Because I want to influence other dreamers, I regularly ask God to make me a contagious dreamer.
Fixing my eyes on the Dream-Maker, Jesus, I live with His fruit all over me. And I can’t take the juiciest ounce of credit for it–because it’s His fruit. It’s the ongoing byproduct of seeking Him first. And you can have it too! Nothing will be more contagious about you than oozing with God’s organic fruit… watching it drip from your sweet, dream-seeking life.
[box] “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22[/box]
Joy
Who wants to pursue joyless dreams anyway?
When you’re joyful about your dream, you model joyful dreaming for others.
So how can you crank up the joy-notch?
You live in the presence of God and teach others to do the same.
In His presence there is fullness of joy.
[box] “Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.” Psalm 21:6 [/box]Crazy glue this to your brain: He is sitting with you as you type on your computer… throw in that tenth load of laundry… mediate that nasty kid-fight… drive to that nail-biting doctor’s appointment and… pursue that God-sized dream. He’s there!
Developing a keen awareness of God’s presence will grow, ripen and freshen your fruity life–daily!
Let’s celebrate His presence together as we watch this video :
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M14a7Oija-8[/youtube]Keep growing in this grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and you’ll soar like an eagle in the God-realm (in this sacred place that separates the men from the boys)—because we can’t, we cannot, fabricate living in the presence of God. By choice, we either live there–or we don’t. It’s as simple as that.
[box] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 [/box]Radical
As time trickles by, we need to become more radical. It’s passion-fruit-producing time. Whatever fears and lies have held us back from living fuller and digging deeper…. We need to ditch those and call them what they are – fears and lies!
One of the enemy’s biggest lies is to point us to cults and false religions and say, “Look where radical will take you.”
Na-ah! That ain’t radical. That’s deceived.
I’m sorry, but Muslims are deceived. They follow the demon god Allah and his loveless religion which will send them straight to the blowup pit of hell unless they repent like everybody else who needs to call on the Name of the Lord Jesus and “be saved.”
There is only “One Way” and His is the only death-defying, resurrection-tested way, so we don’t need to be ashamed of it.
We’re consumers of love and consumed by love–for God and everybody He died for, even for the worst of the worst. That’s why I prayed in love for terrorists this morning. Prayer is effective whereas tears, fears and gripes may shrivel to nothing.
Yes, we’ll be hated–because we’re lovers of light, and darkness hates light. The only hatred in us should be for sin because we’re aware of its natural bulldozing destruction. And our heads are on straight because, through the cross, Jesus empowers us to keep loving and shining His whoa-that’s-bright–light! Empowers us to keep gushing our thanks to Him because, bit by bit, His light is burning away our darkness. Zap!
[box] “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1[/box]When we remain in God’s fruitful tree of Life, we are safe, secure, and sealed. Watered by the Word daily, our roots go deeper and deeper as we grow taller and stronger—in Him.
Even when He prunes us, we are safe in Him—because we are part of Him! Grafted in, children of God. Living, breathing, walking, talking examples of Jesus with skin on.
Courage
Contagious dreamers don’t look left and right to see how “Christianity is done.” They fall on their faces proclaiming, “Jesus, I’m 100% completely yours today and every day. You own me, and I don’t even want to stray two tiny inches away from your plan because I’m saved, sanctified, submitted, and completely smitten by You and You alone.”
So we can set up our earthly tents in His remarkable joy-full presence… We are not afraid to glow in His brightness and hear people say, “What in the world is wrong with her? She’s sooooo different!”
Haha, of course we’re different. We are not of this world. We are happy to be His “peculiar people.” We are set apart, reflecting, glowing servant-minded, leg-stomping saints in His marching band. Hurray!!!
[box] “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16[/box]
When we become more radical followers of our radical Servant Leader, Jesus, we also become more radical servant leaders for His followers. And that’s what I’m trying to do in my little space of this world today: Serve you with the wonder-full words from the Word.
[box] “So let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 [/box]Knowing there is no presence like our Dream-God’s presence, I pray that you feel “spurred on” today. Stirred up to clearly see...
Unwrapping God’s presence will help you unwrap it in the lives of others. It will help you courageously, continually, lovingly impact them to follow their God-given dreams for His glory. Frankly, I don’t have any other secrets for effective Kingdom-shaking leadership training. That’s it, Contagious Friend. That’s all I’ve got.
Now enter in.
Love,
God’s dream girl.
[box] “You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-7[/box]
Joyfully linked with God-Sized dreamer, Holley Gerth:
Dr. Linda B. Greer
Cheryl,
I got a copy of Holly Gerth’s book, You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream and I’m reading it now. I am still looking for the God-sized dream for my life.
Today I am just depressed knowing my daughter is estranged and I will get nothing from her for mother’s day once again. I want to call and ask if I can talk to my grandson, but from past experience she won’t answer the phone. Is it a God-sized dream just to dream for a loving daughter and super quality time with my grandson to love him and for him to love me?
Cheryl Ricker
I’m so sorry about the unfairness of this, Linda. So I think I’ll have to adopt you as my mother and show you how special you are. Because you are. Just let those words sink into your spirit today. : )
From heaven’s perspective, your grandson knows the truth about you and your great love for him. I pray that you won’t grow weary in being a spiritual mother to him, a diligent prayer warrior concerning his walk with God. Then throughout eternity he will thank you for pouring into him in this way. Imagine that.
I hope this encourages you somehow. And in the meantime, I pray that the Lord changes the tide of your relationship. He can do it. Just keep your trust in Him.
Cheryl Smith
Good morning, Cheryl! I so enjoyed your words today. In my devotions this morning, this is the verse I opened to: “How forcible are right words!” Job 6:25 Then I opened email and receive the force of the right words God placed in your heart to share with us today! Bless the Lord, oh my soul!! I rejoice in the joy of the Lord today, for it is my strength! May it flow over and out into the lives of those around me, in spite of all circumstances. God be with you, my God-sized dreaming sister! God’s words flowing through you were like an honeycomb to my soul this morning. Love, Cheryl Smith
Cheryl Ricker
Thanks Cheryl! It so blesses me to know that my words were honeycomb to your soul. I’m rejoicing in Jesus about this. Lord, thank you for giving me the words.
Mostly I don’t hear back from people, so I have to trust that God is still moving through me.
Thanks for stopping by to say so, and blessings on your day!
Cristina Coneff
Thank you for lifting up Jesus. I loved the music video. You remind me of how often God is with me and I don’t even acknowledge Him or thank Him. I will remember from now on to have a grateful heart towards Him in the midst of daily drudgery. I have had so many dreams since childhood and am still waiting and praying they will come true. Jesus spoke through you. Thank you for being His instrument. I pray that you are blessed today and always.
Cheryl Ricker
Thank you for your kind words, Cristina! Keep watering your dreams in prayer and before you know it they’ll spring to life. I’m thrilled you’ve chosen thankfulness. There’s power in praise. Thank you for being God’s instrument too! God bless!