Tag: Faith

The Ram in the Thicket

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Those who are obedient to God’s direction, in spite of suffering and uncertainty, experience God’s victory and provision..

God gave Abraham a very odd directive; actually, it was a command. He told Abraham to take his son, his only son, to a place He would reveal to him, and sacrifice him on an altar.

Abraham was to take his teenage son Isaac on a three day journey to Mount Moriah, climb to a particular point, build an altar with wood they carried with them, and then sacrifice his son, Isaac.

You can find all this in Genesis chapter 22.

I realize this sounds very morbid and completely out of character for God, but it actually was a move that saved the human race.

Abraham, God’s covenant partner, was asked to give his only son, his promised son, to God.

This then allowed God to make it possible for mankind to have access to His only Son, Jesus.

It’s the way of covenants.

As Abraham raised the knife in obedience to God, God intervened.

“And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.“ Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.” (Genesis 22:12 – 22:13 NKJV)

God provided the sacrifice then, as well as a few thousand years later.

Jesus became the needed sacrifice for mankind’s sin. He became our “ram in the thicket.”

Abraham learned obedience through the things he suffered. How did he suffer? As he believed and obeyed God, he suffered in his flesh because he was going against what his natural reasoning was telling him.

Jesus, not only in the wilderness but also in the Garden of Gethsemane, suffered in the flesh while obeying His Father’s will for His life (the cross and subsequent resurrection).

Faith, which many times requires obedience, will often have a degree of suffering with it. And without the obedience, the miraculous power and faithfulness of God is never witnessed.

You see, God always has an answer for those who believe and obey. But it’s the obedient that eat “the best of the land.”

And it’s during the suffering period, the period when it looks as though our faith isn’t going to be rewarded, that we sometimes feel like God’s requirements are too great, and we give up and go with our plan B.

Remember, God doesn’t tell us His whole plan. He leads us a step at a time.

Which is how we’re to obey.

A step at a time.

Do you keep looking for the “ram caught in the thicket”? You could be missing out on God’s answer. Don’t look at the thicket. That’s not where your help comes from. Stay with what He has said, and what He is saying, and leave the rest to Him.

“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;” (Isaiah 1:19 NKJV)

“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8 NKJV)

An Unholy Agenda

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There are several trains of thought running throughout the social media world these days. Each camp is accusing others of having, what I’ll refer to as, an unholy agenda. What I mean by that is an agenda or some sort of diabolical plot to force the masses into a certain way of thinking. A particular way of believing and acting.

There are the folks on the right who are convinced that everything happening is designed to affect the upcoming election so the liberals win. Of course, the folks on the left are touting the same thing. Still others are buying any and all conspiracy theories about the major unseen players who are pulling the strings that control every nation on the planet. I’ve noticed something. The wilder, the more unbelievable the theory, the quicker people are to grab hold of it and blab it to the four winds.

And again, there are some people  mixing ideologies from the right and the left, creating a myriad of ”hybrid” groups; each with their own particular agenda.

I’d like to address the unholy agenda issue by saying each group is correct. The others do have an unholy agenda, and they are extremely focused and disciplined in seeing their agenda come to fruition. 

But guess what? 

There are really only two camps, two groups, two agendas. Only two. 

All those I’ve mentioned belong to one group. Their goal is to have their own way. To make a world that’s governed according to their personal beliefs. After all, their beliefs are the correct beliefs. Just ask them. 

Whether  they are right, left, or middle; all are right in their own eyes. 

And they each have an agenda.

Remember the conspiracy group? The one’s who believe there are string-pullers behind the scenes? Well,  they’re probably more accurate than the other groups. 

Because there is someone with THE unholy agenda who only wants to steal, kill, and destroy. He’s after control, and ultimately to be worshipped as god. He’s been working his plan since before the garden of Eden and is very much focused on seeing it come to pass.

