Setting Goals

Goal Setting: (An objective desired outcome) Even if you are not a visionary, most everyone can describe their ideal world. Goal setting is the course and strategy to reach your desired outcome. (No amount of desire can change the facts of life) The mission statement is a verbalization of your vision for your life or your business, plus the guiding principles you will use to achieve it.

Question? What are your goals and what systems do you currently use to plan your life?

Why Set Goals: Because its hard to hit a target you cannot see.
1. Goals add direction. Time or direction guide our lives. We have some unique human endowments such as self awareness and imagination that we have been given for a purpose. They are key to setting goals.
2. Redeem time. Using all our life experiences to our advantage.
3. Provide Purpose. Purpose is the goal that guides the action.

The Key Components

1. It has to be important to you, personally.
2. It must be clearly defined and have a specific plan of action.
3. It must have an objective outcome.
4. It must have a definite time span for completion.
How to Start:
1. Pray & meditate As you get into bed each evening, think about your goal before you drop off to sleep. Get a very clear colorful image in your mind of seeing yourself doing the things you’ll be doing after you’ve reached your major goal.
2. Determine what is valuable to you. What’s really important to you? Your family? Your faith? Your leisure time? Your hobbies? Decide on what your most important values in life are and then make sure that the goals you set are designed to include and enhance them.
3. Get a vision for your goals. See the finished product in your mind before you ever get started. See yourself as that person and start being that man right away.
4. Make lists of things that are important to you. Things on lists stand a better chance of being achieved..
5. Place Reminders of Your Goals Everywhere Put up reminders of the things that excite you and create the passion for your planned achievements.
6. Remember to put first things first You cannot do everything so quit trying. Jesus left us with a tremendous management principle dealing with time. He was always busy but never in a hurry. That is because He never let first things wait on secondary things. Do the first things.

Goals start with a purpose. Daniel purposed in his heart that his ideal situation was to not have to defile himself with eating things that he knew would hurt him. Not a diet to lose weight, but a plan to follow the dietary instructions that God had given him.

Daniel 1:8-17 Daniel sets a goal and achieves it. Notice that it has the components required to make it a true goal. (An objective desired outcome) The fact that it is objective means that anyone can tell that the goal was achieved.

Daniel’s goal was have the freedom to chose what to eat.

1. It was important to Daniel personally. Daniel 1:8
a. Daniel was a man of real conviction. He was willing to sacrifice his life, and came close to that at least two times in his life.
b. It was important to Daniel because of his relationship with God.
c. He did something about it which proves that it was important.
d. God enabled Daniel to achieve the goal by giving him favor with the prince. Daniel 1:9

2. It must be clearly defined and have a specific plan of action. Daniel 1:11-13
a. The plan had a specific course of action. They would eat vegetables and drink water while the rest would eat the kings meat.

3. It must have an objective outcome. Daniel 1:13
a. The objective outcome would be that they would look them over after the set time period and determine if they were suitable to go before the king.
i. The prince was worried (Daniel 1:10) that since the meat was appointed by the king, any change to that would be trouble for the prince.
ii. Additionally, if they were to look weak after the 10 days and somehow the king saw or found out, it would be more trouble.

4. It must have a definite time span for completion.
a. The time set was 10 days. Daniel 1:12

The goal was set with a defined time and objective outcome. There was no question at the end of the period that the goal was met. Daniel 1:15-16.

If you think pastors talk about giving too much…..

Consider these statistics:

Statistically, 85% of pastors feel completely unequipped to talk about biblical giving with their congregation.

Over 90% of churches have no active plan to teach financial stewardship to their people.

The reality is that talking openly about giving is one of the quickest ways to get the right attitude about money and giving. The best way to unlock the power of God’s special ways to bring unexpected returns from unexpected places is to gain the right perspective about this very powerful tool in life.

Our pastor understands this and has put us in the top 10% of churches in this category by not being ashamed to talk about something that can help us so much.

Forming a Mission Statement

Forming a Mission Statement: (Statement of purpose used to align my life to my values) Personal mission statements as well as business mission statements combine your vision for your life with your values (your decision making tools) to direct all your efforts towards a pre-determined outcome.

