Monday, Hebrews 11:1-13
We read throughout the Scriptures of people of God who were always stretching forward, waiting and longing for a better world. Today, we too need to live lives that intentionally envision God’s purpose and direction for our future. That comes as a result of actively listening to God speaking to us, and by living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
• Why is envisioning God’s purpose and direction for your future so important?
• What does it enable you to do?
Tuesday, Jeremiah 1 :4-10
Vision can be defined as a promising picture of God’s preferred future. Jeremiah was an effective prophet, but before he could be used by God, he had to formulate God’s vision. Jeremiah needed to clarify the picture so that he could plan the steps to make that picture a reality.
• What happens when we focus on the promising picture of God’s promised future?
• Think of a specific time when vision gave you the energy to work toward God’s future:
Wednesday, Joshua 1:1-6,16-18
Vision also calls for perseverance. After Moses’ death, Joshua accepted the call and challenge to lead God’s people into the land of promise. God’s promise was a done deal. All Joshua and the people of God had to do was keep on stepping forward. Many people never experience God’s promise because they quit stepping forward and have to start over again at the beginning.
• What opposition or resistance are you facing in your life?
• Where are you tempted to quit or start over?
Thursday, Mark 2:1-12
Our vision needs to be nurtured within a community of people who will make the journey with us. Community provides a place for words and stories of faith to be shared. In the times when our faith falters, we need people around us who will share their faith to carry us forward.
• Who are your traveling companions? Who helps to nurture your vision?
• When have you had friends who shared their faith when yours faltered?
Friday, Psalm 121
When we hold onto God’s vision for our lives, we are empowered to face discouragement and resistance with faith and hope. The ancient Jewish pilgrims affirmed that they would trust God regardless of their current circumstances, as they sang the Psalms of Ascent with confidence and joy. We too, are people who can share words and actions that demonstrate our trust in God’s promises.
• When you speak do your words tend to celebrate what’s right or focus on what’s wrong?
• How can you live with determined faith in the midst of your current circumstances?
Saturday, Psalm 131
Vision empowers us to take actions that will help bring about a better future. When we are willing to grasp God’s vision, and begin to put that picture into action, we affirm our desire to live lives that are fulfilling, fruitful and faithful.
• What vision is God showing you that you would like to begin to put into action? If you don’t have an answer, begin to pray that God would reveal it to you.