by Robin Volker

Last Sunday I spoke on goal-setting and how it impacts the manifestation of God's good in our lives.  This message was the first in a four-part series based on Rev. Edwene Gaines' popular book, The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity.  Afterwards someone said to me, "I just want to live a more spiritual life."  Does living a spiritual life and enjoying prosperity and abundance need to be mutually exclusive?  I think not.  What is prosperity? Prosperity is the state of material or spiritual bountifulness. The term "prosper" means to succeed or thrive (flourish, blossom, or increase). God's Goodness comes in both spiritual and material form. The secret to success is that it all lies within you.  It has never been outside of you.  It comes from the creative spirit of the inner Christ.  As we mature spiritually, it is easier for us to manifest abundance of health, love, goodness, material possessions, and financial success because we come to see ourselves as more deserving and heirs to the "kingdom."   Catherine Ponder teaches that we can be spiritual and poor or spiritual and prosperous.  Why not choose the latter? 

Many have asked for Edwene Gaines goal-setting process.  Here it is as listed in her book, The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity.

1. Write down your goals – Get a notebook for goal-setting.  Write down all the ideas and things you think you would like to be, have, or do.  Be creative.  Be silly.  Think impossible things.  Think fun things.  Think exciting things.

2. Choose your most important desires – list your top 12 desires in order of importance.  These 12 must make your heart sing when you think about them.  Be Specific.  Be Clear.  Take steps toward your goals – Start taking steps toward your goals.  "What action could I take that would show the Universe I mean business?"

3. Consider what changes you might need to make – Pray and be honest with yourself.  "What changes must I make in order to achieve my desires?"  Don't lose faith here.  You must "g ive up to step up".

4. Choose a date by which goals will be met – Be specific about your dates – on or before Easter, I will have lost 5 pounds.  On or before May 28^th , I will have taken a vacation to Florida. If your goal isn't met by the date you set, go back to step 4 – pray and listen – and ask, "What changes must I make in order to achieve my desires?" 

5. Read your list three times every morning and every evening.  Keep your goals foremost in your mind.  Invoke the Law of Attraction with your focused thoughts.

6. Imagine yourself achieving each goal.  Get visualization working for you.  I cannot stress enough how important this step is in the manifesting of your dreams.

7. Act as if you have already achieved your goals.

8. Don't tell others.  Keep your goals close to your vest.  Don't discuss them with others unless it is trusted prayer partner.

9. Cross off completed goals and add new ones. 

10. Remember God's highest law is LOVE.  The only thing we really have to keep in mind when goal setting is that God's highest law is love.  God wants the best for us, always.