Vision: What do we want to be and do, ultimately:
Values: What methods or standards will guide our decisions:

Step 1: Visualize the end result:
Step 2: Evaluate the present:
Step 3: Define our strategy to reach the vision:
Step 4: Formulate a statement:

The mission of the founder: Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

1. The Son of man is Jesus Christ: His title is reflective of the fact that He (God) came in a body of flesh so that He could die on the cross in our place.
2. Seeking and saving: He is constantly seeking us while we are interested in other things. When we come in contact with Him, there is an opportunity to receive salvation, or a rescue from the wrath of God.
3. That which was lost: In the garden of Eden, when man sinned, he not only lost his relationship with God (which is restored in salvation) but he also brought a curse on the earth. The earth must be restored to its sinless state before the Son presents it back to God.

The strategy of the founder:

1. Fulfilling the Bible: (Mat 5:17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

2. Looking for those who know they are in need. (Mat 9:13) But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

3. Expecting confrontation at times. Especially with friends and family. (Mat 10:34) Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (Mat 10:35) For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

4. We are going out representing the God of Heaven and not ourselves. If they reject the message it is God they reject. (Joh 5:43) I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

5. We have a real message of hope and peace. (Joh 10:10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

6. Answers for people’s problems (Joh 12:46) I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

7. As agents, with the promise and the ministry of reconciliation. (Heb 9:15) And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Great Commission The Great Commission is the purpose of the church. Our purpose as a Sunday School class, seminar, or small group must line up with the great commission if we are to have the blessings and power of God. In the great commission, we see another portion of the strategy of the founder. Enlisting all members in the mission.

(Mat 28:19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Mat 28:20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

(Mar 16:15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

(Luk 24:47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

(Joh 20:21) Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

(Act 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Gregory Smith’s Time Management Tips

Gregory Smith’s time managment tips. Thanks Josh Blair for finding these.

1. Prioritize. Feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do? Stop and think – which item must be completed today? This does not include items you’d like to get done today, but only the item(s) that must be completed today. A friend woke up at three in the morning feeling overwhelmed by the many tasks for the coming week and was worried that she could not get it all done. In desperation, she asked herself, what has to be done by Monday afternoon? Tuesday afternoon? The result was she discovered she could indeed accomplish all of her deadlines for the week on schedule when she prioritized.
2. Be realistic. One way to set yourself up for a panic situation is to plan an unrealistic amount of work for one day or one week. Use your common sense to recognize when you have over-scheduled yourself. Enthusiasm is wonderful, but it doesn’t add more hours to the day.
3. Delegate. A person who refuses to delegate will very likely be a very busy and frustrated person. For anyone to personally handle every item is unnecessary and unwise. One very successful regional manager readily attributed part of his success to the fact that he trusted his administrative assistant to handle routine items that did not require his personal decision. This left him free to concentrate on working with sales personnel outside the office.
4. Work efficiently. For example, make sure your electronic calendar does not cost you time. People who love electronics will shake their heads no at this idea. But sometimes it can take longer to enter and maintain information in a gadget than to jot it down with a pencil in an old-fashioned paper planner.
5. Organize meetings wisely. According to a Wall Street Journal survey, meetings account for the greatest amount of unproductive time – topping telephone calls, paperwork, and travel. With a little preparation, meetings can be transformed into productive assemblies helping you and your group steam toward, instead of away from, their goals. The key ingredient for a good meeting is preparation. Ask yourself, is this meeting really necessary? Can the information be presented best another way? If there is still a need for a meeting, plan it well.
6. Learn to say no! Many people have a tough time saying no. They allow themselves to become members of every committee, even ones that are outside their particular talent or spiritual gift. I once knew a man in my church that dedicated his life to youth. He was the pastor’s dream come true. He organized youth trips and retreats. He was always at the church. He taught Sunday school for the youth and they were being led to the Lord. We were all shocked when we learned his wife asked for a separation. She was upset because he spent all his time with the youth and very little with his family. People, who can’t say no, quickly discover their life is out of balance; it is being pulled in the opposite direction. No matter how important the obligation might be, do not allow your family priorities to suffer.
7. Destroy the paper monster. The best guideline for paperwork is to either file it or toss it. We never use 80% of the paperwork we keep. Paper, magazines, and other forms create clutter and confusion, which could turn into stress.
Another principle for paperwork is handle it now. Spend 20 seconds filing that important paper now rather than 30 minutes searching for it later. Take a moment to jot down that phone number on your permanent list instead of spending ten minutes tracking it down again later. A third rule for paperwork is to organize it. Use colored folders to prioritize your work. Colors allow you to see at a glance, which jobs need your immediate attention. Sub-divide files for greater efficiency. An administrative assistant, tired of rifling through the thick folders left by the previous employee, took time to sub-divide each large file into smaller, separate files. The time saved was worth the time invested in the task and the compliments from the boss who recognized the ease of use of the reorganized files was an unexpected bonus.
8. Manage mail. Answer E-mail immediately. Don’t read it and then let it pile up in your in-box; keep your in-box clutter free. Create a “keeper” folder and transfer the mail you want to retain. Create another folder for “actions pending.” Respect other people’s time and avoid forwarding all those stories people love to send you. Delete junk E-mail without reading it and use your filters to eliminate spam. Sort regular mail next to a trashcan. Handle it once. Open it or throw it away. Don’t stop doing the important things in your life to sort mail.
9. Make lists. Making a list can be a legitimate time manager. Keep a pad handy to jot down projects as they arise, items that come to mind to do later, and even phone calls you need to make. At the end of the day or week, whichever is best for you, mark off the items handled. Then, make a fresh list and prioritize the remaining items. This shouldn’t take but a few minutes each day or a little longer if done once a week. Using this process can help you avoid that familiar sinking feeling when you realize you forgot something important and also help you feel on top of things on a daily basis while freeing your mind to concentrate on the job at hand.
10. Allow time for fun and surprises. Don’t carry time management to the point where everything in your life is plotted, calculated, and placed on a calendar. Allow some spontaneity and fun in your life. I know a manager who decided to invite everyone over to her office for ice cream floats. This was a lot of fun and created a very positive work environment. I know another company that provides their employees 22 tons of M&M’s to eat each year. Every now and then do something nice for someone totally unexpected. Call someone up and tell him or her how much you appreciate them.

