Don’t set goals, Set time for Jesus

I used to be an over-the-top planner. It is one of those natural strengths that butts up against His Spirit in me.

Each December I would go through my personal file folders … actual, tactile ones. Also my closet and eventually my frig. Purging the old to make room for the new. In my crisp, clean calendar, I would frantically anticipate as much as was humanly possible to scribble in.

There’s control in planning, scheduling. The devil weedles his way in to spur us on, to gain more control and plan far ahead, reassuring us in bold-faced lies that we know our schedule best.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

God is faithful. He doesn’t want us to continue relying on our own thoughts/plans/strengths.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21).

He is our wonderful counselor, and we shall honor Him like Mary Magdalene did in the garden near the tomb, “Rabboni” (John 20:16). Teacher, she called Him. She who was broken when she thought someone took her Lord’s body.

Set time for Jesus. I will join you. We cannot do this life without Him. Casting Crowns sing a song called “Make Room” that says, “when you make room in your heart and trade your dreams for His glory”.

It is too tempting to make this life about us. We feel accomplished when we succeed. We compete for recognition in the workplace, in families, on social media … snapping a selfie seems innocent enough, until you are lavished with praise meant for Our King.

Be tenacious about your time with God. Someone, even if that’s an anxious puppy, may have to wait until you consume His manna for the day.

Be consistent, create a routine with Jesus. We schedule lots of life, from gym time to our favorite Netflix. Are we worshiping other gods other than or in addition to the One true Lord of All?

Last but not least, be excited to spend time with your Savior who died for you. What an amazing offer to be near to our Lord who saved us from death. How incredible it is to know Jesus, that one day we will see Him in full.

Can we count our plans, our goals, our dreams garbage if we grow closer in a personal relationship with Christ? Paul speaks our collective hearts when he says, “But whatever were gains to me, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” Philippians 3:8).

Be on guard against evil intentions to muddle your time with Jesus. A common lie Christians allow into their lives is that only certain people have faith like Paul, or Billy Graham, or Mary Magdalene.

Brothers and sisters, you have been chosen by the Most High, jealous God. He looks for those who follow Him, who love Him with all their hearts, souls and minds.

The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping His eye on both the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3).

Let us not displease our God with stagnant faith. Rather, let’s set our reminders on our phones for Jesus. Let’s forgo some social time to be with Our Lord. Let’s never brag about falling asleep while praying. Rather, let’s boast in the mighty power of God, who freed the Israelites from Egypt and freed me from addiction and atheism.

We who believe do life with Christ first – period.

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Let me know how I may pray for you. I know life is hard. Believe me, I do. When we make God first, we begin to see life through heaven’s lens. His plans prevail and are not always transparent, but His wisdom and amazing presence help us stand when we feel like falling, help us strain forward because He knows we won’t turn back, help us be still and trust He is fighting in ways we cannot. Praise forever the name of Jesus!