Investing Your Life: Planning with God's Vision

 

Summary

Life is like a coin; you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once. This truth calls us to invest our lives in something that truly matters. God, the ultimate planner, has a divine plan for each of us, just as He had a plan for Jesus Christ, who was crucified before the foundation of the Earth. Spiritual people plan, and it is not carnal to do so. If God has given you a vision, He expects you to develop a plan to fulfill it. Just as an architect is needed to design a house, we need to plan our lives according to God's vision.

The story of Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement exemplifies the power of vision and planning. A prayer meeting sparked a movement that led to significant change, showing that visions inspire plans. Similarly, in the book of Nehemiah, we see the importance of prayer and planning in fulfilling God's vision. Nehemiah constantly sought God's guidance, demonstrating that we need God not just to start the vision but to stay with us throughout.

In the Book of Numbers, God gave Moses a vision of the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. However, the Israelites' lack of faith led them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. This story teaches us that when God gives us a vision, it is not up for a vote. We must trust in His promise and not be swayed by the majority's doubts. Caleb and Joshua, who believed in God's vision, eventually entered the Promised Land, while those who doubted perished in the wilderness.

Caleb's story is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. At 85, he claimed the mountain he had dreamed of for 45 years, showing that God will sustain us until His vision is fulfilled. Life is short, and we must invest it wisely. Like the young man who played his best game knowing his father was watching, we should live our lives knowing that our Heavenly Father is watching. We have one life to live, and we must spend it in a way that honors God and fulfills His vision for us.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of Planning: God is the ultimate planner, and He expects us to plan our lives according to His vision. Spiritual planning is not carnal; it is essential for fulfilling God's purpose. Just as an architect is needed to design a house, we need to plan our lives to align with God's vision. [01:16]

- Vision Inspires Action: Visions do not negate plans; they inspire them. The civil rights movement, sparked by a prayer meeting, shows how a vision can lead to significant change. Nehemiah's constant prayer and planning demonstrate the need for God's guidance in fulfilling His vision. [03:15]

- Trust in God's Promise: When God gives us a vision, it is not up for a vote. We must trust in His promise and not be swayed by the majority's doubts. Caleb and Joshua's faith in God's vision led them to the Promised Land, while those who doubted perished in the wilderness. [10:20]

- Perseverance in Faith: Caleb's story shows the power of faith and perseverance. At 85, he claimed the mountain he had dreamed of for 45 years, demonstrating that God will sustain us until His vision is fulfilled. [14:20]

- Live with Purpose: Life is like a coin; you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once. We must invest our lives in a way that honors God and fulfills His vision for us. Knowing that our Heavenly Father is watching should inspire us to live with purpose and determination. [18:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Life is Like a Coin
- [00:24] - God's Divine Plan
- [01:16] - Spiritual Planning
- [02:32] - The Role of Vision
- [03:15] - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Vision
- [04:41] - Nehemiah's Prayer and Planning
- [05:37] - The Promised Land Vision
- [06:57] - Spying Out the Land
- [08:40] - The Majority and Minority Reports
- [10:20] - Trusting God's Vision
- [11:26] - The Grasshopper Mentality
- [12:55] - The Power of "I Can"
- [14:20] - Caleb's Perseverance
- [16:10] - Investing Your Life Wisely
- [18:20] - Living with Purpose

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Numbers 13:1-33
2. Numbers 14:29-34
3. Joshua 14:7-12

---

Observation Questions:

1. In Numbers 13, what was the purpose of sending the 12 leaders to spy out the land of Canaan? How did their reports differ? [07:11]

2. According to the sermon, what role did prayer play in Nehemiah's planning and execution of God's vision? [04:41]

3. How did Caleb's perspective differ from the majority when they returned from spying out the land? What was his response to the challenges they faced? [10:02]

4. What was the consequence for the Israelites' lack of faith in God's vision as described in Numbers 14? [13:28]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Caleb and Joshua illustrate the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when faced with opposition? [10:02]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that planning is a spiritual activity rather than a carnal one? How does this align with the examples given in the Bible passages? [01:16]

3. How does the sermon use the story of Martin Luther King Jr. to demonstrate the relationship between vision and action? What can be learned from this example? [03:15]

4. What does Caleb's perseverance at the age of 85 teach about the nature of faith and God's timing? [14:20]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a vision or dream you believe God has given you. What steps can you take to develop a plan to fulfill it, and how can you ensure that plan aligns with God's vision? [01:16]

2. Consider a time when you faced opposition or doubt from others regarding a vision or goal. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to maintain trust in God's promises? [10:20]

3. How can you incorporate prayer into your planning process, as Nehemiah did, to seek God's guidance and support? What specific situation in your life could benefit from this approach? [04:41]

4. Caleb's story shows the importance of perseverance. Identify an area in your life where you need to persevere in faith. What practical steps can you take to remain steadfast? [14:20]

5. The sermon emphasizes living with purpose, knowing that our Heavenly Father is watching. How does this perspective change the way you approach your daily activities and decisions? [18:20]

6. Reflect on the concept of life being like a coin that can only be spent once. What changes might you make to ensure you are investing your life in things that truly matter? [16:10]

7. How can you encourage others in your community or small group to pursue their God-given visions, especially when they face challenges or doubts? [10:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Planning with Divine Purpose
God, the ultimate planner, has a divine plan for each of us, and He expects us to plan our lives according to His vision. Planning is not merely a human endeavor; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns us with God's purpose. Just as an architect is needed to design a house, we need to plan our lives to align with God's vision. This involves seeking His guidance and wisdom in every decision we make, ensuring that our plans reflect His will. Spiritual planning is not carnal; it is essential for fulfilling God's purpose. [01:16]

Proverbs 16:3: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

Reflection: What specific area of your life needs more intentional planning to align with God's vision? How can you begin to seek His guidance in this area today?


