Be intentional

 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ~Romans 12:11-12

The dictionary defines zeal as  having a great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.  Fervor is defied as intense and passionate feeling.  I have to examine myself and ask myself if i have lost this zeal or fervor,  Am I serving the Lord with enthusiasm and intense passion or am I just going through the motions?  The answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no.  Don't like the answer, but the truth will set me free.  Free to be intentional in my demonstration of love for Christ and His people.  Intentional about letting even the routines things and doing of my day be about serving Him in some way.

Life is changing for me and I must be joyful in the hope of what God is going do next in my life.  Joyful in the preparations He has already made for me and in me.  Joyful  in the hope of growth in the Lord that is going to take place.

I also have to be patient in affliction.  Patient in the grind of the day when I don't see any change I have to know and believe that He is working behind the scenes on my behalf. Patient when things don't go my way because I know its going His way.

And I must be faithful in prayer.  Faithful in my communication with God.  Faithful in being still so that I can listen to His voice and not just do all the talking.  Faithful in prayer so I can know the next step that He wants me take.  The next hand He wants me to hold or person He wants me to encourage  Faithful in prayer so that I can have continual zeal and fervor in serving Him, Christ my Lord.

Lord, I confess that sometimes I am just going through the motions, running on my strength which is fumes. That I lack luster in serving You the most wise God.  Forgive me and fall fresh on me so that I can be about my Father's business.  Let me do Kingdom work.  I want to hear You say well done thy good and faith servant.  Help to e to be joyful  in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.  Help me to do these things so that You will get the glory.  I thank You for the doors that You open and opportunities You present to serve You, to tell other of your goodness.  I thank You for the test so that I can have a testimony. In Jesus name.  Amen