Being Intentional

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 

What exactly does it mean to be “Intentional”?  Something done on purpose; deliberate. In what ways are you living an intentional life?

This week, as I have found encouragement in the bible and friends.  I find myself wanting to encourage you to be intentional for Christ. I hope that you will consider “being intentional” in your relationships as you walk with the Lord in your day-to-day life. 

There are many ways that you can live an intentional life.  Here are a few examples.  Work to create multi-generational/racial outlets. Do not stay closed off to only what’s comfortable. We need to remember that the longing that we have in our hearts to be loved and accepted is the same longing that the others around us have. Try some simple acts of thoughtfulness such as, bringing someone a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and send a card or text of encouragement. Or even using the novel “postal service” to send a card. Consider what you would find encouraging and do it for someone else. And maybe the most challenging one of them all is to make time. Time is something that cannot be duplicated. It is a precious commodity.  We are called to love everyone, regardless! In our endeavor to love our neighbor and serve them we do it at the expense of time with our family. Always create space for family.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

I wake each morning with intent.  I do not always succeed so that leads me to pray for HIS guidance for the next day that he gives me.

Part of my time is spent with my kids and their families. I am always reminded how blessed I am to have people to love and to be loved by. I am the mother of 2 boys and have been blessed with 2 daughter-in-laws and 5 grands to love on. I have to be intentional about loving my daughter-in-laws. I tell you that my boys are married to strong, confident women, which for me can be a challenge and a blessing all in one. I love that they are strong and will raise my grands to be confident in their walk-through life while letting the Lord lead them. They are not afraid to take a stand and speak with confidence, expecting respect yet being loving and compassionate. They parent with intention! Just as I parent with intention to lead them straight into Jesus’s arms .

I also make time for very dear longtime friends. Sharing a little life with each other, a few tears and a lot of laughter. Friendship is a blessing that only when it is filled with the love of God can last through disagreements, hard aches, honesty, tears and more love than is imaginable. Staying in touch with friends that live miles away takes intention. You know it’s a true friend when life doesn’t get in the way.  My life continues to be filled and enhanced by the input from friends, true, enduring friendship.  Friendship that Christ put in my life.

I am intentional with my friends that Jesus places in front of me on a daily basis. Let’s be honest, not everyone is easy to be friends with.  I know for sure that I have not always and still am not easy to fill that friendship space. But yet, I believe that there are no mis-haps in the people that cross our paths.  God placed them there for a reason and it’s my job to be intentional in them. Whether in joy or sorrow, in success or failure, or in happiness or anger, a friend that we have been intentional with, will be there. 

Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Being intentional with those I don’t know personally can be the most intimidating action.  This form of intentionality can make us stretch way beyond our comfort zone.  I don’t believe that God calls me to only be intentional with those who look like me or thinks like me.  I have to work hard at this for sure.  And I don’t always do it well.  But the Lord shows me grace and will always give me the courage to do better tomorrow.

What I have learned is that it’s not always how I have it planned out. Sometimes Satan throws a wrench in the plans! But God always has it planned better!  So, in every second of every minute of every hour, look someone in the eye, you might be the only one that did that day. And acknowledge someone when they walk into a room with a kind word and with face-to-face contact, they may really be lonely. Be intentional with your every action.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

I urge you to reach out and share what God has taught you and what He is continuing to teach you. There is someone out there looking to learn the same lesson. Walk with them!

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Intentional Prayer is the most intimate and fulfilling way to have relationship with our Lord.  Without that conversation with Him we will flounder. I have found this to be a true stabilizer in my life. Sometimes I simply sit and listen, saying nothing, just feeling close to Him and waiting for direction. Sometimes I ramble because my soul is in such turmoil that my mind needs Him to settle me. Sometimes I’m fixated on the pain of others and asking for Him to intercede in the lives of someone I love. But at all times, I’m intentional in spending time with Him.   

I’m reminded of the story of Nehemiah and his prayer to the Lord.  He went to God with an open heart, admitting sin and shared his pain for his people. He was intent on focusing on God’s promises and trusting that He was faithful.  And that trust enabled Nehemiah to be joyful.    

Ephesians 4:2-3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

If I’m striving to walk in the steps of Jesus then I must walk with the same intentional love that He walked with.  How intentional are you in your life? 

Rhonda Gould, is a Certified Professional Life Coach. She specializes in helping people reveal patterns that are holding them back.  She believes that every client has the ability within themselves to break the patterns and promote forward movement into career opportunities, new relationships, fun adventures and so much more. Rhonda consults with clients centered around having healthy boundaries and hard conversations as well as being culturally competent. You can learn more about Rhonda’s work at https://rhondagouldonline.com/.