11/25/2015

Growing up I hated the expression, “it’s the thought that counts.” The thought on it’s on never got anyone anywhere. It is the decision, commitment, passion, consistency, action and discipline that makes the thought count. It is like the person who continues to say they are going to work out, lose weight or do this or that and then do nothing yet continues to complain about their plight every time you are around them. We may have good intentions but that is not enough. We must be intentional in all things. It is important to be doers not just hearers or talkers. Christ tells us our yes needs to be yes and our no needs to be no. In other words we need to keep of our word. The old adage “we make time for what is important” is true to the choices we make daily as we will find the time for what matters to us. In life we are bombarded for our time; therefore, when making a decision we need to be good mangers of it and out time just as Christ was or our days will be fruitless. It is important to be deliberate and consistent as our actions do speak louder than words. Equally important is being intentional relationally with others by making time for, valuing, and loving others unconditionally. I see interaction with others as a gift, an opportunity to learn something and an encounter of love and grace. If we are living intentionally then we are living as if each day is our last with no regrets. Unfortunately though, as John Maxwell pointed out “most people don’t lead their life they accept it and without leading, it becomes passive and disappointing.”  John 10:10 reminds us of Jesus’ words, “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  Are you living an intentional abundant life or are you deceived by the enemy and merely living with good intentions? As we approach this Thanksgiving may you be intentional in offering a heart of praise and thanks as He has given you an abundant life to live out with passion not passivity. Blessings and love to each of you this Thanksgiving! Marcia

Lord thank you for showing me how to live an intentional life. You were passionate about your purpose, your ministry, those around you and your time with the Father. You did not waste a minute of your time and Lord I don’t want to either. Help me to live fully in each moment and to experience the abundant life you have given me. Show me how to lead my life with purpose instead of just accepting it. Do not let me fall prey to the enemies lie that good intentions are enough.  I praise you for all that you have done and continue to do and thank you for being intentional in pursuing and loving me! May I live in that same manner towards those around me. In Jesus' name!