Aim For Your Vision

Over the last month, we've looked at several different people and the visions they had and how those visions changed their lives.  In these examinations, we've seen what it takes to receive vision from God, how we can clearly understand the vision God has for us, and what we must do once given that vision.  Today, we turn our focus to you the reader.  What is the vision God has for you and what will you do with it?  We hope to create a sense of urgency for you by examining the two scriptures attached to the logo above.  Read them below before going any further.  Warning!  This Bible Study may completely change your approach to living for God:

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (Joel 2:28)

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (Acts 2:17)

The Promise That Brings Purpose

Both of these statements were spoken by men moved on by the Spirit of God to speak to those in need of connection with God.  Joel spoke to a wayward generation of God's people and heralded God's spirit yet to come.  Peter spoke to a blinded and deaf generation of God's people that God's Spirit was already here and ready to fill and minister.  One man spoke of promises yet to be fulfilled, while the other spoke of promises already confirmed and in the process of fulfillment. 

What the prophet Joel prophesied was fulfilled some 400+ years later with the return of the Spirit of God to dwell with his people, not in a tabernacle or temple.  Not beside or near them.  But inside of the creation He loved forever and always.  Jesus Christ had died, been buried, was resurrected and ascended into heaven.  Now His Spirit was back and prepared to enter into the hearts of all who would receive Him.  The result of this experience was that these individuals and all others who would receive Him would be grafted into the New Covenant with God.  They would be saved from sin and hell, but there would be something more given to them, too.  God would use them to spread his message.  He would do so through prophetic utterances, dreams and even visions.  These visions would guide the likes of Peter, John, Phillip, Steven, Paul and many more to do great works for the Kingdom of God. 

The great news is that the Spirit of God is still being poured out.  People are still being saved and that salvation is still resulting in the use of prophecy, dreams and visions for the furthering of God's Kingdom.  The only difference is, it is getting more and more intense as we draw closer and closer to the coming of the Lord. We are in the last days and are closer than ever to seeing God return to claim His bride.  It is incumbent on us to rise to the occasion as this time draws near.

Vision In Perilous Times
As we draw closer, God is looking to open our eyes and ears so we can see His vision for our lives and the community around us.  These visions will guide us and help us to draw near to God as we face the trials and tribulations of this life and pursue our greater inheritance in the next life. As mentioned earlier, though, these visions are not just for our lives but for the salvation of countless lost and troubled souls.  As this world draws nearer and nearer to the inevitable end,  times become more perilous and sin becomes more pervasive and destructive.  In these perilous times, God is looking to reveal to us faces and places, hurts and hangups, opportunities and ministries that can bring His Kingdom to the whole world.  There are over 7 billion people on this planet and if God came back today, most would not be entering into His Kingdom.  Is this because He doesn't love them? No.  It's because the harvest is great and the laborers are still too few some 2000 years after Christ.  It's time for us to catch a vision of a lost and dying world and allow it to convict us.

Will You Be A Power Practitioner?

The question is, will we heed the call?  Will we submit ourselves to God's purposes like we saw in Lesson 1?  Will we listen for God's direction like we read in Lesson 2?  Will we go after God's vision for us like we saw in Lesson 3?  Will we fulfill the message of Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17 beyond God pouring out His Spirit?  Will we do with that Spirit what God commands?  Will we be His vessels?  If we choose to pursue the vision He has for us the way He wants, we will truly exhibit what God intends for us.  After all, it was said straight from his mouth in another scripture: 

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

We're not just called to be saved.  We're called to serve.  If we've received the Holy Ghost that God promises to those who seek after Him, we have the power to be mighty witnesses to the entire world.  The thing that will make the difference in how we exhibit that power is vision.  Will you Aim For It?  Will you claim your purpose?

Check back on our Access Page tomorrow for a special Extra Access that shows just how deep we really are in the last days.  We'll do so by simply looking at the prophecies of Jesus and comparing them to today's times.  We look forward to seeing you then and God bless.