Everyone loves new beginnings.  It’s a chance to start fresh, forgetting the past and moving forward into a new season of hope and great expectations.  Yes, a season of hope and great expectation, one that we can confidently move into when we put our trust in the Lord.  You see God is the only one that holds our future and knows our future.  He’s rooting for us to excel, prosper, and to be victorious.  In fact, we are conquerors in Him.  How can we be assured of this?  Because His word tells us that despite the tribulations of our past we are still more than conquerors through Him that loves us (Romans 8:37).

You see my friends love is the operative word here.  Just knowing that Christ has unconditional love for us should give us the hope to dream again and the determination to excel.  Because there is nothing that we could have ever done in our past or do in our future that will separate us from the love that He has for us.  See Romans 8:38-39 and become fully persuaded that no matter what happens or does not happen in 2012, God loves you and He’s cheering you on to have a wonderful year in Him.

I’m sure that by now, you have already thought of some new year’s resolutions that you would like to implement.  Perhaps you have even thought of some goals that you would like to achieve this year.  You may have even gotten some TV advice or even beauty shop advice on how to bring those dreams into fruition.  But there is no greater advice, than the advice that comes from the word of God.  Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God and all of our other needs will be taken care of.  It is confirmed in Matthew 7: 7-11, that there is a reward in seeking Him because as a good Father He delights in giving good gifts to His children.  So whatever your goals are for 2012, ensure that they line up with God’s will for your life.  And the only way we can ensure that, we must seek His face and seek Him first.   Ask, believe, and receive!

As God begins to give you revelation, write the vision down as instructed in Habakkuk 2:2.  Then submit your plans to the Lord to work things out.  In other words, “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established” (NAS, Proverbs 16:3).  Now you must put things into action by following these simple steps that were originally written by Jennifer Robinson.  Review the six steps below:

1.       Start setting your goals by going to God in prayer and seeking His face.  Keep in mind His love for you and His desire to see you succeed.  He also wants to mold you to look more like Him and fulfill the call that’s on your life.  So be open to what He will share with you.

2.       Look at every dimension of your life – spirit, soul, mind, and body (Mark 12:30).  Carefully set goals for every area.

3.       Be specific by using the SMART method: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely (set a time frame for achievement) goals.

4.       Monitor your progress by reviewing your goals monthly, quarterly or every six months as needed.  Write your progress and make adjustments as needed. Share with an accountability partner if needed.

5.       Be intentional and disciplined but not legalistic or rigid about your goals.  Be led by the Holy Spirit and honest with yourself. Assign key scripture to each goal and meditate on those scriptures.

6.       Finally trust God to do the work in you and through you!

In closing, remember that God loves you and has your highest good in mind.  He wants to see you excel in 2012 and in the future.  As promised in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  So expect great things in this coming year.  Work your committed plans as unto the Lord and expect His favor to be upon your life.   Submitted by Sophfronia Tucker