“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Heb 13:16 (NIV) Be intentional. What moves the heart of God? What brings God pleasure? What makes God smile? Doing good and sharing with others! We have the freedom to choose to do good or to exit from the highway of holiness. We can embrace God’s best or settle for less. The choice is ours to share with others or to operate in the currency of selfishness. God is pleased when we choose to do good and to share with others. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” Romans 14:17-18 (NIV) “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” 1 Thess 4:1 (NIV) “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Heb 11:6 (NIV) Live your life with intentionality. Abandon to God’s will. Surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Yield to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Love God and love others. Serve God by serving others. Put the needs of others before your own. Share Christ faithfully. Give sacrificially. Trust completely. Express God’s love intentionally. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
Category: Intentional
God uses people who are intentional. “The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.’ And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.” Luke 3:15-18 (NIV) Knowing who you are “not” is just as important as knowing who you “are.” God has designed you with a specific personality type. He formed you to be His image bearer. God saved you to fulfill His assignment for your life. It’s not about your story that God plays a part in. It is all about God’s story that you get to play a part in. God invites you to join Him in His story. John the Baptist was clear about his identity. He understood that he was not the Christ. John understood and embraced his role as the one who would point others to Jesus. John the Baptist lived a focused life. He was intentional about preparing the way for others to encounter Jesus. John understood who he personally was “not” and who he personally “was.” There is tremendous freedom in fulfilling God’s purpose according to your unique design. Giving your life to something bigger than you and to something that will impact others for eternity is worth your focus. God uses people who are intentional. Are you intentionally on mission with God? Have you fully surrendered your life to God’s agenda? Are you willing to live a life of intentionality? Here’s a good start: Point others to Jesus! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell, Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care