Hi Friends,

August is here.  It seems that summer is nearing its end and fall will soon be here.  God’s times and seasons continue to march onward. This vision is about his plans and purposes for our lives.  We belong to the Lord, and he will return for us someday. So we need to be about his business. 

The Visions

I.   I was standing on top of a snow-covered mountain.  To my immediate right was a waterfall. I was right at the drop-off, looking straight down. On my feet were a pair of snow skis.  I knew that I had to go down the mountain. The sun was shining all around me and I was aware of God saying to me, “Don’t be afraid.  I will be with you. It is all downhill.”   

The next day, I had two more visions while praying:

II.  First I saw a women’s bicycle with a wide black vinyl seat.  The frame was black with chrome handlebars and black vinyl hand grips.  I did not notice anything particular about the bike, except that it had somewhat narrow wheels and upright handlebars.

III.  Next I saw two bagels in a zip-loc clear plastic bag.

What I believe the vision means

A Mountain, Skis and a Waterfall

As I thought about the vision, I knew that God was using the  fear of heights to demonstrate the necessity of overcoming fear.  In the vision, as I stood on top of the mountain, right next to the waterfall, I could see that there was a very steep drop-off.  God was encouraging me to go down, saying that he would be with me, and that it was “all downhill.” 

When we are afraid of something, it is important to encourage ourselves with scripture:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

I have gone skiing several times before, yet I found it very uncomfortable to ride a ski lift or ski downhill.  I could imagine myself going too fast and falling down. Nonetheless, I was able to overcome my fear and ski.   

As a kid, Even though I was afraid of heights, I would force myself to climb the ladder to the high dive and dive off—many times.  As an adult, I find it challenging to climb a high ladder to paint a stairwell or the crown molding in room with a high ceiling. But with prayer — I can do it.

I don’t like flying over the ocean either. However, I was able to cross the Atlantic by praying and reading the Bible the entire distance both ways!

We all have fears, but we have to manage our thoughts, and take them into captivity.  It is our thoughts that give us fears. It is what we say to ourselves when we are in a situation that elicits either a response of fear or of power.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 I believe that this is also true of our thoughts. Our thoughts, if negative and allowed to take root, will cause fear to grow, and loom larger than life. We can become immobilized, dead in our tracks. But If we, on the other hand, are trained by the word of God, to control our thoughts, and to take the fearful, doubtful, or negative thoughts into captivity, we will overcome. We replace the fear producing thoughts, with thoughts that build us up, and bring praise to God.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5

With the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer we know that God gives us the power to overcome fear. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power love and a sound mind. 2 timothy 1:7

We must declare over our minds and over our situations: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

“All things are possible with God.” Matthew 19:26

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.“ Psalm 46:1

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

With this vision I knew that God was challenging me to overcome another fear. This fear keeps us from being effective in the kingdom of God.

The fear that the Lord wants to eradicate from our lives is the Fear of Man. It is contrary to the fear of God and will keep us from being effective in his kingdom. The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trust in the Lord will be set securely on high.” Proverbs 29:25 

The Fear of Man is something that the Lord spoke to me about personally. He said, “As long as you are fearful of man, I cannot use you—for you are already being used!”

The Lord showed me that I was too concerned for how people thought about me, or what they might say about me. When I heard him say that I was “already being used,” I realized that he was speaking of the devil and his demons using me! I am absolutely not interested in being used by the devil. We absolutely must not cower to the fear of man. We must stand our ground, and defiantly say, “I will serve the Lord.”

The devil or his demons wanted me to stay in my pew, and keep my hands folded, and my mouth shut.

On the contrary—We are to declare the works of the Lord. We are to shout with the voice of triumph! We are to dance as David danced, and to become “even more undignified than this!” 2 Samuel 6:22

When we take authority, and speak the truth of God, declaring to the heavenlies that Jesus Christ is Lord—the heavens shake, the mountains move, and God is magnified! Hallelujah! Praise be the Lord! Hallelujah!

The Bicycle

The bicycle is a simple mode of transportation for one person.  Bicycles can be taken for long distances, or for a short ride around the block.  It can be used for pleasure, for exercise, or for commuting to work. A courier uses a bike throughout his day in a busy city delivering documents and small packages.  

