THINK BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION

 












 THINK BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION
Though these four words were not original with him. . .they exploded in my spirit and I’ve been meditating and provoking close friends with them ever since.
Let’s start by establishing a very basic fact.  There are only two ways you can see something.
First, with your natural eyes.
Second, with your imagination.
The word imagination is defined in the Merriam Webster Intercollegiate Dictionary as:
“the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality.”
Your imagination is the thing that allows you to see the future before it happens.
Here are seven things, reasons, ways and keys to think beyond your imagination.
# 1       Imagination is not bad, evil or unproductive. . .but we may be.
Your imagination is neither good nor bad or evil. . .it becomes whatever you decide it to be.
If God created your imagination. . .He meant it for good not evil.
Many Christians have been talked out of using their imaginations because it has been used in unhealthy ways outside Christian circles.  Heresy is simply truth taken to an extreme.
The enemy has used new-age gurus and the worldly mindsets to pervert and prevent believers from taping into their imaginations. . .merely by taking a scriptural truth to an extreme.
The best place. . .actually. . .the only place to find the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is the Word of God.
In Genesis chapter one God used His imagination to make something out of nothing.  He created the earth by the words that He spoke.  “And God said” is found ten times in the first chapter.
Genesis 1:26 the scripture says we were made in the image of God and in His likeness.
In Genesis 15:5 God told Abraham to "count the stars . . . So shall your descendants be."  God was clearly telling Abraham to use his imagination to see his future generations. . .why else would He have told Abraham what He did.
Here’s the bottom line. . .once you READ YOUR BIBLE. . .DO WHAT IT SAYS. . .then you need to take what God says in His Word and imagine it manifesting in your life.
Now I realize there are a number of scriptures that talk about vain imaginations.  The problem is not using your imagination. . .but it’s about using your imagination to think on wrong, negative or sinful things.
Romans 1:21 says:
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
If we focus on God. . .in all things … praising Him. . .thanking Him for what He’s done. . .then we will not open our imaginations to evil thoughts.  It’s only when we open our hearts to things we know are not right before Him that we invite all sorts of evil thoughts.
God’s WORD Translation of Romans 1:21 says:
“They knew God but did not praise and thank him for being God. Instead, their thoughts were total nonsense, and their misguided minds were plunged into darkness.”
God obviously knew this was a possibility among His children. . .so He provided a way of escape.
2 Corinthians 10:5 says:
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
The key word in this passage is “that.”  When the imagination focuses on things that are wrong “that” is the problem.  Anything “that” exalts itself against the knowledge of God “that” is the scriptural problem being addressed in this verse.
It must be pointed out that. . .your imagination. . .is what you will use to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
It is certainly possible for your imagination to get carried off in the wrong direction. That is when you cast down the thoughts of your imagining and take them captive so they go no further.
One final question which will resolve this point even if you have any lingering doubts or hesitations about
Why would God give man an imagination . . . if it was for only evil thoughts?  He wouldn’t.  He couldn’t.  He didn’t.
# 2       Imagination allows you to live in fear or faith.
Both fear and faith flourish through our imaginations.
Fear uses imagination to create the worst case scenarios we face on a daily basis.
Mark Twain once said:
“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”
We cannot allow fear to run wild in our imagination trying to create images and events that will never come to pass.  That is probably why the Bible gives us so many scriptures that tell us to Fear Not!
We should always remember the words of Matthew 6:27 in The Living Bible which says:
“Will all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Faith also uses our imaginations to see things that are not as though they were.  Romans 4:17 tells us that Abraham believed God even though he didn’t yet see the promise.
^“(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did”
Hebrews 11:1 in the Amplified Bible says:
“NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].”
Faith confirms what you can only see in your imagination. . .because it hasn’t been revealed yet.
It’s very clear in scripture the value God places on us using our imagination in connection with our faith.
Hebrews 11:6 says:
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
In a recent teaching “7 Reasons You Will Be Rewarded” I pointed out that the word rewarder in the Greek actually means “one who pays wages.”  So I think it’s clear that God does in fact place a high value on using our imagination in connection with our faith.
# 3       Imagination allows you to see things beyond the natural realm.
In the midst of assaults by the enemy. . .we must look beyond our natural surroundings and allow our spiritual imagination to bring everything into a victorious focus.
In 2 Kings 6:15 the servant Gehazi went out early one morning to pick up Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a copy of the USA Today newspaper for the prophet Elisha.
As he was walking back. . .he saw with a natural eye what he perceived to be real trouble.
“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
How many times have we been blindsided by attacks of the enemy or those he uses to discourage, disappoint and dissuade us from following God’s will for our lives.
In 2 Kings 6:16 the first thing the prophet Elisha said. . .should also be our first response to times of trouble.  He said “fear not.”
When fear or worry come at you. . .it’s imperative that you allow the Holy Spirit to move your imagination into a place of peace, comfort and strength. . .realizing that you’ve got the upper hand in every skirmish with the enemy.
In 2 Kings 6:17 Gehazi was allowed to see beyond what was obvious.
