2020 Vision For The New Year
1. Perfect Vision
"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18
Welcome to the year 2020. I can remember when it seemed like forever in the future, and now we are here. I wear glasses so I have to go for checkups and new glasses every now and then, and the eye doctor tries to get my vision to be 20/20. That is considered "perfect" vision. So, I thought it would be good to focus on our vision for this New Year, 2020. God's Word is perfect and true, and I want to look at some scriptures that might help our focus in this journey.
2. Looking Through Dirty Windows
I remember hearing the tale of a woman who looked out her kitchen window, and called her husband to come see how dirty her neighbor's laundry was hanging on the clothes line. He looked, and showed her that it was her window that was dirty, not her neighbor's clothes. I don't know if that really happened, but it reminds us not to point our fingers at others, because we can't see clearly through our own dirty windows. Paul used a similar thought in his letter to the church at Corinth. There are many things in God's Word, and many things that happen in our lives, that we can't see clearly. From our view, it is like looking through dark glass. Our thought for today is to keep our own lives clean and not judge others.
"9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away...
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 14)
3. Face To Face
We spend so much time on phones, but it is such a joy to see one another face to face. Facetime on the screen can't compare with a hug from one of our grandchildren. Today we are taking another thought from I Corinthians 14:12. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." I am still reading in Exodus and I just saw this verse about Moses and Joshua, "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle." (Exodus 33:11) We can't see God face to face like Moses did, but when we get to heaven we will see the Lord face to face. Until that time comes, we can follow the example of Joshua and spend time with our Lord in church, in prayer, and in His Word. That will help us "see" the part that God wants to show us, and remind us not to worry about the part we can't see. We are three weeks into the new year. Are you keeping your resolutions of reading the Bible and spending time in prayer? Our vision for 2020 will be much better if we keep the Lord in focus.
4. Some Have A Great Vision For The Work
My sisters have a vision for remodeling houses. They work on their houses and are not afraid to take down walls and fully upgrade kitchens and bathrooms. I have painted walls and ceilings, and even put down flooring, but I would not try to move walls. When I go to visit I can tell that each of them have an eye for that kind of work and they enjoy picking out colors and accessories. They can see the finished project in their minds. God gave this gift to my Dad and Mom and it was passed down to them also. In my daily Bible reading Moses is on top of the mount and God is giving him laws and also instructions for the tabernacle and furnishings in it.
"1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;" (Exodus 31:1-6)
As I read these verses I was amazed at all the different things God gave Bezaleel and Aholiab wisdom and understanding to do. God gave them a vision of how to work and a gift of wisdom to get it done. The Apostle Paul explains in his letters to the early churches that God gives us work to do for Him. Do you have a vision for the work of the Lord? God has given you a gift to use for His glory. Let's go forward into 2020 with prayer and determination to use our God-given talents and gifts to accomplish the tasks that He shows us to do.
"6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." (Romans 12:6-13)
5. Focusing Our Vision On The Glory Of God
Moses must have been really discouraged after he saw the sin of the people. He may have even felt like he failed God when he threw down the tables of stone written by the finger of God. In his low estate he cried out to God and said, "...shew me thy glory." He was brought low by the vision of sin and he knew if he could get his eyes focused on the glory of God, that would lift him up.
"18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen." (Exodus 33:18-23)
God is so good! He told Moses, "Behold, there is a place by me..." When we get discouraged by the sin of this old wicked world, there is a place by Him! James tells us, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." (James 4:8) When we feel like we have failed the Lord, we can go to Him and find mercy and grace. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) These are such precious promises from our loving Lord and Savior. I can't stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks as I type this devotional, as God indeed shows me His glory!!!
6. Seeking The Lord In The House Of The Lord
As I was reading chapter 33 of the book of Exodus I saw several verses that we can use for our 2020 Vision verses, so we are back there again today. "And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp." (Exodus 33:7) In the Old Testament God gave Moses instructions for the Tabernacle. And "every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation..." Later Solomon built the Temple. In the New Testament God established the church. God has a meeting place for His children to gather and worship Him. David said, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." (Psalm 122:1) We also have an exhortation in the New Testament. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25) "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:" (Isaiah 55:6) I know of no better place to seek the Lord than in the Lord's house.
