Ephesians 2:10 (NLT2): “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Million have seen it. It stands proudly behind glass in a French museum. Scholars and critics alike have wondered who is depicted in the oil paint. Can you guess what it is? If you guessed, La Gioconda...you are exactly right!
La Gioconda?
Most of us don't know it by that name. That is the name the artist gave to it. Here in the United States it is known by its more familiar name, the Mona Lisa. Regarded by many to be the most beautiful painting ever created by the hands of man. Art scholars the world over hail it as Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece....the best work he ever created.
Did you know that you are just like the Mona Lisa?
Think about it. People the world over know you as the name given to you by your parents. John, Sandra, Todd, Elizabeth...whatever your birth name. But you are far more than just a common name.
You are a masterpiece.
Your real identity and worth comes from the Creator. God has a name for you, too. Beloved, child of God, loved, precious... I could go on. You are His masterpiece...the best God has ever done. I don't know what you woke up feeling like this morning. Maybe last week was tough...maybe the weekend was no better... and here you are...facing Monday again...
You are a masterpiece.
Remember, God sees you differently than you see yourself. He always loves, always forgives, and always cares. He hears your prayers and will give His grace and wisdom to you when you ask for it. Today, as you go after the dream God put in your heart, remember these truths... and never forget that no matter what happens today...you are more than just a work of art....you are a masterpiece.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian
Showing posts with label dreams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dreams. Show all posts
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday - "Tired"
Labels:
dreams,
perseverence
Hebrews 12:3(NCV),
“3 Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.”
Dreams require a lot of energy and perseverance if they are to be realized. As we talked about yesterday, there are so many people out there that are trying their hardest to derail the passion that God has put into your heart. Many times these same people feel like what they are doing you a favor by being "realistic" and "sensible" while in fact, they are standing in the way of what God has designed you for.
Perhaps the leading causes of dream-loss is listed in this morning's verse: fatigue. We're tired. Tired of waiting for God to give us a purpose. Tired of knowing our purpose and not understanding how to pursue it. Tired of trying and failing. It seems that each time we try to race after our God-dream...our life-purpose... something happens and we miss the opportunity or fail at the chance.
Look at Jesus' example from the verse... the Bible says that wicked people were doing things to Him that should have caused him to derail from the purpose in which He was created.... Jesus could have easily given up and history would have understood. God had given His Son a purpose...and the world was trying hard to beat it out of Him. But Jesus persevered.
It's a good thing He did. Jesus held onto what made His heart beat hard...what made His mind race and His passion grow stronger.... Jesus kept in focus the one thing that kept Him going as He faced His tormentors. His focus was on you.
He has a purpose for your life...a dream. He wants you to find it and go after it...using His strength...His focus...His wisdom... When you feel tired of going after it...remember, you don't need to depend on your own strength... Jesus has given us the energy we need to not only live out our potential...but do it with confidence and enthusiasm.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian
“3 Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.”
Dreams require a lot of energy and perseverance if they are to be realized. As we talked about yesterday, there are so many people out there that are trying their hardest to derail the passion that God has put into your heart. Many times these same people feel like what they are doing you a favor by being "realistic" and "sensible" while in fact, they are standing in the way of what God has designed you for.
Perhaps the leading causes of dream-loss is listed in this morning's verse: fatigue. We're tired. Tired of waiting for God to give us a purpose. Tired of knowing our purpose and not understanding how to pursue it. Tired of trying and failing. It seems that each time we try to race after our God-dream...our life-purpose... something happens and we miss the opportunity or fail at the chance.
Look at Jesus' example from the verse... the Bible says that wicked people were doing things to Him that should have caused him to derail from the purpose in which He was created.... Jesus could have easily given up and history would have understood. God had given His Son a purpose...and the world was trying hard to beat it out of Him. But Jesus persevered.
It's a good thing He did. Jesus held onto what made His heart beat hard...what made His mind race and His passion grow stronger.... Jesus kept in focus the one thing that kept Him going as He faced His tormentors. His focus was on you.
