Developing A Clear Vision

LORD GIVE ME VISION

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

" Proverbs 29:18 (NKJV)
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

Proverbs 29:18 (NLT)
18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

Proverbs 29:18 (MSG)
18 If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.

GOD HAS A VISION FOR WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO ACHIEVE

I.  THE INNER CAUSES OF IMPAIRED SPIRITUAL VISION:

The spiritual “cataracts” of mistaken priorities. This happens when we do not “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Matt. 6:33.

It may be the “cataract” of worldly pleasures: Paul wrote: “For Demus has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” (2 Timothy 4:10)

It may be the “cataract” of worldly recognition: Jesus said: “Take heed that you do not your charitable deeds before men, to be seen of them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matt. 6:1

It may be the “cataract” of worldly gain. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul.” Matthew 16:26

GOD HAS A VISION FOR WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO BECOME

II THE INNER CONDITION OF IMPAIRED SPIRITUAL VISION:
V

Habakkuk 2:1-3 (NLT)
1 I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.
2 Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.
3 This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

Our internal vision:
We have all heard it said that we should try to see ourselves as others see us, but what we really need to do is to see ourselves as God sees us! The Bible says: “…for man looks at the out-ward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Our vertical vision:
We spend so much time looking around us that we don’t find the time to look up! Isaiah said: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of His robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1.

Our horizontal vision:
We need to see mankind in their need of salvation; their need of fellowship with God and His church; and their material needs. James wrote: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:15-17

Our peripheral vision:
Paul admonished Timothy to “be watchful in all things.” (2 Timothy 4:5) Peter adds an additional warning to the "elect" (1 Peter 1:2) that appertains to this aspect of our spiritual vision. "Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil walks about likes a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8 NKJV)

III. THE INNER CONSEQUENCE OF IMPAIRED SPIRITUAL VISION:
“THE PEOPLE PERISH.” Cain asked God: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) For the Christian, the answer is a resounding “Yes, we are!” (Mark 16:15)

VISION IS: THE ABILITY TO SEE: AWARENESS

VISION IS: THE FAITH TO BELIEVE: ATTITUDE

VISION IS THE COURAGE TO DO: ACTION

TEN KEYS TO GETTING IT DONE

1. Have a Passion
2. Determine Your Objectives
3. Set Measurable Goals
4. Establish Priorities
5. Develop a Plan

6. Create a Timeline

7. Evaluate Progress

8. Make Corrections

9. Be Accountable

10. Follow Through