What’s your Vision?

I love these two definitions of “vision.”

“Vision is a ‘holy discontent’ – a deep dissatisfaction with what is, combined with a clear grasp of what could be. It is a picture – ‘a mental sight’ – of the future that inspires hope. 

Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is a nightmare! But vision combined with action can change the world.” -Nicky Gumbel

“Vision is a picture of what could and should be.” -Andy Stanley

What’s your vision?

My vision is motivated by loving God and people to lead others to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work, and play. 

This vision guides me in life now. It’s the mission of Jesus contextualized in my life. And I am determined to lead others in it. 

What’s your vision? Take a few minutes to begin thinking about that. If you trust God to guide this, ask him to help you. 

Do the Math. Is your faith adding up?

 This article is interesting on the future of the American church. 

What’s even more interesting to me though is that it was written in February 2020–essentially pre-Covid since nothing had closed down yet. 

The reason I say that is because Covid has accelerated everything is hasn’t stalled.

So encourage you to read this short article.

My question to you is not what is your church doing but what are you doing with respect to your faith and church? Have you let this pandemic derail your best source of encouragement in your faith?

“Church” biblically defined isn’t a building or event. It is literally the people of God gathered in Jesus’ name. 

It means that healthy Christians are regularly gathering with other Christians. This is part of what sustains us as the Church when we’re scattered to where we live, work, learn, and play. (Depending on how locked-down you are)

It means that if you’re not gathering with other Christians (in-person or online) around God’s word, then you’re undermining your faith in Christ. You’re not walking in obedience to a command as basic as do not forsake gathering with other Christians.

I pray that God will remind you of the hope you and I have in Christ.

The Word of God +

The Spirit of God + 

The People of God =

———————————————

Become like the Son of God

Do the math of your faith. How do you score? 

I have https://www.wsj.com/articles/thank-god-american-churches-are-dying-11582243546

New Discovery Bible Study

Hey, heads up for my blog readers. I’m setting up an online group to study Matthew 5-7 for a few weeks on Zoom. We’ll do it on Facebook. 

This bible study is for those new to the Bible. It is not for those who are comfortable with the Bible or have a lot to say about it going in. It’s more of a process of teaching people how to discover what the Bible says on their own. 

So, if you want in, you need to message me asap with the phrase, “I want in to the DBS” to info@gracetoday.net. I’ll see what I can do. Space is limited.

Better Together: Body Builders, 1 Corinthians 12

 Sunday’s message “Body Builders”

Bottom line: God sovereignly arranges the body of Christ with his spiritual gifts for the common good.

links and notes are now up on our website:

https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast/2020/9/15/body-builders-better-together-1-corinthians-12

Dabo Swinney on 2020

 Dabo Swinney shares how he’s dealt with the many challenges of 2020. Great leadership and faith insights here.

https://www.tigernet.com/update/Dabo-Swinney-leaning-on-faith-during-tough-times-of-2020-36272

“Judge Yourself Wisely” Romans 12:3

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It is easy to judge your character and your competency towards one of two extremes—overly harsh or overly able. 

In my case, I swing back and forth and do both. 

Paul warns us against doing this. He calls us to assess ourselves soberly not too positive and not too negative. 

He also calls us to assess ourselves “in accordance with the measure of faith God has distributed to (us).” These are necessary competencies to master. 

We also need to ask other trusted friends and family to help us with this self-assessment. Just remember to keep this tension in mind because others can also run to the extremes. 

I struggle doing this well a lot. I can swing from high to low pretty quickly and let it take me down. 

The remedy? Remember who I am in Christ. Remember to live in light of eternity too. 

“I am thankful for 2020”

 This is from-the-heart video is by our good friend Dee McGinnis. She calls it, “I am thankful for 2020.”

I encourage you to check out her Prayer Zoom. This happens Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:00 PM EST. Go to https://www.pray4sc.com/ for more info.

She mentioned her church which is Grace Christian Fellowship in Ladson, SC: https://www.gracetoday.net/