Vineyard Vision

Comments on the houses in this vision: Though there is reference to the meaning of the two houses in the vision, let me observe something about how I experienced and understood them when I was having this vision. First of all I think it is safe to say that most of us are quite drawn to the grand house—nearly everyone wants a grand house. Most of us are not at all drawn to a hovel. I think those pictures represent our feelings and real internal struggle with being as vulnerable, as needy, and as weak as we are in our own resources. We love to feel strong and together and be able to be secure in our own resources. In trying to attain the grand house condition, and to maintain it, we may not realize that we are depending on ourselves more than on God and can be blocking the very thing we need most. This inner wrestling in relationship to God is difficult to get in touch with, but if you notice how you feel when reading about the grand house (except, of course that the stream can’t get in), as opposed to how you feel about the dark little hovel, you will be getting in touch with the Lord’s purpose in painting this vision the way He has. The very condition that opens the way for His river to flow is the condition we resist and hope will never happen to us, though it is the reality of our very nature in relationship to Him. That is the dilemma I believe the vision addresses. One can live in a grand physical house and have an open heart, but there is a different kind of awareness that must go on than when we are more broken and in a hovel-like condition which itself causes us to be open to the Lord’s life-giving stream. The key is to have the door open in whatever state we are, knowing who He is and knowing who we are.

Vineyard Vision
April 8, 2005

I feel a need to rest in You, Lord, but I also feel the press to get on with the book, hear through what the last part of this chapter needs to look like, since it is so nearly done.
I can see that, Lord, now that You show me. And I think of the Scripture: “Show me Your ways, O Lord…” (Ps. 25:4). Just seeing Your way is refreshing in itself!

Here I am, Lord.