly Salary from 25K to 60K by Dec 2011

- Set Quarterly Goals for overall 35K increase

• 24 months to accomplish $2917/month increase
• Increase $100/mo by end of 1st quarter (snowball effect)
• Increase $300/mo by end of 2nd quarter
• Increase $600/mo by end of 3rd quarter
• Increase $1000/mo by year end 2010
• Increase $1400; $1850; $2350; $2917

SMART Goals

Develop Strategies Based on Increase Needed

• Can present situation provide platform for increase
• Define processes and target easy increase areas
• Increase “Capacity”
• Invest in your skills
• Identify new income possibilities
• Identify “outgo” reductions

1The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and 1sent them ahead 2in pairs to all the towns and places 3he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. 3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4 4Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And 5don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

1. Natural precedes Supernatural
2. Power of Connections and Shared Vision
3. Seek the Holy Spirit for Heaven’s Plans
4. Trust Him instead of Depending on You
5. Sense the Divine Urgency

5 “Whenever you enter someone’s home, 6first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ 6 If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. 7 7Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay. 8 “If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. 9 8Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’

5. Sense the Divine Urgency
6. Not judgment, vindication, alignment—PEACE
7. Prosper Where You Are Planted
8. Be the Kingdom of God!

01/24/10 - Winning In 2010 PT4 - Pastor Tony Ashmore

Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Winning In 2010" in this Sunday service.

Winning In 2010 PT4
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 24, 2010

www.churchatmirrorlake.com


Sermon Notes:

Proverbs 29:18 KJV Where there is no vision, the people perish…

Habakkuk 2:2-4 NASB 2Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run.
3"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. 4"Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith.

In this passage of scripture note how God compares failing to have a recorded vision to pride—a soul (way of thinking, mind, will and emotions, our worldview) that is not right. Then He equates having a written vision, and the tenacity to pursue it, with righteousness and faith.

3 huge mistakes that stop us from having great life:

1. No written plans or goals (even the ungodly find success with a plan) Luke 10:1 “The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.”

2. Not getting God’s input for those plans and goals (When we find His plans, we will find success and fulfillment. The Godly do not seek profit, they seek their mission profitably.)
a. Psalm 33:11 “But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.”
b. Proverbs 19:21 “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
c. Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

3. Not partnering with God to see them realized (no asking, no doing, no perseverance)
a. Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
b. James 4:2 …Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.
c. Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

3 P’s to Successful Vision (plans and goals): Prepare, Present and Partner

Prepare
• Pray
• Search the Word
• Find His plans for you
• Plan and set goals:
• Goals should be in 4 areas (Luke 2:52)
- Wisdom: understanding and clarity, mental capacity
- Stature: physical and financial goals; reputation
- Social: Relationships and realm of influence
- Spiritual: relationship with God and Kingdom influence
• Goals should be written down
• Goals should be SMART
- Specific: 1 Chronicles 28:11 (Message) “God gave Moses his plan …He provided exact specifications…”
- Measurable: Amos 7:7-9 “a plumb line”
- Achievable: 2 Kings 4:2 “Elisha said, "I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Nothing," she said. "Well, I do have a little oil."
- Results-oriented: Ecclesiastes 5:3 “For a dream comes through much activity…”
- Timeframe: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Present
• Ask:
- Daniel 9:18 “Listen, my God, and hear. Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city called by Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You based on our righteous acts, but based on Your abundant compassion.”
- Matthew 18:19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.
- John 15:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
- 1 John 5:14-15 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

Partner
• You do the natural—what you can do
• Expect the supernatural—what you can’t do:
- 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Psalm 20:4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.