7. He Knows My Name
Years ago I worked in an office that had branches in several locations. Sometimes men and women would come through our branch and walk through our department without ever speaking, not even to say, "Hello". But when the president of the company came through he would stop at my desk and say, "How are you doing today, Beverly?" After speaking with me a minute or two he would go to the next desk, moving through our department until he had spoken to each one, calling us by name. That gave me more admiration for him than for any other person in the main office. We are still looking in chapter 33 of Exodus, today verses 12 and 17. "And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight... And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name." God told Moses, "I know thee by name." That is special because not only does God know Moses by name, but He knows my name! And He has written my name in the book of life. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5) We don't know what will happen in 2020. But this one thing I am sure of, Jesus my Lord and Savior knows my name! And I don't have to fear the future, because it is in His hands, and I am in His hands, safe and secure.
8. Show Me The Way
In talking about having a 2020 Vision For The New Year, the verse today is the perfect prayer. "Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people." (Exodus 33:13) David also prayed, "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:4-5) I was driving home in the rain storm Friday night and I could barely see the lines on the sides of the road. It is so hard when you can't see the way to go. It is that way in life, too. I pray and ask God to show me the way. When sickness comes, I pray for healing and ask God to show me the steps I need to take to get well. When decisions must be made, I want my Lord to lead and guide me to make the right choices. When I come to the place that I don't even know how to pray, I know that the Holy Spirit intercedes for me, and will show me the way. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27) As the Lord shows us the way, we need to put our faith and trust in Him and follow Him. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
9. Go With Me
After all our children were married we kept a twin bed and some of their old toys and turned a small bedroom into a playroom for the grandchildren. Since there is a baby bed also in the room, they call it the baby room. When they were smaller they would ask if they could get something to play with in the baby room and I would reply, "Sure, you can." And even though they were tall enough to reach the light switch, they would ask, "Will you go with me?" And I always have. With the wickedness in the world today I have told my Mom not to go to malls by herself, so when she calls and asks if I can go shopping with her, I always say that I will if any way possible. I want to continue our thoughts about Moses for our 2020 Vision For The New Year. "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." (Exodus 33:14-15) This chapter begins after the people sinned in worship to the golden calf. Look what God told Moses. "And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way." (Exodus 33:2-3) That was not good enough for Moses. He told the Lord, "... If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." I want the Lord to go with me through 2020. We can see from the closing verses of Exodus that the Lord did indeed go with them and guide them to the Promised Land.
"34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:
37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.
38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys." (Exodus 40:34-38)
What we have is even better than a cloud of the Lord. We have the promise of our Lord and Savior. "... lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20) "... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
10. Encouragement To Be Who God Made You For His Glory
I love reading my Bible when the Lord shows me little examples that can help me in my life. I was reading about the garments that were to be made for Aaron to wear as the Priest. I have read about the breastplate and the gems many, many times. One time I even researched each of the stones to see how all of the beautiful colors would have looked in their gold enclosings. Notice the different gems as you read these verses.
"8 And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.
10 And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.
11 And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.
14 And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes." (Exodus 39:8-14)
These were precious stones that were very valuable. And they were all different. Each beautiful gem represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. As I read these scriptures God showed me that He doesn't expect us to all be the same. We were created by Him and we are all different and we all shine in a different way, but we can all reflect the Light of our Lord and Savior. Our encouragement for 2020 is to be who God made you for His glory. My birthstone is an emerald, and my sister's is a diamond. I have another sister whose birthstone is a ruby. When I was young, I wished that mine was a diamond, or a ruby, because I thought those were much prettier stones. David said, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:14) If God made you a sapphire, don't try to be a diamond. Don't covet the gifts that others have, but use the gifts God gave you for His glory!
