HAVE A GOAL:

Philippians 3: 13-14 -“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

1. RunFreely

2. RunFocused

3. Run toFinish

Can you imagine what it would be like to be at a track meet waiting for the start of the 100 meter race? Gathered together are the top runners from across the world. Fractions of a second separate these runners. Whil e the marathon is a test of stamina and endurance, the 100 meters is an explosion of power that is over in less than ten seconds. If you have ever run the sprints you know that there is little room for error. Often a race is won in the start itself. But imagine that as the runners come to the blocks that something seems strange about the world record holder. You pick up your binoculars to get a better view and what you see doesn’t make any since. Strapped around his ankles are 25 pound weights. For what ever reason, he has decided to run with this extra load. There is no way he is going to win.

Run so that you can win! – Decide to set goals and clearly get definition in your direction. The sky is the limit to your potential if you clarify your aim. Go for it!

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GOAL SETTING PRINCIPALS:

1. Have a Goal – Write it Down: Philippians 3: 13-14 – “Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the GOAL to WIN the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

The Apostle Paul here shows his gut determination to move forward no matter what the cost he had to pay now. He shows intense focus on the NOW by stating that he will NOT look back but instead will “Press ON”.

A. Set a Time Limit -“Season”: Isaiah 55:10-11 “As the rain and the snow come down from Heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sewer and bread for the eater, So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me void but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

God teaches us that there are “Seasons” in life and even does so by his own creation while he set aside different days of the week when his stages of creativity were unveiled in the beginning. We experience seasons and even create our own with Sporting events and other activities that we as humans either are active in, or spectators of, as we go through life. Your goal will have its season, Preparation will meet with destiny and soon you’ll see yourself enjoying the fruits of your labor.

B. Break the Goal down into Steps:
Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

The Proverbs are a great source to adopt sound principles for a Godly quality of life. The Bible says that if you will sit down and consider in your heart what you want to accomplish, God will be your guide in all that you endeavor.

C. Provide Motivation:
Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness.

When was the last time that you took the “High” road? Most of the time when we get down and out the last thing we think of is encouraging someone else. The Bible says quite the opposite! If things aren’t going your way, be determined and look for something to encourage someone about. By doing this you’ll illustrate your willingness to obey God and you’ll fulfill his greatest command and that is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength, and Love your neighbor as yourself.”

2. Take Action: James 2:17 “In the same way, faith by itself if not accompanied by action, is dead.”

The author here in the book of James is telling us that without actions nothing can be accomplished or measured. The Bible says that without Faith, it is impossible to please God…isn’t it an awesome thing to know that God in his own word tells us to “GO FOR IT”?

3. Health – Strive for Excellent Health in Jesus Name: 1 Timothy 4:8 “For physical training is of some value, but Godliness has value for ALL things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Jesus, when he went to the Cross bore our sickness, illness and disease and by his stripes, we are healed. Jesus wants you to live a strong and healthy life and did not die so that you would submit to poor physical and mental conditioning. Make every effort to take hold of his teaching on this subject that your life may be full of energy and strength.

4. Take Responsibility for Your own Actions: Romans 3:19 “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. “

Be careful Young Eagle, not to get caught up in wanting to point the finger when things go wrong. It is in our human nature to lash out when we seem to be going against the grain but often times it is Our Lord himself trying to get our attention and alter the direction that we are heading. Look at these times as a Loving chastening of the Lord. The Bible teaches us that Jesus chastens those he loves and he will not suffer you to be cast down. Learn from your mistakes and take it to him in prayer. Watch him at work and see if he will not guide you through the tough times of set-back. Above all admit the mistakes to him and ask him for his solution and he will honor your request.

5. Adapt to Changing Conditions: 1 Thessalonians 16:18 “Be joyful always; pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

God wants to be your guide. I know in my own life how I learned what it meant to pray without ceasing. He is ever interceding for you on your behalf to the Father; he wants to be in constant contact with you in every situation.

