Dreams – I really enjoyed making an Excel file out of my list of dreams. I listed my heart’s desire for Sue, Releasing Kings, our business/investments, the ranch, and our kids. This week I went a step farther and created another column to list as many goals or next steps for each area. The list is over 60 items long. It’s fun to explore your heart. You’ll find God when you do. There is also a practical application. Our list of dreams is the way we focus our hearts and our faith to produce the actions and fruit we desire. Our challenge is to manage the path of our life; versus of allowing our lives to evolve out of circumstances instead of priorities.
God’s guidance on managing your heart’s desires is pretty interesting.
Pro 4:20-27
20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
1. Listen closely to my words – Faith (or positive thinking) really does start with your thoughts and the desires of your heart. If you could sum up all the great coaching guru’s philosophy it would be, “What we think about, we become.” The Secret calls it the law of attraction… set your mind on what you want and you’ll get it. I think those principles are true, but they miss the most important point; “What does God think?”
The real secret is still a secret withheld from the new age leaning folks that wrote The Secret. We have the opportunity to walk, and talk, and work with the Father. We’re not just here to pull some arbitrary ambitions out of the air and pursue them – even though we can! There is something much better that satisfies a much deep longing in our hearts… His Word is “life” and “health.” Our first priority is listening to the Bible and listening for the emphasis of the Holy Spirit. I dream all the time about Releasing Kings – it’s the desire of my heart. Writing the books, talking to Kings, sharing in the conferences is a thrill. Making the money and doing the missions is even better… doing it is even more fun than sharing the truth of it. The reason – it’s something on God’s heart too. We share a passion.
How? – I have the Bible on CD’s and I listen to it in my car. When something is quickened to my spirit I write it down… might be a verse, a business idea, a contact… whatever. I listen to God’s word regularly and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit whenever he speaks – day dreams, night dreams, conversations with friends and mentors, sermons, books, conferences, etc.
2. Look ahead, fix your gaze – Once you catch a glimpse of where God’s heart and your heart intersect, make that the target of your dreams. Now, make your list of dreams and convert them to goals. Update that list routinely as the Lord speaks and your personal creativity engages. Your future is much brighter, more fulfilling and more prosperous than you ever imagined.
God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Eph 3:20 THE MESSAGE:
How? – Keep that list of dreams and the corresponding goals like a diary. Circumstances will sometimes line up in your support and sometimes in your opposition. When your dreams seem distant, that’s exactly the time to guard them (guard your heart). The way the enemy neutralizes Christians is by stealing their dreams and discouraging their hearts. It’s about the only real power he has – deception.
3. Make level paths for your feet – Now it’s time to focus on your actions. Dream, but don’t just dream. God wants you to get to work and make that dream come true. The guy with one talent buried it thinking he would be given more later. God called him wicked and lazy. Pursue the desires of your heart. Make your dream list, write down your goals, pick off the top priorities, and “make” your dream true. Build your part of God’s Kingdom on earth.
How? – Goals are really just a definition of the next step you need to take in the direction of your dream. Make them SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. When you start down the path of your heart’s desire, you’ll realize along the way it’s a “Path of Life.” You’ll be energized by it.
Ps 16:11
11 You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. NIV
Life is an adventure. People are a blessing. God is amazing. We’re winning.
