GOALS - A Biblical BluePrint & Testimony for Getting and Gaining Goals

How Setting & Achieving Goals Transformed My Life

Setting goals is one thing, but accomplishing them is another thing entirely. For there has to be a sustainable means of accomplishment, otherwise goals remain “wishful thinking” with no anchor in any type of practical and physical reality. These wishes remain as a list of intangible “I need to’s” that have no power to hold one accountable. Without a manageable means of apprehending goals, failure rates are high. But alas, there is hope! There’s always hope, because there’s always a solution. Because in the Kingdom of God there are always solutions, but perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself.

Because what I want to do is something a bit different - write about goal setting while I myself am in the process of mapping out mine, and share a testimonial of how my life was changed the first time I set goals. The practical and the personal combined.

And this requires I begin in 2008. The year I came out of complacency. The year I was mentored by a quirky older Messianic Jewish woman, well-liked by all in our church. We studied the Biblical feasts as well as chapters in Isaiah, but the most beneficial tool I obtained during the course of our year together was her method for setting and accomplishing goals. It was the first year of my life that I ever set goals and it was absolutely transformational. It set me on a course I could not have imagined, enhanced by the fact that the Lord breathed on me.

Accordingly, the first key, as I was taught, is to set a goal (or two, if you’re willing to do the work) pertaining to each facet of our tri-part being. To engage the whole of our being - our spirit, soul, and body. And a quick side-note and reminder - we are not physical beings housing a spirit and/or having a spiritual experience here on earth. Rather, we are spiritual beings having a temporal earthly experience. And this is why the emphasis is on setting goals pertaining to our whole being, not overlooking any one aspect of our being.

The second key is to ask the Lord for a Scripture to undergird each goal. You might end up with secondary verses playing a supporting role, but you must have at least one Scripture verse per goal. The Word is living and active and serves many purposes, and in this case it serves to undergird and give “living’ support to your goal. I’ll give a quick example, from memory. One of my goals was to be kinder with my words. I’ll quote the verse from the version I used:

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

I don’t remember the supporting Scriptures I used; I only remember that I had supporting verses, but one that quickly comes to mind that could have been used is:

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26

At any rate, I advise you spend at least a week seeking the Lord on this, as you continue with your daily bible reading. You might be surprised by what He highlights. Also, this was the model employed for me. The assignment was given one week, and they next week the trio of us reported back with our goals and verses. Therefore, give yourself some time with this, as you’re going to live with it for a while. And from experience I can say you might be surprised by either the goals the Lord impresses you with or the Scriptures He gives you. I’ve had recent occasions in which I had ideas that made perfect sense to me, but the Lord highlighted other things. This is why I strongly impress upon you to wait on the Lord, and when it comes, you will know it.

Time now for a short digression. For there was a “happening” that occurred right before my first time of setting goals and it partnered with my initial goal setting. The Lord invited me into two steps of obedience, and I said yes. And although I didn’t yet know it, this was the year I came out of spiritual complacency (which affected all of my being). The first of the two things He asked of me were to give up my 10pm TV shows, which had evolved over the course of time from one weekly show to three weekly shows, my reasoning and justification for this was that I’d fulfilled my responsibilities for the day; therefore I deserved or “earned” this. The second thing He asked me to give up was ice-cream. I said yes to both, believing it would be till the end of the year, and in that moment that was the request.

I obeyed accordingly. Then the end of the year came and God surprised me by letting me know He now wanted me maintaining this new discipline for the course of the coming year. I didn’t see that coming! Perhaps this was His way of helping come into agreement, because by now the habit was already established, or at least being established. And after ten or so weeks I had shed ten pounds simply by giving up our family’s every other night habit of consuming a carton of ice-cream. I had thought we were being moderate because it was every other night, but God knew I need to learn moderation, and discipline. And this is leading to my goals for this year; there is a concurrent point as to why I’m sharing this.

But a quick continuation of “then.” By the time I stepped into learning how to set goals we were a few months into the new year, and by this time I was awakening to a healthier version of me, so one of my goals was to “lose weight.” Because a few pounds extra each year had added up over the course of many years. And as a quick aside, I put “lose weight” in parenthesis because I no longer frame it that way. I now have a better understanding of the power of our words and to lose something is basically not a positive experience; when we lose something, our instinct is to want to find it again. And the larger point is this – I needed a Scripture verse to back up this goal. Does a particular verse or passage come to your mind? I suspect it might be the same one that came to my mind and I’ll share it in the version I used:

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glory God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. Ephesians 6:19:20 NKJV

This was the verse I put in front of my eyes to read aloud, even to pray aloud every single day. To have as a guiding “force” to achieve the goal I’d written down. And this iss the first key – to have the goal and the Scripture written down to behold with one’s eyes. For into the eye gate and the ear gate go the words in this manner. Power in the written word and power in the spoken word. Both go in and impact both the heart and the spirit, which are deeply connected. Our spirit is our innermost being that relates to God, and our heart “houses” our mind, will and emotions - our personality. So in this manner we speak to our spirit man and we speak to our heart, even to direct what goes into our heart. And neuroscience has proven that our words affect our actions; our actions line up according to the words we speak. It’s a wondrous thing. The way our Creator created our tri-part being to harmonize.

