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Intentional



"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
       - Genesis 50:20 KJV
Dear Friends,

 God has said: 

 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord,thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."  - Jeremiah 29:11

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." - St. Matthew 10:29-31

In the Book of Genesis chapters 37-50 we follow events in the life  of Joseph. Joseph found himself in a many perplexing situations.  He was betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused and thrown in prison. He was found interpreting dreams, being disregarded and then being remembered with favor. How did he end up having experiencing trauma after trauma before eventual triumph?  Was the trauma  because he was the perceived favorite of his father and therefore invoked the jealousy of his brothers?  Was it because he dreamed and dared to share his dreams that contained content his brothers interpreted as threatening? There are a number of possibilities.  Many of which have been explored countless times. 

I offer today that he ended up in each situation because God intended him to be.  There is a contemporary Christian song entitled "Intentional" by Travis Greene.  He sings: "all things are working for our good for He's intentional, never failing."  God is Intentional.  He has a plan for our lives.  Knowing that all we face isn't good, He has purposed in His Word to work all together for our good (Romans 8:28) because HE IS INTENTIONAL.

Intentional is the word that guides me this year.  I'm meant to be. The plan God has for me is purposeful.  It is strategic.  His intention is that I will have peace.  This peace is not due to all encounters being peaceful but rather due to the presence of The One Who is Peace in my life.

Intentional is the word that informs my spirit as I wait on the guiding of the Holy Spirit to write tysthatbind. One hymn writer penned:  "I know I am a child of God although I move so slow.  I'll wait until the Spirit comes and move as God commands."  This blog...this time...intentional.

Intentional. This word that encourages my soul.   God is intentional in the kindness He shows and grace and mercy He bestows.  This is this the standard. I must purpose to be kind. Intentional.  God is intentional.

I am reminded of the account in St. Luke 2:40-50 when Jesus and his parents have traveled to the Jerusalem for the feast of the passover.  
When it was time to return home Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was with the group but found out after a day that he had stayed behind. 
When they returned to find him in the temple teaching they questioned him due to their worry.  Jesus was direct, intentional in His response:

"And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Luke 2:49

INTENTIONALLY!

in Christ,

Sis. Stephanie

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