Intentions of the Heart

I’ve discovered that if I simply show up in the world, God will arrange the Divine Appointments. Perhaps you’ve found this to be true as well.

So I’m sitting in my favorite coffee shop, reflecting on Matthew 5:28.

Jesus reminds us that looking at a woman with lust is the same as committing adultery, because the act has already taken place in the heart. I’m confident the Spirit and intent of Jesus’ words apply to all people—not just men.

“But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28 (NKJV)

Fortunately, I wasn’t looking lustfully at any women (my wife somehow knows what I’m thinking from across town), but I did recognize a principle—one that applies to every aspect of my walk with Jesus.

That principle is intention of the heart, whether acted upon or not.

Just as that realization settles in, another man sits down across from me. I notice he’s wearing a “Fishers of Men” bracelet.

I ask if he’s a brother in Christ. With a sincere smile, he replies, “I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for Jesus Christ.”

And just like that, a simple church gathering forms in the coffee shop. Two believers are all it takes.

Nelson notices my open Bible and journal and asks what I write about. I tell him I write about simply walking with Jesus.

He says, “I should reach out to people more, but I find it difficult.” Nelson isn’t alone.

We begin talking about intention—how, according to Jesus, intention itself is a form of action.

We agree that God arranges the Divine Appointments, and when they appear, we’re called to respond in obedience.

But what about all the other people—the ones in coffee shops, jogging on trails, or waiting in drive-thru lines?

We can pray for them.

Nelson says, “I do that all the time!”

In that moment, the Holy Spirit transforms mutual guilt over not reaching everyone into mutual encouragement. We realize that prayerful intention—offered from the heart—is no less real than speaking or acting outwardly.

We’re left not with condemnation, but with confirmation.

God knows our true intentions—whether expressed through prayer or through action.