“And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
God is doing more for you right now that you can’t see so He can bring into manifestation the things you can see.
Allow the Holy Spirit to prime your motivation to see beyond your natural eyes.
Helen Keller, the blind and deaf American educator and author once said:
“Doubts and mistrust are the mere panic of timid imagination, which the steadfast heart will conquer, and the large mind transcend.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 in the Message Bible offers some pretty good advice when it says:
“So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, nota day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.”
Wow. . .that’s the only way I know to describe that verse.
# 4       Imagination allows you to turn your dreams into reality.
Seven thought-provoking quotes and one powerful scripture.
Edmund Burke said:
“There is a boundary to men's passions when they act from feelings; but none when they are under the influence of imagination.”
Stephen Covey, the author of “The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People” said:
“Live out of your imagination, not your history.”
Muhammad Ali, the former heavyweight champion said:
“The man who has no imagination has no wings.”
Napoleon Bonaparte, the military leader said:
“Imagination rules the world.”
Carl Sagan, the noted scientist, said:
“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.”
Albert Einstein, the genius said:
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
Sun Tzu, author of "The Art Of War,"said:
"Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?"
Philippians 4:6-7 in the New Living Translation says:
“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.”
# 5       Imagination is how and what you see through your Father’s eyes.
Let’s go a little deeper.
Ephesians 1:18 says:
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”
According to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word for understanding is dianoia (G1271) and it means:
“the mind as a faculty of understanding, feeling, desiring; mind, i.e. spirit, way of thinking and feeling; mind; understanding or imagination.”
The way you gain more understanding and insight is through using your imagination.
Ephesians 1:18 in The Living Bible says:
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can see something of the future he has called you to share. I want you to realize that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given to him!”
The NEB says, "inward eyes." Jerusalem Bible says, "eyes of your mind."
How do you see “something of the future?”  It’s through your imagination. . .and that imagination can be used for good or evil. . .depending on who’s voice you’re listening to.
Genesis 3:5 in the New Living Translation says:
 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil had not changed. . .it still was the same except one major thing.  Eve’s perception of that tree changed by the words that came out of the devil’s mouth.  His words provoked her into evil imagination.
On a side note, have you ever wondered why Eve didn’t think it was strange that a snake was talking to her?  Could it be that she and Adam had seen other animals talking as well?  Don’t’ know, not suggesting anything. . .just asking a question.
Sin entered the Garden of Eden when Eve and Adam allowed their imagination to see the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil differently than what God said about it.
The thoughts suggested by the enemy fed an evil imagination changing their view of that particular tree.
Moral of this story. . .never allow others to use your imagination to change your focus from what you know to be right before God.
Acts 26:18 says:
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
# 6       Right thinking and rich speaking will expand your imagination
Hebrews 11:1 in the Amplified Bible is such a powerful scripture I want to share it again.  It says:
“NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].”
You can think beyond your imagination. . .but the great news is that you can never think beyond His.
1 Corinthians 2:9 in the New Living Translation says:
“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, `No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’”
The Living Bible Translation of 1 Corinthians 2:9 says:
“That is what is meant by the Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord.”
Ephesians 3:20 in the New International Version says:
“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.”
Isaiah 55:8 in the New Living Translation says:
“`My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the LORD. `And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’”
Ephesians 4:23 in the New King James Version says:
“. . .and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”
1Timothy 4:15 in the New King James Version says:
“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. “
Imagination is part of meditation. We should meditate on God's Word. Imagination affects your future actions. For a person to change, their thinking has to change.
# 7       Seven Ways To Think Beyond Your Imagination.
1.         Confess positive Rich Thoughts each day.  Create your confession on where you want to go. . .what you want to do and/or be.
2.         Wake up with a get-up-and-go spirit.When the alarm goes off, decide to get up excited. Praise God for the very special gift of another day He has given you. When you walk in the bathroom, look in the mirror and say, “Good morning, child of God. This is going to be a great day!”
3.         Listen to whatever encourages, exhorts, and edifies you. You might choose         music for early in the morning, as many people do not have time to listen to a   teaching tape prior to work. It may be best to avoid the news since you want     to focus on the pure, the powerful, and the positive.
4.         Lay out the music and ministry teachings you will listen to the next morning, before you go to bed.   Start your morning drive to work with some teaching that will inspire and motivate you. Listening to CDs, MP3s or your iPod will help you dress you mind just as you have dressed your body.
5.         Encourage your family members just as you are being encouraged. It will help family harmony to have everyone believing for the pure, the powerful, and         the positive from God’s Word.
6.         Follow a definite reading plan. Your reading plan should include three      categories:
-Devotional- (the Word of God)
-Professional- (anything to make you a better employee, employer or person)
-Recreational- (read something just for the fun of it)
            It is important to establish a definite reading goal and timetable for each of these             three categories.
7.         Purpose in your heart to expand your mental abilities, and increase your communication skills by adding a new word to your vocabulary every day.  At noon every day I received an alert from dictionary.com with a new word for the day.
Let me share one final verse with you.
2 Corinthians 4:18 in the New King James Version says:
“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
All that’s left now. . .is for you to think beyond your imagination.