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Vision for the Church :: Friday E-Devotion

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."   Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

There is a big difference between vision and tradition.  Some church leaders would have lots of trouble distinguishing the two.  Why is that?  I believe it is because we far too often fear leaving tradition more than we fear missing God's best for our lives and for His church.

That is why I am committed to sharing what God says and leading His church to see what He has shown me.  It is not easy.  It is of utmost importance.  Sometimes this creates conflict.  Often it creates excitement.  But most often vision and casting your vision is missed by leaders of the church.

As leaders we must do what it takes to share the vision God has given us.  We must speak the language of the people, share that vision in creative ways and do our very best to be where Jesus is.

So how do we help people see the vision God has given us?

Prayer.  Be a prayer warrior and friend of God.  "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."   Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)

Example.  Live the vision out.  "You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others."   2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)

Talk it up.  Use slogans.  Create stuff that passes on what you have seen.   Jesus did this for me in Luke 14:23 with his "compel them to come" speech.

Make Contact.  Make it personal.  Be convincing by giving it away every chance you get.  "Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not."   2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)

Last and final thought; get a vision from God.  We do a disservice to the people we serve, we disobey God and we miss the greatest of days we may possibly ever see.

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