focus of vision [+] Tuesday E-Devotion

I was reminded yesterday that real vision takes a huge amount of focus. Maybe that is why these verses continue to stick with me and come out of me. What do you think?

Hebrews 12:2 (nlt) --- We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.

Colossians 3:2 (nasb) --- Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

When my mind is pointed in a different direction or when something or someone is pulling in a different way, the vision may become unclear or even leave all together. That is one reason why I believe what Gary Lamb said some time ago ... something like this ... "preach vision and when you are done preaching it, preach it again and after that, preach it again." People loose, heck I loose sight of it without constant reminders, refreshers and more.

Our leadership team at The Community is reminded every time we meet of why we do what we do and of who we are. It is vital that we teach that and live that. In fact, the sermons for the next 2 weeks at The Community will be lifters, breathers and shouters of our vision.

"In my observation, ministries that have IT tend to be focused on a limited set of targets. They do a few things as if all eternity hinged on their results, and they do these things with godly excellence. They clearly see the vision and drive toward it with laser-guided precision. Those who have IT know what they are called to do and what they are not called to do. Their vision is characterized by specificity. Selectivity. Exclusivity." (Craig Groeschel , IT page 54)

I thrive off of the vision, and I can honestly tell you that I will die without the vision that God has burned on my heart. You need to be there as well. That is passion that can only come from God.

I received an e-mail yesterday from an E-Devotion reader who shares my heart and is hurting because their church has lost it's vision. I challenge you to challenge others to visit, re-visit and know why God has made you and why you do what you do. "Set you mind" on God's call on your life! That is the focus of vision.

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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