I also had written and specific steps of action to achieve my goal; I’ll share the framework as I share two of my current goals. But once again, this initial goal setting sparked a revolution in my life. The first revolution started with the twelve Scriptures I gathered for the four goals I set for myself. For through my obedience to those first two directives from the Lord something in me was fully awakened and I was fully on board (to the degree that I willingly added an extra goal to the required three). And it added fuel to the fire that I’m goal oriented by nature. It also helped that I’m one who tends to rise to a challenge rather than be defeated by it. I have a God-given stubbornness about the matter. Therefore, with God on my side I because unstoppable in my collection of Scriptures. What started as Scriptures to undergird my goals became a pocket-sized book filled with handwritten Scriptures. When the book became full and I yet continued to find helpful verses I moved to typewritten pages which eventually became so numerous I categorized them by topic which I read aloud, one page per day as part of my new habit of giving God the first-fruit of each day rather than giving Him my leftovers.

And this is the life transformation I mentioned earlier. To this day, this Holy Spirit drops Scriptures into my head, according to the conversation or the situation at hand, but I did the work of spending time in His word and committing these Scriptures to my heart. And though I say “work” it was and is a delight. For the sake of full disclosure and transparency however, I’d like to state that this only began after my full-time responsibilities ended as a home-school mom. There is a season for all things and this was my season.

The secondary transformation had to do with my health. The initial result of shedding a few pounds by walking in obedience, encouraged and energized to be more intentional in regard to my health. Hence, I set the goal to eat healthier and to be more mindful of what I ate – more salads and vegetables and minimal carbohydrates and an almost complete elimination of the homemade desserts I loved to eat, especially at night. I also enlisted my family’s support with my request and explanation of why I could no longer bring ice-cream into our home. And in that year’s time, which ended in a Daniel fast, I stayed with the steps I’d set to achieve the goal of a healthier weight and lost 45 pounds, most of which I’ve kept off over the years. Keeping those last five to ten pounds off however, have always required diligence.

Which brings me back to the matter at hand – goal setting and the first of my current goals I’m about to share, and born from an unexpected and unusual occurrence that happened near the beginning of this year. I simply awoke one morning with a strong impression from the Lord. The impression was a number and it quickly became apparent that number was the number He (God) wanted for my weight. Very different from before. This time He wasn’t asking me to give up anything specific and it felt as if He was giving me a greater responsibility in the matter. I was initially excited, but must confess the scales have not dipped down. I partnered with excitement, but not with a plan of action, not with goals, not until this point. Because I know that after all these years it’s time for an upgrade once again. I know a number of people who have given in to extra weight and other things because of a belief it’s simply because of age. A number of people who already consider themselves old, but for me “old” is a state of mind. Also, I have no plans to hang up my hat anytime soon. In fact, I feel like I’m just getting started and I know that the best way to continue to serve God and to fulfill His call on my life is to take care of my physical body. As it’s the only one I’ll be given for this life here on earth.

Therefore, to make it official – my first goal is “to gain health” and although I’m not sharing the number God gave me, I will share that the number is almost a full 20 pounds less than what the scale currently reads, but I will not be dismayed. Rather, I’ll now break it down, and share my first goal exactly as I’ve just finished mapping it out, with explanatory comments interspersed.

Yvonne’s 2026 Goals:

(And in the same way, write your name with your goals, Attach your name, your identity, to your goals. Hold yourself accountable in like manner.

1.Gain health (goal xxx) Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glory God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s: NKJV

I’ve started with this translation because it’s my “home-base” Bible. I read other Bible translations to keep things fresh, but I always refer back to the New King James, which I landed on after cutting my teeth for a few years on the King James. I’ll always love King James’ poetic style, but for modern language purposes I’ve jumped to the newer version. Also, for good measure and because I like the Word so much, I’m including two more translations to see if anything in particular is highlighted: (I share this as part of the process of how I hear from God; maybe it’s the same for you)

Have you forgotten that your body is now the sacred temple of the Spirit of holiness, who lives in you? You don’t belong to yourself any longer, for the gift of God, the Holy Spirit, lives in your sanctuary. You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God. - The Passion Translation

Or do you not know that your bodies are a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is within you - the Spirit whom you have from God?? And you are not your own, for you have been redeemed at infinite cost. Therefore glorify God in your bodies. - The Weymouth Translation

Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body. - The Message Bible

And what is highlighted to me in two of the examples is the word “sanctuary.” A reminder to me that my body is a temple AND a sanctuary. I’ve also just been reminded that it’s not in my best interest to live (eat) as I please. I also don’t want to “squander” – such a strong word - the body God has given me to steward. All of the above words have now become my fuel for the fire, or my “ammunition” to engage in this battle, for it is a battle, is it not?

