Thank you for joining us for part 3 in our teaching series. We had a little break for the holiday, but we are back on track. So, let us jump right in and continue.
The Importance of A Vision Part 3:
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 did not get the answer he expected.
When the Lord answered the prophet’s complaint, He told him to “Look around you because you are not going to believe what I am 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 was not a good one because they turned sideways from the truth. This reminds us of what that "sideways" church did with the original vision that was given to the pastor.
Straying from the God given vision will cause heartache and an outcome not expected.
What Habakkuk wrote was a reminder of what would come to those who abort God’s plan and vision of restoration. When the blueprint for the vision is literally written and displayed, we can refer back to it so we stay on course and not wonder off into an uncharted territory that does not include God. A written vision is a safety measure to insure we reach the hoped for destination.
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
have arrived or achieved it?
Staying focused on an actual vision plan helps relieve
stress, because you always know where you are headed. It encourages
faith, strengthens the ability to endure, and gives life a purpose.
There are three parts to remaining organized so that you move forward in
the overall vision and they rely on staying focused.
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 did not 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 is 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 use these four checkpoints to remind yourself by asking, "Why am I doing this?"
1 - Is this God’s plan? (Does it incorporate the overall vision?)
2 - Will it win souls? (Does it carry out the Great Commission?)
3 - Will it help the body of Christ? (Does it offer anawers, meet a need or solve a problem?)
4 - How is what I am doing getting me closer to my goal? (Can I still see the vision?)
If you cannot answer yes to them all, rethink why you are doing it. Do not move forward until all points check "Yes" for the vision, dream, plan, or reason you have in mind for taking that action.
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 were not 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 in building a temple unto the LORD, it was not 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 was not the right timing.
David had money and power to do anything he wanted and could have done it, but it would not 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 have spent time in prayer.
Let us suppose you have already heard from the Lord and have a specific vision or dream placed in your heart. The next step you need to take is a plan of action for visionary favor.
Our Series Challenge:
Write the Vision
Following the direction God has given so many times in scripture we are going to do the same using Habakkuk as our guide in our plan of action.
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 is only three chapters!)
He Prayed
He Waited
He Acted
In this 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)
Grab a pen and paper, then go to a place where you can be quiet with God with no distractions. Put everything out of your mind and focus on hearing from the Lord in your spirit. Then write down everything you hear no matter how crazy or far-fetched it may sound. Just write, do not critique or try to figure anything out at this time. The vision will become clearer as you proceed.
1 – Physically write down 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 does not have to be family.In fact, a friend or church leader would be better.
5 – Dream big, start small.Do not 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 Mr. Trump officially become President of the United States, he fully realized he cannot take action without a plan. The same goes for anyone who wants to accomplish great things.
It does not matter who you are, how famous a person or what great deeds you have done, if it is not God’s plan for your life, no matter how good it may seem, it is all for nothing.
It has been a few years since we visited that church in the hills, and I hope to return one day finding that they have finally 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 am 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 will have the strength, courage and confidence to live your dream in His abundant 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)
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Disclaimer: Information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life as an inheritance of being His child. If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.
Maybe you do not 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 About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
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Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. ImageCreative Common License if not specified. Photo by Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels
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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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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."
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,
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.
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