And he’s using all these agendas as a diversion; to keep those who belong to the Most High God, Who alone has mankind’s best interest in mind, out of the way of righteous and holy warfare.

Many of God’s people seem to have chosen a political side and damn the others. Or maybe another, more accurate way to say it is ”to hell with the others who aren’t in my camp.”

It’s so very sad, but I believe it’s the truth.

People of God, it’s past time to shake ourselves free from every unholy agenda; every unholy alliance. God has called us to choose His ways and thoughts. He’s told us to seek FIRST the Kingdom of God. He’s demonstrated how He expects us to love the world.

To focus on His holy agenda will require us to lay down our rights and the opinions that keep us from engaging in His business of worldwide evangelism and discipleship. 

We cannot free the one’s trapped in darkness if we don’t walk in the light. And we can’t walk in the light if we won’t walk in love. 

There’s coming a day when all we’re experiencing will be history. Eternity will have arrived. There will only be two camps remaining.

The righteous and the damned. 

I’ve heard it said that this coming election is the most important one in the history of our nation. Maybe so. 

But there’s something far more important than an election. It’s the condition of our world’s souls.

Can’t we set aside our fussing and fighting about our ”rights” and instead pick up God’s Holy Agenda?

”To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11 – 1:12 ESV)

He Watches Over His Word

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And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans.” (Jeremiah 1:12 NLT)

The Lord showed Jeremiah a vision, and then asked him what he saw. After Jeremiah answered, the Lord said, “Yep…and you can trust I am watching and fulfilling all my great plans.” 

And so it is today. 

He is watching over each person who hides His word in their heart; to make sure not one promise goes unfulfilled. 

After all, Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)

It’s not that God makes sure every cloud has a silver lining. That’s isn’t exactly what Paul was getting at. Rather, it’s more like the Lord is working behind the scenes, in ways we can’t imagine, watching over the word He has established in Heaven and earth. 

He is faithful Who promised!

Like Abraham and Isaac, climbing the mountain because God told them to. Abraham had quite a test; to offer to God the very one who was God’s answer to prayer. The very son who was promised by God some thirty years prior. 

Though things looked like God WASN’T honoring His Word, or watching over it to see it fulfilled, at just the right moment the answer came. 

In the form of a ram, climbing up the back side of the mountain. 

God, working all things for the good of those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose. 

There are so many voices around us today; each one having a different opinion about God, His Word, and life in general. But it’s not so much a matter of everyone else’s opinion…

What do YOU think of God and His Word? 

Are YOU hiding His Word in your heart? Are YOU supplying your spirit with the refreshing, powerful, life-giving promises of God? 

Are YOU trusting Him to watch over you as He watches over His Word?

As time rapidly approaches the “end of all things”, making way for the “new beginnings”, many false prophets, preachers, naysayers-people who have NOT developed a faith relationship with Jesus-will have many things to say. They will try to discourage you and I from boldly proclaiming our complete trust in the Lord and His Word. 

Don’t let it rock your world or shake your faith. Remind yourself, and others, that because God is watching over His Word, He’ll make certain not one promise fails!

…Not one word has failed of all his good promise… (1 Kings 8:56 ESV)

Amen! So be it!

A Drop In The Bucket

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I’ve had troubles. I’m pretty sure you have as well. 

No one has to ask or plan for trouble; life seems to have enough to spread around. When you least expect it, trouble has a way of suddenly appearing out of nowhere.

But guess what? All our troubles are a drop in the bucket compared to the overwhelming grace and ability of God Almighty.

Try and imagine the enormity of God.

Notice I said try.

He Who measures the universe by the span of His hand, Who calls the stars by name, and Who speaks, causing the mountains to crumble and fall into the sea.

He Who said, “Light be”, and light was.

Try and imagine the God Who is far greater than anything we can imagine. 

Listen to Him say, “With God, all things are possible.”

Watch Him stand outside Lazarus’ tomb. As tears stream down His face, hear Him cry, “Lazarus, come forth!”

