Friday, January 27, 2017

Rearview “Life” Vision

It was past midnight and the house was as quiet as a mouse. All the kids were snuggled in their beds when I had the sudden need to use the restroom. 

I shared a bedroom with my older sister in the basement (that’s a story in itself).  Making my way up the staircase to the bathroom on the main floor, I noticed a flickering light through the half way closed door to my parent’s bedroom.   

Being as still as I could without them knowing, I peeked into their room to see what it was.  The room was dark except for a small lamp that rested on my mother’s nightstand shedding minimal light on her side of the bed.   

Mom was sitting up reading her Bible and without moving her eyes off the page she asked, “What are you doing up?”  Thinking that was an invitation to enter the room I pushed open the door making my case. Plopping myself on the edge of the bed hoping I could stay to watch television with them I answered:  “I have to use the bathroom.”  

She went back to her reading and Dad didn’t say a word focusing on the small 13 inch television set that was sending out the flickering lights.  He remained fixed on Johnny Carson as he interviewed a guest.  Watching TV was a privilege and we didn’t get to see it except on weekends for a few hours, so a little sneak peek into the adult viewing world was intriguing. 

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I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  Join us in our new series as we spend time in the study of Daily Favor Prayers. 

You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

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Heeerrre’s Fay … 

I was holding my breath wondering just how long I’d get away with sitting on their bed.  As I listened excitement rose up in me and I blurted out, “I’m going to be on his show someday and he’ll be interviewing me.” 

Parents have this supernatural ability of seemingly not paying attention to you but still have a way of keeping a conversation.  Fascinating!  They weren’t thrilled by my comment so I felt compelled to inform them of my future plans.  That’s all it took and I was sent off to accomplish the reason why I came upstairs in the first place.  Makes one wonder about the “sudden” need for that late night appearance after all doesn’t it? 

Ladies and gentlemen … heeerrre’s Fay!”
Since I was a little girl I dreamed of being a teacher, but also had a deep desire to be a writer.  Writing seemed as natural as teaching to me and it was easy to combine the two, especially when playing school with my sibs. 

I began writing poems and short stories keeping them in a red leather-like folder.  They weren’t really that good, but they were consistent!  “Oh weeping willow, why do you cry? ….”  You can kind of get what I mean.  In my defense, I was really young. 

There were days I’d imagine being announced on the television show:  Ladies and gentlemen … heeerrre’s Fay!”  I’d walk on stage to the sound of crowds applauding, and sit in that side chair with a big mug of water resting on Mr. Carson’s desk reserved for me.  Of course there was a small step stool that I had to use because my legs were too short to reach the ground, but that would be expected being a kid.  All eyes were on me as Johnny raved over my new book! 

Rearview “Life” Vision 

I didn’t know it then but looking in the rearview mirror of where I’ve been, God has always planted seeds of favor for my life plan.  The vision never stopped, but at times had gotten lost among the cares of the world. 
 
It wasn’t until after college that I realized that these desires were still burning within me, but the fire had to be stirred.  My writing took a turn from creative to creator of student guidelines and curriculums for schools statewide.  For years I wrote plays, mini-books, brochures and articles for other people using another pen name. 

That all changed when I heard a traveling evangelist speak about life vision.  I didn’t really know what it was but thought it was the same as having a dream or “this is what I want to be when I grow up” kind of thing.  Come to find out, they aren’t the same, but if it’s part of God’s plan they will intertwine.   

Going through old notes and teachings I started thinking about last week’s challenge and why I haven’t received much input from people.  I presented my question to readers and they explained what the dilemma was for them in “writing their vision” plan.  They couldn’t distinguish between knowing God’s plan or just “stuff” they wanted to do in life.  

Well, no one can move forward if they don’t have a clear roadway ahead of them.  Having rearview vision, with that information I realized that there probably were many of you having the same difficulties.  I’ll backup a bit and point you in a direction that may help as it did me when starting to walk out my life vision. 

