A Vision for Each of Us

Services

We worship at 10am on sunday mornings at 233 N Appleton Street, Appleton. Worship is also streamed live from our Facebook page. We also gather at 7pm on Wednesday evenings for Midweek Services. The Men in the fellowship meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month and the Women meet on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays. We have no dress code and we have classes for kids from toddler up to Middle School. Services are typically about an hour and 20 minutes long and include some singing, a sermon, a chance to take communion and often an opportunity to participate or share. We don't pass an offering plate and we try to leave plenty of time for conversations and meeting people.

by: Anthony Wheel

06/07/2023

0

A Vision for Each of Us by Tony Wheel

On Saturday I went to the optometrist to get my eyes checked.  Something is wrong with my glasses, and I was experiencing headaches and wavy vision.  This made it difficult to do my best at work and often led to being less productive around the house.  The real problem, however, is with my eyes, not my glasses.  I do not have perfect vision and thus need glasses to help me see.   My eyes have changed over time, so my glasses need to be updated every year. I have come to live with the reality that my vision will only be as good as the help I receive from my glasses.   Sound familiar?

We all probably have some form of vision for our lives.  Like my glasses, I need God’s help in correcting my vision for my life.  Our vision for ourselves is unique and would benefit from the clarity that only God can bring.  

With God, our vision goes from seeing what is possible from our own efforts to what is possible if God blesses. Vision is also seeing God's purpose and plan for our lives and for His kingdom. Without vision, we lose direction, motivation, and hope (Prov. 29:18).   

God has a vision for each one of us, and He wants to reveal it to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His Son:

  • God provides us vision through His Word - The Bible is full of visions that God gave to His prophets and people to show them His will and His ways. For example, God gave Isaiah a vision of Judah and Jerusalem in the days of four kings¹. God also gave Daniel a vision of the future kingdoms and the coming of the Messiah (Dan. 7–12). God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). As we read and study the scriptures, God speaks to us and shows us His vision for our lives and for His church.  The visions described in the Bible build on one another to show us the big picture of God’s sovereign plan.

 

  • God provides us vision through His Spirit - The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation who enlightens our eyes to know the hope of our calling, the riches of our inheritance, and the greatness of God's power (Eph. 1:17–19). The Holy Spirit also gives us dreams and visions as He pours out His grace upon us (Joel 2:28). For example, God gave Joseph a dream of his future destiny (Gen. 37:5–11). God also gave Peter a vision of the Gentiles being included in the gospel (Acts 10:9–16). As we pray and seek God's face, the Holy Spirit reveals to us God's vision for our lives and for His mission.

 

  • God provides us vision through His Son - Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's vision for us. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and the head of the church (Col. 1:15–18). He is also the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2). Jesus shows us God's vision of love, grace, and glory. He also shows us God's vision of sacrifice, service, and suffering. As we follow Jesus and abide in Him, He gives us His vision for our lives and for His kingdom.

 

Listed below are actions you can take today to discern God’s vision in your life:

  • Desire God's vision more than any other vision for yourself - We need to have a sincere and passionate longing to know and do God's will. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matt. 5:6). We also need to surrender our own will and plans to God and be willing to follow Him wherever He leads us. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).

 

  • Gather data from God's Word and other sources - We become grounded by studying the scriptures diligently and let them shape our worldview and values. God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). We also need to seek counsel from godly mentors, friends, and leaders who can help us discern God's voice and direction. The Bible says, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Prov. 11:14).

 

  • Pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation - We gain insight by asking God to open our eyes and ears to see and hear what He is saying to us through His Spirit. We also need to ask Him to confirm His vision with signs, wonders, and confirmations. Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matt. 7:7). The Bible also says, "By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved" (Hos. 12:13).

 

  • Articulate God's vision for your life - We grow in commitment by writing down what we believe God is showing us about His vision for our lives. We also need to share it with others who can affirm it, challenge it, or refine it. The Bible says, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it" (Hab. 2:2). The Bible also says, "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge" (1 Cor. 14:29).