I believe that the bicycle in the vision represents several things:

• In whom, or in what, we place our trust 

• How we choose to live

• Where we are going

• What is our calling

• Being sent by God 

In whom or in what we place our trust:

We rely upon a key to open a door.  We rely upon a car to get us to work.  We rely upon our jobs to provide a living.  We rely upon our friends and families to help, and they can rely upon us. 

The bicycle in the vision, I saw as a means of transportation, when a car is unavailable.    Even though I did not use the bicycle much, it was always there, just in case. When we think of things and people upon whom we rely, the Lord should come first.  “for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”  Matthew 6:8

How we choose to live:

The bicycle represents simplicity and modest living.  It represents minimalism. A college student may have a bicycle to get around campus.  He lives a simple life: Class, library, dorm - repeat. There is nothing fancy about the college life:  few clothes, few possessions, a few close friends.

The Lord would have us live a simple life:  “Make it your ambition to lead the quiet life.”  1 Thessalonians 4:11

Our destination:

The bicycle represents where  we are going. And where ARE we going?   And why? Do we have grand plans for our life?  To build our own enterprises? To be famous, and wealthy?  To be a world changer? For whom? For our egos? For our benefit?  What about God? What are his plans? Where would he have us go? What would he have us do?

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:9

God has plans for us. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

God’s plans will look quite different than the plans we lay out for ourselves. My life has changed many times, as the Lord has taken me off the wide road that leads to destruction, and placed me on the narrow road that leads to life. Expect changes ahead!

Our calling:

Do you know your calling?  Have you asked the Lord?

For me, the bicycle represents a calling, because of a vision the Lord had given me, almost two years ago.  I saw a circuit riding preacher on a horse, turn in his saddle and look directly at me. He asked me, “Are you coming?”

The bicycle reminded me of this question, “Are you coming?” Perhaps, God is giving me a bicycle, rather than a horse!  Just kidding! 

I have spent many hours in prayer asking the Lord for understanding as to the application of this vision.  Was the Lord actually asking me to become a preacher? A minister? A missionary? A chaplain? Could it be that the vision is for not just me, but for everyone? Is God simply asking us to follow him where ever he goes?

I have always felt that my calling was one of prayer. It seems very natural for me to pray for people and believe with them, for miracles and God’s provision. Even when I participate in an evangelistic outreach, I find myself praying for people. Yet, God gave me another assignment. I never thought of myself as a writer—and now I am writing all the time! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” So perhaps—I could preach too—? If God could use Gideon, we must believe that he can use us as well!

Being sent:

I believe that the bicycle also represents the idea of being sent by God. 

We are being sent to those around us. Jesus sent out his disciples saying. “…As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey , or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep….If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town……I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Mathew 10:7-10, 14, 16

I believe that this vision is a call to go out and reach the lost.  “All authority in heaven and on  earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am will you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20    

The Bread 

The bagels represent bread.  There are two bagels in the clear plastic bag: one for me and one to share.  Bread is called the staff of life, because it is a staple for many people.  We are called “to share our food with the hungry, and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.”  Isaiah 58:7   

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  John 6:35

“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.  Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.  This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”   John 6:55-58

Jesus wants us to share the bread of life with those around us.  We are to be his witnesses, to share the gospel with those who are lost.

As  I see the three visions together, I believe the message is this:

I am sending you.  I want you to rely upon me.  I am calling you to a way of life that is simple, and simply focused on me.  I am sending you to the lost - those people around you. I am calling you to be courageous, to overcome your fears of rejection, and the fear of man, by relying upon me.  I am calling you to share my name, my presence, my purpose, my love, my healing and my salvation with those you meet.

Let’s respond with, “Yes Lord, send me!”

The Lord came and gave his life for us, we were set free of sin and death by his precious blood. If we are grateful and truly understand how important it is for us to share the gospel, then we will make a commitment to doing just that. For salvation is for all.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ’How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:14-15

God bless you all! I know that the Lord is giving us a lot to “chew on,” in these visions. I believe the word is “Selah.” So think, ponder, meditate, seek God, and ask for wisdom and understanding.

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