Where there is no revelation [or prophetic vision], the people cast off restraint . . . —Proverbs 29:18
There is a difference between holding on to a principle and having a vision. A principle does not come from moral inspiration, but a vision does. People who are totally consumed with idealistic principles rarelydo anything. A person’s own idea of God and His attributes may actually be used to justify and rationalize his deliberate neglect of his duty. Jonah tried to excuse his disobedience by saying to God, “. . . I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm” (Jonah 4:2). I too may have the right idea of God and His attributes, but that may be the very reason why I do not do my duty. But wherever there is vision, there is also a life of honesty and integrity, because the vision gives me the moral incentive.
Our own idealistic principles may actually lull us into ruin. Examine yourself spiritually to see if you have vision, or only principles.
Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, Or what’s a heaven for?
“Where there is no revelation [or prophetic vision]. . . .” Once we lose sight of God, we begin to be reckless. We cast off certain restraints from activities we know are wrong. We set prayer aside as well and cease having God’s vision in the little things of life. We simply begin to act on our own initiative. If we are eating only out of our own hand, and doing things solely on our own initiative without expecting God to come in, we are on a downward path. We have lost the vision. Is our attitude today an attitude that flows from our vision of God? Are we expecting God to do greater things than He has ever done before? Is there a freshness and a vitality in our spiritual outlook?
____________________________________________________
May 9, 2011
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
I wonder how I missed the parallel? For years I have been learning lessons from trials and suffering. As my brother Dave said, turning to God out of need and staying there out of love. And then lesson after lesson about living and staying in need totally dependent on God. However, there is another way to be certain of staying dependent on God, and that is having a vision so mighty, large, and magnificent that only God can bring it to pass.
And God says…”That is the lesson for today and many, many days. It is the lesson for your future. In trials you are totally dependent on Me because you can see no other way out or through your circumstance. With a magnificent and amazing….’over the top…’ vision you are also totally dependent on Me. As you travel nearer and nearer the vision, I begin to unfold more and more of it so that you stay dependent on Me looking forward to a vision and conclusion (s) that can only be accomplished by Me. Dreams and visions that can only be brought to pass by the Lord your God. Delight yourself in the Lord and I will give you the desires of your heart. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Click Image for John White's Original Vision For CO2's
