Dave’s Monday Blast – October 19, 2015

Two years ago we had an organization come to our Impact Weekend called AXIS. One comment they made repeatedly throughout the event really stuck with me. They cautioned believers not to “Read the Bible like the Devil.” What does that mean? Well…Satan has been taking the Word out of context from the beginning. So when we read the Word we must read it within its intended context. An example of this would be the passage in Psalms 37:1-8 that says the Lord “Promises to give us the desires of our hearts.” Many people take this passage out of context, forgetting that their own mindset plays a vital part in bringing it to fruition. We have certainly heard it said, “Where your mind goes, your feet go, so be careful what you think about.”

What is our responsibility when it comes to claiming promises from God? Let’s unpack this passage in context:

Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalms  37:4). Christians should rejoice in God and desire to walk in obedience. The Lord must have first place in your life before you can claim the promise in this verse. Commit your way to the Lord (v. 5). Allow God to change any aspect of your ambition that is not His will. Remember that when He doesn’t answer a prayer as you wished, it is for a reason.

Trust in Him (v. 5). God is merciful, all-knowing, kind and generous. You can trust Him with your hopes and dreams.

Rest in Him (v. 7). Resting in the Lord means trusting Him to answer prayers in His timing or transform your aspirations so they conform to His will.

Wait upon the Lord patiently (v. 7). Jesus waited three decades before beginning His three-year ministry on earth. According to His example, waiting is one of the key principles of Christian living.

So, Men of Intention, do your desires align with God’s purpose and plan for your life? He longs to give His followers abundant blessings and fullness of joy. So allow your dreams to be conformed to the Lord’s will, and follow His guidance faithfully. Only when you surrender to Him will you experience God’s best for your life. I remember well the words of the reformer and theologian Augustine, “Love God…and do as you please.” This really is about the INTENTIONAL choice of always putting God first.