 

  • Obey God's vision for your life - We intentionally act on what God has revealed to us and trust Him to provide the resources, opportunities, and grace we need to fulfill it. We also need to be flexible and adaptable as God may adjust or expand His vision along the way. The Bible says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). The Bible also says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" (Ps. 37:23).

 

God wants us to have a vision for our lives…His vision.  He loves us and has a good plan for us (Jer. 29:11). God also wants us to have His vision for His church because He has chosen us to be His witnesses and co-workers in His mission (Matt. 28:18–20). Let us ask God to give us visions that will inspire us, challenge us, and transform us into His likeness.

 

Sources with the assistance of a conversation with Bing, 5/25/2023

  1. God's Mission And Vision Sermon by Ray Ellis, Numbers 13:1-26 .... https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/god-s-mission-and-vision-ray-ellis-sermon-on-church-purpose-of-117196.
  2. God's Mission And Vision Sermon by Ray Ellis, Numbers 13:1-26 .... https://bing.com/search?q=sermon+on+how+god+provides+us+vision.
  3. How God Speaks to Us through Dreams and Visions - Beliefnet. https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/galleries/how-god-speaks-to-us-through-dreams-and-visions.aspx.
  4. Four Truths About God’s Provision | Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/four-truths-about-gods-provision.
  5. Your Provision Is in the Vision | Official Joseph Prince Sermon Notes .... https://www.josephprince.com/sermon-notes/your-provision-is-in-the-vision.
  6. How God Gives You His Vision for Your Church - ChurchLeaders. https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/341141-how-god-gives-you-his-vision-for-your-church.html.
  7. How to Discern God’s Will: Getting Started on Your Spiritual Journey. https://www.omvusa.org/blog/how-to-discern-gods-will/.
  8. How to Discover God's Vision for Your Life | Faithward.org. https://bing.com/search?q=how+to+discern+God%27s+vision+for+your+life.
  9. How to Discover God's Vision for Your Life | Faithward.org. https://www.faithward.org/how-to-discover-gods-vision-for-your-life/.
  10. 8 Steps to Knowing God’s Will For Your Life - Bible Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/8-keys-to-knowing-god-s-will-for-your-life.html.
  11. Scriptures on Vision to Determine God's Will for Your Life - Crosswalk. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-does-scripture-say-about-finding-gods-vision-for-my-life.html.
  12. Why Your Personal Vision Is Important and How to Discover It. https://tifwe.org/discover-your-personal-vision/.
Blog comments will be sent to the moderator

A Vision for Each of Us by Tony Wheel

On Saturday I went to the optometrist to get my eyes checked.  Something is wrong with my glasses, and I was experiencing headaches and wavy vision.  This made it difficult to do my best at work and often led to being less productive around the house.  The real problem, however, is with my eyes, not my glasses.  I do not have perfect vision and thus need glasses to help me see.   My eyes have changed over time, so my glasses need to be updated every year. I have come to live with the reality that my vision will only be as good as the help I receive from my glasses.   Sound familiar?

We all probably have some form of vision for our lives.  Like my glasses, I need God’s help in correcting my vision for my life.  Our vision for ourselves is unique and would benefit from the clarity that only God can bring.  

With God, our vision goes from seeing what is possible from our own efforts to what is possible if God blesses. Vision is also seeing God's purpose and plan for our lives and for His kingdom. Without vision, we lose direction, motivation, and hope (Prov. 29:18).   

God has a vision for each one of us, and He wants to reveal it to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His Son:

  • God provides us vision through His Word - The Bible is full of visions that God gave to His prophets and people to show them His will and His ways. For example, God gave Isaiah a vision of Judah and Jerusalem in the days of four kings¹. God also gave Daniel a vision of the future kingdoms and the coming of the Messiah (Dan. 7–12). God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). As we read and study the scriptures, God speaks to us and shows us His vision for our lives and for His church.  The visions described in the Bible build on one another to show us the big picture of God’s sovereign plan.

 

  • God provides us vision through His Spirit - The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation who enlightens our eyes to know the hope of our calling, the riches of our inheritance, and the greatness of God's power (Eph. 1:17–19). The Holy Spirit also gives us dreams and visions as He pours out His grace upon us (Joel 2:28). For example, God gave Joseph a dream of his future destiny (Gen. 37:5–11). God also gave Peter a vision of the Gentiles being included in the gospel (Acts 10:9–16). As we pray and seek God's face, the Holy Spirit reveals to us God's vision for our lives and for His mission.

