Living Intentionally

Living intentionally is continuously surrendering my life to Christ and being tethered to God in such a close relationship that Holy Spirit directs my steps. This means that I choose to willingly lay down my own desires and plans and confidently grasp God’s will for my life because I trust His way is always better.

​

My efforts to live intentionally are grounded in spiritual disciplines such as abiding, which includes reading/studying God’s Word, meditating on scripture, praying and listening to Holy Spirit. I practice these disciplines daily because they easily bring intimacy with the Lord. When I was in middle school, a girl in my class told me I reminded her so much of another girl. We had similar mannerisms and characteristics. When she told me the name of the girl, it was my best friend of the last seven years! The more time we spend with someone, the more they influence us and the more we take on their characteristics. If I want to be like Jesus, if I want Him to saturate every area of my life, then I need to and want to spend time with Him! I love the quote by Francis Chan, “How can we not make time to be with the Maker of time?” 

 

Giving God the first part of my day with Him postures me for living intentionally. It yields a day that is not perfect or without difficulties, but one that is emptied of myself and filled with Holy Spirit directing my thoughts, words and actions. Holy Spirit gives me fresh revelation and understanding as I read God’s Word. He equips me for the day as I meditate and memorize scripture which meets my needs and enables me to share the Hope and Truth of God’s Word with others I encounter. He answers my question, “What do You want to tell me today?” as I spend time listening to Him. He graciously receives my response to this same question as I pour out my praise, gratitude, confessions and requests to Him in prayer. 

 

Living intentionally is important because our Heavenly Father longs for us to draw near to Him and delights to purpose His creation to accomplish His will. When we do this, we get to build God’s Kingdom and bring Him glory!