See Him reach down and pick up a handful of dirt, add His spit to it, and place the mud pack onto the eyes of the blind man. Then, hear the One Who created all things with His word instruct the blind man to “go and wash.” And he began to see!

And this same One cares about you and I.

He knows our troubles are a drop in the bucket.

Compared to His power.

In the light of His promises.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1 – 91:2 ESV)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1 – 46:3 ESV)

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20 – 3:21 ESV)

So go ahead, make a list of your troubles; name them one by one. Describe them using the most discouraging words you can think of.

Now, put the list into the bucket of God’s person, power, provision, and promise.

You’ll see… they’re only a drop in the bucket.

You say you don’t believe in God…

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Although there are many people who’ve convinced themselves and others that God isn’t real, God knows the truth.

He knows He exists.

“For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar…” (Romans 3:3 – 3:4 NKJV)

There was a time in my life I would have sworn that either God never existed, or He was dead.

Yes, I knew so much.

But just because I had never met Him, didn’t mean He was nonexistent.

I know tons of people. You probably do as well.

If I was to tell you about my great friend Greg, how we enjoy fishing and playing music together, and you said to me, “I don’t believe in Greg”, I’d have to think you’re some kind of nut.

Well, shouldn’t I? Just because you don’t know my friend doesn’t mean he doesn’t exist. It doesn’t make me a liar, or a weak fool for believing in Greg.

What would be wrong with saying, “Greg sounds like a great guy. Maybe some day I can meet him”?

It’s really that simple with God.

Back when I didn’t believe in God, I met a guy who did. I kind of thought he was a bit on the kooky side, because I’d never met anyone who talked so freely about Jesus; like he really knew Him.

I didn’t believe automatically, but there was something about this guy I liked. So I listened.

And I began to sense my heart changing from “God can’t exist”, to “well, what if…?”.

Finally, about a year later, while riding a bus from Columbus, Ohio to Louisville, Kentucky (Fort Knox), I actually met the One I’d been told about.

No, the roof of the bus didn’t open, nor were there angels singing the hallelujah chorus (that I heard, anyway).

I just believed. The blinders of doubt melted away and I knew, I KNEW, a change had occurred.

I had passed from death unto life.

May I encourage you to give yourself a chance at new life?

Just because you haven’t met God, doesn’t mean you can’t.

My doubt and unbelief never kept Him away. The very moment I believed, He was there.

And He’s close to you, as well.

Our limited knowledge and perspective can never authenticate or invalidate the claims of God.

We cannot explain away God, or make Him something He isn’t.

He just IS.

God has never needed our affirmation, and He doesn’t worry about those who slander His Name.

He can handle His own reputation.

Because He IS.

“He who comes to a God must believe He IS, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Come as you are, with your frustrations, troubles, worries, and doubts. He’ll help you sort them all out.

Because He IS.

Step into the Supernatural

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Most people would agree there is a “natural realm”, and a “supernatural realm”.

I do. Do you?

Hollywood does.

So does God.

And although He dwells within the supernatural realm, He can easily affect the natural realm without any difficulty (and He wants to!); He simply wants and needs cooperation on our part.

I’m not referring to some kind of weird hocus-pocus, magical words and incantations, or sleight of hand tricks.

I’m talking about God Almighty suspending the laws of nature in order to perform what we’d call a miracle.

The supernatural world is just as real as this natural one we live in. It has certain laws which govern the activities within, much like the physical laws we contend with every day.

It may sound a little odd, but living as a Christian requires we understand how to live in both realms.

As the law of gravity must be understood and respected to avoid a terrible accident, so the supernatural laws of faith, sowing and reaping, and confession should be embraced if we’re to witness “all things possible with God.”

Without the knowledge of stepping into the supernatural, the Kingdom of God will not penetrate the world’s natural kingdom.

