Looking Ahead

Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly.--2 Tim 2:15  (CEB)

 Pray continually.--2 Thessalonians 5:17 (CEB)

In the last year I have done a lot to care for others, and for their spiritual welfare. I have expended a lot of effort in a lot of church things. I have led our community's ministerial alliance. I have completed another Backyard Mission Project. Yet, as I look back on how I have cared for my own soul, I am deeply disappointed with myself. I need to do better.


Yet, I know this phrase, "I need to do better" gets me nowhere. I said this every January about weight loss, and I spent many of my years gaining weight instead of losing it. I have told myself that I am going to study more, pray more, and save more over and over again. I rarely make any progress.


This is because intention is not enough to get anything accomplished. As Dallas Willard might say, I need Vision, intention, and means.


I think I am a hard-working man. I work hard to be a good dad, husband, pastor, and person. I do not think, though, I am as disciplined as I could be. Especially when it comes to really managing my time.


My planners show this weakness. I begin using them in January, but then I lose track of what I am doing with them as I go through the year.


I think I can be a more prayerful and spiritually grounded person, and a more scripture-saturated pastor if I can organize my time better. I think I can be a more studied pastor if I plan to study more. I also think I can make some new strides in weight loss and personal health if I write it into a daily plan instead of trying to fit in time to make it happen.












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