Final Word
Galatians 1:4 “Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.”
God, too, has plans and goals. His greatest plan is our rescue through Jesus Christ.
Goals we should have in our lives for 2010:
• Love:
- More intimacy with God.
- Greater worshipper than I am now.
- More forgiven = more forgiving (for whom much has been forgiven…--we have been forgiven but when we humble ourselves and recognize it regularly, then we are better able to forgive others)
• Serve:
- More intentional and strategic—on purpose and with a purpose—“I will serve you into the Kingdom.”
- More a part of my lifestyle—not something I do, but something I am
• Reach
- Keep a “target list” of people who are unconnected or disconnected. Pray for them every day and expect open doors for the Gospel
- Invite people to church every week
- Make sure everyone in my circle of influence knows Jesus
- Lead somebody to Jesus
• Grow
- Learn to hear and understand the voice of God more clearly for myself
- Read more. Ephesians 3:4 “As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.” Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding.”
- Take better notes. Revelation 21:5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
- Find more mentors. Proverbs 20:18 Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.
• Connect
- Make more meaningful and significant connections
- Connect with a new “people group”
- Raise the level of my connections—(iron sharpens iron—are we making each other better?)

01/20/10 - What's Next PT7 - Pastor Tony Ashmore

Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "What's Next" in this Wednesday evening service.

What's Next - Part 7
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 20, 2010

www.churchatmirrorlake.com

01/17/10 - Winning In 2010 PT3 - Pastor Tony Ashmore

Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Winning In 2010" in this Sunday service.

Winning In 2010 PT3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 17, 2010

www.churchatmirrorlake.com


Sermon Notes:

Proverbs 20:18 KJV Where there is no vision, the people perish…

Habakkuk 2:2-4 NASB 2Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run.
3"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. 4"Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith.

In this passage of scripture note how God compares failing to have a recorded vision to pride—a soul (way of thinking, mind, will and emotions, our worldview) that is not right. Then He equates having a written vision, and the tenacity to pursue it, with righteousness and faith.

3 huge mistakes that stop us from having great life:

1. No written plans or goals (even the ungodly find success with a plan) Luke 10:1 “The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.”

2. Not getting God’s input for those plans and goals (When we find His plans, we will find success and fulfillment. The Godly do not seek profit, they seek their mission profitably.)
a. Psalm 33:11 “But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.”
b. Proverbs 19:21 “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
c. Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

3. Not partnering with God to see them realized (no asking, no doing, no perseverance)
a. Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
b. James 4:2 …Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.
c. Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

3 P’s to Successful Vision (plans and goals): Prepare, Present and Partner

Prepare
• Pray
• Search the Word
• Find His plans for you
• Plan and set goals:
• Goals should be in 4 areas (Luke 2:52)
- Wisdom: understanding and clarity, mental capacity
- Stature: physical and financial goals; reputation
- Social: Relationships and realm of influence
- Spiritual: relationship with God and Kingdom influence
• Goals should be written down
• Goals should be SMART
- Specific: 1 Chronicles 28:11 (Message) “God gave Moses his plan …He provided exact specifications…”
- Measurable: Amos 7:7-9 “a plumb line”
- Achievable: 2 Kings 4:2 “Elisha said, "I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Nothing," she said. "Well, I do have a little oil."
- Results-oriented: Ecclesiastes 5:3 “For a dream comes through much activity…”
- Timeframe: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Present
• Ask:
- Daniel 9:18 “Listen, my God, and hear. Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city called by Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You based on our righteous acts, but based on Your abundant compassion.”
- Matthew 18:19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.
- John 15:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
- 1 John 5:14-15 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

Partner
• You do the natural—what you can do
• Expect the supernatural—what you can’t do:
- 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Psalm 20:4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.

