I have planned my living intentionally series to help both you and I meet the goal of not only thinking about Him every day; but talking to Him (praying) and listening to Him (reading the Word.)

Enthusiasm

This might be our last opportunity to make an impact for the kingdom. I began exploring this idea last week when talking about experiencing disappointment.

Now is the time for us to progress
beyond the basic message of Christ
and advance into perfection.
The foundation has already been laid
for us to build upon:
turning away from our dead works
to embrace faith in God.

Hebrews 6:1 TPT

If my aim, or goal, is to be impactful when sharing faith in God, I don’t think I would get much accomplished if I felt only so-so about it. In fact, I’m wondering if any goal can be achieved without enthusiasm?

A God-inspired idea lies at the root of enthusiasm. An enthusiastic person can be described as having zest, fervor, passion and fire.

Only those who are passionate influence others for their cause. I can’t think of anyone who changed their life because someone casually mentioned their beliefs.

Does enthusiasm empower?

I wondered if scripture would back this idea up. I’ve always felt my enthusiasm for the things I believe gave me the strength to persevere, so I found Hebrews 6:12: 

So don’t allow your hearts to grow dull
 or lose your enthusiasm,
but follow the example of those
who fully received what God has promised
because of their strong faith
and patient endurance.

Hebrews 6:12 TPT

Then I read the whole chapter and found this passage:

So it is impossible for God to lie for
we know that his promise and his vow will never change!
And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness.
This is where we find his strength and comfort, for
he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time
—an unshakeable hope!
We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor
holding our souls to God himself.
Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm
beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner,
has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:18-20 TPT

This whole chapter is awesome. I highly recommend you read all of Hebrews 6 in The Passage Translation.

We see that we have “run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness.”

This is no namby-pamby shuffling along: running takes serious effort with a destination in mind. And what do you find when you arrive? An unshakeable hope anchoring you to Christ.

If that doesn’t inspire enthusiasm, I don’t know what will!

For further study:

Romans 15:17 The Passion Translation

Now then, it is through my union with Jesus Christ, that I enjoy an enthusiasm and confidence in my ministry for God.

Hanging with Jesus gives you enthusiasm! Think about it: Have you ever met anyone that you knew had been in the presence of Christ and they acted all down-in-the-dumps and lack-luster? No! Being in the presence of Christ puts you on fire!

2 Corinthians 9:2 New Living Translation

For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.

Our enthusiasm can motivate others.

Ephesians 6:7 New Living Translation

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

It’s all about where you’ve placed your focus.

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All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

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