11. HOLINESS TO THE LORD
Along with the breastplate with 12 precious stones, there was other clothing made for Aaron and his sons to wear when they fulfilled their priestly service to the Lord. They were made with blue, purple, and scarlet linen. Gold was beaten thin and made into thread. Aaron even wore a golden crown. Were all of these garments made to bring honor to the priests? No. Even though the priest wore a gold crown, it was not to give him honor as a king would have. The crown was engraved with the words, "HOLINESS TO THE LORD". "And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD." (Exodus 39:30) The garments were holy and were to bring glory and honor to God. As we think about this in regards to our vision for 2020, let's make sure that the way we dress brings glory and honor to the God we serve. In the New Testament Peter tells women that our spirit is of a greater price than our jewelry and apparel. "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." (I Peter 3:3-4)
"24 And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.
25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;
26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.
27 And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,
28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,
29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.
30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
31 And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses." (Exodus 39:24-31)
12. Do As The Lord Commands
I want to share one more thought from the book of Exodus before we move on in our "2020 Vision For The New Year". God gave Moses all His instructions and Moses followed through and did it. "And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them... Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he." (Exodus 39:43 and 40:16) Joshua followed Moses in leadership and he also did all that God commanded. "As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses." (Joshua 11:15) Before Joshua died he charged the people to keep serving the Lord. "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15) Then we come to the book of Judges and read, "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6) For the good of our families, and the good of our country, we need to do what God has commanded. We have this promise in II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
13. Be Kind
Think back to a time when someone asked you, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It may have been a favorite aunt or uncle, or grandparent. It could have been a theme for a paper you had to write in school. Maybe it was a topic at the dinner table when you had to sign up for your high school classes. Or maybe you are still trying to decide what you want to be. We have extraordinary ideas when we are young, but we can't always follow through. I am posing the question today, in our 2020 Vision For The New Year, "What do you want to be this year?" Our resolutions may include goals such as being smarter, being thinner, or stronger, or healthier. These are all good goals to have, and each of them takes time, but with hard work and perseverance we might be able to reach them. There is one thing that you can "be" on a daily basis. It doesn't cost money to accomplish, and often takes just a short amount of time. "Be Kind." We don't know what other people are going through, or what they are facing. We don't know the lives they live. We don't know the struggles they face each day. Be kind. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." When we are kind to others it not only helps them, but it can bring joy to our own hearts as well. Set your goal to "Be Kind" and then make it happen.
14. Think On These Things
We have been talking about our vision for the New Year, but today I want to look at our thoughts for the New Year. God's Word tells us, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Who does your thinking? When we are young our parents tell us what to do and what to think. Now that we are older, who tells us what to think? There are many things in our lives that determine what we think. Commercials on television and magazine ads try to make us think that we are nothing if we don't use certain products and wear certain clothes. Our friends may make us think we aren't "cool" if we don't follow the crowd and think like they do. Many times these voices in our lives carry our minds away from things that are true and honest. The news reports are often "fake news" and we can't trust them to tell us what to think. It is seldom that we hear news of "good report". There is a verse in Psalms that I really like. It begins, "Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10) Have you ever heard anyone say, "It is so loud in here, I can't hear myself think"? It may be time to turn off the noise of the world for a little while and "think on these things".
15. Praying For Those Who Do You Wrong
When I bow my head in prayer I have so many prayer requests. I pray for our family, and for our church and its people, and I also try to remember to pray for our country. It seems as though everyday I hear of someone else who is sick and needs prayer. It is great for us to remember these prayer requests because we serve a God who hears and answers our prayers. But, how many times do we pray for those who don't like us and do us wrong? Right after Michael and I got married there was an elderly woman at our church that came up to me after every service and always managed to say something that got on my nerves. I didn't want to be ugly to her, and I couldn't avoid her, so I started praying for her. She kept bothering me, and I kept praying for her. And do you know what happened? She didn't stop saying the things she was saying, but I started not minding the remarks. I began seeing them as her way of showing us that she cared. God helped me find peace, through praying for her. I am now reading in the book of Numbers and today I came to the story where Aaron and Miriam stood up against Moses for marrying an Ethopian woman.