Without understanding how faith and other supernatural laws can change our world, we are destined to live our whole life never seeing “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

For example, Joshua would have had to wait for the Jordan River to dry up before continuing the work of the Kingdom had he not listened to and obeyed God.

The law of faith, believing God’s word in spite of physical “evidence”, supersedes any natural law, as seen in this passage:

“…and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. (Joshua 3:15,16 ESV)

They believed, stepped into the water, and by doing so entered into the supernatural.

Mary did so, as well. The Angel came and told her all the great and wonderful things the Lord was about to do. Of course, she had one big question.

“How?”

How will this supernatural event happen?

Something never heard of before or since?

“And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.'” (Luke 1:35 – 37 ESV)

Notice the angel told her how, but it was her response that brought the supernatural into her life.

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38 ESV) 

Isaac stepped into the supernatural when he acted upon God’s word, implementing the law of sowing and reaping. (You reap whatever you sow)

“Now there was a famine in the land, besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech king of the Philistines. And the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you…'” (Genesis 26:1 – 26:3 ESV)

Isaac obeyed, and in spite of the famine, sowed his seed, believing God.

“And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him…” (Genesis 26:12 ESV)

The supernatural Kingdom of God breaks into our world when we believe what He says and act accordingly.

Peter heard one word from Jesus, “Come”, and it was enough to walk on water. By the way, people do not normally walk on water.

The salvation of man, spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc, is a supernatural act. The supernatural God reveals His will for each person through His powerful Word.

Receiving His word, and declaring what He says with a heart of faith, is how we step into the supernatural. 

It’s also how we combat demonic forces, which are also supernatural.

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

We believe, call with a heart of faith, and salvation bursts on the scene.

It’s really a simple thing, stepping into the supernatural.

Because God took the necessary steps toward us, through His Son Jesus.

And now, all things are possible to those who believe.

Who believe enough to dip their toe in first, and then watch all Heaven break loose.

God is NOT a liar!

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Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? Let’s not waste another moment wondering whether or not God can be trusted.

God is not a liar!

“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19 ESV)

He doesn’t say one thing and mean another.

So why do we struggle so much?

Maybe we aren’t sure there really is a God.

If we’re certain God is real, maybe we’re a little iffy about His ability to care for us.

But if we’re convinced God cares for us like He says He does, are we saying He doesn’t, every time we worry?

Are we calling God a liar?

“Of course not! We simply aren’t convinced He had us in mind when He made all those promises recorded in the Bible.”

Maybe I can help you with that.

First of all, God has always chosen His words carefully, and every word counts. When He says He cares for you, He means it. You, and you, and even you; He cares for YOU!

The next thing is, God is no respecter of persons. “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.'” (Acts 10:34 NKJV)

In fact, Paul wrote to the Romans and told them God’s promises were available to whoever believes. No one can earn them by being good enough, but everyone can believe (Romans 4).

God made sure of that! He’s given to every person a measure of faith (Romans 12:3); the ability to believe.
Everyone can believe.

And everyone believes something.

Finally, and probably most importantly, God’s covenant with Abraham (the father of faith) was not just with him, but also with the coming Savior and all who would believe on Him.

In other words, His seed.

“Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NKJV)

ALL the promises of God are yes, and amen, in Christ.

And we are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3).

God is not a liar!

He said He’d save our souls, make us new creations in Him, and take us to Heaven when this life is over. Right?

Amen!

God is NOT a liar.

He knows what we have need of before we ask.

He’ll never leave us or forsake us, so we can confidently say, “God is my helper.”

His word declares in several passages, by more than one writer, that He is the Healer of all our diseases.

Heaven and earth will pass away before His word does.

His word is forever established in Heaven.

He watches over His word, to make certain it comes to pass.

For God to ever lie, even once, He’d have to yield His Throne to the devil (the father of lies).

Not gonna happen.

Okay, I’ll assume you get the message. God is not a liar, even if it appears as though He slipped up and forgot about us.