Vision Board vs. Life Vision  

One of the questions people asked was "What is the difference between a vision board and a life vision?"  They are worlds apart, yet sometimes the worlds do collide. To understand this concept better take a look at these examples. 

When a bride begins to plan her wedding she starts gathering information that she would like to take place or be a part of her big day.  She shares her vision with her beau and the two begin collaborating. 
 
If the couple has a wedding planner that person will ask them to create a physical “vision board” (usually the size of a poster board around 2ft. x 3 ft.) attaching photos, colors, flowers, designs, etc. of all the things they want included in their wedding.  

From that board the planner builds the event with the desires of the couple being carried out on their wedding day.  The vision board is no longer needed after they are newlyweds, because it has been fulfilled. 

Parents often have a vision board for scheduling events for the week.  It may include creating meals, chores, activities or anything that they need to attend to for any given week.  Using a dry erase board (or something like it) the vision board for the family changes on a regular basis. 

Children often have a mental vision board that they carry into their college years.  They dream of becoming this or that, but as they mature their vision changes.  I heard a girl say, “I get to use my degree when I’m not waitressing.”  Her vision wasn’t meshing with her life and she didn’t press on to make sure it did. 

A bucket list is a form of vision board, but as the items are accomplished they are crossed off the list. New things are added and once again the vision board continually changes. 

However, there is another kind of vision board that grows, but the foundation remains the same for life, thus calling it a “life vision.”  If you are in any of these fields you know what I mean.

Businesses, ministries and organizations have a vision board for how the company wants to grow over the coming years, but they all started with one thing in common.  Each began with a concept for a need or strong desire with a base statement for why it was founded.  In other words, the reason why they do what they do. 

Over the years the company or organization may branch out into new areas, but the reason they do it remains the same (only on a larger scale).  Having a life vision is something you never want to stop doing.  Even if you cannot do it the same as in the past, you still do some form of it using the skills obtained throughout life. 

Let’s Review 

Now that we understand what a life vision board is, let’s do a brief review.  Last week’s challenge was to write out the vision God has placed on your heart using the passage from Habakkuk 2 that the Lord spoke to him. 

“And the Lord answered me and said,
Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets
that everyone who passes may (be able to) read
(it easily and quickly) as he hastens by. 

For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens
to the end (fulfillment); it will not deceive or disappoint.
Though it tarry, wait (earnestly) for it, because it will surely come;
it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. 

Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him,
but the (rigidly) just and the (uncompromisingly) righteous man
shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.”
(Habakkuk 2:2-4 AMPC) 

Writing out the vision wasn’t the problem; knowing what to write was and without favor for the plan’s success it isn’t going to happen. 

What is the problem? 

One man told me that he’d been working on the challenge all week and didn’t hear anything from God.  Listening to his frustration I asked him some questions. 

“What do you desire to do most? What do you want to do in life that no matter what else you do this keeps popping up in your spirit? It’s something that no matter how hard you bury it in your thoughts, it won’t go away?” 

“I want to preach, but I don’t know if it’s something I want to do or if it’s God’s vision for my life?” 

“Okay.  First of all, not everyone has a desire to preach, so if you do it’s a God thing.  Why don’t you think it’s God?” 

“Because I want to do it.  I didn’t think He would give me something I like or want to do.” 

“God wants to give you the desires of your heart, so if it’s in there find out if it lines up with His word.” (Psalm 37:4)

Here’s the problem.  Most people don’t believe that God wants them to be happy and enjoy life. They have the notion that they have to serve a taskmaster God always doing what He says without having any opinion or say in the matter.  That’s simply not true. 

God gives us individual talents and abilities to do His will, but He wants us to love what we do at the same time.  Having His children carry out a vision that makes them miserable isn’t glorifying and won’t win souls. 
 
 
Desire, Vision or Both 

I’d like to give you a few examples (including my own) on how to determine if your desire lines up with God’s vision for your life.  It’s not that difficult, but people usually don’t want to take the time to figure this out for themselves. 

