Turning Your Dreams Into Goals Week 2

Week 2: Looking at a Secular Goal-setting Article Through a Biblical Lens:

This week, we are going to use our Biblical lenses while reading an article written from a secular point of view. We learned much last week about goal setting from a Christian perspective. Now, let's see if this article matches-up with, or what we can add to, what we have learned so far using the lens of Scripture.

This article is written by Mark Kramer, published on the SPARKPEOPLE website, and is used with permission. We will read through and discuss this. Also, as usual, we will have our blog hop on Saturday!

Before we start, let's pray James 1:5-6 this week and ask God to give us wisdom.

Father, Your word says that you are the giver of all wisdom, That if we lack wisdom, we may ask of you and you will not only give it, but will do so generously for all of us. Your word reminds us to believe when we ask, and not doubt, then you will grant us this wisdom. Lord, we highly adore you and ask you to guide us in our learning not only this week, but throughout our lifetime. Your word says that if we draw near to You, You will draw near to us. Father, it is my prayer that you draw ever so close to each and every sweet lady in this study. May your name be exalted in all that we do or say. In Jesus name, Amen.

Looking forward to a week of study with you again!! ~~Jennifer Newsom

Free Tools: (clickable links)

• Bible Gateway (offers tools, as well as various Bible translations)
• Study Light (go to Bible Study Tools tab)
• Online Bible Study Tools (TONS of good study tools like a commentary from Matthew Henry.)
• Blue Letter Bible (More excellent study tools, including commentary from Martin Luther.)

Assignments:

1. Monday: Click on, and read, this article: Do's and Don'ts of Goal Setting. Respond: In point 2, the author tells us to "boost" our confidence. As Christians, what are some ways we can do that, yet remain humble at the same time? Perhaps share some of your takeaways from our OBS, A Confident Heart. Next, search a Bible Concordance, the back of your Bible, or use some of our free tools. Look for verses on "confidence." Using this excellent explanation from Heather, Verse Map a few of these verses. Share those with us-perhaps even a picture!
2. Wednesday: In point 5, the author speaks of persistence. Using the same technique for searching for Scripture mentioned above, look for verses containing the words: perseverance, endurance, and/or diligence. Using this explanation I wrote, try your hand at Verse Chaining. Share with us--perhaps even a picture if you would like!
3. Friday: In the final point, we see mention of something that we have covered in several of our past Online Bible Studies-negative thoughts. Please read 2 Corinthians 10:5--what does this verse speak to you in light of goal setting? What are some ways you can rid yourself of negative thinking when it comes to setting Christ-honoring goals? Finally, how do you think the article 'lined up' not only with Scripture, but with what we learned last week? Anything seem to stand out, or go together? Please share your responses.

Blog Topics:

Watch for the Blog Hop Post on Saturday from Lauren Bates and post the link to your blog there!

1. This week, we're talking about negativity and how it might hinder the goals which we set. Can you think of a time when your own negativity, or even someone else's, stopped you from making a change or pursuing something new? Or an instance when you overcame negativity? How could you change your reaction if the negativity stopped you? What advice do you have for someone who might be in a similar situation?
2. Share what you learned, either from verse mapping or verse chaining. What is God saying to you through His word?
3. What part of setting goals is hardest for you? Review the points discussed in the article. What can you improve upon? What changes can you make to be more successful? How can you seek God in these changes?
4. In this study, have you seen change differently? If you didn't share last week, what goals do you have for 2014? What dreams do you have? How is God helping you look ahead to reach these?