Final Word
Galatians 1:4 “Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.”
God, too, has plans and goals. His greatest plan is our rescue through Jesus Christ.
Goals we should have in our lives for 2010:
• Love:
- More intimacy with God.
- Greater worshipper than I am now.
- More forgiven = more forgiving (for whom much has been forgiven…--we have been forgiven but when we humble ourselves and recognize it regularly, then we are better able to forgive others)
• Serve:
- More intentional and strategic—on purpose and with a purpose—“I will serve you into the Kingdom.”
- More a part of my lifestyle—not something I do, but something I am
• Reach
- Keep a “target list” of people who are unconnected or disconnected. Pray for them every day and expect open doors for the Gospel
- Invite people to church every week
- Make sure everyone in my circle of influence knows Jesus
- Lead somebody to Jesus
• Grow
- Learn to hear and understand the voice of God more clearly for myself
- Read more. Ephesians 3:4 “As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.” Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding.”
- Take better notes. Revelation 21:5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
- Find more mentors. Proverbs 20:18 Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.
• Connect
- Make more meaningful and significant connections
- Connect with a new “people group”
- Raise the level of my connections—(iron sharpens iron—are we making each other better?)

01/13/10 - What's Next PT6 - Pastor Tony Ashmore

Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "What's Next" in this Wednesday evening service.

What's Next - Part 6
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 13, 2010

www.churchatmirrorlake.com

01/10/10 - Winning In 2010 PT2 - Pastor Tony Ashmore

Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Winning In 2010" in this Sunday service.

Winning In 2010 PT2
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 10, 2010

www.churchatmirrorlake.com


Sermon Notes:

Proverbs 20:18 KJV Where there is no vision, the people perish…

Habakkuk 2:2-4 NASB 2Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run.
3"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. 4"Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith.

In this passage of scripture note how God compares failing to have a recorded vision to pride—a soul (way of thinking, mind, will and emotions, our worldview) that is not right. Then He equates having a written vision, and the tenacity to pursue it, with righteousness and faith.

3 huge mistakes that stop us from having great life:

1. No written plans or goals (even the ungodly find success with a plan) Luke 10:1 “The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.”

2. Not getting God’s input for those plans and goals (When we find His plans, we will find success and fulfillment. The Godly do not seek profit, they seek their mission profitably.)
a. Psalm 33:11 “But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.”
b. Proverbs 19:21 “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
c. Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

3. Not partnering with God to see them realized (no asking, no doing, no perseverance)
a. Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
b. James 4:2 …Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.
c. Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

3 P’s to Successful Vision (plans and goals): Prepare, Present and Partner

Prepare
• Pray
• Search the Word
• Find His plans for you
• Plan and set goals:
• Goals should be in 4 areas (Luke 2:52)
- Wisdom: understanding and clarity, mental capacity
- Stature: physical and financial goals; reputation
- Social: Relationships and realm of influence
- Spiritual: relationship with God and Kingdom influence
• Goals should be written down
• Goals should be SMART
- Specific: 1 Chronicles 28:11 (Message) “God gave Moses his plan …He provided exact specifications…”
- Measurable: Amos 7:7-9 “a plumb line”
- Achievable: 2 Kings 4:2 “Elisha said, "I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Nothing," she said. "Well, I do have a little oil."
- Results-oriented: Ecclesiastes 5:3 “For a dream comes through much activity…”
- Timeframe: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Present
• Ask:
- Daniel 9:18 “Listen, my God, and hear. Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city called by Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You based on our righteous acts, but based on Your abundant compassion.”
- Matthew 18:19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.
- John 15:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
- 1 John 5:14-15 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

Partner
• You do the natural—what you can do
• Expect the supernatural—what you can’t do:
- 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Psalm 20:4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.

Final Word
Galatians 1:4 “Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.”
God, too, has plans and goals. His greatest plan is our rescue through Jesus Christ.
Goals we should have in our lives for 2010:
• Love:
- More intimacy with God.
- Greater worshipper than I am now.
- More forgiven = more forgiving (for whom much has been forgiven…--we have been forgiven but when we humble ourselves and recognize it regularly, then we are better able to forgive others)
• Serve:
- More intentional and strategic—on purpose and with a purpose—“I will serve you into the Kingdom.”
- More a part of my lifestyle—not something I do, but something I am
• Reach
- Keep a “target list” of people who are unconnected or disconnected. Pray for them every day and expect open doors for the Gospel
- Invite people to church every week
- Make sure everyone in my circle of influence knows Jesus
- Lead somebody to Jesus
• Grow
- Learn to hear and understand the voice of God more clearly for myself
- Read more. Ephesians 3:4 “As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.” Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding.”
- Take better notes. Revelation 21:5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
- Find more mentors. Proverbs 20:18 Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.
• Connect
- Make more meaningful and significant connections
- Connect with a new “people group”
- Raise the level of my connections—(iron sharpens iron—are we making each other better?)