When I realized that as a Christian I had a call on my life I wanted to find out if my desires were truly part of God’s plan.  I did what the evangelist said to do and began my journey. 

Think about what you want to do with your life and write it down in one sentence consisting of two things – the “what” and “why” of the vision. Don’t dwell on the how, when or where.  That will come. 

If you cannot put it in one sentence it’s not the base or core of the vision. 
 
This is the "what" ...

“I feel led to be a __________ fill in the blank."
(writer, mother, builder, doctor, teacher, singer, lawyer, preacher, banker, online job, manager, chemist, actor, missionary, etc.”)

Based on scripture add the "why" ... 

“I feel led to write because God’s word says
 to publish and tell of His works.” (Psalm 26:7) 

This is an example of one verse I used for why I want to write, but it also applies in many work related fields.  Search out many scriptures not just one to validate what God is placing in your heart.   

Next comes the long part … searching out the scriptures that line up with your desires.  Quick note, if you can’t find it, it’s not God’s vision or plan.  There aren’t any verses to back up being a bartender or opening a liquor store if you know what I mean. 

I wanted to know if what was in my heart was also in God’s so l looked for key words that told me how God felt on a particular subject.  I already was a teacher and did write, but wanted to know if that’s what God wanted me to do.  If it wasn’t His desire or plan I wasn't about to spend another minute doing something that didn’t count towards my life vision journey. 

Using my scripture journal I jotted down verses that said God was on the hunt for teachers and writers.  I already knew that God had placed teachers in the Body of Christ as part of the five-fold ministry so that wasn’t my main concern.    
 
When it came to preaching I was aware of what scripture said on the subject for the entire church.  A preacher is recognized as a "collector of sentences", a person who proclaims or “heralds” a particular message.  So anyone who is born again is to “preach” the gospel message, meaning share, tell that salvation is available to all mankind. 
 
My real search began with the word “publish” because that’s what I wanted to be, a published author.  Whether or not God wanted me to be an author was the true question.  If He didn’t, His favor wouldn’t be on the work of my hands and it would all go up in smoke one day.  What a waste of time and a life! 

I found plenty of passages in both the Old and New Testaments and realized this was a desire of God, so if it’s in my heart it wouldn’t be going against the Lord. In fact, He placed those desires in me and it was for me to search them out to discover they were indeed part of His plan. 

Once I had the vision statement and verses to line up with God’s approval for what was in my heart, I was ready to seek out opportunities to do what I was called to do.  The dream I had was indeed part of the vision God had for my life and He has shown me so through His favor. 

Now that you have the simple base statement process, let’s get to work.  You know the drill … write it down. 

Going Forward 

Refresh yourself on the steps from this teaching for organization for success. 

Organization Requires Focus:
1 – Spiritually: Daily stay connected to God.
2 – Mentally: Daily remind yourself of the vision.
3 – Physically: Daily separate yourself from non-vision plans.
Whenever you start to do something, remind yourself by asking, “Why am I doing this?” using these four checkpoints.
1 - Is this God’s plan? (Does it incorporate the overall vision?)
2 - Will it win souls? (Does it carry out the commission?)
3 - Will it help the body of Christ? (Does it offer a needed provision?)
4 - How is what I’m doing getting me closer to my goal? (Can I still see the vision?)
If you can’t answer yes to them all, rethink why you are doing it.  Don’t move forward until all points check – “Yes” for the vision, dream, plan you have in mind. 

This Week’s Challenge:
Live Your Life Vision  

There isn’t a greater reward that anyone can receive than to hear the Heavenly Father say, “Well done.”  That is my desire for you as well and why sharing it through my writing is so important to me. 

After spending time in prayer and fellowship with God through searching the scriptures, our challenge this week is to physically display the vision that God has placed in our hearts. 

When God instructed Habakkuk to write the vision His instructions didn’t stop there.  He also commanded that the vision be displayed in such a place that anyone who was in the area couldn’t miss seeing it.  When they read it, immediately they would “run” (go out from that place) with the intentions of telling (herald) what that document said to anyone who would listen. 

