Category: Devotional

  • Vision – Week 2

    Vision – Week 2

    What step can we take – trusting that God can multiply our small steps into something miraculous.

    Scripture Focus: Matthew 11:29 (MSG), Philippians 3:16 (NLT), Proverbs 24:16 (NLT)

    We often seek grand revelations, towering visions, and immediate transformations in our spiritual journey. But God often speaks in whispers, guides us through small steps, and builds our faith through consistent progress. This week, we’re reminded that our “rally cry” is not about achieving perfection, but about embracing the daily question: “What step can I take?”

    Just as Jesus asked questions to empower those he encountered – the blind man, the disciples, the disabled man – He invites us to participate in our own journey of healing and growth. He doesn’t demand we have all the answers or perform miraculous feats. He simply asks us to take the next step.

    Think of it as walking with Jesus, learning from His example. To walk, we must move. We cannot remain stagnant. As Gregory of Nyssa reminds us, “Sin happens whenever we refuse to keep growing.” Stagnation is a breeding ground for doubt, fear, and ultimately, a surrender to the enemy’s lies.

    The enemy wants us to believe that stumbling means we’ve failed. He wants to paralyze us with guilt and convince us that God’s grace has run out. But Proverbs 24:16 reminds us that “the godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.” It’s not about avoiding stumbles, but about embracing the grace that lifts us each morning, as Lamentations 3:22-23 so beautifully states. Our spiritual progress is not measured by perfection, but by our willingness to keep moving forward. It’s about holding onto the progress we’ve made, as Paul advises in Philippians 3:16.

    This week, let’s make “What step can I take?” our daily mantra. Whether it’s a small act of kindness, a moment of prayer, or a conscious choice to resist temptation, every step matters. Let’s trust that God can multiply our small steps into something miraculous.

    For Reflection:

    1. What area of your life feels spiritually stagnant? What small step can you take in that area today?
    2. Have you experienced a “stumble” in your spiritual walk recently? How can you embrace God’s grace to “get back up again”?
    3. How can you practically incorporate the question “What step can I take?” into your daily decision-making?
    4. Think of a specific temptation you face regularly. What small step can you take to resist it today?
    5. Reflect on a time when a seemingly small act of obedience led to a significant blessing. How does this encourage you to take your next step?

    Closing Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace and mercy that are new every morning. We ask that you write the question, “What step can I take?” on our hearts. Help us to walk with you, to learn from you, and to trust that you can multiply our small steps into something beautiful. Lord, when we stumble, lift us up with your unfailing love. Protect our progress and keep us from the enemy’s lies. 

    May we always keep in step with your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


    Watch the sermon – You Tube

  • Vision – Week 1

    Vision – Week 1

    An invitation to join God’s mission – embracing a vision means aligning our lives to make a difference.

    The word “vision” originates from the Latin, meaning “to see.” In Greek, the equivalent term often used in a biblical context means “sight” or “appearance.” 

    Yet, as believers, we are called to live by faith, not by sight. This week, we begin a journey to understand the vision God has placed within us, both individually and as a community. Our vision, as leaders, has been shaped by prayer and a deep desire to seek God’s heart. King Solomon’s prayer for a “God-listening heart” resonated deeply. 

    We believe God has shown us that vision encompasses four key elements: a rally cry, an area of focus, measurable goals, and dreams of a preferred future. A rally cry is our divine calling in this season. An area of focus is where God invites us to participate in building His church. Measurable goals are how we practically contribute, making space for God’s miraculous work. Dreams of a preferred future stretch our faith, propelling us toward God’s promises. 

    We see a powerful example of vision in the life of Nehemiah, who, stirred by God, envisioned the restoration of Jerusalem’s ruined walls. He issued a rallying cry, focused his efforts, set measurable goals, and witnessed the fulfillment of a dream. We are invited to join God’s mission, just as the Israelites joined Nehemiah. Embracing the vision means aligning our lives to make a difference. 

    As we prepare to delve deeper into our vision, we must follow Nehemiah’s example of prayer and fasting. We have been asked to write down our personal prayers for what we are trusting God to do in our lives and our church this year. Over the next month, we will explore our rally cry, focus, goals, and dreams in greater detail, culminating in a faith-building experience.

    For Reflection:

    1. How does the concept of living by faith rather than sight apply to your understanding of God’s vision for your life and your community?
    2. Reflecting on both Solomon’s and Nehemiah’s examples, what specific aspect of their approach to vision resonates most with you, and how can you implement it in your own life?
    3. Considering the four elements of vision—rally cry, focus, measurable goals, and dreams—which do you find most challenging to embrace, and how can you seek God’s guidance in that area?
    4. How does the understanding that you are part of Christ’s body influence your willingness to participate in a collective vision, and what practical steps can you take to align yourself with that vision?
    5. What personal prayers are you bringing before God in response to this message about vision, and how will you actively engage in prayer and fasting to seek His direction? What prayers are you bringing before God for the Church?

    Closing Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open and expectant, seeking Your vision for our lives and our community. We thank You for the examples of Solomon and Nehemiah, who demonstrated the power of a God-given vision. Help us to live by faith, not by sight, and to embrace the rally cry You have placed in our hearts. Grant us clarity of focus, the discipline to set measurable goals, and the courage to dream Your preferred future. We acknowledge that we are part of Christ’s body, and we commit to aligning ourselves with Your collective vision. As we prepare to delve deeper into this journey, we ask for Your guidance through prayer and fasting. 

    May our prayers be a testament to our trust in You, and may Your name be glorified in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Watch the sermon – You Tube