Setting Spiritual and Family Goals

Central Theme: Aligning the couple’s plans with God’s will to experience purpose, unity, and true fulfillment in marriage and life.

Opening:
Begin by sharing how the end of the year is a natural time for reflection and planning. Ask the couples: “Do you usually plan the upcoming year together? How has God been part of those plans?”
Key Belief:
“If we submit our plans to God, we will find purpose, unity, and true fulfillment in our marriage and every area of life.”
Theme Verse: Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

God’s Sovereignty Over Our Plans:
- Text: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Reflection: God has greater and better plans for us, but we must trust and submit our dreams to Him.
Unity in Marriage:
- Text: Amos 3:3 – “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
- Reflection: Marital unity is essential for plans to prosper; it is strengthened through prayer and dialogue.
The Word as a Guide:
- Text: Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
- Reflection: Our goals should be grounded in God’s principles, not just in temporary desires.

Spiritual Goals:
- Examples: Praying together daily, studying the Bible as a couple, serving in a ministry.
- Question: “How can we put God first in the upcoming year?”
Family Goals:
- Examples: Prioritizing quality time, improving communication, raising children in the fear of the Lord.
- Question: “What steps can we take to strengthen our home?”
Financial Goals:
- Examples: Planning expenses, paying off debt, being generous with resources.
- Question: “Are we managing our resources in a way that honors God?”
Mission and Service Goals:
- Examples: Supporting other couples, discipling people, serving in the church.
- Question: “How can our marriage be used to bless others?”

Individual Reflection:
- Each spouse writes down one area where they saw God’s hand in the past year and one challenge they want to surrender to the Lord.
Joint Planning:
- As a couple, list one goal for each area (spiritual, family, financial, mission/service). Do this in prayer, asking for wisdom and unity.
Commitment in Prayer:
- Pray together, dedicating these goals to God and seeking His guidance throughout the year.

Regular Review:
- Set a monthly moment to evaluate the progress of goals and adjust as directed by God.
The Power of Joint Prayer:
- Text: Matthew 18:19 – “If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”
- Reflection: Prayer unites the couple and brings clarity in moments of doubt.
Embracing Challenges:
- Text: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
- Reflection: Face difficulties as opportunities for growth.

Story or Testimony: Share a real or biblical example of how submitting plans to God resulted in blessings.
Final Verse: Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Final Prayer: Pray, asking God to bless the couples, strengthen their unity, and guide their plans.