Generational Vision

I'm back at this. Still getting used to making this happen on a regular basis. Hate to admit that it just "could" be an age thing :)
As we understand that our unique purpose on the earth at this time has much to do with what the Lord has written in our hearts. Then we with passion begin to dig it out. We begin to understand "what makes us come alive" "what stirs up passions from deep within us" and "what fulfills us"
We must see the vision beyond just our time & generation. The last verse of the OT declares that if the hearts of the Fathers are not turned to the children & the children to the fathers; that the earth will be smitten with a curse. This we are seeing unfold daily in America. But, we are also experiencing it within the ranks of the church. Ministries, events, Worship styles often are single generation focused. The vision within me must be connected to obedience by me & relationally connected to the next generation! I must then impart things into those "sons & daughters" that God has placed around me so that the Vision lives on in even increasing measure & multiplied to the next generation. Dr. Mark Hanby in His book "You have not many Fathers" declares that this is the only way to have a true "double portion" anointing on our lives.
Questions then arise:
Who from the previous generation are you conncting with that is pouring into you?
Who are you building around you from the next generation that you are pouring into?

Growing Healthy Leaders

I am presently in the Salt Lake Airport traveling home from general Board. One of the highlights from the board is Bishop Scott has purchased the book "Pastors at Greater Risk" by H. B. London for all of our ministers across the country! It is a great investment that was made possible by firstfruits giving. We will be working through the book together and using the book as a template for our Leadership Nets. The book is a must read for all of our ministers. It will be a tremendous tool if we utilize it personally in our lives & make the applications needed for health! Then we can run our race with joy & finish the course the Lord has set out for us! Let's run together with not just for us but for the upcoming generation!!

Vision from within

The Vision that is within us has to be processed by asking ourselves good questions. Acts 20:28 says, " Take heed to yourself and the flock of God" There is an order. "ourselves" then the "flock of God." Many times leaders run themselves ragged taking care of the "needs of the flock" We must all take time to assess: Are we in line with God's plan for our lives? Are we doing what "Fulfills" us? Is what we are doing "Fruitful?" If we can say "YES" to these questions then we are on the right track. If we then remain "Faithful" we can see God do greater things through us than we could ever imagine. But we must accurately answer the questions without regard to other questsions that can skew our answers. Questions such as: what will others think if I change what I am doing at this point in my life? Will my finances change if I move to what fufills me? These are external questions that must not enter our internal dialogue until we have clear in us the vision the Lord has place in us!

Vision

Habakkuk 2 tells us to write the vision & make it plain. that others who read it may run with it. How many times we look outside ourselves for that vision. It goes on to say that the vision is not only for an appointed time, but that "it will speak." The vision & passion to accomplish on earth what God has called us to do is already in us. It was placed in us by God. As we spend more time looking inside instead of outside the vision "will speak" first to us then to those around us. This takes time & honest questions. Thinking is hard work. Lets get started!!