He has a purpose for your life...a dream. He wants you to find it and go after it...using His strength...His focus...His wisdom... When you feel tired of going after it...remember, you don't need to depend on your own strength... Jesus has given us the energy we need to not only live out our potential...but do it with confidence and enthusiasm.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday - "Making Sense of the Waves"
Labels:
dreams
I Corinthians 2:14(NIV),
“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
You know something...as hard as I try...I can't seem to watch television on my radio! It plugs in, it plays music...but I can't see a picture! Sound wave...video wave...should be the same thing, right? Why can't my radio play pictures?
It's pretty simple. My radio can't make any sense of the video signal. As hard as it tries, the little computer circuits inside it will not be able to make any sense of the millions of video signals that float by it's little antenna. The saddest part is...as hard as it tries...it will still only be a radio... those video waves will never make sense to it.
That reminds me a lot of us. We want to know what God's dream is for our lives, but we don't have a relationship with Him. He wants us to see the picture...but we miss it. God wants to show us His dream for our lives...but we don't understand what to do with the signal. Without a relationship with God, we'll never see the dream He has for our lives...never be able to decipher it. We'll spend our entire lives waiting to receive something that we are incapable of understanding.
Learning what God's dream is for us requires us to know Him as Lord and Savior. If you have already made that commitment...great! You are properly "equipped" to receive the signal (or dream) from God. If you have not, and would like to, I encourage you to send me an email at brian.vasil@flamingoroad.org and I can pray with you to accept Him as Lord of your life. It is the most important decision you will ever make.
It is my prayer that you are prepared and capable of receiving the dream that God has for your life.... are you ready?
Pastor Brian
“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
You know something...as hard as I try...I can't seem to watch television on my radio! It plugs in, it plays music...but I can't see a picture! Sound wave...video wave...should be the same thing, right? Why can't my radio play pictures?
It's pretty simple. My radio can't make any sense of the video signal. As hard as it tries, the little computer circuits inside it will not be able to make any sense of the millions of video signals that float by it's little antenna. The saddest part is...as hard as it tries...it will still only be a radio... those video waves will never make sense to it.
That reminds me a lot of us. We want to know what God's dream is for our lives, but we don't have a relationship with Him. He wants us to see the picture...but we miss it. God wants to show us His dream for our lives...but we don't understand what to do with the signal. Without a relationship with God, we'll never see the dream He has for our lives...never be able to decipher it. We'll spend our entire lives waiting to receive something that we are incapable of understanding.
Learning what God's dream is for us requires us to know Him as Lord and Savior. If you have already made that commitment...great! You are properly "equipped" to receive the signal (or dream) from God. If you have not, and would like to, I encourage you to send me an email at brian.vasil@flamingoroad.org and I can pray with you to accept Him as Lord of your life. It is the most important decision you will ever make.
It is my prayer that you are prepared and capable of receiving the dream that God has for your life.... are you ready?
Pastor Brian
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday - "Sharing the Dream"
Labels:
dreams
10 Joseph also told his father about this dream, but his father scolded him, saying, "What kind of dream is this? Do you really believe that your mother, your brothers, and I will bow down to you?"
11 Joseph's brothers were jealous of him, but his father thought about what all these things could mean.” Genesis 37:10-11
Have you ever been excited to share something that God put on your heart? Maybe it was a fresh idea...a new concept...a resolution to something big... You just can't wait.. You've prayed about it and are ready to unleash that God-dream in your heart...
Why do we hesitate sometimes? Why do we drag our feet in telling everybody we can think of?
I would guess you may have had one of these common thoughts...
"What if I fail?"
"What if they don't like my idea?"
"What if I'm wrong?"
"What will happen the next time I want to share?"
Looking at today's verse, you might be inclined to never share your dreams with others. Look at the reaction Joseph's dreams caused... his father scolded and mocked him while his brothers turned green with jealousy and red with rage. Sometimes (we think) it is just better to keep our mouth closed...to hide those thoughts...
