BARNABAS BULLETIN ~ 0168
WHY A VISION FROM GOD IS SO IMPORTANT
“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”(Proverbs 29:18, The Message).
“Without prophetic vision people run wild, but blessed are those who follow God’s teachings” (God’s Word Translation).
“Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish . . .” (Proverbs 29:19, Amplified Bible).
A vision from God is vital for the Christian. We do need to know the purpose for which God has laid a hold of us, so we can live with real Holy Spirit-inspired motivation ~ day by day. All true Christian vision and ministry should happen as a direct result of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ Himself. We commit to do what we know is the heart of Jesus for us. When we love Him in a way that demonstrates that He is, indeed, first in our lives, we desire to do what pleases Him.
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Living to please the Lord gives us the right motivation and commitment for life.
When we see and know God’s direction for our life then we are most blessed. We are not stumbling through life experiencing uncertainty because we are living a “hit and miss” kind of life-style. God’s people are called to be those who know what their calling is, what they are meant to be doing, and knowing why we are here on earth at this time. He wants us fully committed to Him; then we will be totally fulfilled as we obey His vision, will and purpose for our life.
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There is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling than to know the will of God for your life and you are doing it!
Let us not be caught-up with making excuses as to why this or that is not happening. True Christianity should make us the most joyful and excited people on the face of the earth. And, yes, there are persecutions that we have to bear when we take our stand with Jesus Christ ~ but it is worth it. When we compare that we will spend all eternity in the presence of our Wonderful Lord Jesus, then what we suffer here below is minor to the rewards that await those who do God’s will down here on earth. He has only the best in mind for you and me. He even uses our sufferings to refine us and make us more like Him! When we consider what Jesus went through to purchase our salvation, we should rejoice that we are “counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).
DISCERN WHO YOU LISTEN TO
Christians are not to have their lives taken-up fulfilling other peoples’ plans and purposes. I have noticed that many Christians are “expert” at knowing the will of God for everyone else except themselves! They will try and direct you into doing things that may not be God’s vision and purpose for you. This does not mean that we are not to help other people to fulfil their vision, especially when God desires to give us experience and help to prepare us for that which He has ahead for us. Discernment is important. We have a specific calling in God to fulfil and, when we walk in fulfilling His plans and purposes for us we accomplish so much more for God’s glory. It is interesting to note that Moses made the mistake of believing that the Israelites would have understood the call of God on his life, but they did not. The Bible declares: “For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand” (Acts 7:25). That “supposing” by Moses caused him to spend the next 40 years of his life in the wilderness! Thank God that He (God) did not give-up on Moses! At 80 years of age Moses had the burning bush experience and went back to Egypt and delivered the whole nation of Israel (Exodus 3)! Praise the Lord!
Please do not under-estimate what is being said here. So many Christians have been talked out of God’s will by other Christians who thought they knew better. That is why listening to, and knowing when God is speaking to us is so vitally important today. God’s voice is the voice of truth. What He says to us is exactly right for us. When we believe and accept what God says to us it will always work out right. There will always be a good testimony and fruit produced on the other side of our obedience to Him. I have learned that knowing the will of God for my life has so helped me to know what to say “Yes” to and what to say “No” to. I have been amazed at how many Christians over the years have tried to talk me out of what I know is the will of God for my life. And if I had listened to those voices I doubt very much that we would be anywhere as effective in the work of the Lord as we are today ~ or even still in ministry. When we are caught-up doing that which we know God has called us to do, the work of God will continue throughout time into all eternity. God is Eternal and He works in us with eternity’s values in mind.
IF IN DOUBT, SEEK GOD’S FACE
If you are one who is struggling to know what God’s will and vision is for your life, be encouraged to take time to seek the Lord. Ask Him to speak to you and to reveal His plan and purpose for your life.
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When He gives you your life’s vision and purpose you will be filled with an excitement in your spirit that makes you want to get on and do it.
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Vision has to be captured.
So, when it comes, write it down. Put it into practice.
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True vision has to be acted upon.
It takes more than merely talking about it. Then, when you have started to action it, be motivated to stick with it . . . to not give-up . . . to believe for God to touch and grow it through your committed life. Be willing to talk to other positive-believing Christians who are proving themselves to be hearing from God by the evidence of their fruitful ministries. Learn how they started off putting their vision into action, things to do, watch out for, etc. It is all very helpful to glean from those who are proving themselves fruitful in the purposes of God. Seek to live in the principles of God (Romans 12:1-3).
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Rise up! This is your day to fulfil your vision in Jesus Christ!
God bless you! ~ Rodney W. Francis.
Bible Readings: Isaiah 6:1-9 Hebrews 3
Prayer: “Dear Lord, please help me to hear and know Your voice more clearly; and to grasp and clarify my vision so I can be much more motivated and effective in the days ahead than I have ever been before. Help me to have a clearer understanding of the purpose for which You have saved me. Thank You, Lord, that You want only the very best for my life. Please reveal more of Your
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