Learned How To Make Money, But Not Live

Here is an incredible story from Missionary Travis Snode in Ireland.

In 1928 a group of the world’s most successful financiers met at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. The following were present: The president of the largest utility company, The greatest wheat speculator, The president of the New York Stock Exchange, A member of the President’s Cabinet, The greatest “bear? in Wall Street, The president of the Bank of International Settlements, The head of the world’s greatest monopoly. Collectively, these tycoons controlled more wealth than there was in the U.S. Treasury, and for years newspapers and magazines had been printing their success stories and urging the youth of the nation to follow their examples.

Twenty-five years later, this is what had happened to these men. The president of the largest independent steel company, Charles Schwab, lived on borrowed money the last five years of his life and died broke. The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cutten, died abroad, insolvent. The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney, served a term in Sing Sing Prison. The member of the President’s Cabinet, Albert Fall, was pardoned from prison so he could die at home. The greatest “bear? in Wall Street, Jesse Livermore, committed suicide. The president of the Bank of International Settlements, Leon Fraser, committed suicide. The head of the world’s greatest monopoly, Ivar Drueger, committed suicide. All of these men had learned how to make money, but not one of them had learned how to live.

Credit and Financial Liabilities

Credit and Financial Liabilities: (Legal obligations to pay created by past actions requiring future settlement) Credit is the acknowledgement that you are worthy of something. With respect to education it is the successful completion of courses. With respect to artistic or literary work, it is the acknowledgement of the creation or participation in the work. With respect to money, it is how well you can be trusted.

Credit comes from the Latin word credere which means to believe. It is to what extent you are able to make people believe in you. Your creditworthiness is a measure of how much you are trusted to have something today that you will pay for in the future. Everyone should strive for the highest credit rating they can achieve if only because of the disciplines it creates. Whether you ever borrow or not.