It isn't. Be bold. Step out. Express what God has put in your heart. Dare to dream. Today in the United States we celebrate the life of a man who defined the word boldness...strength. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. understood the importance of expressing his dream...and it changed the world:
This week...we're going to learn how to take the risk...and share the dream...I hope you'll join us...
Pastor Brian
11 Joseph's brothers were jealous of him, but his father thought about what all these things could mean.” Genesis 37:10-11
Have you ever been excited to share something that God put on your heart? Maybe it was a fresh idea...a new concept...a resolution to something big... You just can't wait.. You've prayed about it and are ready to unleash that God-dream in your heart...
Why do we hesitate sometimes? Why do we drag our feet in telling everybody we can think of?
I would guess you may have had one of these common thoughts...
"What if I fail?"
"What if they don't like my idea?"
"What if I'm wrong?"
"What will happen the next time I want to share?"
Looking at today's verse, you might be inclined to never share your dreams with others. Look at the reaction Joseph's dreams caused... his father scolded and mocked him while his brothers turned green with jealousy and red with rage. Sometimes (we think) it is just better to keep our mouth closed...to hide those thoughts...
It isn't. Be bold. Step out. Express what God has put in your heart. Dare to dream. Today in the United States we celebrate the life of a man who defined the word boldness...strength. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. understood the importance of expressing his dream...and it changed the world:
"Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
This week...we're going to learn how to take the risk...and share the dream...I hope you'll join us...
Pastor Brian
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday - "Beyond Expectations"
Labels:
dreams,
God's plan,
God's Promises
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
As my friends can tell you, I am a Walt Disney World fanatic. My family and I visit the theme park every chance we get. In fact, I actually wanted to become a Disney Cast Member (employee) while I was going to college. Why are we so Disney-centric as a family? Actually the answer is pretty simple.
They exceed our expectations.
Every trip we take to Disney is always better than we think it will be. The Cast Members are kinder, the streets are cleaner, the hotel room is bigger, the food is tastier, the park hours are longer, and the fireworks are prettier. No matter what we talk about or think about as a family before the trip, the parks continually go above and beyond what we dream up.
God does the same thing with us. No matter how good we think life could possibly be, God is ready to exceed our expectations. Every time. Our Creator has planned incredibly amazing experiences, deep and meaningful relationships, and a fulfilling life. You may be telling yourself...great, but how do I get these things?
That's related to what we talked about yesterday in Jeremiah 29:11. God has a plan for your life. He will reveal those things to you in His time...but be assured that His plan is perfect...the timing, the elements, and the reward. Stay obedient to God, keep dreaming. searching, and live a life that God can bless... you can't imagine the great things God has planned for you!
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
As my friends can tell you, I am a Walt Disney World fanatic. My family and I visit the theme park every chance we get. In fact, I actually wanted to become a Disney Cast Member (employee) while I was going to college. Why are we so Disney-centric as a family? Actually the answer is pretty simple.
They exceed our expectations.
Every trip we take to Disney is always better than we think it will be. The Cast Members are kinder, the streets are cleaner, the hotel room is bigger, the food is tastier, the park hours are longer, and the fireworks are prettier. No matter what we talk about or think about as a family before the trip, the parks continually go above and beyond what we dream up.
God does the same thing with us. No matter how good we think life could possibly be, God is ready to exceed our expectations. Every time. Our Creator has planned incredibly amazing experiences, deep and meaningful relationships, and a fulfilling life. You may be telling yourself...great, but how do I get these things?
That's related to what we talked about yesterday in Jeremiah 29:11. God has a plan for your life. He will reveal those things to you in His time...but be assured that His plan is perfect...the timing, the elements, and the reward. Stay obedient to God, keep dreaming. searching, and live a life that God can bless... you can't imagine the great things God has planned for you!
