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The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see the world as Jesus sees it? To recognize God's activity around you and discern His purposes in everyday situations? This ability—what we might call "kingdom vision"—is available to every believer.

Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3 that unless one is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God. This reveals an amazing truth: through the new birth, we receive a God-enabled capacity to see spiritual realities that would otherwise remain hidden.

What is Kingdom Vision?

Kingdom vision is the divinely given ability to discern and see the activity of God. It's similar to how Jesus operated in John 5:19 when He said, "I only do what I see the Father doing." Rather than asking God to bless our plans, kingdom vision helps us recognize what God is already blessing so we can join Him in His work.

Let's explore seven practical ways to develop this spiritual sight.

1. Pray Specifically for Kingdom Vision

The simplest step is often the most overlooked: ask God directly to help you see with kingdom vision. James reminds us that sometimes "we have not because we ask not."

When we make this a consistent prayer, we position ourselves to recognize God's activity. Think about Peter in Acts 10—while he was praying on the rooftop, a vision opened up to him. Our prayer life is the perfect environment for kingdom vision to emerge.

Make this your daily request: "Lord, help me see what You're doing around me today."

2. Pray in Tongues

Praying in tongues can significantly enhance your spiritual perception. As 1 Corinthians 14:2 explains, "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries."

When you pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit prays through you according to God's will. This spiritual practice helps align your spirit with God's purposes and often leads to revelation and insight you wouldn't otherwise receive.

Many believers testify that after beginning to pray in tongues, they started hearing God's voice more clearly and seeing the gifts of the Spirit operate more powerfully in their lives.

3. Meditate on Scripture to Renew Your Mind

To see clearly, you need to think clearly. Our minds must be renewed through God's Word to discern spiritual realities.

First Corinthians 2 explains that the natural mind cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God. Even as Christians, we can have areas where our thinking remains carnal or unrenewed, which limits our spiritual vision.

Regular meditation on Scripture provides the necessary filter through which we evaluate our thoughts and beliefs. As Hebrews 5:14 states, "Solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

4. Soak in Worship Music

Worship creates an atmosphere where spiritual perception is heightened. In 2 Kings 3, when Elisha needed to hear from God, he requested a musician. As the music played, "the hand of the Lord came upon him" and he began to prophesy.

Similarly, 1 Chronicles 25:1 describes how David appointed musicians who would "prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals." There's a profound connection between worship and prophetic insight.

To practice this, set aside time to be alone with God. Turn everything else off, play worship music, and focus entirely on loving Jesus. This private worship prepares you for greater spiritual sensitivity when you gather with other believers.

5. Be Motivated by Generosity

Generosity shifts your focus from yourself to others, which naturally positions you to notice what God might be doing in someone else's life.

Isaiah 58:10-11 promises that when we extend ourselves to meet others' needs, "your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually..."

Consider Cornelius in Acts 10. His prayers and generous giving "came up for a memorial before God," and he received a clear vision that led to his salvation and baptism in the Holy Spirit.

6. Live from Grace and Step Out in Faith

A grace mentality frees you from works-based thinking and self-absorption. When you truly understand that you're saved by grace through faith—not by your own efforts—you can stop focusing on your performance and start noticing God's work around you.

This freedom allows you to see others through God's eyes of compassion rather than through judgmental lenses. You'll recognize there's no one God can't save and no situation beyond His redemptive power.

7. Practice Regular Confession

First John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Think of confession as cleaning your spiritual windshield. Without regular cleansing, our vision becomes obscured by the "bugs" of sin and self-deception. Maintaining transparency with God keeps our spiritual sight clear.

Walking in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7) means being honest with God about our shortcomings, allowing His blood to continually cleanse us and maintain our spiritual perception.

Life Application

This week, try incorporating these practices into your daily routine. Start with a simple prayer: "Lord, give me eyes to see what you want me to see, ears to hear what you want me to hear, a heart and mind to know and understand what you want me to know and understand, so that I will go where you want me to go, say what you want me to say, and do what you want me to do."

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What might God be doing around me that I've been missing?
  • How can I shift from asking God to bless my plans to joining what He's already blessing?
  • Is there someone in my life I need to see through God's eyes rather than my own judgment?
  • What "bugs" might be clouding my spiritual windshield that need to be confessed?

 

Remember, kingdom vision isn't about spectacular supernatural experiences—though those may come. It's about developing the daily habit of recognizing God's presence and activity in ordinary moments, allowing you to partner with Him in bringing His kingdom to earth.