"1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous." (Numbers 12)
Moses prayed for Miriam, but she was still shut up outside the camp seven days with leprosy. When Aaron made the golden calf, Moses prayed for him. In Numbers 14, after the twelve spies came back and reported that there were giants in the land, the people got so angry they wanted to stone Moses and Aaron. "And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they." (Numbers 14:11-12) And Moses prayed for the people. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" It may not always be easy to pray for those who do you wrong, but it is the right thing to do.
16. Press Toward The Mark
I saw a post online that said if you rearrange the letters in DEPRESSION you could spell out I PRESSED ON. One thing I want to do for 2020 is to press on. Things come up in our lives that can cause us to be stressed or depressed, but we need to keep pressing on. These devotionals don't contain great spiritual wisdom that others don't know, but they are thoughts from my heart and God's Word that I share in hopes of encouraging others. Keep on keeping on. On the other side of the coin, I should never reach the point in my life in which I think, "I have arrived." If I think I have risen above sin, I will surely fall to temptation. If I saved all the money I made, it could be wiped out instantly through sickness, or a natural disaster. I will never reach the point of perfection or great wisdom. But... I keep pressing on. Paul said that we can forget those things which are behind. Don't let the life that you lived as a lost sinner keep you from having victory as a Christian. Press on and reach forward to those things which are ahead. Don't quit. The best is yet to come! “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
17. I Want To Finish Right
It is hard to believe that we are in February. One month of the year has already passed. How are you doing in your 2020 Vision For The New Year? It seems easy to resolve to make good choices for the New Year. But, for me it gets harder to stick with them, as time goes on. I have been trying to eat better and get in better health. I do well when I am here alone, but when I keep my grandchildren, and one of them asks to make M&M cookies, we make M&M cookies. And I really don't think I can make them without eating them. I did well in January, and now I am starting a new month, and I want to continue or maybe even step up my pace towards a healthier life style. It is important to finish right. There are some examples in the Bible of men who finished right. Caleb had to wait 45 years to claim the land he explored as one of the twelve spies. He was 85 and still trusted God to give him his mountain. Joshua was 110 years old when he said, "... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15) These men finished right. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us how we can finish right. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." This is great advice to help us finish right, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," Sometimes our way seems hard, but we have an example, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." The Lord Jesus finished right. We often start well. Let's make it a priority to finish well, too!
18. Hear The Word
I have some "noise" in my ears and it causes me not to hear very well when people speak to me. I think that if I could turn down the noise in my ears, then I could hear much better. It makes me feel bad when people think I am not listening to them, when actually I just don't hear them. As I was thinking about what I want for the New Year, I thought about hearing... hearing the Word of the Lord. At least sixteen times Jesus said in essence, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Matthew 11:15) The wording may be a little different in the verses, but basically He tells us that if we have an ear to hear, then we need to hear. I want to hear what my Lord is saying to me. I want to be like little Samuel in I Samuel 3:10. "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." The way I can do this is found in Psalms 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." We need to turn down the noise of the world and be still, so we will be able to hear our God. When God spoke to Elijah on Mount Horeb, He didn't speak through the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but He spoke to Elijah through a "still small voice". In order to hear a "still small voice" we need to be up close to the one speaking. I want to stay so close to the Lord that I can hear His "still small voice". He gives us the invitation, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) I want that fellowship with my Lord.
19. Lord, Show Me My Sin
When we think of our vision for our future we think of the great things that we will accomplish or the good things that we will receive. Our topic today is not a pleasant one, but it is one that I believe we need to hear. I am praying that God will show me my sin, so that I can repent and be able to walk closer to Him. I am still reading about Moses in my daily reading.
"8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water,...
10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." (Numbers 20:8 & 10-12)
Moses was a meek man but I believe that he lost his temper here. Look at his words, "Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?" Look at his actions, "with his rod he smote the rock twice:..." God still gave them water, but Moses and Aaron were not allowed to go into the Promised Land because of their disobedience. Look at verse 24 in the same chapter, "Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah." God used the same description about Moses and Aaron, "ye rebelled" as Moses had used about the congregation, "ye rebels". It is easy to see sin in the lives of others, but we often can't see our own sin. After God shows us our sin we can confess and He has promised to forgive, but that does not take away the punishment we may have to bear. Look at this prayer of Moses, "I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter." (Deuteronomy 3:25-26) (When I was small and wanted to do something I would ask my Mom or Dad, but when they said, "Don't ask me again" I knew that I better not ask again.) There may be prayers in our lives that are not answered because of sin in our lives. David prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24) Jesus explained that we are not to judge others, and that we can't help others with sin in their lives, until we first remove the sin in our own lives.
