Visionwriting, a.k.a., journalizing

1.  How do I know if I’m hearing God?

            If we have our hearts bent on hearing what we want to hear, we’ll hear in error.  With visionwriting we come waiting to hear His heart—what He wants to say to us, according to His will.  If we don’t have this intention we are off the mark and will miss the way.  If we say we are seeking His character and counsel, but we hold our own opinions in high regard, we will think God is directing us when actually our own ideals and opinions  are.  We must give the Word prominence by casting aside our “reasonings” and “preferences.”  Even those things we think are good might be vain in light of His Truth.  We therefore come to God and humbly ask that any idols or ideals we may be holding be cleansed away and that repentance and forgiveness be granted. 

            Any fear of error should be yielded to Him in faith.  He is bigger than we are; He has called us into a living and thriving relationship with Him.  Therefore, if our hearts are in earnest before Him, He will continually purge us.  God is bigger than our idols and will graciously cleanse us and set us free.

            Yes, we could choose not to risk hearing for fear of hearing wrong, but that would only bind us to error indefinitely.  It is better to see the holes in our ship and allow the Lord to patch them than to pretend we have no holes and sink.  Being willing to see our error in His presence is the safest place to view it, for whom the Father loves, He corrects and heals. 

            The faith visionwriting imparts far surpasses all fear.  Allow God to be bigger in your mind than you are.  He will lovingly correct.  Remember that a moving vessel is easier to steer than one  docked in the harbor.  Move out in faith and dare to hear and record God’s words to you on daily basis.  We promise; you won’t be disappointed, for how could the God who “is” not be your rewarder too?  (Hebrews 11:6)

2.  I don’t consider myself a writer; is visionwriting for everyone?

            If visionwriting were about eloquence of speech or impressive twists of the human language then certainly it would not be for everyone.  But it is not about the enticing words of men’s wisdom.  It is about training the ear to hear and obey the voice of the Lord and value His fellowship. The focus is not on our ability but on God alone. 

            Do we or don’t we have the Holy Spirit residing within us?  We do.  And does He desire fellowship with us?  He does.  And has the Lord ever instructed anyone to write down His words?  He has, and He trains us in the way we ought to go.  He says, “Write, dear ones, write.  Write until the Truth you hear is so plain that you can run with it.  Write My words and let Me build a fire in your belly.  Write, My little ones, from the least to the greatest, write, for I am all you need, and I am within you.  So pick up your pen and listen to what I am saying within you... and write, write, write.”  See Habakkuk 2:1-3 and Hebrews 8:10-11 for inspiration!

            How each person visionwrites differs, no doubt, but whether or not they benefit doesn’t.  One person may be a gifted writer, another not, but the truth imparted is equally impacting. 

3.  I’m not sure I believe the Lord still speaks today.  Aren’t the Prophets the only ones who can hear Him?  

            Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is

the Prophet that speaks, lives and dwells within. The cross of Christ bridged the gap, closed the breech, healed the separation, tore down the dividing wall, and eradicated the sin that alienated us from Him.  The cross of Christ gave us access to God, boldness before His throne, and the right to an audience with Him.  Before Christ came only a few select prophets heard the word of the Lord; after Christ came we were all given ears to hear.  In other words, His resurrection didn’t silence His voice; it opened our ears to hear what we’d been deaf to since birth. Now more than ever, we hear and know the Shepherd that calls us by name.  Eternal Life is the Eternal “today” where He speaks, we respond, and live wholly devoted to Him.  

4.  My life is so busy, how can I possibly find time to do a daily journal?

            It’s important to admit that you have access to the same twenty-four hours in a day as anyone else.  How we budget those hours reflects our priorities.  A willing heart will allow God to open the eyes of your heart so you can see where the time for you and Him begins. Father will take the “little” that you give Him and cause it to increase and grow. At first the habit will be more important than how long you actually spend in your journal.  He will teach you the miracle of the leaven where a little spreads to make and increase time.  In a little while you will see yourself living in the present moment—entering His rest—and living the life of faith you’ve been called to.  Remember; God is after your heart and will not settle for less.