How to Pursue Continual Intentionality- Episode 17

This week, Gigi continues the discussion on intentionality but with a twist.  Looking at what Scripture has to say on the topic along with lessons from bird observations she gives a strong argument on the importance of being an avid seeker.  

 Resources Mentioned:

 Lion Bite Devotional by Emma Stark

 Scripture:  

Matthew 6:26

Matthew 6:33

Matthew 7:7

Psalm 34:10

Psalm 105:4

Psalm 119:2

Proverbs 8:17

1 Chronicles 16:11

 Suggested Worship- Goodness of God by Bethel Music

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Transcript

Aloha Ladies. Welcome back. 

 If you were with me last week, you know we discussed intentionality. We looked closely at Daniel's life and how his success was attributed to his intentionality—he was ready for the challenges of the future.   

 I want to expand on this idea today and examine what I believe may be the most profound component of intentionality. It's something that we easily overlook and often completely miss.  

 So, I hope you will stay with me until the end as I think you will be well served. 

 To begin, I had an epiphany this week, and it came while I was having my morning coffee and watching the birds in my front yard. Here in Hawaii, there is no shortage of birds…. Many joke the state bird is the chicken, and let me tell you, there is no shortage of wild chickens here!    Some of my favorite birds are the little saffrons- they are electric yellow and remind me of tiny rays of sunshine.   We also have beautiful little Japanese White Eyes, they emerald green and they remind me of hummingbirds.   But, this particular morning, there seemed to be a flood of tiny brown sparrows that decided to invade the yard.   I watched them as they hopped around in their diligent search for food. Instantly, Matthew 6:26 came to my mind- 

 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

 I've heard this Scripture many times, which stresses the importance of trusting our Heavenly Father to be our provision.   But, watching the birds and thinking about their lives this time, I saw something a little different. 

 Think about it: What does a bird spend most of its day doing? Foraging for food.  

 Yet, God's providing, but they are still required to do their part- to search!  

 Their success is tied to their willingness to seek! 

 Do you know God himself tells us that seeking is also essential for us?  

 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). Then, in Matthew 7:7, Jesus says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you."

 Psalm 34:10 says: "The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." 

  “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4). 

 “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart” (Psalm 119:2). 

 Are you getting this?   There is abundance, provision, comfort, and blessings when we seek!

 Proverbs 8:17 tells us that God is not hiding from us. His heart's desire is for us to persistently, passionately, and intentionally look for Him all around us, and when we do, He promises He will be found! 

 I hate to admit this, but I've spent much of my life missing this important point: the intentionality of constantly seeking the Lord!   

 Yes, I went to church, read my Bible, prayed, and tried to be a good person.    But what I should have done was to seek- like the birds—daily, being laser focused, paying attention, and being engaged in my mind with an acute awareness of what is going on around me.   Missing nothing! Looking for God in EVERYTHING and  EVERYWHERE and EXPECTING to find Him!  

 Expecting to hear Him, to see Him, to recognize His presence.  

 I'm getting better at it. In fact, I had a conversation this week in which the person said, "I wish I received promptings like you do."   My response was that I guarantee you do—you just have to learn to recognize them.   

 What I should have said is that you have to be intentional in seeking them! The very next day, I read a powerful devotion from the book Lion Bites that so convicted me that I want to read it to you now.

 It's titled “Continual Pursuit.” 

 “Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His presence continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

 “The Lord calls you into a life of continual pursuit of His presence where not a moment goes by when you are not measurably aware that He is with you.

 He says: "Turn your eyes to me at all times; look for me in the small and seemingly insignificant moments. My promise to you in return is if you look for me, you will find me; if you pursue me, I will draw near- do not think that encounters are reserved only for certain moments and places in your diary. No! You need to meet with me in the supermarket, looking after your children, getting ready for work, typing emails at your desk, at the gym, and any other place that you can imagine.   I am always accessible to you! Therefore, posture yourself with a level of determination to live in continual pursuit of me. Seek me continually, look for me always, pray without ceasing, and you will find me and be with me!" 

 Do not overcomplicate coming close to Christ Jesus. Do not reserve it for a later date in your diary or another day on your calendar. Every waking moment is a seek His face moment. Every millisecond is a millisecond you can spend in His presence." 

 Ladies, the Lord wants to spend time with you. He wants to be with you every millisecond! He wants to answer you, help you, guide you, provide for you, comfort you, and hold you!  

  Success is indeed found in intentionality- but ultimate success is found in the intentionality of SEEKING HIM!!

 Just like Matthew 6:26- where our Father takes care of the birds-  how much more will He take care of us? The apple of His eye- the one creation He tells us that is made in HIS IMAGE?   The one creation He gave His Son to save!   Let's not forget that God has a history of speaking to His children. Scripture gives us examples-  Moses, Noah, Abraham, Mary- and the list continues. Let us not disqualify ourselves- He loves us just as much and He wants to work and speak in our lives, too!!!  

 If you've been like me and have yet to be on a focused pursuit of the Lord.   I want to challenge you. Today, repent for not continually pursuing Him and dedicate yourself to seeking Him daily. Give it a try, what’s it going to hurt- acknowledge Him whenever you move your location. You move rooms, run an errand, exit your car-  stop for one second and acknowledge Him, pray a little prayer that says- "Even here, Lord, I seek you. I know you are with me, and I welcome your presence. I am open to encountering you and hearing your voice!"

 Ladies, I believe if we start intentionally seeking Him in this way, He'll blow our minds with His loving response, and in the process, our faith will grow!