So the first steps have been achieved. To decide and define the goal and to write it down, then to apprehend a Scripture to undergird the goal and to record that as well. Remember also to be alert for secondary Scriptures to support the primary one. Think of these Scriptures being like Aaron and Hur holding up the arms of Moses….or not. Don’t get caught up thinking you absolutely have to have three scriptures for each goal. You don’t. Then comes the next step; writing down the steps you will take to achieve the goal. And my advice – be realistic. If you’re going to reach for the stars when you map out your steps, make sure your feet are planted on the ground (as someone said). Now to continue from my blueprint:

Non-Negotiable steps I will take to achieve this goal:

* Drink a glass of warm spiced lemon water in the morning, before the first cup of tea or coffee

* Drink another cup of water before the second cup of tea or coffee

* Sip water throughout the day and be mindful to drink a glass before dinner

* Do morning stretches to retain mobility & flexibility, even before my feet hit the floor

* accomplish some type of movement before dinner - alternate between resistance bands, arm weights, “one and done” video workouts, pilates ball movements, 5x week minimum

* I will continue to NOT bring ice cream into my home, as it is my nemesis; neither will I purchase store bought sweets or bread.

* I will be extremely mindful of what I eat after dinner. I will not mindlessly eat while watching

an occasional show with my husband.

* Overall, I will be proactive in having healthy food choices in my home

Additionally:

*I will Start each month with 3 days of liquid/water fasting till 6PM & fasting every Wednesday till 6PM

(I list this last one separately as it’s in conjunction with a ministry I’m connected to. And although it’s primarily a spiritual discipline, I see it also as a “help” toward physical discipline.)

Negotiable Goals:

* Walks or bike rides throughout the week, 1-2 miles 2-3x per week

* Drink extra water throughout the day, particularly before dinner

* Have my larger meal earlier in the day

* more salads, more vegetable, less sugar and carbs. Watch the cheese.

This ends my physical goal blueprint, with enough of an outline for you to get started on setting your goals as you are led by the Holy Spirit. I’ll now share another goal to further flesh out this example before ending with a most important note regarding goals.

2. Spiritual Goal: Pray out loud 30 minutes minimum per day, including tongues

Scripture Anchor:

…And pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

Supporting Scripture:

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to the Father who is in the secret place; and your Father, who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:6

Non-negotiables (not necessary to label this as such)

* I will begin a conversation with God the moment I wake up.

* I will begin in the Psalms, and begin praying from the Psalms; it will be as a trigger for prayer

* I will set my timer for 30 minutes so I know the goal is accomplished. This time will also

include praying in tongues for a minimum of ten minutes.

* I will meet at my church a minimum of 2x per month for corporate prayer

* I will meet at my appointed times for schedule prayer, 2x per month for K.F.

* I will meet 2x per month, whether my home or at church for intercession for my church and

our pastors

*I will pray in shorter bursts of tongues throughout the day, as led

Other potential times for Prayer:

*Driving to church I will intercede for my church, my pastor

*Driving out and about, I will pray for my city and nation.

* “King’s House” monthly Prayers, as led by Holy Spirit.

This is the framework for achievable goal setting, layered upon what’s already known about goals – they must be specific and measurable. But there is one key component not yet mentioned – we do not advance beyond our level of identity. In other words, for my first goal I must see myself as a temple for God’s Holy Spirit. I must see it and I must believe it. I will operate from this identity. And this is the help and the power of declaring the undergirding Scriptures out loud. The Word is living and active and has the power to transform. Out of the mouth gate, into the ear gate and into my spirit. (There’s an established science to this, but which is not the topic here.)

Additionally, Every decision I make will be geared toward the number that God gave me as being already established in my life. By faith, I will operate from that number as a reality guiding my choices. I won’t wait till that number is achieved for that number to guide my food choices. The best example I can give of this is that of David. After he was anointed he didn’t wait till he was seated as King to begin to operate in the identity of king. Before he was installed as King he began to take responsibility for his nation, with actions that lined up accordingly. He had to first recognize himself as King before others recognized him as king. His choices, although he almost slipped in regard to Nabal, were choices that were befitting that of a king, while he was yet not king.

And every decision I make will ask the question: is this a choice that will move me toward my goal? For every plate of food and every bite of food? I will also ask and trust the Holy Spirit to come alongside me to help guard my mouth gate. I will believe for it and I will ask for it. Because God is very much involved in the practical as well as every detail of my life. And I will pray for Him to give me a holy hunger and well as a hunger for healthy food choices.

And why the lengthy discourse about food and diet? Because this is a common goal. Also, the world is watching. Therefore, why should the Bride of Christ not be a fit bride? An example to the world wholeness and health? Discipline and self-control? As Her identity is already destined to be without spot or wrinkle. Perhaps it’s time she lived from that identity.

And to conclude, the secondary verse for my physical goal is:

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Because the Holy Spirit can help me guard all of my gates, and not just my lip gates in regard to the words I speak or don’t speak, but also my mouth gates, in regard to the food I allow to pass through my lips. The Lord cares about my physical body and He cares about yours as well. He cares about how we steward every aspect of our lives, including our health and well-being. And He gives us the responsibility to do so.

May you take joy and delight in setting your goals. And may you operate (in your goal gaining and getting) in the identity of a son of God who is led (and governed) by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). Amen and Hallelujah!