Following the direction God gave Habakkuk we will pray, wait on God and then act on the vision as He directs us to the when, how and where it is to take place.   God has planned a good life for us and it’s full of His favor to accomplish whatever He asks.   

Beloved, through Jesus Christ you have a mission and cannot fail! 
 
So get busy!  It's time to Live Your Life Vision and be the person He envisioned you to be!   

Stay organized and focused spiritually, physically and mentally.
Pray – Wait – Act 

As for me, I did get a call from J.C. - no not Johnny Carson, but from Jesus Christ. Although I never went on The Tonight Show or met Johnny Carson, that doesn’t mean I’ve called it quits.  In fact I’ve kept that vision, only now I’m focusing on a Higher audience!

“If people can’t see what God is doing,
they stumble all over themselves;
but when they attend to what He reveals,
 they are most blessed (with favor).”
(Proverbs 29:18 MSG) 

 
 

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, live your life vision in God’s favor!
 
“I’ve ordained favor to follow My vision.”
Jesus Christ 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on the link below.



By Andy Stanley
Unabridged Audiobook on CD
 
Favored1 on TwitterYou Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 

Scripture reference from the New King James Bible Version or as noted provided by Bible Gateway
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Lady Reading in Bed  Johnny Carson Introduction  Rearview Mirror  Bridal Vision Board   Psalm 26:7   Live Your Vision
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Rearview Life Vision, Vision, Daily Favor Blog, Daily Favor Prayer, Favored1, Favor, How to Make A Vision Board, Christian Living, Andy Stanley, Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show, Weekly Challenge.

Friday, January 20, 2017

The Sideways Church

There is a little country church tucked in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains.  The congregation isn’t very large, but they are loyal and believed for their flock to grow.   

One day while no one was in the building the church burned totally to the ground.  It appeared that all their dreams and the vision for the church had gone up in smoke, leaving them no way to come back from such a devastating tragedy. 

People of the community loved that tiny church and reached out to those who attended.  Shortly after the incident the surrounding families and businesses gathered to clean up the rubble, and the charcoaled skeleton of the building that was bulldozed. 

Standing in faith that God wasn’t done with them, they decided to rebuild with a bigger structure in mind that included a basement for the youth.  Hiring a man to dig the basement the excavation plans began for the new foundation. 

Welcome new friends this week from:
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I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  Join us in our new series as we spend time in the study of Daily Favor Prayers. 

You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Be sure to visit Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.

What Vision Plan? 

Everyone in the church was so excited how God brought the small community nestled in the hills together.  News of the event spread throughout the nation and touched the hearts of the big cities everywhere.  People wanted to get involved and it wasn’t long before the contributions came pouring in for them to carry out the vision God had given them. 

While construction was underway Bible studies were held in the homes of the elders each Sunday, and the church had already started to outnumber their existing fellowship.  God had shown them tremendous favor financially and added to the church before they ever stepped into the new building. 

Several weeks had gone by when the committee members decided that they should meet at the land site and see how the work was progressing.  When they arrived they found that the basement was already completed, but there was a big problem.  Someone had neglected to follow the vision plans of the church.

The design and layout was to turn the original position of the church in the opposite direction.  With the land boundaries being narrow the new design would allow them to add on as the church grew.  Plus they could have a larger parking area that was handicapped accessible meeting all the updated building codes.  However, that didn’t happen.  

The excavator had positioned the basement sideways instead of front to back.  He remembered how the old church was positioned and just made the new one the same way disregarding the new plans. 

Rather than go through all the work of starting over, the committee decided to leave the new church sideways.  The plans for a larger building had failed because someone didn’t follow the master plans and no one checked on the vision of the church daily.  How could they, there were no written plans! 

One Year Later 

It was a Wednesday morning at Cardio Rehab that my husband had heard about this miracle building that God had rained upon with favor.  The brother of one of the members shared the story sparking our interest to visit this wonder God had lavished with abundant blessings. 

