‘I will pour out My Spirit.’ Joel 2:29 NKJV
God spoke through the prophet Joel saying, ‘Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.’ (Joel 2:28–29 NKJV) Regardless of your age or gender, God has a vision for you to fulfil. And sometimes it won’t make sense because you don’t feel qualified.
In the musical Man of La Mancha, there is a scene where Don Quixote and his servant stand gazing at a rundown motel. When Quixote describes his vision of turrets and magnificent gates, his servant tries hard to see the same picture, but all he can see are ruins. And when he attempts to describe them, Quixote says, ‘Stop! I will not allow your facts to interfere with my vision!’
Most great achievements begin as a vision in someone’s heart. And many times people try to convince the person it can’t be done—or that he or she can’t do it. Often this confirms the visionary’s deepest fears about his or her abilities. And that’s the crucial point! If you can disregard [ignore] your critics and rise above your fears, God will enable you to fulfil the vision He has given you. But keep in mind that while your vision may come to you in an instant, it can take a lifetime to fulfil. Habakkuk writes, ‘The vision is… for an appointed time… Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come.’ (Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV)
A God–given dream often defies the facts, so if you have a vision, look for supporters, not critics. And when someone shares his or her vision with you, become a cheerleader.
SoulFood:
Philippians 3:8–14 ()
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8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:2 ()
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2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
1 Corinthians 5:13 ()
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13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
Psalm 77:11–20 ()
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11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
16 When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
indeed, the deep trembled.
17 The clouds poured out water;
the skies gave forth thunder;
your arrows flashed on every side.
18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lighted up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was through the sea,
your path through the great waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Proverbs 9:10–12 ()
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10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©