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Preparing for a New Year (Part Two)

"Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house." (Proverbs 24:27)

The thought of a new year prompts each one of us to consider new goals for growth. As we enter into this new year, God has some insight as to how we can properly prepare ourselves to grow forward.  Without a doubt, this is a desire each one of us have. None of us want to stagnate; we want to grow and do more for God.

Last time, we considered the first of three ways to prepare for a new year: Prepare with a purpose. The Bible simply says, "Prepare thy work without." Before we just dive into trying to do things, we must first stop to ask why we are doing what we are doing.

Once you have taken time for this first step, the next step is what we will look at here.

Prepare with a Plan

After your purpose is established, you are told to "make it fit for thyself in the field."  If you will accomplish God's purpose for your life, you must establish a plan to enable you to do so.  As God's people, we must allow God's purpose to determine our plan.

So, the Scripture gives to us some steps to setting a purposed plan.

1.  Have a pertinent plan.

The Bible simply tells us we must "make it fit."  In other words, the plan you establish must fit within the purpose God has given to you.  Anything outside of God's purpose must be done away with.

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?...So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:28, 33)

2.  Have a personal plan.

Notice, our priorities are "for thyself."  The plan you set has to be for you.  The goals you set must be ones that work for you.  No two people in this world are exactly alike, so do not adopt a plan from someone else - it won't for for you!  Let God lead you to develop a plan that fits you.

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)

3.  Have a practical plan.

As you determine your priorities, you must keep in mind that they are to be exercised "in the field."  The plan must be realistic and reasonable.  In other words, the plan you set has to be more than something that looks good on paper.  It has to be something you can actually accomplish (by God's grace).

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Someone once said, "A dream without a plan is wish."  It is one thing to understand the purpose God has given you for your life.  It is quite another to allow God's Spirit to give you practical wisdom on how to move forward with living out that purpose in this new year.

If you will intentionally allow Him to, God will direct your heart into developing a pertinent, personal and practical plan to grow forward in living out His purpose for your life this year.  When you get to the end of the year, you will be so glad that you did!

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