Live with Intentionality 

What does it mean to be intentional with our lives? It has to do with living with a purpose, making our actions count towards the big picture. This is something that we need to apply towards all aspects of our lives. So, the obvious question is, do you have a big picture or purpose for your life? How about for the year 2025? Think about that!  What do you want to accomplish this year? What does God want for you or expect from you this year? Once we determine what that is, focus on doing things that move you towards that goal; moment by moment, day by day, getting more consistent as the year goes on.

How many of you know what God has in store for you this year? How about this month, this week, or tomorrow? Most of us don’t know the “what” that God has planned for us. It would be impossible for us to try and plan for all the contingencies that we may encounter. While we don’t know “what” our future holds, can we at least plan out the “how” we respond? 

Scripture gives us a lot of examples of who God is and His purpose for our lives. While they may not be ultra specific, they tell us that God already has a plan and purpose for each one of us. He declared this to the exiles in Babylon, “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the LORD. “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.

God also has a specified time for everything in our lives, “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1

While we do not know “what” God has in store for us, or when he’ll cause things to happen, we can still plan for “how” we will respond and even the “how’ we live out our lives as things unfold before us.

How do we make plans with the information that we do have? 

1.        First, we should determine what our Purpose or big picture is.

Does it align with Scripture? Does our purpose go beyond ourselves and our desires? Does it bring us joy, does it bring glory to God? Is it temporal or eternally focused? These are important questions to ask ourselves to ensure we have the right focus.

2.        Next, we need to determine our Strengths and Weaknesses. 

Most people like to do what they’re good at. Playing to our strengths keeps our passions alive and keeps us energized. This does not mean that we ignore the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives or His gifting.

3.        After that, we need to Prioritize our Responsibilities. This just means we rank order our “to do” lists and perhaps even eliminate things from our lists.

This becomes easier to do once we determine the why of our lives.

4.        Learn to Say, "No." You can’t say "yes" to everything, as good as it all may seem. You can’t accomplish much without focus. Focus on investing time and energy towards what you were called to do.

Start your day with a plan. This includes time in the Word and in prayer. Your plans may change but you’ll start with direction. Know where you’re going and why you’re doing what you’re doing. What would it be like to work for a company where your boss figures out what he wants you to do for the day after you arrive at work?

Plan your calendar with purpose as well. Establish some weekly and monthly goals. Do they coincide with and point you toward your big picture? 

Here are some other things to consider as you plan out your activities, your schedule, and your life.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:33

Whenever challenges come our way, and they will come, keep in mind how we’re going to respond, even before if comes. Engage these challenges with prayer and with the Holy Spirit guiding us. “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.” 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Pastor Bryan