6. Don’t Give Up – Create Solutions: Philippians 4:13 “I can do ALL Things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Apostle Paul was in Jail when he wrote these very words. I hope, Young Eagle, that in your travels, you have never had an unfortunate set of circumstances where you found yourself behind bars; but can you imagine the trust that this man had in the Lord Jesus Christ to realize that he was with him every step of the way? Life will deal you some challenging blows, but if you will write these words on your heart, God will give you the strength to overcome more than you can imagine. Think on your feet, be creative in adapting during tough situations and quote these words over and over again until you realize that God is ALWAYS FAITHFUL.

7. Be Decisive – Don’t be afraid to Make Decisions: Because…..1 Thessalonians 5:24 “The One who calls you is faithful and he WILL DO IT.”

This will take extra effort on your part. The Bible says in Psalms 91:1-2 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord: He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him will I trust.” When you pray, go into the secret place and be alone with God. The Bible says that God will then reward you “Openly”. Every decision is a difficult one unless you have the confidence and certainty that you are doing the right thing. Young Eagle, Prayer, focus, and diligent Bible study are the only ways to make certain that you are making the right call. After these steps, proceed with confidence and trust in God to give clarity to your direction.

8. Believe in Yourself & Your Ideas: Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

In other words, when you are walking with the Lord, you will have a heightened sensitivity to the decisions you make. We are always discussing our beliefs in God but often times we don’t pause to realize that “God really believes in Us Too!” He created you Young Eagle. He wants nothing more than to see you blessed, not stressed, walking strong and believing in your ideas and efforts. Jesus wants you to be encouraged in every situation in life. If you think about when you have a sporting event or special occasion when maybe family and friends and others are gathered to watch you in action; always remember that along with all those people there at the moment, there is One who is watching eagerly for you to do well and his seat in the house on every one of these occasions is the most expensive seat in the House. He died that we might inherit eternal life. Let that be a reality through your obedience to him. Do everything as unto him and your plans can’t fail.

9.  Be a Good Steward – Become a Giver: Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the windows of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough to contain it.”

I know what you’re thinking Young Eagle! How at this young age in life without income and …..God does love a cheerful GIVER! Not so that you may measure material gain but that you will participate in God’s principles for giving. Jesus presided over the taking of the offering in the Church when he preached. He was not looking for the person who gave the most. He was looking for the person who had the deepest need. Often times we need to just forget about the circumstances and focus our attention on Jesus. Purpose in your heart the amount and why you are giving. Then give with a cheerful heart. God Loves a Cheerful Giver. After all He “GAVE” his only begotten Son for us, just remember he wants us to be more like him.

10. Hold Fast to Your Commitment: 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand FIRM. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your Labor in the Lord is NOT in vain.”

Young Eagle, hear me right, Commitment is only the level of pain that we will tolerate until we quit! Never give up. When you make a decision, stick to it. This scripture reveals God’s character and attitude toward commitment. He simply says “STAND FIRM”. If you are following the principles taught in this session, there is NO REASON for you not to be able to stand up under whatever comes your way that would try to deter you from hitting your target.

PLAN: Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord WHATEVER YOU DO and your Plans WILL SUCCEED.”

DISCIPLINE: Discipline requires extra effort on your part Young Eagle. Don’t be distracted by the World or it’s methods. When you set your mind to anything, you can achieve it if you’ll be persistent and keep yourself focused on the principles taught in this lesson. Discipline yourself by setting rules that you know you must follow for your Goals to be met.

Finally, if you’ll pick a spot somewhere past the Goal and actually see yourself experiencing the benefits of that Goal long after it is achieved, you’ll see the Season that is on the Horizon. Young Eagle, you will be at maximum pace when you cross the finish line instead of just running out of steam when you arrive. Make a personal commitment to “Finish Well” in whatever you do and always be consistent in your efforts to stay the course.

In closing, I want you to know Young Eagle that I myself, have FAILED, many times. I know what it is like to be in situations that are frustrating, sometimes it seemed that they would never end. I never believed in nor did I practice Goal Setting as a Young Person and the early years of my life are a reflection of my lack of attention to detail and simply going through life “Winging It”. Spread your Wings, it is time for you to FLY!