I love new beginnings. It’s a fresh start to gain momentum and create a better future. I find it funny that new year’s resolutions get a negative look from some people. My favorite line that is used goes like this, “New year’s resolutions don’t work.” Those same people say, “New year’s resolutions don’t last.” Well, neither does eating once and expecting to be full for 2 months. Just like hunger we need to keep feeding ourselves new goals and mile markers for our life. We need resolutions and goals in order to make sure we are aiming at a target. Without goals we will aimlessly live life without any real sense of direction. New year’s is a great time to start new goals, but anytime is a great time to set new goals. I revisit my goals and to do’s once every few weeks in order to stay on target. You cannot start new goals and revisit old ones enough!

What new goals are you setting for your life in 2014? What challenges will you take on to better yourself? Spiritually speaking, what new things are you going to do to fulfill God’s plan for your life? I encourage you to take some time and sit down in order to map out your spiritual goals for this upcoming year. Here are some ideas to help you get started…

1. Reading Goals

Pick a topic that relates to a subject you want to learn more about. Maybe it is faith, finances, giving, sacrifice, or historical insight from the Bible. Whatever it is dig into God’s word and other resources that will teach you about the subject. If it is not topical pick a book of the Bible to study this year. Maybe a character from the Bible you want to learn more about. Check out this resource…“STOP Reading The Bible” about some different ways to study your Bible. Get some goals to spiritually grow through books!

2. Prayer Goals

Challenge yourself to spend more time in prayer this year. It doesn’t have to be long, just challenge yourself to spend more time talking with God. Start a prayer journal or a prayer list. One thing that our family found helpful is to specifically write down the things we are praying for so we can target them in prayer. Pick a few areas for your life that you are going to immerse yourself in prayer about.

3. Friends Goals

Make sure you set some goals to spend more time with the right people who are going to challenge you. Pick a few people out in your life that you are going to make it a point to be around. Target some mentors or people you look up to that can be an example for you. Ask them questions, take them to lunch, let them pour into you. I guarantee your life will change if you get 2-3 people that you allow to speak into your life.

4. Giving Goals

Giving opens up the doors of blessing from God. Giving is the only topic in the Bible that God says, “Test me in.” I challenge you to set some giving goals for this year. Financially for sure, but it doesn’t have to only be money. You can give of your time, talents, and treasures. Maybe you are going to do some more volunteering in order to make a difference. Maybe you want to spend more time meeting needs of those around you. Maybe you have some financial goals of giving away a certain amount of money to help others. Get some goals that are about giving and you will begin to see God give back to you in greater ways!