How much longer can it be before the coming of the Lord? For several months now during my prayer time I have heard the Lord say, "Things are different now. They will never be the same. Days are coming to an end, as you know them. The end is near."

Now is the time to jump into what God is doing in the earth today. I believe the Church will go out much the same way it was brought in. The Church was brought in with the believers having great commitment and sacrifice in serving the Lord.

We are believing for a great and supernatural year next year. We are declaring that this coming year we will be totally free from everything that hinders us from being and doing what God has called us to do.

My wife, Tanya and I always pray our way through December and end up with God's plan for the coming year. We always write down our ministry and personal goals and make a strategy to accomplish them. We want to encourage you to do the same.

In Russia the concept of goal setting and planning has been a foreign idea and I have done much teaching there in that area.

Here is a simple plan to help you get started:

Write a Vision Statement from your heart regarding where you see yourself in one year:

1. Divide your life into specific categories such as: work, school, ministry, etc.
2. Pray and ask God for His direction for each category.
3. Now set your goals for each area. They need to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based.
4. Then ask God for a strategy how to accomplish each goal you set.
5. Find an accountability partner to keep you on track and the one who will pray for you.
6. Be sure to write your goals down and review them periodically.

As you do this vital exercise for success, keep in mind your purpose for living and your purpose as a member of the body of Christ.

Jesus gave us a very direct and great commission for our lives—to share the Gospel with others and to train and make disciples. Ask yourself these questions:

• How many people have I led to Christ this year?
• How many do I want to lead to Christ next year?
• Have I identified my target people or group?
• What is my place in the body of Christ?
• What talents, skills and giftings has the Lord given me?
• Am I using these endowments for God's Glory?

Please be with us as we pursue and walk out God's plan for our ministry. We are making great plans to reach more people for Christ than ever before.

Jim Harper Ministries
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