01/03/10 - Winning In 2010 PT1 - Pastor Tony Ashmore

Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "Winning In 2010" in this Sunday service.

Winning In 2010 PT1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 3, 2010

www.churchatmirrorlake.com

Sermon Notes:

Proverbs 20:18 KJV Where there is no vision, the people perish…

Habakkuk 2:2-4 NASB 2Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run.

3"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. 4"Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith.

In this passage of scripture note how God compares failing to have a recorded vision to pride—a soul (way of thinking, mind, will and emotions, our worldview) that is not right. Then He equates having a written vision, and the tenacity to pursue it, with righteousness and faith.

3 huge mistakes that stop us from having great life:

1. No written plans or goals (even the ungodly find success with a plan) Luke 10:1 “The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.”

2. Not getting God’s input for those plans and goals (When we find His plans, we will find success and fulfillment. The Godly do not seek profit, they seek their mission profitably.)

a. Psalm 33:11 “But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.”

b. Proverbs 19:21 “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”

c. Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

3. Not partnering with God to see them realized (no asking, no doing, no perseverance)

a. Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

b. James 4:2 …Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.

c. Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

3 P’s to Successful Vision (plans and goals): Prepare, Present and Partner

Prepare

• Pray

• Search the Word

• Find His plans for you

• Plan and set goals:

• Goals should be in 4 areas (Luke 2:52)

- Wisdom: understanding and clarity, mental capacity

- Stature: physical and financial goals; reputation

- Social: Relationships and realm of influence

- Spiritual: relationship with God and Kingdom influence

• Goals should be written down

• Goals should be SMART

- Specific: 1 Chronicles 28:11 (Message) “God gave Moses his plan …He provided exact specifications…”

- Measurable: Amos 7:7-9 “a plumb line”

- Achievable: 2 Kings 4:2 “Elisha said, "I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Nothing," she said. "Well, I do have a little oil."

- Results-oriented: Ecclesiastes 5:3 “For a dream comes through much activity…”

- Timeframe: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Present

• Ask:

- Daniel 9:18 “Listen, my God, and hear. Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city called by Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You based on our righteous acts, but based on Your abundant compassion.”

- Matthew 18:19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.

- John 15:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

- 1 John 5:14-15 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

Partner

• You do the natural—what you can do

• Expect the supernatural—what you can’t do:

- 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

- Psalm 20:4 May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.

Final Word

Galatians 1:4 “Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.”

God, too, has plans and goals. His greatest plan is our rescue through Jesus Christ.

Goals we should have in our lives for 2010:

• Love:

- More intimacy with God.

- Greater worshipper than I am now.

- More forgiven = more forgiving (for whom much has been forgiven…--we have been forgiven but when we humble ourselves and recognize it regularly, then we are better able to forgive others)

• Serve:

- More intentional and strategic—on purpose and with a purpose—“I will serve you into the Kingdom.”

- More a part of my lifestyle—not something I do, but something I am

• Reach

- Keep a “target list” of people who are unconnected or disconnected. Pray for them every day and expect open doors for the Gospel

- Invite people to church every week

- Make sure everyone in my circle of influence knows Jesus

- Lead somebody to Jesus

• Grow

- Learn to hear and understand the voice of God more clearly for myself

- Read more. Ephesians 3:4 “As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.” Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding.”

- Take better notes. Revelation 21:5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”

- Find more mentors. Proverbs 20:18 Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.

• Connect

- Make more meaningful and significant connections

- Connect with a new “people group”

- Raise the level of my connections—(iron sharpens iron—are we making each other better?)