Our situations do not, can not, authenticate God’s word. His word is true, period. It stands even if everything else falls.

God is not a liar! Faith still pleases Him, and He’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

All things are possible to those who will believe.

When we resist our adversary by standing steadfast in faith, he flees.

As we allow patience to work, we are well taken care of. We find ourselves lacking nothing.

We are born of God, and the evil one touches us not (1 John 5).

He Who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it.

He meets all our needs, heals all our diseases, directs our steps, and empowers us to minister life to those around us.

We abide in Him and He abides in us.

Let’s not call God a liar, simply because we can’t see the end from the beginning like God can. 

Rather let us act like Abraham, with the same spirit of faith, and trust the One Whose promises are the anchor of our soul.

Let’s not “…waver at the promise of God through unbelief”, but become “strong in faith, giving glory to God…” (Romans 4:20 NKJV).

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God in Whom I do trust'” (Psalm 91).

Is there witchcraft in the Church? (part one)

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Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Witchcraft? In the church?

“Man, you’re crazy! First of all, God wouldn’t allow it. And even if there was such a thing, we’d spot it right away.”

That sounds wonderful, but it’s a lot of ignorance and pride mixed in with a ladle full of hot air.

I didn’t say there are witches in the church, but then again, why wouldn’t there be?

Couldn’t there be?

Witchcraft, manipulating and controlling others by the use of familiar spirits, doesn’t have to be performed by some green skinned, large nosed woman the size of a toothpick, dressed in black, who rides a souped up broom to the neighborhood convenience store every night. No, that’s primarily for the cartoons.

Witchcraft, the kind the church should be concerned with, isn’t found so much in covens or satanic worship. And although it really happens, and people get sucked into that mess, it shouldn’t be an issue for the church.

Why? Because Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me; go therefore…” (Matthew 28:18,19 ESV). The Lord has raised the church, the Body of Christ, to the same place as the Head; far above ALL principalities and powers…(Ephesians 1).

If we’ll remember Whose we are, and that He lives in us, the devil and witchcraft are a non-issue. Curses and hexes cannot affect us if we walk with Jesus, in the power of His Spirit. 

However, there’s a way for the devil to affect believers, without using the Halloween costumes and special effects.

All he has to do is find someone who is more interested in signs and wonders than they are in holiness and integrity.

And, unfortunately, there are a number of men and women who’ll oblige him.

To be continued…

Are Preachers Ever Guilty Of Jealousy?

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The biggest day of the year for church attendance has come and gone. Easter Sunday, the number one day of the year when pastors and church leaders around the globe attempt to woo the masses into visiting their church, and hopefully, become a regular member.

Although I’m no longer a pastor, haven’t been for over five years, I can still recall some of the feelings I’d have to deal with on Easter; and especially the day after.

Through the years I’ve had the privilege of pastoring two churches for a total of about eighteen years. Both churches were growing churches; one grew upward in attendance, the other, downward. Try as we might to reach out to our community, I’d many times feel embarrassed and cheated by a low Easter attendance.

So I ask the question: are preachers ever guilty of jealousy? 

Yes, they are. Is it good? No, but it happens. Has it happened to you? Is it happening to you?

Yesterday I looked at a number of Facebook posts from area churches, their pastors and members. I’ve divided them into two groups. One group told of the number of salvations, visitors, baptisms, etc. Very exciting to read. The other group posted a much more simple message; nice, but I’d hardly call it exciting. “Had a great Easter Service and breakfast”, pretty much defined the whole day.

I’m not putting anyone down for their Facebook post. Not at all. But as I read the first group’s gloriously glowing posts, I couldn’t help but think back to the days when Easter didn’t end up like I’d envisioned. For whatever reason, it wasn’t the “breakthrough service” I had prayed, planned, promoted, or preached for.

And before twenty four hours would pass, I would be filled with jealousy and resentment.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to burst your bubble.