The harsh winter months went by and come summer we were able to travel to join the congregation in a service one Sunday morning.   I was so excited to hear about what God had done on this forgotten hill in the Smokies, and knew it would be a great story to share on Daily Favor.  This was God in action and I couldn’t wait to see what He had done for this part of the Body of Christ. 

We had driven for hours and knew we were near our destination, but where was it?  Getting lost in all those hills we stopped by a local business and they directed us to where we needed to go.  Nearing the street where we had to turn there was a big sign boasting the church’s location.  From what we read our anticipation grew, but was almost quashed when we arrived at the drive to turn into the parking lot of the church. 

Yes, indeed there was a new building but there wasn’t much sign of life around it.  The lawn was overgrown and unkempt.  As for the parking lot, it was non-existent and people parked willy-nilly … anywhere they wanted.  The whole thing looked in disarray like it had been practically abandoned.  Even the old sign was disheveled and not up to date. 

Stepping into the foyer no one was there to greet us, but when we entered the sanctuary the handful of people turned around to say hello.  For the next hour it felt uncomfortable, like we were in group therapy and no one wanted to participate. 

Following the service we were given a “home” tour with the friend’s brother taking my husband in one direction and his senior son whisking me off to the prized kitchen area thinking that’s what I’d like to see. Oh if he only knew that the kitchen is merely a place to collect food already prepared for me by hubby!   

Making our way to the basement that was “for” the kids, I was escorted in and out of the three small classrooms that opened into the enormous kitchen/dining room. 

There was no nursery or adult classes … they would be held in the rather narrow sanctuary as usual. In other words, they weren’t expecting more people on Sundays, but used the facilities for birthdays or parties.  Having a few celebrations for members wasn’t the issue, but why not add a few more events to the schedule including the community who helped them rebuild?

The Forgotten Vision
 

When our tour was finished I felt compelled to ask what happened to all the people who donated to the church.  Why weren’t any of them coming and what happened to the pastor?  An older woman said, “We’re way back in the woods … no one wants to come here.” 

Looking around the new construction I asked where their vision board for the church was located.  They didn’t have one, and the pastor left because the congregation was satisfied to use the building as a glorified living room and kitchen for their own families.   

My heart was saddened to hear this, when in fact the place where we stopped to get directions was a widely known family campground.  There were all sorts of water sports like skiing, canoeing or fishing, along with music events and cook-offs.  It’s a great place to bring the entire family, and is always filled with kids of all ages year round. 

The campground was so popular that they recently began holding Sunday services for their visitors from all over the country.  When inquiring about the services we learned that,  

“Oh, we aren’t a religious campground, but have pastors come in to hold services free of charge.  They’re packed!  People kept asking about a church in the area so we gave them what they wanted. They even do communion once in a while.” 

Every week that church’s congregation was gathering less than two miles down the road!  The forgotten vision the pastor had was for outreach ministry … and it was already there.  When they abandoned the vision plan the favor of God stopped. 

What Happens Without a Vision Plan? 

In my best southern written accent, “Now don’t ya’ll be beat’n on this here church.”  We’ve all left our life vision somewhere down the road; some for a short time others forever!  Looking back on that situation it reminded me of how many times I’ve gotten sidetracked or went “sideways” like that church. 

When there is a clear vision it’s easy to stay the course causing our dreams to become a reality. Our convictions, ideas and action become substance and something we can grasp.

On the other side or “sideway” view, the vision is blurred and the odds of it even happening are non-existent.  People lose focus and then wonder what they should have done or changed along the journey that would make things turn out differently. 

Having a God ordained vision or life path gives us direction, we become encouraged and passionate about what we do.  Following a vision makes us feel significant and like we matter. There is a process and purpose in what we do, and why we do it.
 

The Bible tells us that God’s people need direction from the Lord, and when we lose that vision it’s easy to get lost in life’s fulfillment of purpose.  It literally means that when there is nothing godly in our life vision we get blinded by worldly things, and ultimately the good plans (as in Jeremiah 29:11) God had in store for us perish … they die never to be established.  

