Acts 6:7  So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith. (CSB)

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My wife and I spoke with a young woman who is a college student. She is at the point of the semester when it seems like she has a different exam every day. I regret if these thoughts are triggering to you. It feels good not to live in a mid-term and final exam world. 

The progress reports I began receiving in the first grade, we didn’t have public-school kindergarten in those days, still come regularly in different forms. Today, for instance, I have my annual visit with the doctor who checks me for skin cancer. Having endured two procedures on my nose, I hope I don’t have to go through that again. 

Our association also has its annual meeting today. People will get to hear what has happened in the past year and dream with us a bit about what is coming up in the year ahead.

My bride and I enrolled in a new course of study last week. We begin taking our first steps toward mastery of a new block of material. I will enjoy this group project. Working with a straight-A student like my wife relieves a measure of pressure.

My coworkers are exemplary in how they get things done. They work with clear focus and dogged determination. Their faithful commitment makes possible all manner of accomplishments. 

Progress reports are part of life. They help us see how far we have come and how much farther we must go. 

Luke provides regular progress reports in the Book of Acts. The verse above is one of them. There was a problem (verse 1). There was a proposed solution (verses 3 and 4). There was satisfying progress (verses 5 and 6). 

How this sensitive internal matter was handled led to exponential external growth (verse 7). Well-ordered lives, churches, and businesses outperform those that fly by the seat of their pants. 

Take a look at your day. What’s the most important thing you must accomplish today? When will you begin? What resources do you require? Who do you need to assist or guide you?

Take a look at the week. What would you like to be true when you finish your work on Friday? Are you blocking the necessary time to complete those projects and their associated tasks? 

What one thing can you do right now that will get you at least halfway toward your goals?

Whatever you do, there will be problems. Whatever you do, there will be opportunities. Whatever you do, there will be results. Define the results you want now. Craft the necessary plan to achieve those results. Collect the resources to get things done. Most of all, get started. 

You can enjoy a more relaxed weekend because of what you set in motion now. 

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I will plan my day and week and work those plans.

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