From the desk of Steve Shultz:
In this word by Cindy McGill, she tells us to be intentional about the things of God. One of the definitions of intentional is pointing beyond itself - which means ourselves. What Cindy shares here is beyond ourselves:
"We must train our eyes to see what God sees, our mouths to say what God says, our actions to do what God does and live a determined life of honor and preferring someone over ourselves."
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Blessings,
Steve Shultz
Cindy McGill:
"We Must Be Intentional About the Things of God"
There seems to be some things God is directing us to pay close attention to. As times and seasons shift, we have a tendency to be anxious in our efforts to find clear direction. There are many things that would capture our attention and take us off on rabbit trails, going down paths that seem good, but we lose sight of the real focus which is Jesus. Our foundation must be steadfast on the solid Rock and Chief Cornerstone, and when that is secure, we will act and not react when shifting circumstances occur in our lives.
"This is what the Almighty LORD says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes [in Him] will not worry." Isaiah 28:16
We Must Be Intentional About Our Love
Our first heart tug is to love the Lord with all of our heart. This is elementary. If we first love the Lord, then other things won't capture our attention and uproot our anchor. From this place, every other thing flows. We cannot love others if we do not know how to love God. As we are intentional about learning to love God and spend time with Him, He instructs us and transforms our hearts to beat with His.
Many things are revealed to us when our focus on Him is first. Things become very clear and defined. When we submit to God, we can then resist the devil and he will run away from us (see James 4:7). The plans of the devil will not work out when our lives are submitted to God who is love and we are clearly handed the victory.
Secondly, we are to be intentional about our love for each other. When we purpose to love each other, it reflects the love of God to a world who is watching. It is the very DNA of the Kingdom of God.
We Must Be Intentional About Our Walk
We must be determined to walk the walk of faith. It is a most certain path that is ordered, bringing us into the very plan of God. We must train our eyes to see what God sees, our mouths to say what God says, our actions to do what God does and live a determined life of honor and preferring someone over ourselves.
Galatians 5:16 tells us that if we walk in the Spirit, we won't carry out the desire of the flesh. When things come up in our lives, we can learn to get God's view on the situation. We can ask God what He thinks and what His plan is for the very thing we are dealing with. We learn to live by the Spirit and not by the things we see. A focused, determined walk will give us open doors, increased anointing, favor, clear direction and make us visible lights in a dark world.
We Must Be Intentional About Our Prayers
Declarations have power. When we pray, believing what we pray with expectancy, God honors our prayers and He answers. Faith-filled prayers that line up with God's Word and plan can bring radical change to situations. God actually looks for these kind of prayers.
Second Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His."
The authority Jesus gave us, when used in prayer, is unmatched in its transformational power. Spoken, declarative, faith-filled words have creative power. Power to heal, deliver, resurrect, loose, bind, create, prophesy and provide avenues for God's will to be done here on earth like in Heaven. Glory and heavenly manifestations accompany such prayers.
We Must Be Intentional About Our Unity
We must choose to gather ourselves together in unity to pray, eat together, share truths, worship and live our lives. The early Church did this very thing in Acts 2:41-47, and God did mighty signs and wonders in their midst and added to the Church daily those who were being saved.
"So then, those who had received His word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
"And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:41-47
It is refreshing when we can all live together in unity of heart and spirit. When we can let down the walls, drop offenses, and choose a heart of gladness and simplicity. The whole atmosphere changes when tensions cease and we choose to love each other. The fact is, none of us know it all. Only God knows it all, and when we humble ourselves and come together in unity, it creates an atmosphere where God will command His blessing (see Psalm 133).
We Must Be Intentional About Our Worship
We are created to worship. Our spirits cry out to worship the One who is so worthy to be worshipped. As we enter a worship time, if we will prepare our hearts to fully surrender to the Lord in worship, our lives are transformed with revelation light. Our worship is breath to God and it is where He chooses to make His address (see Psalm 22).
When we worship God with all of our hearts, it is revolutionary. Divine exchanges take place and our hearts are softened and healed. Anger, bitterness, hurt, depression and the like have to leave when we are in a place of true worship. Deep calls unto deep and our spirits connect with the Holy Spirit. We discover more clearly what we are designed for and our love for Him increases as He pours His love back on us.
Worship is essential for growth in God and our spiritual walk. To the degree we fully abandon ourselves to worship God, we find true freedom from all kinds of heaviness and bondages that try and keep us imprisoned. Someone once said, "We become like the thing we worship." Let's worship God and become like Him.
We Must Be Intentional To Live in the Peace of God
The God of peace crushes satan beneath our feet (see Romans 16:20). Peace will lead us and guide us safely. The only real peace we have is our assurance that God is in complete control. God said He would keep us in perfect peace when our minds are fixed on Him (see Isaiah 26:3). Peace is a major weapon of our warfare. Being anxious for nothing, we can fully trust that God who started a work in us is certainly able to complete it (see Philippians 1:6).
"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
These may be uncertain times, but God is with us and on our side. There are more with us than those who are against us. If God is for us and fights our battles, then we don't need to fight the torment of fear. Staying in peace and trust delivers a great relief and allows us to keep our focus.
There is much to do in the days ahead. It's truly the Church's finest hour. People are searching for answers and we possess the ANSWER, Jesus. Prodigals returning, people coming to know the Lord, healings, signs, wonders, fresh revelation, mysteries being revealed, new visitations from Heaven are all a part of the coming days.
Let's remain INTENTIONAL in purpose as these new days approach.
Bless ya,
Cindy McGill
Hope for the Harvest Ministries
Email: dreaminslc@hotmail.com
