The dust washed out of my eyes

Noah and Mel are about 3 decades younger, filled with the call of God to a remote part of Mexico, where they will be ambassadors for Christ to many who still live in spiritual darkness without the Hope and Light that is found in knowing Jesus as Savior. It was my privilege to spend much of the day with them, learning their story and sharing parts of my spiritual journey. As we spoke of where we had been, what we had learned, and our experiences of God’s love and guidance, my own vision was renewed.  Ever had dust blow into your eyes so that your vision is blurred? When tear ducts overflow and you blink, the dust is washed out and clear sight returns. That was what I felt like spiritually yesterday. The dust of doubt was washed out of my eyes by the tears of faith!

Have you become so taken up with the trials and challenges of life that you have lost sight of the big picture? 
Have you fallen into a pattern of complaint and negativity that obscures the reality of God’s love for you?

The Scripture warns about blurred vision. God paints us a picture in the world around us to reveal His majesty. Will we see it? "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 1:20-21, NIV)  What blurs our vision?  It is our refusal to worship and to be grateful!  But, as I was reminded yesterday, when we speak of His wonders, when we offer ourselves in worship, He renews our vision!

So…. What do you see this morning?
-about the core purpose of your life?
-for your children's future?
-about finding a way to honor God in what you do as your daily work?
- about making Jesus and His Kingdom visible in this darkened world?

Jesus challenged his disciples to re-consider their assumptions about life and possibilities. He said, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true." (John 4:34-37, NLT)  OPEN YOUR EYES. Becoming visionary is hard work. Implementing and maintaining vision is harder still. However, without clear and God-formed vision we quickly become mired in mediocrity, become a burnt-out shell, and the work of God goes undone.

Here is the word from the Word.  Let Jesus speak to you today. “No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going. Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room.” (Luke 11:33-36, The Message)

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Open Our Eyes

 Open our eyes, Lord,We want to see Jesus;To reach out and touch HimAnd say that we love Him.Open our ears, Lord,And help us to listen.Open our eyes, Lord,We want to see Jesus!

Bob Cull © 1976 CCCM Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)

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