Actually, a person doesn’t need to be a pastor, or even “in the ministry” to be guilty of jealousy. But just because a person is a spiritual leader doesn’t make them immune to those terribly sick feelings.

We need to recognize those feelings, call them what they are, and get rid of them. I know it’s hard to do, especially with the adversary whispering all the reasons why you deserve much more than you’re receiving. But something which might help you beat the jealousy demon back into its hole is to give thanks to God for the people you’re jealous of.

After all, shouldn’t each of us, regardless of the scope of our leadership influence, have just one primary focus? Aren’t you and I called to be faithful?

Faithful to our individual calling, not someone else’s.

I thought about adding a number of scriptures pertaining to jealousy and envy, but that’s really unnecessary, don’t you think? We all know it’s wrong to wish for something another person has, or maybe even worse, wish the other person or preacher wasn’t doing as well as they were. It only causes us to forget the things God has called us to do.

I remember the wonderful pity parties I used to throw for myself. I could sit for a couple hours “meditating” on how unfair ministry is; and instead of doing something creative, I’d end up wishing my life away.

I hope your Easter Sunday went well for you. I hope you were in the first group, the one with all the glorious pictures and comments. God’s good, all the time, and Jesus is still alive!

But if yesterday was kind of a drag, and all your effort seemed wasted, the Lord has a word for you, as well. He’d like you to remember He’s good, all the time, and Jesus is still alive.

Jesus is the One Who builds His church. Yes, we’re workers together with Him. Yes, it’s His desire to see everyone born again. Yes, yes, yes.

But He’s only requiring one thing from us. Faithfulness. Faithfulness to His call, direction, and everyday opportunities. Nothing more, nothing less.

So please don’t waste any part of your life giving in to feelings of jealousy. You’re part of something far greater than your own little world. You’re part of the glorious kingdom of God.

And God is just as much God in your neck of the woods, as He is in someone else’s. He’s STILL able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you can ask or even think!

Have You Allowed Your Dream To Die?

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Boy on top of mountain enjoying the view

Every once in a while I listen to what the preacher says.

Oh, I always hear them, like a lot of folks. But I sometimes actually listen.

Today was one of those days.

He began with the scripture, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint.” (Proverbs 29:18 ESV) Another translation says it this way: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Even though the preacher soon moved on to another passage, I had already unpacked my mining gear. He had piqued my interest, and the Spirit of God let me know there was more for me to understand beneath the surface.

So it was time to dig, to excavate, and discern what I was supposed to find.

I eventually caught up to the preacher, but not until I had written myself a few notes; some thoughts I believe were from God. Allow me to open my valise and share with you my findings.

The phrase, “No prophetic vision”, can refer to a number of things: goals, dreams, and the like. The goals could be something for an individual or many. They could come as the result of planning and study, or prayer and fasting. How they come or appear doesn’t matter much; what does matter is their value. Are they worth the trouble and work necessary to see them become a reality?

If people devalue the goals and dreams, they will act as though they’ve never heard of them. They’ll reject them as unattainable, irrelevant, or not worth the effort. The result of such rejection is total chaos. No restraints. Wide open spaces where anything and everything can happen.

But not the original goal or dream.

Where are you these days? Do you have a life’s goal or dream? Are you guarding it as you work toward its fulfillment?

There have been times in my life I’ve looked at my dream of writing and ministering the gospel full time when I’ve thought, “Pie in the sky. Dreamland. I need to get back down to earth and take a bite of reality.”

I’ve almost given up on, what I believe, is a God-given dream. And to give it up means to throw off the disciplines and habits that have brought me at least as close as I am to the dream.

But I refuse to cast off restraint! I refuse to live without a dream!

And it’s how we must be with God’s word. His prophetic vision, His dream of what can happen if only… Let’s believe in “if only”. Let’s act upon the vision, the picture His word paints for us.

It is relevant. It is precious. It is attainable.

If only… Hold on to the dream. Let the dream give joy to your disciplines.

Your time is coming. 

 

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