Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "clearly". We find it in these verses:

Luke 6:42 Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You actor (pretender, hypocrite)! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. AMP

Mark 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. KJV

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: KJV

These are three different Greek words. In Luke we have the Greek word "diablepo". Strong's Concordance says: to look through, to recover full vision. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: penetrate by vision, to look fixedly, to stare straight before one. In Mark we have the Greek word "telaugos". Strong's Concordance says: in a far shining manner. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: at a distance and clearly; radiantly, in full light. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to shine like crystal, to be of crystalline brightness or transparency. In Romans we have the Greek word "kathorao". Strong's Concordance says: to behold fully, distinctly apprehend. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to look down, see from above, view from on high, to see thoroughly, perceive clearly, to understand. 

In the first example, we see that our 'vision' as we look at others, can be obstructed by our own thoughts, preconceived ideas, prejudices or even things that we may have heard. The adjustment here is to make the decision to obey the Word and see every person as precious and valuable, which is the way that God sees all of us! When we choose to do this, we are choosing the love way, and love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)! 

In the second example, we see that JESUS has just healed a blind man, but the man had not received the full manifestation of his healing. We know that JESUS did not lack the power to completely heal the man from the start, but the man lacked the ability to receive completely the first time. This could be an example for us of the TRUTH that faith, which comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17) takes time and patience to grow strong. It can also be an example of the way that knowledge of the Word grows. Isaiah 28:10 tells us this:

10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Growing in the knowledge of the Word takes time and happens little by little, layer upon layer! Continual growth in our understanding of the Word causes our faith to get stronger and stronger until doubt has no place at all! That is our goal, and though it takes time and diligence, it is attainable! 

In the third example, we see that even though we cannot yet see God with our physical eyes, the 'signs' that He IS and that He is active in our lives are all around. That TRUTH tells us that there really are no atheists (people who believe there is no God). Rather, there are people who, even though they can see the proof that God IS, they choose to not have anything to do with Him. My continual prayer for you and Kristine is that God will make His plans and purposes for your lives, your family, your careers, so very clear that there will be no question where He is leading and that He will increase your vision in the spiritual realm so that you will be well prepared ahead of time for anything that the enemy may try! Here is another new song from Hillsong Young and Free called "Love Won't Let Me Down":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!