January 17, Intentional

“Live as children of light . . . and find out what pleases the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:8-10

Know the difference between “good intentions” and intentional living.  Good intentions are notable and can reflect a desire to honor God. But the greater honor is to be intentional with what God has required. God recognized David’s good intention of constructing a temple for the Lord (2 Chronicles 6:7-9).  But God redirected David’s heart and preserved this incredible task for Solomon.  The good intention becomes good when the intention truly follows the heart of God instead of simply pursuing a good idea of man. 

So, what is intentional living from a faith perspective?  Ephesians 5:10 gives a great example: Paul reminded the Christians of the first century to find out what pleases the Lord, and then do it.  As the Old Testament Scribe, Ezra, demonstrated: he purposed to study, “to do”, and to teach.  Intentional living discerns what God desires, and then sets one’s mind to fulfill what God has directed – “to do.” 

Intentional living can be compared to the GPS in your car or on your phone.  With every address entered to find the direction, the starting point always determines the best path to travel to the desired destination. In your life of faith, God meets you where you are – the starting point.  He then directs your path according to His will for you. (Proverbs 16:9, “it is God who orders your steps.”)  But, as with your GPS, between the starting point (the little blue dot) and the destination (the little red dot),you have the responsibility to follow the directions.  Intentional living.  

Every day that you awaken, recognize God has you and is leading you.  Every day, take responsibility for your thoughts, emotions, decisions, and attitudes as being solely responsive to the truth of God’s Word.  Always remember that obedience to His leading will get you where He wants you to go.  When you begin each day this way, you have begun living intentionally by faith.  

So today, recommit to discovering what God desires of you, and then set your life to do it – intentionally walking by faith and obedience.  

Don’t stop with good intentions.  Live intentionally to HONOR GOD.  

Blessings.