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday - "Headlights"
Labels:
dreams,
God's plan
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
If you've ever driven through the Rocky Mountains, you know that sometimes the roads that circle a mountain can be a bit treacherous...especially at night. Being from Florida, I had never experienced signs that said "Rock Slide Probability" or "Ram Crossing" before and I really didn't know what to expect as we drove through the Continental Divide on the way to Aspen, CO. At times, the road (which had one lane each way) would merge into one lane for BOTH directions...and that scared me to death! With every dark turn, I fully expected to see a pair of headlights pointed directly at us...ready to take us both down off the mountain.
I made it to Aspen.
I didn't know the road at all, I wasn't used to it, and I even doubted if I'd survive it. The dark of night made that drive from Vail to Aspen that much more scary...and I wondered if I would ever reach my destination. The headlights on the car only extended about 10 feet in front of me...just enough to see an upcoming road sign or the occasional guard rail...but not as far as I'd like to see.
As I reflected on this morning's verse, I thought about that night of uncertainty. Sometimes life is dark. We don't really know if we're going to make it. This morning's scripture verse says that you will.
God has a plan for your life. He doesn't always reveal the entire thing at one time....We don't always understand how every turn and twist in the road of life has a faith-building purpose. When we dream, sometimes all we get are headlights. We can see just far out enough to know that what is right in front of us is OK. Then we can move on to the next turn...the next dream...the next step.
The fear of what's coming should never stop you from thanking God for what is right in front of you. Sometimes that's all that we're allowed to see. As long as we're on this journey, let's trust that God will get us to where we need to go safely...that the plan He has is perfect... We may not always understand the plan, but we need to keep the faith that once we get there, we will be closer to our God-potential.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
If you've ever driven through the Rocky Mountains, you know that sometimes the roads that circle a mountain can be a bit treacherous...especially at night. Being from Florida, I had never experienced signs that said "Rock Slide Probability" or "Ram Crossing" before and I really didn't know what to expect as we drove through the Continental Divide on the way to Aspen, CO. At times, the road (which had one lane each way) would merge into one lane for BOTH directions...and that scared me to death! With every dark turn, I fully expected to see a pair of headlights pointed directly at us...ready to take us both down off the mountain.
I made it to Aspen.
I didn't know the road at all, I wasn't used to it, and I even doubted if I'd survive it. The dark of night made that drive from Vail to Aspen that much more scary...and I wondered if I would ever reach my destination. The headlights on the car only extended about 10 feet in front of me...just enough to see an upcoming road sign or the occasional guard rail...but not as far as I'd like to see.
As I reflected on this morning's verse, I thought about that night of uncertainty. Sometimes life is dark. We don't really know if we're going to make it. This morning's scripture verse says that you will.
God has a plan for your life. He doesn't always reveal the entire thing at one time....We don't always understand how every turn and twist in the road of life has a faith-building purpose. When we dream, sometimes all we get are headlights. We can see just far out enough to know that what is right in front of us is OK. Then we can move on to the next turn...the next dream...the next step.
The fear of what's coming should never stop you from thanking God for what is right in front of you. Sometimes that's all that we're allowed to see. As long as we're on this journey, let's trust that God will get us to where we need to go safely...that the plan He has is perfect... We may not always understand the plan, but we need to keep the faith that once we get there, we will be closer to our God-potential.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday - "WITH"
Labels:
dreams,
God's love
The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered. Genesis 39:2
The LORD was with him. Genesis 39:21
This past weekend, Pastor Matt said in his teaching that most people have "fair weather" faith. While I'd like to disagree with him, I honestly can't. In fact you could probably pin me with that same accusation...
When things are going very well, we celebrate the great things that we have done.
When things are up, we stop dreaming.
When things are at the top of the mountain, we forget the climb.
But the opposite is also true.
When things are bad, we blame God.
When things are down, all we do is lament and worry.
When things are in the valley, we forget to look up.
