Sermon Apr 19th
Welcome back to Part 2 of "What's Your Next Step?" Last week, we explored initiating a deep, intimate, relationship with a living God. This week we continue by discovering our purpose, addressing our hang-ups, and finding freedom.
Ultimately, God’s plan for you and me is to make a difference. But in a world that feels upside down – morally, socially, politically – how do we achieve that? Let's dive into this together.
Making a Difference
First things first, let's pray. "Father God, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts bring glory and honor to you. Amen and amen."
Making a difference in today's world may seem challenging, but it starts simply by getting involved. If you're watching from home, pick up the phone, text, or email your elder and let them know you’re ready to contribute. Whether it's joining missions or becoming part of a new life group, there are numerous ways to engage. Trust me, as you embark on these ventures, fulfillment and true joy will follow.
A Speaking God
We live surrounded by a speaking God. Yet, often, we believe we don’t hear Him. The truth is, God doesn’t have a speaking problem; we have a hearing problem. God speaks through the scriptures, through godly people, and through circumstances. There’s another language God uses, and I want to focus on that today: dreams and visions.
The Importance of Dreams and Visions
Proverbs 29:18 tells us, "where there is no vision, people perish." This isn't about physical death. It's about the death of our marriages, hopes, and aspirations when there’s no vision. Maybe what's missing in our lives is a God-given dream. When we lack dreams and visions, we tend to live like the walking dead. But when I am dreaming and have a vision, I am full of life.
The Connection Between Dreams and Well-Being
Dreams and health in Hebrew are closely connected, almost synonymous. Consider this: your soul can heal when you dream. Your life and your marriage could thrive with a vision. Circumstances don’t determine your happiness; your dreams do. Remember Psalm 126:1 – "When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed." Our laughter and joy follow dreaming.
A Simple Facebook Post
Here's a small example of dreaming: about ten years ago, I adored Adele’s music and desperately wanted to see her concert in Toronto. The tickets sold out quickly and resellers inflated the prices. A simple Facebook post about wanting tickets led to someone gifting me a pair. It’s a simple lesson – allow your heart to dream and put it out there. Trust me, you won't know it until you do it.
Dream Types
There are five types of dreamers. The first type has no dream. I suspect there’s a connection between the lack of dreams and intimacy with God. Hebrews 11:1 says faith is being sure of what we hope for. Faith and closeness with God lead to dreams.
The second type is someone with the wrong dream – earthly pursuits disconnected from God. While pursuing personal interests is fine, God's dreams bring greater joy. Acts 20:24 stresses completing the path God gives you.
The third type is those with stale dreams. Radical steps like prayer and fasting can reignite old dreams. The fourth type? Vague dreamers. If you have dreams, write them down. Habakkuk 2:2 urges us to write God’s revelations. Writing ensures you remember and act on them.
Finally, the fifth and most desirable type: a God dream. These dreams honor God, defy culture, impact heaven, and seem impossible without divine help.
A Story of Restoration
Let me share a story from Mark 8. Jesus restored sight to a blind man, illustrating that God is a "once more" kind of God. Even if you've lost a vision, God is ready to renew it. "Once more" is a promise that even stale dreams can be revived.
A Prayer for Clarity
Let's end in prayer: "Father, open our eyes to see clearly. Help us transcend personal pursuits that lead to emptiness, and guide us to fresh vision. May we make the difference you intend for us. In Jesus' name, Amen."
An Invitation
Lastly, I invite you to join us downstairs for lunch. Let the spirit of Christ guide you as you meet others. Remember, Christ walks with us on wounded feet, serves with wounded hands, and loves with a wounded heart. As we gather, let us be mindful of others' needs, and may everyone see the face of Christ in you. Amen.