Paul’s personal growth goals are documented in Philippians 3:¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ¹¹If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. ¹²Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

4 components of personal growth

1) Paul wanted to know Jesus Christ better

2) Paul wanted to know the power of Jesus Christ’s resurrection better

3) Paul wanted to know the fellowship of Jesus Christ’s sufferings better

4) Paul wanted to become conformed to the death of Jesus Christ

Personal goals

What do you think is needed in your life this year to help you become more like Jesus Christ?

What changes do you need to make in your priorities in order to become more like Jesus Christ?

Are there attitudes or habits in your life for which you need Jesus’ strength to change?

How can you submit to Jesus to allow Him to work in these areas of your life?

Ministry goals

If you could choose a particular ministry for Jesus this year, what kind of service would most excite you? (where is your heart and passion?)

What spiritual gifts as Jesus given you to carry out that type of ministry?

What natural abilities has Jesus given you to carry out that type of ministry?

What components of your personality will help you carry out that type of ministry?

What life experiences has Jesus given you to prepare you for this type of ministry?

What things in your life are hindering or preventing you from carrying out this type ministry?

Ask Jesus the same two questions Paul asked in Acts 9:₁ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, ²And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. ³And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: ⁴And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? ⁵And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. ⁶And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Who are You Lord?

What do You want me to do?

Do you know this song?

Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus,
To reach out and touch Him, And say that I love Him.

Open my ears, Lord, And help me to listen,
Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.

Open my heart, Lord, That I might receive You,
Open my spirit, and teach me to worship.

Open my lips, Lord, and teach me to praise You,
Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed  and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will  accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti