from January 5, 2014 prayer update

2014, a new year! Lots of new opportunities. I am not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions. But I am a big believer in personal and organizational goal setting. I have some great hopes, aspirations, and goals for 2014.

The apostle Paul was a forward focused person. In Philippians 3:13-14 he says, “… forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

As I enter my 59th year, I really want to see meaningful forward progress in my character development. There are three interconnected character areas that I am looking to God to change in my life: anger, patience / extending grace to those who give offense, and critical spirit. These are engrained traits that won’t change overnight. but they can change over time and with God’s Spirit’s enablement. I am looking to God to do a deep work in my life in these areas that will be lasting and Christ honoring.

In my spiritual life I want to carry forward my 2013 goal regarding prayer. I made some progress last year, but not as much as I hoped. I am asking God for consistency and fervency, to extensively claim Biblical promises, and to meaningfully connect with Him. One of my life goals is to become a powerful intercessor. I also plan to continue my practice of reading through the entire Bible each year accompanied with some simple journaling.

Kathy and I celebrated our 30th anniversary last month. I want to see growth in our marriage in 2014. It is easy for unhelpful patterns to develop over time. Kathy and I want to develop helpful patterns that will enhance our relationship and better reflect Christ to our children and to a lost world.

This year will be a year of transition for me with my work and ministry. I will be transitioning into a new role with a new organization early this year. I am looking to God to provide a new venue for kingdom service that better fits the gifts and passions He has placed within me. I am currently praying through three good opportunities and actively engaged in application and vetting processes. I look forward to announcing what this new opportunity will be soon. Associated with this will be extensive new staff orientation and training. Cultivating lots of new relationships. And a renewed focused on fundraising (as I will need to raise several thousand dollars in new monthly support for ministry expenses, medical insurance, retirement, and organizational administrative fees). Fundraising is hard for me, so I welcome your prayers. I am continuing my graduate program in intercultural studies at Columbia International University in 2014. My spring class is titled “Acts in historical, theological, and missiological perspective”. I plan to take a class in the summer and in the fall as well. And hope to complete my graduate program in 2015.

How about you, what goals have you set for 2014? Would love to hear from you.