"1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5)
20. I Want To Make A Difference
How sad it would be to get to the end of this year or the end of my life and realize that I had merely existed and that I had not made a difference. I want my life to touch others in Christian way. I want to be there for those who need encouragement or help along the way. There is a story in II Samuel that tells how Abishai made a difference in the life of King David. "Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him..." (II Samuel 21:15-17) Verse 15 tells us that King David was at war with the Philistines and that he waxed faint. David had won many battles. God had delivered him from the giant, Goliath, when he was just a youth. Now he was older, and the enemy was just as big and just as strong. This giant had a new sword and "thought to have slain David." How many times has the enemy thought he had you down? I Peter 5:8 tells us the devil goes against us "like a roaring lion... seeking whom he may devour". Just as David thought it was over, Abishai came to his rescue and saved him. I want to challenge you today to be a friend like Abishai. Make a difference! When your friends are being tried and tempted by Satan don't join the enemy forces. The enemies are giants and they attack with spears and swords. The Israelites probably thought David would stand strong in the battle because he had won so many battles before. There were many who were too busy fighting their own battles to notice that King David was in trouble. But God let Abishai be at the right place to step up and save David. Keep your eyes and heart open to those around you. Just because they won their battles in the past, that doesn't mean they don't need help to keep from falling. They may be weak and need you to step in with compassion and make a difference in their lives. Jude tells us to make a difference. “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 22-23) Pull them out of the fire. We often use the phrase "throwing gas on the fire" when people see trouble and they say things to add to the trouble. Don't throw gas on the fire when you see people in need. Do all you can to make a difference in the lives of those around you and continually lift them up in prayer.
21. I Want To Put All My Trust In The Lord
Thursday was probably the worst storm I have ever driven in. The rain was heavy, the wind strong, and it was hard to see the exits on the highway. God gave me the assurance that He was watching over me and even though the conditions were fierce, He gave me peace in the storm. I felt what it was like to put all my trust in Him. I have often quoted Proverbs 3:5-6, but this time I knew with all my being that He was directing my path and I would be safe in the storm. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." I started reading in the book of Deuteronomy and it is sad that even though God showed the Children of Israel His almighty power in Egypt, they still did not trust Him to carry them into the Promised Land. Think of all they missed, wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. He led them with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, and they still refused to claim His promises. In Deuteronomy 1:32 Moses told them, "...ye did not believe the LORD your God..." My Lord has been so good to me and although I have failed Him many times, He has never failed me. I want to trust Him more. I don't want to miss out on the blessings He has in store for me because I don't believe Him with all my heart.
"30 The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;
31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,
33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day." (Deuteronomy 1:30-33)
22. I Want To Sing Praises To My Lord!
Some of my readers know the struggle I have had during the last six years with breathing problems. The doctors and specialists did not agree on what caused me to have these episodes where my breathing suddenly became difficult, but asthma was listed on my chart and that is what I was treated for with the medication. I kept a food diary and listed things that seemed to cause allergic reactions, but even the weather changes seemed to cause problems. With each attack my medication was increased, to the point that I thought the meds were making me worse. I prayed that God would lead me to a doctor that would help me get off the strong medication and He answered my prayer! I told the new physician that I was not even sure I had asthma and he helped me stop the meds. That was last September, and I want to praise the Lord for restoring my health. I can tell that there are still unresolved issues with my lungs at times, but I am so much better than I have been in several years. I just wanted to give God all the praise for helping me through this trial. My last entry for my 2020 Vision is my desire to sing His praise. The cough and shallow breathing made it difficult and sometimes impossible to sing, but God has given me back my voice. I want to use it to praise His name! My Psalm of praise is Psalm 100.
"1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
