I get the privilege of serving with one of the best group of people around. They constantly encourage me through the way they display humble attitudes, hard work, grace-giving, and love for the Lord Jesus. We wanted you to get a peek into how the Lord is working in the hearts and lives of our staff at the beginning of the new year. So, before it slips away, here are some of their personal areas of focus for 2014. I hope you'll see a glimpse of their hearts through their written words.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Revive Our Hearts Director:
- Rekindle The Wonder
. . . of who He is, the Word, the gospel, His calling, and ministry. - Stewardship
Improved stewardship of my body (1 Cor. 9:24–27) in order to "love the Lord with all my strength" and facilitate ongoing fruitfulness and effectiveness. - Vision
Seek/clarify His vision and direction for this season of my life and the ministry of ROH. - Media
Evaluate my use of technology/social media; identify and break unhealthy habits.
Ben Hannah, Design & Social Media Manager:
- Wear My Weakness
Christ is perfect, and I'm not. I want to wake up every day needing a Savior, not pretending to "have it all together." My weaknesses display His strengths in my life. - Lose More
I need to lose more "battles." I need to remember "winning" isn't winning. My first impulse is to prove I'm right or have the last word, but I'm called to share the love of Christ. - Get Sad, Not Mad
I need to stop expecting those who don't know Christ to act like they do. Their actions should not make me mad but sad they've not met Christ yet. - Wield the Greatest Power Known to Man
Christ in me! This Tim Timmons song has really given me new perspective of what it means for Christ to be living in and through me. I need to be daily reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit in me.
None of these goals are possible without the daily work of the Spirit in my life. Let 2014 bring Him glory!
Mayra Ortiz, Administrative Assistant, Aviva Nuestros Corazones:
- Think on Things Above
Be more faithful to Colossians 3:2, setting my mind on things above, not on earthly things. - Exercise More
No more excuses for not exercising more—not only for health purposes—but to be able to play actively with my grandchild Noé. - Sanctification
Be intentional about growing in sanctity.
John Hayden, Ministry Representative-Midwest:
I want to live active and more intentional for the Lord this year, to be more intentional in my attitudes and actions in 2014 (James 1:22).
- Spiritual
Continue journaling regularly and meditating on multiple devotionals. - Personal
Read seven books this year focusing on Leadership/Spiritual/Fun. - Family
Have one night a week of no electronics, and pray with my wife in the mornings. - Church
Develop a deeper relationship with some of the freshman guys, and focus on building small groups in men's ministry. - Hobbies
Use my motorcycle to develop relationships with others.
Sandy Bixel, Executive Assistant to Nancy Leigh DeMoss:
I am asking the Lord to help me live out this verse: "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you" (1 Sam. 12:24).
- Please God
I want to be concerned about pleasing God more than man this next year. - Thankfulness
I want to be quick to recall His provisions and how I see Him working. He is a faithful, good God who can be trusted with whatever happens in 2014.
Tom Mathis, Media Operations and Station Relations Manager:
- Read Through the Bible
In 2009 I read through the Bible in about forty-five days, and I'm doing it again this year . . .
Sarah Krause, Biblical Correspondent:
- Live Out 2 Peter 1:19
Be a diligent student of Scripture, looking for, anticipating the Lord's return (2 Tim. 4:8). - Read and Memorize
Complete a 90-Day reading plan through the Bible and memorize James 2. - Seek the Lord
"Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually" (Ps. 105:4). I want to live for the Lord and enjoy His company.
Jim Bever, Senior Director of Operations and Ministry Services:
- Pray
Pray for my grandkids every day. - Memorize
Memorize Romans.
Dawn Wilson, Writing and Research:
- Write
I am going to write throughout 2014 about the wonder of God . . . or rather, reclaiming that wonder in my life. - Soul Weeding
I'm going to be doing some "soul weeding" so I can bear more fruit in ministry/writing/speaking/serving/leadership. I want to determine what is hindering me from being a useful vessel in some areas of my life, "choking out" my effectiveness for the Kingdom. - Remove Clutter
My life feels cluttered. I need to think through my priorities again and dismiss those things that clamor for my attention and draw me away from God's best.
Elba Reyes, Biblical Correspondent, Aviva Nuestros Corazones:
- Surrender
One of my goals for next year is to continue surrendering my emotions to Christ and trust that He knows my heart. He sees, He cares, and I have to trust. - Ministry
I want to study God's Word more deeply and be prepared for the ministry at ANC. - Be a Servant
I love to serve and want to be a servant for my family, not just in ministry at church. I started doing this last year in a special way, but it is my prayer and goal to be intentional in looking for opportunities to serve them and show Christ.
Wes Ward, Media Director:
- Walk
I want to physically walk more—with my family, for exercise, and for idea-generating. - Water
I need to drink more of this stuff and be grateful for it. - Word
I want to be dominated by the Word and "bleed" the Bible. - Wife
I'd like to date my wife more than I did last year. And I want her to be more central to what I think, say, and do. - the Walk
I want to take more faith-based risks this year because I hear that without faith it's impossible to please God.
So, what about you? Do you have any goals this year? We want to cheer you on as you go! You're not alone in your pursuit of the Lord and holiness. And you won't be alone when you're bandaging up your scraped knees from a few stumbles. In 2014, let's walk this road together and trust the God who has promised to powerfully work within us (Col. 1:29) as we live for His glory.
Join the Discussion