Imagination vs. Vision

From our prayer time this morning, we learned that working towards something that we've come up with out of our own imaginations is diametrically opposed to walking in faith towards a vision God has given us.

"Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: 'Hear the word of the LORD!" Ezekiel 13:2

My imagination...or God's Word? Don't put your ladder against the wrong wall. Don't shoot your arrow at the wrong target. Don't... Well, you should just hear God.

Do you realize how often I come up with some great ideas all on my own? Do you know how many times I get a picture in my mind of the way something is going to work out---and start working towards that goal? That's called imagination, expectations and assuming. When I do those things, I set myself up as a judge (or god). If I set myself up as judge, I can't/won't submit. And I am to be subject to God.

I can also do that with others. I can decide the way they should think, go, or operate. I set up an imagination in my mind of what the right way is. (Judge) Did you know I can even get bent out of shape if they don't do what I think they should do?

"Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:11-12

It's easy to become deceived, our prayer group decided, if we give in to our own imaginations, expectations or assumptions. Guard your mind with God's Word.