VISION

Scripture Passage: Ephesians 5:17 (ESV) Romans 8:27 (NLT)

17“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

‭‭27‬“And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”

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The Apostle Paul exhorts the church in Ephesus to be imitators of Christ, because to do anything otherwise is to be of the world. And to be of the world ultimately leads to death. And that call is for all Christians to practice the Way of Jesus. But even still, as much as we strive for what is holy we tend to fall short. But one aspect of the sustaining grace of God is that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf to shape our prayers, which then shapes our desires, and shapes our lives for His glory. You may not have the slightest clue of what the will of God is at this moment or you may at least have a nebulous idea of what the will of God is. Nevertheless, start this journey by trusting in what this passage says and diligently pray to make room for the Holy Spirit to shape your desires to align with the Father’s will.

BLESSED

Scripture Passage: 1 Chronicles 17:1, 4, and 16-20 (ESV)

1 “Now when David lived in his house, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” 

4 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in.”

16-20 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God! And what more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant. For your servant’s sake, O Lord, and according to your own heart, you have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. There is none like you, O Lord, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”

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David has a great and holy desire to build a house for God to dwell in as an act of worship for all He has done in his life. But David is told that he will do no such thing. Instead, God says he will bless David even more in response to his heart of worship and gratitude. God’s provision for us is far more abundant and perfect than any that of humankind. Before we give or start creating a list of what we can do for God, reflect on His provision and generosity thus far and let yourself be filled with gratitude and contentment in the One whom all blessings flow.

SEEK

Scripture Passage: Psalm 119: 105, 133, 9-11, and Amos 3:7 (ESV)

105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

133 “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”

9“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

7“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.”

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God can show up in our lives in countless ways. But there is no substitute for God's word! If you want to learn more about God's heart and become more like Him, you MUST be in the Scriptures.

Pray for yourself and for our church leaders to be diligently in the Word of God--receiving His direction, His guidance, His calling, His teaching, His protection, and His love.  Also pray that we would not fall into the temptation of self-sufficiency and/or self-centeredness. 

SEEK

Scripture Passage: Matthew 6:10, 33 (ESV)

10 “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 33 “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

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As we start this journey, let’s pray for our heart to be aligned to the Father’s heart. And as you seek Him, may He reveal to you how you can experience His kingdom here on earth—in your personal life and in the life of the church.

Before we talk, plan, or react to our emotions of excitement, fear or even apathy….

Pause…bring it to God in prayer. 

“Lord, here I am, would you walk with me through this journey?  Show me your heart and what you desire to see in me and in my church.”