Dec 30, 2011
Promises To Increase Your Vision For The Coming Year
Looking ahead
Along with battling the flu, this week I’m dreaming about what God might do in me, Mercy Hill Church, and my neighborhood in 2012.
So to help me — and I hope you, too — I’m going to list promises that increase my vision.
Join me in praying over these promises — to increase our vision of what God might do in us, our churches, and our neighborhoods and workplaces.
Exodus 3:11-12
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you…”
Moses asks “who am I to do this great work?” He felt his shortcomings.
God’s answer is priceless — “I will be with you.” It makes no difference who we are. All that matters is who God is — and that He will be with us. Dream.
Ephesians 1:19
[I am praying that you might know] what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.
Paul prays that we would see the greatness of God’s power toward us.
How great is it? Immeasurably great. Dream.
Mark 4:30-32
[The kingdom of God] is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.
The kingdom of God grows. It starts small — but ends large.
The kingdom of God is in your neighborhood and workplace and family — because you are there. It is there — and it will grow. Dream.
2 Chronicles 20:15
Thus says the LORD to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.”
Every Gospel-advance faces seemingly impossible barriers. Israel faced a “great horde” of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites.
But God says “do not be dismayed” at seemingly impossible barriers. Because the battle is not yours — it’s His. Dream.
I Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Do you fear failure? There are no guarantees. Paul went into cities where there was little response.
But no work of the Lord is done in vain. Whether people respond positively or not — it’s not in vain.
Because every good work will bring you the everlasting joy of more greatly displaying Jesus’ glory. Dream.
Next steps
Did this stir your vision? Make you more expectant? Raise questions? I’d love to hear — leave a reply below.
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(Picture is by juanha on stock xchng.)
I really like this. I have never been one for “New Years Resolutions”…but to grab a vision on what God can do in my world- I can go for that!!!
Glad it was helpful, Ron. Thanks for your comment.
Inspiring truths to be believed on then acted upon. Thanks!
Good to hear from you, Christian. Who knows what Jesus might do in our churches this next year for His glory? Let’s dream big!
Thanks a bunch, Steve! This is a very encouraging post.
While I was reading your deliberations, my heart was burning all the time. They have helped me not only to dream of “something” bigger – now I believe that it will happen. The scriptures you made reference to are both very much inspirational and inspiring.
You are so welcome, Susanne. And thanks again for taking the time to share how these Scriptures are encouraging you.