Living for Him, Intentionally

in-ten-tion-al adjective : done in a way that is planned or designed

 

Deuteronomy 11:16-20(NIV)  Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them.  Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates

 

 This verse has been on my mind for months. It was from this verse that I chose my Word for 2014. Intentional.

Yes, I know the word isn't anywhere to be found in the verse, but I believe there must be an intentionality if you plan to live according to its commands. God challenges us to be mindful of what we set our eyes and hearts upon. There can be dire consequences if we take our eyes from the Lord and start to look around us.

 

I have purposed in my own heart to live a more intentioned, purpose-filled life. I have felt a tug on my heart telling me that I am not doing my best and giving my all. I have confused my priorities. I have put some of the more important (eternal) things on the back burner while letting the less important (earthly), perhaps more fun or easy things take precedence.

 

So, what's my plan to fix my backward thinking? 

• I will pray more and with more heart. A feeble thanksgiving for food does not count as spending time with the Lord.
• I will spend more time being still and listening, searching for Him and His voice.
• I plan to spend more time with my children and less time on the computer.
• I will pray with my children every day and make that prayer book for the babies that I have been meaning to do for over a year now.
• I will wake up earlier to ensure I have quiet time with the Lord- because He is worth it.
• I will challenge myself not to complain- ever.
• I will strive with everything in me to be a godly mother to my children and a godly friend to my sisters in Christ.
• I will not let my emotions dictate my mood or attitude- my joy is in the Lord, not my circumstances.

While there are a great many habits to be pruned, I cannot to do it all at once.

With God's grace and the Holy Spirit's guidance, I will succeed.

I will live my life for Him, intentionally. 

 

The 2014 Schoolhouse Review Crew has gathered together and linked our Words to represent our goals and hopes for the upcoming year.
You will find the Words and much encouragement and inspiration here at SchoolhouseRevewCrew.com