Monday
Realizing Your Dream
Read Joshua 14: 6 – 9
We all possess dreams. Depending on where you are in your life, you have dreams for your future, your health, your job, your marriage, your kids, and your church. We have dreams of being recognized of just who we are. The list goes on. Dreams, when fulfilled, bring such joy. But when our dreams are not fulfilled, when our expectations are not met, sometimes it shatters us and negatively affects our future. Sometimes our dreams and expectations are not met because we do not have the right dreams. What are the right dreams? What should your dreams be? Your dreams should be the hopes and promises that God has placed in your heart. There are these questions we must also ask ourselves what do you see? Where are you going? Have you started yet?
In the Bible Caleb reminds Joshua of the dream Moses spoke to them regarding the promise of God. Caleb was one of the selected scouts who were to seek out the “promise land” God had shared. In the same way, you have to hold onto God’s promise to you. Caleb reminded Joshua of the promise — gift — that God had for him. In the same way, God has a gift — promise — for you too. No matter what, your future is not defined by your past, but by your willingness to follow God and the dream He has given to you. Situations in life can cause you to let go of your dreams and disbelieve God’s promise. You probably know that the land God had promised had giants in it. Caleb says: “Let’s go!” It’s not that Caleb didn’t know about the giants, it’s just that he knew that his God (and God’s promise) was bigger than the giants. Keep in mind that God will never give you a dream greater than what He can fulfill but you have to be willing to go for it. So, what dream has God placed in your heart? What dreams have you let go of? What dreams have become the forgotten dreams of yesterday due to fear or impatience? I encourage you to get close to God, hold onto your dreams, go for it and do the work necessary to see your dreams realized.
Tuesday
What Perspective Do You Have?
Read John 3:1-3; Ephesians 1:17-18; Proverbs 29:18, Psalms 74:9; Lamentations 2:9
Many in the body of Christ are without the heavenly perspective that is necessary to stand firm and pursue the dreams they have been given. They are tossed around by what they see on the news or advice from family, friends, neighbors or colleagues. Many times, even what is heard from the pulpit is nothing more discouragement. The time has come for people to look to God and His Word and what He is saying and follow His lead.
The Bible says without vision, or revelation, the people perish "We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, nor is there any among us who knows how long". These verses describe both an individual and a national state in which God's people lack prophetic understanding or revelation. Lamentations describes Jerusalem in this same state: "Her gates have sunk into the ground ... and her prophets find no vision from the Lord." Hosea says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Knowledge, wisdom, revelation, vision—God is trying to tell us that we will not survive without them. He has made these things available to us by His Spirit, but are we listening? Are we seeing from a heavenly perspective? God has placed dreams in us to be accomplished not for us to let them die. Are you looking from a world perspective or a God perspective?
Wednesday
Bigger Than You
Read Ephesians 3:20
Your dreams start from deep within your heart. Dreams are more than goals and bucket lists but they can definitely start there. Real dreams, God dreams are always much bigger than you originally begin with. However, it is critical that you start with what you are dreaming and why you are dreaming it. I love to create lists. It’s a fun exercise to stretch me out of my practical mindset. Every time I create a dream list, I push myself to make it bigger and even more unattainable in my own strength. Dream lists are a great place to find the what of your dreams.
The why of your dream is just as important. What significant contribution are you making with your dream? How are you helping the world? How are you contributing your creativity and talents in a way that only you can? What is the purpose of that list you created? If you can accomplish anything on your list in your own strength, it’s just a goal. If you need to rely on God, it’s a dream. You’re also going to need to be connected with His heart. That is a great why evaluation. Is your dream selfish or is it bigger than you? I think many of us (myself included) need to repent of small thinking.
What’s Your Dream? Make a list of your dreams and then evaluate your dreams can they be accomplished on your own or do you need God’s help to achieve them?
Thursday
The Vision Of A Dreamer
Read 1 John 3:1-3; 4:4; Luke 9:62
“A man without a vision is a man without a future. A man without a future will always return to his past.” ~P.K. Bernard
Dreams without vision are fantasies. Vision puts legs to your dreams. Vision is the how that enables you to accomplish your mission. If you live a life of what and why without a how, you are destined to fail and go right back to where you started. That’s why you can’t stop with creating a dream list. You can’t just talk about starting a business. You can’t just dream about starting a ministry. You must but some action behind them. You must be able to see your dream with a clear and established vision. The vision consists of the practical aspects to make your dream happen. The vision is the business plan. The vision is research. Establishing vision is hard work. Until you share the vision, you can’t get others excited about your dream. Sure, people might pat you on the back after reading your list of dreams but if you show them a plan of action, they know you mean business. When you have your vision established, others will be able to see it and even partner with you to make it happen. Vision starts with you!
Friday
The Identity of a Dreamer
Read 1 John 1:7; Revelation 21:23-25
Identity is the glue connecting your mission and vision to God. There are plenty of websites and organizations out there encouraging you to follow your dreams. What is missing is a subtle yet key aspect. The object of glory. When you know your identity in Christ, you won’t want to take the glory when your dream comes to pass. Furthermore, your dream cannot become your identity. When you are rooted and grounded in Christ, it all is ultimately about His glory and His fame. You realize your place as a son or daughter and give all credit where it is due. Humility will sustain your dream as it grows. Everyone has a dream, You have those dreams because God created you for greatness. Not for your glory but so that it reflects His character in His children. He is living in us, after all.
So the question is, what are you going to do about those dreams? You can’t go where your dream is looking back; you cannot get there without moving forward. Your movement challenges complacency and mediocrity. Do you have a vision to “see” your dreams fulfilled? How can you put legs on your dreams today? Take the time today and reflect on your dreams and visions; think deeper. Are you dreams obtainable by you or do you need God for those dreams to take place? Are the dreams you have for your glory or His?
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be. What is your Shape? What do you love? Have you realized your dream?
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
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