Got Dreams? Got Faith? (Boot Camp for Creators & Dreamers #3)

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We’ve all heard it at one time or another. When we meet a seemingly insurmountable obstacle or suffer a bitter defeat, when things seem to be taking forever or our best-laid plans suddenly fall to pieces, some well-meaning optimist will say, “Keep the faith.” This is actually sound advice, not only for moody creative types, but also for anyone struggling to achieve a heartfelt goal or fulfill the dream of a lifetime. But you can’t keep what you don’t already possess.

Got faith? Actually, we all have faith — in something. Many of us have faith in our own flawed characters, strength, and abilities. What a let down this kind of faith must be, as we continue to make mistakes and come up short again and again. After all, that’s what humans do, and that’s why it’s important to have faith in One greater than ourselves.

Spiritual faith is what it takes for the long haul. But where on earth (pun intended) does it come from? Unfortunately you can’t grab it at Walmart or order a monthly supply from Amazon. No, faith in God comes from one place only. Um, God! In fact, He endowed each of us with this faith when He created us. How else could we ever put our trust in Him, or believe in anything?

We've been expecting you!
We’ve been expecting you!

Babies have faith the moment they’re born. How else could they survive the shock of coming into this strange new world, gazing up at the doctor and seeing for the first time someone who appears to be trying to hide behind a mask — as though anonymity were the best way to cover up their latest foul deeds? And why else would babies cry when they’re hungry, or want the squeaky toy daddy’s playing with? What makes them believe they’ll get either? Because, by faith, they already know mummy will take care of their needs.

Yes, we all come fully equipped to pursue our dreams. In His wisdom, “God has allotted to each [man, woman and child] a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3 NASB) A “measure” is a good starting point, but — because the harder things get, the more faith we need — it’s important to increase and strengthen our faith; to make it grow big and strong by FEEDING IT.

Spiritual faith only thrives on one kind of food, the Bread of Life which is the Word of God. As we devour the Word, our own faith in God’s goodness and His ability to fulfill His promises will grow — betterfasterstronger.

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“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17 NKJV)

Okay, spiritual food to feed spiritual faith. But is this food both tasty and nutritious? Judge for yourself: “How sweet are Your Words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103 NASB)

“The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Mathew 4:4 NLT)

To be continued…. Tune in on Friday, for “Feeding Your Faith”

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WRITE THE VISION (Boot Camp for Creators & Dreamers #1)

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We all have dreams: goals we hope to achieve, things we want to accomplish, even relationships we long to develop or repair.

We may be creators working in words, music, graphics, film or other media. We may be innovators or entrepreneurs, trading in better ideas and great inventions; researchers, analysts, or computer programmers, searching for new solutions to life’s pressing needs and problems. We may be parents or grandparents, teachers or youth workers, shaping attitudes and training the next generation of pioneers; public servants or spiritual leaders — all working together to build a better world.

Wherever we find ourselves, whatever we’re doing, chances are, we’re working toward a goal or dealing with a problem; waiting and hoping for answers and breakthroughs. We may have talent and abilities, intelligence and good looks — and more ideas than we know what to do with. We may have money and connections. Then again, we may possess none of these things!

Regardless, whether we’re well on our way to accomplishing great things, or just getting started, the road to pursuing our dreams can be long and arduous. Along the way we can hit speed-bumps and encounter roadblocks. And often, when “life happens,” we’re forced to take detours or, worse, pull over and park for a time. So it’s easy, and also very tempting — while struggling to achieve our goals, or waiting for a promise that seems to be taking forever — to mutter “Enough!” and give up. To throw in the towel and just walk away.

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Talent and ideas always help. However, in the “long haul,” such things are never enough. Life always demands more, and takes more. It’s never enough to chase a dream. We need a plan … and stamina … and still something more. We need the backing, encouragement, comfort, strength, and reassurance that comes from One greater than ourselves.

Here is the first of several important spiritual steps toward reaching your goals and fulfilling your dreams. Consider this the first session of “boot camp for creators and dreamers.” Ready?

  1. Write the vision [your hopes, dreams, goals, and creative ideas].

Sounds like so much hocus-pocus, and yet God admonishes us to do this — and He would never lead us astray. He commanded one of His prophets to “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….” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 ESV)

There’s so much truth in these two verses, about being prepared, focused and determined. But for now, let’s simply concentrate on the phrase, “Write the Vision.” Authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen state, “Just writing them down [ideas, goals, plans, and dreams] will set into motion an amazing process of bringing these things into your life.”

How? Well, Words have spiritual power, to encourage, to create, or to destroy. In fact, the spoken word holds “the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21) Imagine how much spiritual power resides in the written word. Which is why legal contracts are rarely based on verbal agreements; words on paper are far more influential, carry far greater weight, and are far more binding.

But from an entirely practical standpoint, writing down information and ideas aids the learning process (the mental acquisition of these ideas) — which is why teachers encourage students to take written notes; writing down information and ideas helps us to focus and refine them. Hence, the creators of the Chicken Soup books state, “The more you write about [your dreams] and talk about it, the more clear and believable it will become.”

When it comes to formulating and solidifying your ideas, plans, and goals, writing the vision is extremely important. Innovations and inventions, the seeds of great plots and plans, begin to take shape and grow when properly recorded.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this for a memorial in the book….'” (Exodus 17:14 NKJV)

“My heart is overflowing with a good theme…; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” (Psalm 45:1 NKJV)

“Moreover the Lord said to me, ‘Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man’s pen….'” (Isaiah 8:1 NKJV)

Once you’ve recorded the vision [your hopes and dreams, plans and goals] you’ll be ready for the next spiritual step in the journey … along the path to fulfilling the vision!

Join us Friday for more Boot Camp for Creators & Dreamers.

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