It seems that in both cases, we seem to forget one important facet of God's character. Look at today's verses...see a common thread? God is WITH someone. They don't mention that He's looking at someone...or is thinking of someone...He's actually there. This week, as we talk about dreams, let's not forget that we serve a God who is actively THERE with you... through good times and bad. When we dream big and it comes to fruition, let's remember to give God the glory and not try and take it for ourselves. When we are struggling and want to give up dreaming...let's keep in mind that God, our Creator, loves us more than any person on the Earth and wants to help us see the plan for our lives.
Are you starting to think bigger? Are you beginning to journal about what God's plan is for your life? If so, remember that no matter what, He is WITH you. His plan is perfect...and He wants you to find it...
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
The LORD was with him. Genesis 39:21
This past weekend, Pastor Matt said in his teaching that most people have "fair weather" faith. While I'd like to disagree with him, I honestly can't. In fact you could probably pin me with that same accusation...
When things are going very well, we celebrate the great things that we have done.
When things are up, we stop dreaming.
When things are at the top of the mountain, we forget the climb.
But the opposite is also true.
When things are bad, we blame God.
When things are down, all we do is lament and worry.
When things are in the valley, we forget to look up.
It seems that in both cases, we seem to forget one important facet of God's character. Look at today's verses...see a common thread? God is WITH someone. They don't mention that He's looking at someone...or is thinking of someone...He's actually there. This week, as we talk about dreams, let's not forget that we serve a God who is actively THERE with you... through good times and bad. When we dream big and it comes to fruition, let's remember to give God the glory and not try and take it for ourselves. When we are struggling and want to give up dreaming...let's keep in mind that God, our Creator, loves us more than any person on the Earth and wants to help us see the plan for our lives.
Are you starting to think bigger? Are you beginning to journal about what God's plan is for your life? If so, remember that no matter what, He is WITH you. His plan is perfect...and He wants you to find it...
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday - "Are You a Dreamer or Realist?"
"They said one to another, "Behold, here cometh the dreamer." Genesis 37:19
Has anybody ever said that about you? "Hey...here comes that dreamer?" Are you known as a dreamer or a realist? Focused on what could be...or what you think is?
How much time do you spend dreaming? No, I'm not talking about the type where your eyes are closed and you are hugging your pillow... I'm referring to the type of dreaming that you do when you are wide awake! That kind of thinking that stretches you...that allows your mind to just roam...coming up with new and creative thoughts...
Ever spend any time dreaming? Ever wonder what things you can do that you've never done before?
Let's get bigger...
Ever have God-sized dreams? I want to challenge you to start thinking differently....but how? Ask yourself these questions:
1) What would I do with my life if I was guaranteed to succeed?
2) How would I live my life differently if I only had 24 hours to live?
3) How many people would I share my faith with if I knew they wouldn't reject me?
4) Would my life be different if I lived believing that God has a plan for my life? (Jer. 29:11)
This week, we're going to talk about our dreams...God's plan...and how we can live out our faith in a bold and confident way...
You in?
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
Has anybody ever said that about you? "Hey...here comes that dreamer?" Are you known as a dreamer or a realist? Focused on what could be...or what you think is?
How much time do you spend dreaming? No, I'm not talking about the type where your eyes are closed and you are hugging your pillow... I'm referring to the type of dreaming that you do when you are wide awake! That kind of thinking that stretches you...that allows your mind to just roam...coming up with new and creative thoughts...
Ever spend any time dreaming? Ever wonder what things you can do that you've never done before?
Let's get bigger...
Ever have God-sized dreams? I want to challenge you to start thinking differently....but how? Ask yourself these questions:
1) What would I do with my life if I was guaranteed to succeed?
2) How would I live my life differently if I only had 24 hours to live?
3) How many people would I share my faith with if I knew they wouldn't reject me?
4) Would my life be different if I lived believing that God has a plan for my life? (Jer. 29:11)
This week, we're going to talk about our dreams...God's plan...and how we can live out our faith in a bold and confident way...
You in?
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
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