The three aspects of credit worthiness: Character, Collateral, Cash Flow.
1. Character: This is an evaluation of a person’s principles or moral qualities. The attributes of character include, courage, truthfulness, virtue, honesty, integrity and loyalty.
a. Character comes first because it is an intangible thing that neither collateral or cash flow can provide. A person with good cash flow may not pay his debts because he has bad character. He is greedy or unscrupulous.
b. Character is measured by past performance. No one is called to testify as a character witness on your credit report except someone to who you owe or have owed money.
c. The number of credit inquiries affect credit as they measure your desire for credit against your ability to repay, or they reflect the number of times you have been denied credit.
2. Collateral: Property pledged as security for repayment. This is typically the item for which the credit is being extended. The exception to this is credit card and other revolving credit methods.
a. Problems with collateral.
i. Depreciation.
ii. Damage or theft.
b. Benefits of collateral.
i. Appreciation.
ii. The ability to repay.
3. Cash flow: Cash flow is the amount of cash that you or your business generates that is available for the repayment of your debts.
a. Cash flow takes into account all of your current obligations and weighs them against your income earning activities.
b. Consistency is as important as quantity. Small but consistent cash flow is more reliable than sporadic larger cash flow.
c. Liquidity is a measure of how much cash you can come up with in a short period of time.
Credit is a measure of trust or to what level people believe in your ability and willingness to incur a debt now that you will pay back later.

Credit and Faith: Faith is trust in an object based on what or who it is and the claims that it makes. Credit is the same way. It is the proof we provide to induce someone to believe the claims being for things in the future.

1. Who is the object of our faith: What do we know about Him.
a. Jesus Christ is the object of the faith of every Christian.
1. He is God: Isaiah 9:6, I Timothy 3:16,
2. He is the Savior: I Timothy 1:1, I Timothy 2:3, Titus 2:13
3. He is the one who died as our substitute: Romans 5:8, I Corinthians 5:7, II Corinthians 5:21.

2. What are the claims He makes? What should we believe about Him?
a. Jesus claims to be the Savior of all mankind.
1. He claims to be God: John 14:9, John 10:30
2. He declares His mission is to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10, I timothy 1:15
3. He declares that He will return and take us to be with Him. John 14:1-3,

3. He deserves the credit for being who He is. He passes the three tests of credit.
a. Character: His character is above reproach and without question. He is the only person of whom it can be said that He did not sin. I Peter 2:22
b. Collateral: He pledged and gave us His Holy Spirit as an earnest or a payment against a future event. Ephesians 1:13-14
c. Cash Flow: His ability to pay for all the sin of mankind. John 1:29, I John 1:7

When someone gives you credit they are saying that they believe in you. They have investigated you and you are deemed worthy of the risk.

Character and Credit – JP Morgan

After the near collapse of the stock market of 1907, many in Washington felt that J.P. Morgan wielded way too much power because of his bank. It was Morgan that loaned money to banks and propped up bonds in order to keep the stock market from totally collapsing that year. It led to the formation in 1913 under president Woodrow Wilson of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve Board. This system utilized multiple private banks and a central board in Washington to ease the public reliance on any one private bank in times of emergency. It was to take the place of the Morgan bank and provide economic stability. In 1912 JP Morgan was called to testify before the House Banking and Currency committe regarding the amount of power he wielded as a world banker. These were called the Pujo Hearings. This exchange was between Morgan and Samuel Untermeyer and presents the premier banker’s attitude regarding credit.

Untermeyer: Is not commercial credit based primarily upon money or property?
Morgan: No sir. The first thing is character.
Untermeyer: Before money or property?
Morgan: Before money or anything else. Money cannot buy character. A man I do not trust could not get money from me on all the bonds of Christendom.

Credit comes from a word that means to believe. It makes sense then that character is more important than money or property. Character is at the root of trustworthiness. Trustworthiness is at the root of credit worthiness. Credit is a powerful ally, but an unforgiving enemy also. Understand the proper uses of credit.

Pastor’s Conference in the Phillipines

I traveled to the city of Iloilo (pronounced e-low e-low) with Pastor Austin Gardner and Assistant Pastor Mark Coffey for the second annual global Pastor’s Conference in the Phillipines. The meeting was put together by Missionary Keith Cullers (Taiwan) and Pastor Edmond Molinas of Temple Baptist Church Iloilo. There were 151 pastors there at the peak of the meetings and Austin was greatly used of God in the meetings. The pastors commmented on how “meaty” the messages were and how they had never had anyone give them so much useful material. There is no way to describe the wonderful time we had. Visiting the field is a must for business people and lay people who desire to be invovled in missions. There was plenty to do and we need way more workers than we had.

The Phillipino people were incredibly kind and gracious. The women worked tirelessly to feed everyone to total Baptist fatness three times each day. The men of the church worked literally through the night preparing the buildings and grounds.

As we woke up in Manila on the first day, I could hear the Muslim call to prayer in the city. Pray for the Phillipines, pastor Molinas and Missionary Keith Cullers.