Dreams/Vision

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Heb. 10:23 - 25.

"...your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit..." Joel 2:28b - 29a

Last year as I prepared to hear from the Lord as to vision for the new year, He impressed upon my heart and mind to encourage people in their dreams and the vision that He has given them for their lives.

He is the Mighty God, with amazing purpose and design for our lives. Dreams and vision(s) are given to us as a gift in our pursuit of Him to impel us into His dreams and vision.

It occurred to me in my conversation with Him, that often before we even strike out, discouragement sets in, and quickly or eventually dreams wither or perish. Sometimes just the living of life in a way that glorifies God, (a dream in itself), becomes an exhausting and seemingly hopeless burden. We usually carry on, lack-lustre, "eyes" dim, heart overcome.

This is not to say that in the deep valleys we sometimes walk through, it should be expected that we "skip" and "delight" every heart-wrenching corner of the way. But the dream may be be to "see" Him, and "know" Him in extraordinary ways as we go through. May it be so.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, thought there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoce in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Hab. 3:17 & 18.

Imagine the accomplishment(s) of the Lord in the earth as we are encouraged to live for Him, in Him and with Him.

What have you dreamed, what vision has the Lord planted in your heart? Is it something we would categorize as "spiritual" - ie: pray consistently everyday this year, or "practical" - ie: be employed throughout the year? Have you known His Presence in that dream or vision? What has He spoken to you? What might He want to accomplish in you personally?

Have you read "In His Steps" by Charles Sheldon? What an interesting little book (fiction). It makes a person think. How about "The Dream Giver" by Bruce Wilkerson?

"...so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and the trees of the field will clap their hands..." Is. 55:11 & 12.