Some use this passage incorrectly when it comes to having a vision or plan for their life directing it toward children, but it’s actually for all children of God regardless of age. 

“Where there is no vision (no revelation of God and His word), the people are unrestrained; but happy and blessed (favored) is he who keeps the law (of God).  A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not respond (nor pay attention).”  (Proverbs 29:18-19 AMP) 

I like how clear The Message Bible puts this:  

“If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed (with favor).  It takes more than talk to keep workers in line;  mere words go in one ear and out the other.” 
 (Proverbs 29:18-19 MSG) 

In other words, we must have a plan, blueprint, something tangible that will help us stay focused on the prize – goal for our life.  So what would Jesus do in this situation?  Go to the Father in prayer and get the action plan! 

Write the Vision 

How many times have you as a parent or friend gone to the Lord in prayer seeking wisdom, guidance and direction on how to help a loved one when they had lost their way?  More than you can count I would guess.   

The prophet Habakkuk had done the same thing when it came to how the Israelites lost touch with God and His plan for their lives.  Frankly he just about had it with them and was totally frustrated in what he should do.  In prayer he cried out to the Lord asking when He was going to do something.  Habakkuk didn’t get the answer he expected. 

When the Lord answered the prophet’s complaint He told him to “Look around you because you’re not going to believe what I’m about to do.” 
 
Their conversation continues as they fellowship through prayer with Habakkuk responding back and forth during his inquiry.  It was then God gave him a direct order to follow so that no one would doubt the plan He was about to set in motion. 

“And the Lord answered me and said,
Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets
that everyone who passes may (be able to) read
(it easily and quickly) as he hastens by. 

For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens
to the end (fulfillment); it will not deceive or disappoint.
Though it tarry, wait (earnestly) for it, because it will surely come;
it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. 

 Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him,
 but the (rigidly) just and the (uncompromisingly) righteous man
shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.”
(Habakkuk 2:2-4 AMPC) 

The obedient prophet finished out his prayer in repentance, praise and hope for what was to come. 

“O Lord, I have heard the report of You and was afraid.
O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years,
 in the midst of the years make (Yourself) known!
  In wrath (earnestly) remember love, pity, and (your) mercy
 (unmerited favor).” (Habakkuk 3:2 AMPC) 

The vision for those in that day wasn’t a good one because they turned sideways from the truth.  What Habakkuk wrote was a reminder of what would come to those who abort God’s plan and vision of restoration.   

Praise the Lord the plan of God was carried out around sixty-six years later, and favor was restored to those who believed.  That day came when Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead conquering unrighteousness, making it possible for the family of God to be reunited through salvation. 
 

Organized for Favor and Success
You may ask, “What does vision have to do with organization, favor or success?”  Glad you asked – everything.  Without a goal to focus on, how do you know when you’ve arrived or achieved it?
Staying focused on an actual vision plan helps relieve stress, encourages faith, strengthens our ability to endure and gives life purpose.   There are three parts to remaining organized so you move forward in the overall vision.
Organization Requires Focus:
1 – Spiritually: Daily stay connected to God.
2 – Mentally: Daily remind yourself of the vision.
3 – Physically: Daily separate yourself from non-vision plans.
It was well over twenty years ago when I first “caught” what vision meant concerning the favor of God.  I thrived on learning everything I could about how God operates through vision (direction for His children in spreading the gospel message) soaking in every drop of wisdom.  Immediately I took action on how I would “stay at it” and not chuck the plan, even when I didn’t understand it or if it seemed to be taking too long to manifest. 
This is what I did.
 
Put Me in Remembrance … Remind Me 

There’s going to come a time when everyone will be judged on how they spent their time, carried out the plan of God and stayed focused on His vision for our lives.  Jesus will even say, 

“Put Me in remembrance (remind Me of your merits); let us plead and argue together.  Set forth your case, that you may be justified (proved right).”
(Isaiah 43:26 AMPC) 

“Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.” (NKJV) 

In order to remind myself to stay focused on the ultimate vision plan I have this “mini” vision posted on my computer to see every day.  To help you better prepare for that day before the Lord, I want to share something an evangelist spoke back in the late 90’s. 

