e-mail 11/26/6/(2)

Lately, I have been considering where I need most to be used as a Christian. I know that while I still have health issues, I cannot get away from the spiritual gifts that God has given me and all the education and training I have received to be used for His purpose in His kingdom.

This morning while I was getting dressed for church, the thought came to me, "what is the intent of your heart?" At first, I wondered, "Now, where did that come from?" Then I knew that the Lord was wanting me to confirm in my own heart that He is calling me to continue the work that He began in me a long time ago. I immediately went to the computer study Bible and found no passage using the specific words "intent of the heart" but I did find a passage in Daniel 4:17 that spoke to me.

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and it concerned him. He called his magicians and astrologers first to help him understand and they could not help. Then Daniel came before him and listened as the king told him his disturbing dream. He then said "This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the INTENT that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men." (KVJ)

Another translation puts it this way, "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men."

"Intent" in this particular passage means "for the sake of". We would probably say it means in today's language "our reasoning why" or "purpose". Nebuchadnezzar actually told Daniel the intent of his dream's outcome. It was that "the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" He still does. God still reigns. He is the Almighty God, He is Jehovah.

As we think of our lives and the many hats we wear, we should check our intent or purpose for why we are doing what we are doing. No matter what our job or responsibility in life, our intent as Christians is that "the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men". Beloved, this is evangelism. This is missions. This is loving our neighbor as ourselves. This is treating our families as God intended. This is doing the best job we can at wherever we work as though we are doing it for God Himself. Our intent in going to the grocery store may partially be to get food but is should also be an opportunity to share the Good News with someone. We should always be prepared. Going to the doctor can be an opportunity to smile and give hope to someone who is not feeling their best.

My intent in doing this devotional is to

Share God's Love,

Peggy

James 1:27 "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."