4.19.8 "The DREAM and the Dream"

"The DREAM and the Dream"

Joshua 13:1-14:15
Luke 18:1-17
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 13:7-8

We live in a world of zombies. I can't say i'm an expert in the definition of zombie, but I remember as a kid seeing a clip of "Night of the Living Dead" and all these people were walking down a street staring blankly ahead. Each and every day we encounter people who are staring blankly ahead as they walk through life. They travel from disillusionment to disappointment and back again. This can be true for those in the church as well.

Today's verse in Proverbs says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy." Prov. 13:12

Every person has a Dream. For some it's a huge one and for others its simply a dream of peace in the home. Some may have a financial dream others may have an occupational Dream.

The Dream that an individual has is different than the DREAM, but not separate from it. It could be easy to misconceive the "Live the DREAM" phrase as "get rich quick" or "get your Dream Job!" The DREAM is not about self-gratification. It IS about pursuing balance which results if fulfillment.

God has placed passions and desires within each one of us. Those same passions and desires are what can lead us into sin and separate us from God. However even though sin can distort and misdirect desire, when these desires are placed in God's hands, he can do incredible things! That's the reason he gave them to us in the first place.

The DREAM is different than a Dream. For each one of us there is a unique Dream, but the DREAM applies to all of us. the DREAM gives us a track to run on as we grow in Christ. To accomplish the Dreams God has placed in our heart, we MUST live the DREAM.

The DREAM represents the Balanced Christian Life. Its principles can serve as a "self-check" of key ingredients in the life of a follower of Christ.

Are you living the DREAM?

Ask yourself these questions:

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - How is my relationship with the Lord? Am I in a good place right now? Worship is my fellowship and communion with him. Is there anything that is "clogging" the communication lines? The "D" represents the principle of obedience. Obedience is the highest form of worship. Is there any thing in my life that I know I'm being disobedient about?

Relationships Devoted to Unity - How are my relationships with others? Am I building others up instead of tearing them down? Am I living as a part of the Body of Christ, or am I off doing things on my own? The "R" represents the principle of Submission. Do I model biblical submission to those around me? Do I take the time to meet the needs of others?

Empowered Through Biblical Training - Is biblical training a regular part of my life? Do I consistently get into the word and let it strengthen me, or do I just "dabble" in it? Am I consistent to the corporate teaching of the word in church services, sunday school, bible studies, or do I just go through the motions of convenient church attendance? The "E" represents the principle of Discipline. Discipline means to bring to alignment. Am I placing myself in alignment with God's word. Am I disciplined to study it?

Active Ministry Involvement - Am I being a good steward of the resources God has given me? This is not just a question of being involved in a ministry, it's putting what God has given me into his hands to serve others. The "A" represents the principle of Responsibility. Am I being responsible with my time, talent, finances and resources in a way that brings honor to God?

Mission to Reach our World for Christ - Do I understand that every part of my life is for this purpose? Am I living a life that points to Christ, or do I turn the "switch off" when I don't feel like acting Christ-like? The "M" represents the principle of Purpose. Am I living with this purpose in mind? Am I using every opportunity to draw others to Christ?


To fully accomplish the Dreams we have, we must live the DREAM. You can't get to the Dream without the DREAM! This is true for all the "zombies" around us. So many are pursuing their dream without the framework that God intended. There is no life there. Hope deferred makes the heart sick.

We need to fully understand the importance of applying the DREAM principles to our lives every day. We must all commit to helping others Live the DREAM as well.

"When dreams come true at last there is life and joy." We need to live in life and joy! there are exciting things ahead if we Live the DREAM!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