The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

find fulfillment when wemanage faithfully what God has entrusted to us. Among other things, He grants us each a degree of authority, sovereignty, influence, control. If I steward that sover­ eignty well, He will entrust more to me. We can accomplish nothing without God's authority. The more authority we receive from God, the more we can accomplish for His kingdom, to the point that God will use us far beyond anyone's expectations. It all starts with prayer and our faithfulness with what we've been given; such faithfulness requires careful forethought.

5. According to each of these passages, what kind of conduct does God reward with increased authority?

Daniel 4:30-32

Matthew 25:21,23,29

Objection #3: Goal setting encourages independence from God and pride in our own accomplishments. Response: Goal setting is a morally neutral tool that can be applied pridefully or humbly. Our heart attitude determines whether we pursue our own goals or God's. If we use goal setting as wise stewards, we will be reminded, eve1y time we set or accomplish a goal, that we do so by the authority that is ours in the name ofJesus. Goal setting can thus move us toward humility and gratitude. D. A goal is a statement of repentant intention, based on conviction, to change our conduct. "Repent" means to "change your mind," implying also an out­ ward change of behavior. John the Baptist, Jesus and the Apostles basically preached, "Repent." The appropriate response is, "Okay, I will." Goals are decisions to change our behavior.

6. ReadJesus' words in Revelation 2:4-5. Describe one unfulfilled intention you would like to revisit with fresh commitment.

E. A goal is a statement of commitment to obey God. Each of us has experi­ enced the frustration of a besetting sin-a bad habit that we wish we could stop, but to which