I know, I know, a new name doesn’t make it any less of a new year’s resolution. But the mindset behind the name change is the newest and most important shift. This year, the ultimate goal is to be less focused on self and more focused on purpose. The church’s purpose, how my gifts can be used to fulfill God’s purpose, and the purpose for discipleship.
Soul goals because our souls matter to God because we are called to win them for God’s glory.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
- Mark 8:36
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
- Proverbs 11:30
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
- Daniel 12:3
So here are my 2023 soul goals.
Minister To Twelve Souls
The idea is to witness to, invite and present one new soul to the Lord each month.
This means sharing the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It also means lifting up his name before nonbelievers, praying for them, showing love and kindness, and living a life that displays the attributes of my Lord and Saviour.
Can you imagine standing before the Lord and saying I shared all about you with my sisters and brothers and here they are?
Read and Study the Word of God Daily.
The more we read, the more we know.
The more we read the Bible, the more we spend intentional time with our heavenly Father learning his will and being transformed by the renewing of our minds.
This can be done by reading the physical Bible, praying, and using a note-taking strategy like S.O.A.P. This can also be done through a biblical book study online.
Try a daily devotional to get started. I’ll update this post with one soon.
Participate in Ministry
We were created to serve and use our gifts to both better the body of Christ( the church) and our local communities.
Serve and use your God-given gifts.
Prioritize Rest
While there is much work to do, the bottom line is we need physical rest and sometimes a mental break. Time to reset, reevaluate and just step out of the hustle and bustle.
Don’t underestimate the power of being still.
Memorize One Verse a Month
The Bible tells us to hide God’s word in our hearts so that at the appropriate time( hard times, sad times, times when we need to encourage others) we can pull from it.
Hiding God’s word in our hearts also means that when sin arises we have the tools to refrain and rebuke.
Start with one a month and gradually work towards 1-3 a week.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Is it possible to share what you don't know? No!
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Psalms 119:11-16
Yes, there are definitely other initiatives that I will be pursuing to better myself in 2023, but I’m starting here!
Please share. Where or what are you starting with on your journey to better in 2023?
Looking forward to hearing from you!!
P. Tonine