January 1- Begin With The End In Mind

“He who has begun a good work in you is able to complete it unto the day of salvation.” Philippians 1:6

2014 has come.  You have a fresh slate upon which to paint and untarnished snow on which you can step.  However, no matter how great your ambitions, God’s dreams for you are bigger.

In his book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen Covey has a chapter entitled, “Begin With The End In Mind." He shares that one of the key characteristics of people who are effective in life is that they have a way of starting from the end. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice.  There’s a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things.  This is true whether in the construction of a house, the start of business, or the accomplishment of a goal.  You need to let God put the dream in your mind and then He can fulfill it in your life. 

As you begin this year, what do you desire to see happen before you finish it?  A stronger marriage, a completed work, or a renewed dream are all possible but we need to ask God to give us the vision.

As you begin this year, learn to live in 3-D:

          1)  Dedicate your life and year to Him

          2)  Dream along with Him

          3)  Determine that all you do will be for Him.

These are the kinds of people God truly gets behind. Most of all, let Him shape “Christ-like” character in you.  After all, it is the most important thing you will carry beyond this year…and this planet for that matter.

Questions:

1)    What is your greatest priority for 2014?

2)    What do you need to do to make it happen?

Copyright- Terry Risser