More Than Just a Goal

Last night I had a dream.

I wish I could say it was on par with MLK's dream, with his birthday coming up, but alas, it was not.

I can tell you that it was the most convicting dream I have had in a while. Considering my dreams usually have to do with chewing so much gum i can't speak (which I guess could mean I talk too much) and being with characters in whatever book/movie/ TV show I've been watching (which is awesome- I've defeated Voldemort with Harry Potter and made Steve Carell break character on the set of The Office), I couldn't say it was so convicting it was life changing.

But, nonetheless, it was convicting.

You see, I am currently in the process of completing a goal. The goal: Read both the New and Old Testament through, in order. I have completed the New Testament goal... considering it's like 2/7 the size of the Old Testament (1/3 seemed too much but 1/4 didn't seem like enough). I have been slacking, however, on finishing the Old Testament. I am currently in Psalms, which, however great it is, is SO long.

This brings me to my dream. I had a dream that I was telling someone of my goal. They in turn asked where I was, and I couldn't remember. I couldn't remember the name of the book. Now, since this was happening in my head, and I have weird dreams, the book was actually fictional... it isn't actually in the Bible. But, for the sake of attempting to be like Joseph and interpret my dreams, I have taken this dream as a conviction to be more committed to my goal. If I can't even tell someone where I have left off, it's been way too long.

Of course, I have goals before that I haven't completed... I still don't have rock-hard abs, I can't seem to fully give up fast food, and my savings account has far too few dollars within. This goal, however, is more than just about the goal. This goal is about staying committed to being in the Word constantly. If I can't even remember where I left off while reading chronologically (in terms of the layout, not actual history), it has clearly been too long since I have spent time in the Word.

The Bible is more than just a book. The Bible is God's Love Letter to us... to me. If Jake wrote me a super long love letter... I wouldn't hesitate to spend every free moment reading it! I should be this drawn to the Bible. It should be in my every thought when I'm not reading it. It should be so close to my heart that I can quote it (more than the memory verses from Sunday school). I should be aching to read it, even now.

I guess spending my time writing about this isn't the same as actually doing it. So I suppose I will keep this blog short.

I can say that having a goal to finish has kept me motivated to keep reading, but not enough. Maybe this dream was God's polite way of reminding me that if I am going to lead a small group of Jr. High girls, meet with girls who want to talk after church, mentor a couple college students, and work at a Christian University where my job will be saturated in God's Word... I should know what I talking about, and practice what I preach.

So I preach to you: make a goal with God's Word. The ultimate goal? Read the whole thing! Read every day! But of course, cater your goal to yourself. If you need encouragement, make it a goal to read the whole book of Psalms. If you are in the situation to share your Faith with unbelievers, read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Make a goal! And pray that the Holy Spirit will convict you enought to keep the goal.

Now, as I ride my bike to Rite Aid to pick some things up, I am committing to praying the whole way. I will pray that God continues to send the Holy Spirit to convict me, but also to be with me as I read so that I understand and can apply it to my life right now. I will pray for each person that reads this, that they feel convicted to read the Word. And when I return home, I will spend a good long time reading the Word.

If you are going to make a goal, leave it in the comments! (I am testing out being like other bloggers out there) I would love to hear your goal, and I would love to help you think of one if you are stuck! (If you really get stuck just do the whole New Testament- it's an amazing read)

Looking forward to hearing from you!