Whenever you start to do something, remind yourself by asking, “Why am I doing this?” using these four checkpoints.
1 - Is this God’s plan? (Does it incorporate the overall vision?)
2 - Will it win souls? (Does it carry out the commission?)
3 - Will it help the body of Christ? (Does it offer a needed provision?)
4 - How is what I’m doing getting me closer to my goal? (Can I still see the vision?)
If you can’t answer yes to them all, rethink why you are doing it.  Don’t move forward until all points check – “Yes” for the vision, dream, plan you have in mind.
 
Vision Success Requires a Plan
Sometimes we get caught up in the thrill of doing a project or carrying through with a dream and forget the reason we did it in the first place.  There are other times when we think God wants us to do something when in fact that “vision” or dream plan is for someone else.

 
King David went off sideways in wanting to build a temple for the Lord, but God made this vision clear that his plans weren’t exactly His plans.   David wanted to alter what God wanted so he could get the credit. 

Although it was a good thing to do and would honor God, it wasn’t the plan He had for David.  God’s plan was for David to foot the bill and make a way for his son Solomon to build it.  Why?  It wasn’t the right timing.   

David had money and power to do anything he wanted and could have done it, but it wouldn’t have counted for eternity.  We want the work we do for Christ to matter, and part of that requires us to take action after we’ve spent time in prayer. 

So let’s take a look at that plan of action for visionary favor. 

This Week’s Challenge:
Write the Vision
 
Following the direction God has given so many times in scripture we’re going to do the same using Habakkuk as our guide. 

What did Habakkuk do?  He had an active relationship with God through daily prayer, and he waited to hear what God thought before he did anything.  When he got the answer, he obeyed through action. (Study the book of Habakkuk … it’s only three chapters!) 

He Prayed 

He Waited 

He Acted 

In this week’s challenge our active part will be to physically write the vision and plan God has placed in our hearts to carry out in our lifetime here on earth. 

Remember favor starts in prayer.  No matter where you look in the Bible when you see God’s hand of favor extended, it began with fellowship through prayer.  Keep in mind, God will not partner with your vision unless it is part of His plan.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

1 – Physically write the vision and plan God put in your heart backing it up with scripture.   

2 – Prayerfully use daily think tanks with God to stay focused  

3 – Display the vision in plain sight to help you keep focused and for all to see when they enter or leave a specific area.  Make it big! 

4 – Have at least one person in your corner for support and it doesn’t have to be family.  In fact, a friend or church leader would be better. 

5 – Dream big start small.  Don’t despise small beginnings. 

“Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin …”
(Zechariah 4:10a NLT) 

In America on the day of this post January 20th, 2017, Mr. Trump officially becomes the 45th President of the United States, and he fully realizes he can’t take action without a plan.  It doesn’t matter who you are, how famous a person or what great deeds you have done, if it’s not God’s plan for your life, no matter how good it may seem, it is all for nothing. 

It’s been a few years since we visited that church in the hills, and I hope to return one day finding that they have written the vision of God for all to see and are following it with joy.  Now that would be a great story!
 
As for now, I’m going to focus on the vision God has for my life so I can continually walk in His favor.  What about you? 

Stay organized and focused spiritually, physically and mentally.

Pray – Wait – Act 

“When I called, You (God) answered me; You greatly emboldened me (gave strength, courage and confidence to do this).”
(Psalm 138:3 NIV) 

Follow God’s vision and you’ll live your dream in His favor! 

“If You are pleased with me (God), teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You (for the vision not to turn sideways).  (Exodus 33:13a NIV)
 

 
You Are My Vision by Rend Collective (with Lyrics)
 
If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, actively work God’s vision and receive His favor! 

“I give favor to build My Kingdom.”
Jesus Christ 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.

When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

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Visioneering: God's Blueprint for Developing and Maintaining Vision Daily Favor Blog
 
by Andy Stanley
 
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