I trust this week you will find yourself strengthened in the Lord and in the power of His might. Remember in Philippians 3:13-14 when Paul wrote, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ, Jesus”? I want to encourage you now to not only forget any past failures, but rather think about the goals you have for this next year.

Jesus said in John 14:31, “But [Satan is coming and] I do as the Father has commanded Me, so that the world would know (be convinced) that I love the Father and that I do only what the Lord has instructed me to do.” To be most effective, even Jesus had to draw some boundaries. Let’s stay focused on our goals, while not letting the busyness of life steal our time, and make sure that we stay headed in the right direction—doing only what the Father has instructed us to do. We do not want to waste one minute pursuing things that would take us in the wrong direction – leading us away from God’s purpose.

Make a list of all your activities and ask yourself if they are in line with God’s call on your life. Are you really called to be involved, or are some activities pulling you away from God—away from Love? Think about how healthy boundaries would alleviate much of your stress. Think about how when we operate our lives within the borders of God’s instructions, we will experience more and more success in the areas that are truly important. Think about how living in this busy day and age with healthy boundaries will help us experience a more peaceful life.