New Thing

God wants us to be and do His thing! If not we’ll go back to the vision-less life like He warned against in Proverbs 29:18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV) When we follow in obedience not only will that make us happy it will lead us to an exciting life in the Lord. 
The Lord says, See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19

Allow this vision to be birthed and grow in your life.
What "new thing" does He want to bless you with?

Seek the Lord – you will find Him. He will be with you during the "trials" of life. Remember you can't have a testimony until you've been tested. You can pass the test that's in front of you with God nothing is impossible. 

Discover Your Vision

Before every great undertaking in life there is someone who has a vision for the task ahead. Every Christ follower needs to discover God’s vision for their life.

Vision will bring five things in to your life.

1. Vision brings definition. Vision defines our decisions on life. Can you form a one-sentence vision statement for your life?

2. Vision brings design. Just like the steps in life: conception, gestation, birth, growth, maturity, and finally reproduction. Previous visions are reproduced into newer and expanded visions – the dream goes on.

3. Vision brings about doing. Nothing happened in the rebuilding of Jerusalem until Nehemiah’s vision took on definition and design. This brought about the motivation to rebuild. Doing the vision serves as a witness to other believers and to the world who is watching.

4. Vision brings direction. Where are you headed? Personal vision guides your life.

5. Vision brings dependence. Visions should be God-sized so there is no way for them to be accomplished without Him. The Lord sees our potential.

What vision has God placed on your heart?

Look Ahead

Vision is vital to Christian living. Those who grew up memorizing KJV remember this translation. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)

The word vision (revelation) means “to mentally perceive or to contemplate”. The word translated perish (restraint) is used in the OT as “to go back”.  In Numbers 14:3 God’s wandering people wanted to “go back” to Egypt. 

He said, “I am the Lord your God. Listen carefully to my voice. Do what is right in my eyes. Pay attention to my commands. Obey all of my rules. If you do, I will not send on you any of the sicknesses I sent on the Egyptians. I am the Lord who heals you.” - Exodus 15:26

Those who have no vision, no perception of what they could be, seem to have no clear direction in their Christian journey.

Moving on Toward the Goal (Philippians 3)

12 I have not yet received all of those things. I have not yet been made perfect. But I move on to take hold of what Christ Jesus took hold of me for.

13 Brothers and sisters, I don’t consider that I have taken hold of it yet. But here is the one thing I do. I forget what is behind me. I push hard toward what is ahead of me. 14 I move on toward the goal to win the prize. God has appointed me to win it. The heavenly prize is Christ Jesus himself.

15 All of us who are grown up in the faith should see things that way. Maybe you think differently about something. But God will make it clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already reached.

17 Brothers and sisters, join with others in following my example. Pay close attention to those who live in keeping with the pattern we gave you.

Happy, Happy, Happy

Today let's take a good look a well known Bible verse, Proverbs 29:18 using several translations in order to have a better grasp of it's teaching.

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. (NIV)

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. (Message)

Where there is ignorance of God, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep his laws.(LB)

Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled,  but those who obey what they have been taught are happy. (NCV)

Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep the law. (NRSV)

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)

What is the problem in each version? - no revelation, can't see God, ignorance of God, no Word, no prophecy, no vision.

What is the result of the problem? - cast off restraint, stumble over themselves, crime runs wild, people are uncontrolled, people perish

How does “But God” change the outcome? You'll be blessed, have knowledge, be wonderful, obedient and happy, keep His commands and be happy, happy, happy!

We all have problems that lead to bad results "BUT" praise God that He always has a better plan. Amen?

I Am on the ROCK

When I rededicated my life to Christ in 1987 one thing I didn't want to let go of was my rock music. Then I was introduced to a Christian band that could rock with the best of them. Today's verse, on the Lord being our protector and foundation had to inspire a Petra song titled, I Am On The Rock. 

The earth is shakin' It's like a bad dream

This world is crumblin' Comin' apart at the seam but

I am on the Rock

Everywhere I'm turning it's only bad news

This bomb is tickin' and we're getting to the end of the fuse but

I am on the Rock, the sure foundation

I am on the Rock, His revelation

Though the winds may blow

And though the floods may grow

I shall not be moved, 'cause I am on the Rock

The storm's approaching, I'm standing high and dry

Firmly planted on the Rock that is higher than I

I am on the Rock

Kingdoms failing, they fall around me

Plans eroded, and washing away to the sea

There is no Rock in this world but our God

Take a stand and Keep rockin' for Jesus!

CLICK or paste for Petra video -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjMp6tC34Qc  

Praise Through the Storm

I saw this in a post from Greg Silverman yesterday. It really helps to be reminded when you are going through the storm who to keep focused on. Amen?

Our God is not only greater, but He is the absolute greatest. Even in the midst of trouble, instead of praising your problem and magnifying it, give praise to your God, magnify Him, and watch Him stand up and step in on your behalf. Hallelujah!  

Like the old hymn reminds us:

1. O soul, are you weary and troubled?
   No light in the darkness you see?
   There’s light for a look at the Savior,
   And life more abundant and free!
   • Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
     Look full in His wonderful face,
     And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
     In the light of His glory and grace.
   • Thank you Jesus for never taking your eyes off of us, and walking with us through the storms of this life.

Our God is not only greater, but He is the absolute greatest.  That's why we praise Him!  Even in the midst of trouble, instead of praising your problem and magnifying it, give praise to your God, magnify Him, and watch Him stand up and step in on your behalf.  HalleluYah

Keep Looking Up

I talk about looking up a lot. You know vertical. It really is the type of relationship God wants you to have with Him. By keeping your eyes on Him you will not be distracted, you'll understand His will better, and you'll hear better.

You don't have to be in trouble to look to God. Just keep your eyes on Him. There is no better thing  on earth to watch, and it will probably keep you out of trouble as well.