Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Monday, September 1, 2014

The Apostle Paul said, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."¹

Success has been well defined as "the ability to embrace a worthwhile goal and then employ all of your powers for the achievement of that goal."

Having a goal is the first step in the success of anything. Without a specific goal it is all too easy to go every-which-way with one's endeavors and thereby dissipate one's energies. And, if we're not careful, we can end up not accomplishing anything worthwhile with our life. We become like the proverbial marksman who shoots first and then draws a bull's eye around where he hit in a vain attempt to seek to convince himself and others what a good marksman he is!

According to motivational speakers, only about three percent of people have a major goal for their life. This shouldn't be true of Christians because God has a major life goal for every one of us. That goal will put to good use our God-given talents in serving others because we serve God by serving people.

It helps to clearly define our major goal in life by writing it out as often as possible. This helps to instill it in our unconscious mind that, in turn, helps us almost to go on automatic pilot so we, too, like Paul, will press toward our God-given life goal.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to discover the God-given major goal for my life and give me the motivation, direction and help I need to fulfill it for Your glory. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

<:))))><

2. To Know God and be sure you're a real
    Christian click on:

3. Donate: To help send Daily Encounter
    without charge to people around the world
    click on:

4. To send today's Daily Encounter to a friend
    click on:

5. To share your faith in a simple, attractive
    way with a friend click on:

6. For today's featured article click on:

7. This week's chuckle as seen "On the Lighter
    Side"  on Weekend Encounter click on:

8. Change Address of your subscription to
    Daily Encounter click on: