Intentional and Intense

Seeking God with all of our heart demands that we be Intentional and Intense.

Often times it’s only when we are in a crisis that we become semi - sincere about seeking the face of God. I use the term semi sincere because after the pressure subsides or the need is meet, we return to casually seeking God, thinking that there is no urgent need for Him at the moment. This is because some only seek God for the blessings in His hands and not His face which is symbolic of His presence.

In God's presence there is peace, joy and rest for our souls. When we earnestly seek the face of God, we are seeking His counsel, guidance, correction and wisdom regarding every aspect of our lives. This must be done intentionally and with intensity because every decision we make affects our destiny.

When I seek my Lord and Savior intentionally and with intensity, I make Him first priority in my life, understanding that everything else is secondary. So often many of us have become consumed with the cares of this world. We are intentional about building our careers, building homes, building our image and building unhealthy relationships that pull us away from God.

We have allowed all these things to turn us away from the source and strength of our lives, and before you know it God becomes an afterthought in our everyday affairs.

We acknowledge Him with our mouths but our hearts are far from Him. Proverbs 3:6 says, “Acknowledge him in all your ways and he will direct your path”.

We are also reminded in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

God knows what we need and He promised that He would provide for all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

As we continue to move forward on our journey with our Lord and Savior be intentional about seeking His face through spending time with Him daily in prayer and devotion.

Meditate in His word for understanding and not just to acquire knowledge. Seek an understanding of God's word that will be manifested in your behavior, mannerism and disposition. Never put anything before God. I have learned through experience that anything you put before God will turn on you and devour you.

Selah (think on that). Seek God with your whole heart and watch the amazing things that He will do in and through your life. Always know that whatever concerns you concerns God deeply and He has His hands on the pulse of the matter. Don’t allow any situation you are facing to consume your thoughts and speech but rather magnify your God over the situation.

Finally my sisters and brothers remember that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that you could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20) and He truly rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6b).

posted by Will Ravelob at the PHIAA e-group