Believe in your vision

2021-12-31
Joel 2:29 NKJV

God spoke through the prophet Joel saying, “Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and…maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days” (vv. 28-29 NKJV). Regardless of your age or gender, God has a vision for you to fulfill. And sometimes it won’t make sense because you don’t feel qualified.

In the musical Man of La Mancha, there is a scene where Don Quixote and his servant stand gazing at a dilapidated inn. When Quixote describes his vision of turrets and magnificent gates, his servant tries hard to see the same picture, but all he can see are ruins. And when he attempts to describe them, Quixote says, “Stop! I will not allow your facts to interfere with my vision!”

Most great achievements begin as a vision in someone’s heart. And many times people try to convince the person it can’t be done – or that he or she can’t do it. Often this confirms the visionary’s deepest fears about his or her abilities. And that’s the crucial point! If you can disregard your critics and rise above your fears, God will enable you to fulfill the vision He has given you.

But keep in mind that while your vision may come to you in an instant, it can take a lifetime to fulfill. Habakkuk writes, “The vision is…for an appointed time…Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV). A God-given dream often defies the facts, so if you have a vision, look for supporters, not critics. And when someone shares his or her vision with you, become a cheerleader.

Soul food: Phil 3:8-14; 2 Cor 5:14-21; Ps 77:11-20; Prov 9:10-12

Meditate on God’s Word

2019-10-29
Psalm 1:2 NKJV

When you go beyond simply reading your Bible and take the time to meditate each day on its truths, you begin to think like God. And when that happens your life changes for the better. Peter was so dependent on the words of Jesus that he said, “To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). And Job said, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12 NIV). Question: When was the last time you forfeited a meal in order to spend time meditating on the Scriptures? As you meditate on God’s Word you develop a mindset that enables you to rise above your fears. “My word…will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NIV). Did you get that? God’s Word will accomplish God’s purposes in your life! That’s why Satan will battle you over finding time to read your Bible. The truth is, you don’t find time, you make it! The prophet Isaiah said, “Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will” (Isaiah 50:4 NLT). In a world that’s often devoid of commitment, God promises: “I won’t give up on you. I’ll keep working on you until you’re clear in your perceptions, strong in your faith, and balanced in your spiritual walk. As you meditate on My precepts, you’ll start to move in a new direction. And when that happens, your life will begin to prosper.” So beginning today – meditate on God’s Word.

Soul food: 1 Chr 1-2; John 7:45-53; Ps 9; Prov 24:30-34