AN INTENTIONAL YEAR

Why you shouldn't make a resolution, you should make a plan.

Here we are again. As we prepare to turn the page into a new year, people will be reflecting and thinking about the year ahead. It’s time for some resolutions, right?

Nope.

Too often, we approach a new year with hopes and wishes. The problem is we don’t often have a plan. This is why so many gyms are crowded for about two weeks in January, and then things go back to normal.

I am writing this to encourage you to make a plan.

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

For me, my goal is that the year ahead will be marked by intentionality, not just idealism. I’ve learned over my years of life and leadership that things don’t actually change because of a ball dropping at midnight.

Things change when I take action.

And sustained action that leads to change takes a plan.

Below are a few things that I am being intentional with, and I would invite you to do the same. The good news is, I will only focus on two. (Spoiler alert: I’m a pastor, so don’t be surprised by #2)

#1: PRAYERFULLY SET GOALS

Think about the year ahead. Each day that God gives you is a gift. What will you do with it?

Too many people in our world simply let life happen to them. Without intention and focus, we are destined to live life by default instead of by design. We get to the end of the day, the week, the month, or even the year, and we wonder where the time went.

I don’t want to live like that. I want to be intentional. Each day is a gift. I want to make the moments count. What about you?

I challenged my family to consider setting at least one goal in each of the following areas, and I invite you to do the same.

1) Spiritual - How do I want to grow in my discipleship to Jesus?

2) Body - What will I do to steward my physical health?

3) Mind - Where and how am I going to grow my wisdom?

4) Marriage - How will I cultivate the marriage we want?

5) Family - What will I do to make meaningful core memories for/with family?

6) Friends / Community - How will I cultivate lifegiving friendships and serve the community?

7) Finances - What will I do to move towards greater financial health, stewardship, and generosity?

8) Work - What are the essential things to be accomplished in my vocation?

9) Fun - What are the things that I will do to enjoy the life that God has given me?

I encourage you to take some time to prayerfully write down something for each of the areas listed above. Make sure they are specific and focused (think about SMART GOALS).

And then…DO IT.

#2: PLAN FOR SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH

No one drifts into deeper discipleship to Jesus, just like no one relaxes their way to a healthy, strong body. The last few years I have set my alarm to wake up early and head to the gym. Did I always want to? No. Was it worth it? Yes.

Most Jesus followers I know want a deeper, more fulfilling life in Jesus.

And here is the good news: YOU CAN HAVE THAT!

There are two things I do each year that help to foster this in my own life, and I invite you to do the same.

GET A BIBLE READING PLAN

This year, I will read the entire Bible once again (this has been a habit of mine for years). And no, this isn’t because I am a pastor, it’s because I want to know Jesus more. How do we do that? We encounter Him in the Scriptures.

There have been many times that I wanted to read my Bible, but I lacked something important: a plan.

This year, along with Life Center Church, I will follow The Bible Recap daily Bible reading plan. This plan will take you through the whole Bible in one year and provide context through their daily podcast. You can do it in about 15 minutes a day.

Read scripture or even listen to Scripture (you can do both in the Bible App). A year from now, you will have a greater understanding of the Bible and how it all points us to Jesus.

SET ASIDE THE FIRST 21 DAYS OF THE NEW YEAR TO PRAY (AND FAST)

What we do first sets the tone and direction. That is why, as a church community, we are committed to Pray First. Each year, we set aside the first 21 Days of the year to pray and fast. I invite you to join in!

Click HERE for more information on how you can join in with Life Center in our 21 Days of Prayer.

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There you go.

Two simple (yet not easy) ways to experience an intentional year!

I’d love to hear from you. Share in the comments below some of the goals and plans that you will be intentional with in the coming year.

Grace and Peace,

Tyler