Day 2: Vision as a Catalyst for Change
Visions do not negate plans; they inspire them. The civil rights movement, sparked by a prayer meeting, shows how a vision can lead to significant change. Similarly, Nehemiah's constant prayer and planning demonstrate the need for God's guidance in fulfilling His vision. When God gives us a vision, it is a call to action, urging us to take steps toward its realization. This requires faith, dedication, and a willingness to act on the vision God has placed in our hearts. [03:15]

Habakkuk 2:2-3: "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'"

Reflection: What vision has God placed on your heart that you have yet to act upon? What is one step you can take today to move toward fulfilling that vision?


Day 3: Trusting in God's Promises
When God gives us a vision, it is not up for a vote. We must trust in His promise and not be swayed by the majority's doubts. Caleb and Joshua's faith in God's vision led them to the Promised Land, while those who doubted perished in the wilderness. Trusting in God's promises requires unwavering faith, even when circumstances seem daunting or when others doubt. It is a call to stand firm in the assurance that God's plans are good and will come to fruition. [10:20]

Numbers 14:8-9: "If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God's promises? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?


Day 4: Perseverance in Faith
Caleb's story shows the power of faith and perseverance. At 85, he claimed the mountain he had dreamed of for 45 years, demonstrating that God will sustain us until His vision is fulfilled. Perseverance in faith means holding onto God's promises, even when the journey is long and challenging. It is about trusting that God will provide the strength and resources needed to see His vision come to pass, no matter how long it takes. [14:20]

Joshua 14:10-12: "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said."

Reflection: What long-term vision or promise from God are you holding onto? How can you cultivate perseverance and faith in this area today?


Day 5: Living with Purpose
Life is like a coin; you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once. We must invest our lives in a way that honors God and fulfills His vision for us. Knowing that our Heavenly Father is watching should inspire us to live with purpose and determination. This means making intentional choices that reflect our commitment to God's will and seeking to glorify Him in all that we do. [18:20]

Ephesians 5:15-17: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Reflection: How are you currently spending the "coin" of your life? What changes can you make to ensure you are living with purpose and honoring God in your daily actions?

Quotes



God is the most planningest person in the universe, sovereignty God has a plan. Did you know in the mind of God Jesus Christ was crucified before the foundation of the Earth because it's part of a plan? All the way Jesus Christ is he's walking on Earth doing his thing. [00:00:29]

Spiritual people plan. It's not carnal to plan. If God has given you a vision he expects you to develop a plan for fulfilling it. You get a vision for a new house, you want a new house, and you see it, you see the house you see the rooms you see the layout you see everything. [00:01:13]

Visions do not negate plans. Visions inspire them. The 20th century will be remembered for one of its greatest leaders Martin Luther King. He embodies all of his principles when it comes to this principle of calling. There was a burden, the burden was for the ongoing presence of race racism Jim Crow. [00:03:02]

Nehemiah prays all through the book he says and my enemies came so I went to God. He's always praying throughout the book because he doesn't need God just to start the vision he needs God to stay with him in it. And I'll never forget seeing bull Connors with his dogs and with the hoses. [00:04:38]

God had told Moses I'm going to take you to the promised land. In fact, we'll start in chapter 13. It says I'm gonna take you to the promised land and I'm gonna I'm going to uh send you over there and I've got this thing laid out for you this is the vision. [00:05:37]

The Minority Report is while what God said is true, it's not practical. It's true, the land is Flowing with milk and honey, but it's not practical. Why? Because there's too much opposition. Let's listen to The Minority Report. Verse 30. Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said we should by all means go up. [00:09:31]

Moses made one mistake. He took a vote. You never vote on the will of God. Don't take votes on your vision if it's from God. Now if you're not sure it's from God and you need some counseling that's right counselors that's one thing but when you know it's from God, it's not up for a vote. [00:10:23]

Now I am not a big person on I can't I can't those words kind of like make me nervous when I hear folks say that can I get a little nervous like that you know because because for me to accept you can't you got to have a real good reason now we can't do a lot of things. [00:11:43]

The issue is did the vision come from God because if it came from God it doesn't matter how fortified Jericho is. The question is is it a vision from God so they got the Minority Report one was optimistic one was pessimistic they came they saw the same land became the two different conclusions. [00:12:46]

Caleb comes to Joshua and say Joshua you remember you remember you see all them other boys they didn't see it so they all died in the wilderness but now you and I are in the promised land and he says Joshua I'm 85. I was 40 when this thing came down but I am as strong now as I was at 40. [00:14:33]

Life is like a coin, you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once. Did you hear me? You got one life, you can spin it any way you want like a coin, but you only spent it once. Make sure you invest it not just spend it when something that matters. [00:16:06]

When you know Daddy is watching it affects how you play, when you know Daddy is watching it affects how hard you go, when you know Daddy is watching it affects your determination. I'm here to submit to you as you go on in your life Daddy's watching you play hard because you've only got one life. [00:18:17]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Sep 14, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?