Holiness: Our Heart’s Desire For God
Hello there… Welcome back!!
Last time, you remember, we pondered a very “haunting question” from Dr. Del Tackett… “Do you really believe, that what you believe, is really real?” This supposition is still very challenging. We may believe, but sometimes our actions in “real world situations” may tell a different story. Yet, if we really do believe… it will radically transform the way we perceive, discern, and walk in our current chaotic culture today. Living in a real world through a decided Biblical Worldview lens is only possible through an intentional personal relationship with God.
What does it mean to be intentional? To be intentional means to do something with purpose. This means that you do something because you choose to , not because you have to or you need to fulfill an obligation. (copied from thirdbliss.com)
Synonyms: conscious, deliberate, intended, knowing, purposeful, willed, willful
Antonyms: nondeliberate, unintentional… and I would add “passive”
When you boil all this down, being intentional comes down to the true desire and purpose of our heart. As in any relationship, both parties want to know the other’s “intentions”. Our relationship with God is the same. Our heart’s transformational journey in relationship with God will flourish as we intentionally seek Him in and through our daily lives. Real life, Real Jesus, Real Time!
Connecting with God daily can be done in many ways… and they will eventually overlap as our relationship grows. We already know some of these as “the basics” of our walk with God.
Prayer… talking with God. How the relationship begins. Yes, it is awkward at first. But as our heart is engaged it gets easier. BTW, go ahead and ask questions. Tell Him what’s going on. Thank Him for the “good stuff” going on, and it’s ok to be frustrated and angry too. He already knows your heart… but we need to get it out. It’s Relationship.
Reading God’s Word… One of the ways God speaks into our hearts and lives relationally is through His Word, the Bible. As we read, ponder, and pray through His Word, the Holy Spirit of God leads us to understand His character and personality, His mind and heart for you and me. As you travel through the accounts of God and His people, you begin to understand not only “what” He/they “did”; but also “why?”. The “Why?” helps us understand the desires and motives of the heart. Many of the Biblical situations conveyed in God’s Word have a direct application to our culture and lives today. Yes, it was a different culture; but the “teachable moment” is still the same. God’s Word, His Truth and Wisdom, never changes…Culture does. As you read and ponder, notice too as you go about your day, the ways the Holy Spirit will point out to you an act or attitude that you saw recently….Victories or Challenges. When this happens just know that your heart and life are being transformed…step by step. #EverydayHeartlife4God
As we close I want to circle back to the heart of the matter…our heart’s desire and intention. As we have talked of before, there is a difference between having a Religion, ie “being religious for salvation”; and being in an Intimate Relationship with God. The intention of the heart is different. One is built on “Works” hoping to do enough “good” to gain heaven. The other is built upon a mutual heart of Love, Trust, and a Committed Relationship…forever! What is your intention? ♥
Together forever….