Set Your Heart on God’s Intentions

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

─ Revelation 2:2-4 NKJV

If the Bible was just a book of rules to follow without relationship with God, it would create rebellion. Eighty percent of high school graduates leave the church. They see the Bible as a rule book, instead of a path towards relationship with Jesus Christ. Sadly, they often don’t see the reality of Christ in the lives of their parents or their leadership, and they walk away.

The same is true about direction without action. A bunch of information about how to be intentional may make you feel good, but without putting action behind your intentions to bring pleasure to Christ will result in chaos.

Our verse today from the book of Revelation affirms a good intentioned life is purpose without passion, direction without action and faith without works. Often, we accept God’s love, but are only good intended—we have not taken action in what God intended for us to do. The intentional life requires us to have a heart to follow through on God’s intentions for our lives.

Today’s One Thing

Make a list of five or more of your good intentions. Review the list by placing a check mark in front of the ones you believe to be God’s intentions for your life. Then write out what actions you’ve taken or still need to take. Set goals with dates in which you will follow through to become intentional in these areas.

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