Daring to Dream

Three Seasons Community Church– 4-20-08

Dream-- a strongly desired goal or purpose– to have a dream of; to consider as a possibility : imagine

Dream = The hopes and visions that stir our imagination and call us forward to a fantastic future. Kallestad

What are your dreams? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? What are your desires, wishes...

God has frequently made use of dreams in communicating his will to men. The most remarkable instances of this are recorded in the history of Jacob (Genesis 28:12; Genesis 31:10), Laban (Genesis 31:24), Joseph (Genesis 37:9-11), Gideon (Judges 7), and Solomon (1 Kings 3:5). Other significant dreams are also recorded, such as those of Abimelech (Genesis 20:3-7), Pharaoh's chief butler and baker (Genesis 40:5), Pharaoh (Genesis 41:1-8), the Midianites (Judges 7:13), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:1; Daniel 4:10, 18), the wise men from the east (Matthew 2:12), and Pilate's wife (Matthew 27:19). To Joseph "the Lord appeared in a dream," and gave him instructions regarding the infant Jesus (Matthew 1:20; Matthew 2:12-13, 19). In a vision of the night a "man of Macedonia" stood before Paul and said, "Come over into Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9; see also Acts 18:9; Acts 27:23).

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

Philippians 4:13– I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Luke 1:37 (NIV) For nothing is impossible with God."

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)

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. [12] Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Draw strength from, meditate, be encouraged and claim the promises of God’s word! Guy Doud

"Dream so big that you MUST trust God." - Rick Warren

"Going through life without a dream is like going shopping without a list." - Rick Warren

Ultimately there are 2 types of people– encouragers and discouragers– What type are you?

Joseph, Moses, David, David, Noah, Gideon, Jesus, 120 Believers in the Upper Room, Paul

Initiator– God initiates not us and not limitied just to us.

Jesus said– Follow Me...

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

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.

Interpreter–

Joseph– Dreaming can be dangerous business-- Genesis 37:1-20 [Page28]

Insurer

Psalm 37:3-5 (NIV) [Page 398]

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

[4] Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:

Proverbs 16:3 (MsgB)

Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place.

Routine, Comfort, Criticism, Weariness, Loneliness, Failure, Success

Failure describes an event–not a person!

What are your dreams? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Write down your God-sized dreams, desires and imaginations.

What "dreams" keep you from sleeping; get you awake at night; awaken you in the morning; motivate you through the day?