 

  • God provides us vision through His Son - Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's vision for us. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and the head of the church (Col. 1:15–18). He is also the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2). Jesus shows us God's vision of love, grace, and glory. He also shows us God's vision of sacrifice, service, and suffering. As we follow Jesus and abide in Him, He gives us His vision for our lives and for His kingdom.

 

Listed below are actions you can take today to discern God’s vision in your life:

  • Desire God's vision more than any other vision for yourself - We need to have a sincere and passionate longing to know and do God's will. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matt. 5:6). We also need to surrender our own will and plans to God and be willing to follow Him wherever He leads us. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).

 

  • Gather data from God's Word and other sources - We become grounded by studying the scriptures diligently and let them shape our worldview and values. God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). We also need to seek counsel from godly mentors, friends, and leaders who can help us discern God's voice and direction. The Bible says, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Prov. 11:14).

 

  • Pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation - We gain insight by asking God to open our eyes and ears to see and hear what He is saying to us through His Spirit. We also need to ask Him to confirm His vision with signs, wonders, and confirmations. Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matt. 7:7). The Bible also says, "By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved" (Hos. 12:13).

 

  • Articulate God's vision for your life - We grow in commitment by writing down what we believe God is showing us about His vision for our lives. We also need to share it with others who can affirm it, challenge it, or refine it. The Bible says, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it" (Hab. 2:2). The Bible also says, "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge" (1 Cor. 14:29).

 

  • Obey God's vision for your life - We intentionally act on what God has revealed to us and trust Him to provide the resources, opportunities, and grace we need to fulfill it. We also need to be flexible and adaptable as God may adjust or expand His vision along the way. The Bible says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). The Bible also says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" (Ps. 37:23).

 

God wants us to have a vision for our lives…His vision.  He loves us and has a good plan for us (Jer. 29:11). God also wants us to have His vision for His church because He has chosen us to be His witnesses and co-workers in His mission (Matt. 28:18–20). Let us ask God to give us visions that will inspire us, challenge us, and transform us into His likeness.

 

Sources with the assistance of a conversation with Bing, 5/25/2023

  1. God's Mission And Vision Sermon by Ray Ellis, Numbers 13:1-26 .... https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/god-s-mission-and-vision-ray-ellis-sermon-on-church-purpose-of-117196.
  2. God's Mission And Vision Sermon by Ray Ellis, Numbers 13:1-26 .... https://bing.com/search?q=sermon+on+how+god+provides+us+vision.
  3. How God Speaks to Us through Dreams and Visions - Beliefnet. https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/galleries/how-god-speaks-to-us-through-dreams-and-visions.aspx.
  4. Four Truths About God’s Provision | Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/four-truths-about-gods-provision.
  5. Your Provision Is in the Vision | Official Joseph Prince Sermon Notes .... https://www.josephprince.com/sermon-notes/your-provision-is-in-the-vision.
  6. How God Gives You His Vision for Your Church - ChurchLeaders. https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/341141-how-god-gives-you-his-vision-for-your-church.html.
  7. How to Discern God’s Will: Getting Started on Your Spiritual Journey. https://www.omvusa.org/blog/how-to-discern-gods-will/.
  8. How to Discover God's Vision for Your Life | Faithward.org. https://bing.com/search?q=how+to+discern+God%27s+vision+for+your+life.
  9. How to Discover God's Vision for Your Life | Faithward.org. https://www.faithward.org/how-to-discover-gods-vision-for-your-life/.
  10. 8 Steps to Knowing God’s Will For Your Life - Bible Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/8-keys-to-knowing-god-s-will-for-your-life.html.
  11. Scriptures on Vision to Determine God's Will for Your Life - Crosswalk. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-does-scripture-say-about-finding-gods-vision-for-my-life.html.
  12. Why Your Personal Vision Is Important and How to Discover It. https://tifwe.org/discover-your-personal-vision/.
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