September 25, 2024
"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear”
- Matthew 13:16 (NIV)
Vision is the ability to see a future that is different from our present circumstances. It means seeing possibilities even when there is nothing to begin with. Vision is what shapes us and gives us purpose and direction. Vision is seeing the God-sized dreams placed in your heart. It is being able to catch a glimpse of the glorious future God has in store for you (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Research in neuroscience demonstrates that visualization and mental imagery have powerful effects on our brain’s ability to create mental models and envision possibilities, engaging the same neural networks used we actually experience something. Several athletes often say they visualize themselves winning, even before stepping foot into the arena, as a way of maintaining a winner’s mindset.
There are also studies that explore the impact of sound on our mental cognition, for example with babies, the melody and lyrics of lullabies are not just sounds, but are also building blocks for language development, intonation and even communication skills. Today, we will spend some time exploring how we can cultivate vision to dream big and access the future possibilities that God has prepared for us
Vision is seeing the God-sized dreams placed in your heart.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. We cultivate vision and the ability to dream big by fixing our eyes on Jesus every single day.
When we spend time in prayer and studying the word of God, we can ask God to open our eyes to see the incredible plans that He has in store for us, empowering us to walk in dominion (Matthew 13:15). By envisioning the possibilities God lays in our hearts, we can set goals and work towards achieving them. It is not just about daydreaming, it is planting seeds of hope and using the word of God to create a picture of a desired future.
Another way we can cultivate vision is through the power of sound. In Romans 10:17, The Bible records that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The music, podcasts, things and conversations we listen to all have a profound impact on our vision. When you hear thunder, you have an expectation of rain.
Similarly, the sounds we listen to can shape our vision for the future. In an experiment with two plants, one exposed to positive comments thrived while the one exposed to negativity withered. If you want to see God’s promises fulfilled in your life, focus on listening to the truth of God’s word. Proverbs 4:20-21 (MSG) says "Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
The way to cultivating vision is to be mindful and intentional about avoiding any harmful or misleading conversations and sounds that would lead us astray from the life that God wants us to live. It means being deliberate about what you focus on and listen to. Fill your ears and eyes with the promises of God and envision a life that testifies to His power and dominion.
Song of Worship
You unravel me with a melody; You surround me with a song
Of deliverance from my enemies; Till all my fears are gone
I'm no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God
I'm no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God
Song “No Longer Slaves" by Bethel Music
Prayer - Father thank you that I have eyes that see and ears that hear. I receive insight in Jesus Mighty Name. Grant me the ability to have discern and hear what You are speaking. Open my eyes and ears and reveal Your truth, in Jesus Name. So, it is, and so shall it be in Jesus' mighty name we pray. Amen
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