Luke 14:28-30
But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first  calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? (Luke 14:28, NLT).

Hanley hopes to make significant growth in the New Year. One of his plans includes starting an online program to
improve his skills on his job. As he thought about his plans, he knew he needed a loan; his present salary may not be enough to support him through the program. He prayed for favor with the bank.

Friend, I know that many of us have written down great plan sand things to achieve in 2019. The question is do you have what it takes to start and finish? If it is a financial project, do you have all you need? Or you need to get help from outside? You see, there is nothing wrong with getting help or assistance. What is wrong is when we take our hope on man without first the Lord’s help.

In planning for the New Year, make sure that you have counted the cost and know that you can do what you plan to
do. Set SMART goals and objectives so that you can measure your progress. Your SMART goals must be specific,
measurable, achievable, reliable and time-bound so that you can see if you are making progress with your goals or not.

Assessing your progress will also help you to define the goals and see if they are still as relevant as you progress in the year. Take time today and assess your plan in the light of today’s Bible reading and see if you are working  towards SMART goals in 2019.

Your Turn

• Pray and ask the Lord to help you with your plans and goals for 2019
• Ask for grace and help that you to achieve all that your heart desire

Hymn: My Faith looks up to thee.

Further Reading: Proverbs 20:18