This past week I heard some amazing, God-inspired messages at the annual Mission and Ministry Summit put on by the General Association of General Baptist. The Summit is the annual leadership conference that invites delegates both nationally and internationally. As I reflect on the keynote messages delivered by Pastors, Clint Cook of Real Life Church in Springfield, IL, Gary Baldus of New Walk Church in Zephyrhills, FL and Alex Himaya of TheChurch.At in Tulsa, OK, a thread of insight opened in my heart. Let me share 3 leadership insights I gathered from the M&M Summit for anyone who desires to fulfill the vision God has given them.
1. The Plan God has for you is bigger than you…but not bigger than Him.
To begin the Summit, Executive Director and Pastor, Clint Cook, opened the Scriptures to Revelation chapter 3. In verse 8, Jesus tells the Church in Philadelphia, “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Notice what Jesus said, “I have placed before you an open door….you have little strength.”
Has God placed a burden, a vision on your soul? The vision may be for your family, your church, or the world. One thing for sure, if God placed the burden on your heart, it will be bigger than you, but never forget this, it is not bigger than Him.
2. Keep your focus on Jesus and the vision will become a reality.
Pastor Gary Baldus shared from Matthew 6:22-23. Jesus said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If you eyes are healthy, your whole boy will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Isn’t it amazing that your body has 206 bones and more than 600 muscles, but only 2 eyes. Without the vision of your 2 eyes your bones and muscles are at a loss for direction and coordination.
God gives the burden, but for you to see the fulfillment of the dream, you must keep your eyes pure and full of light. How do you do that? By keeping your focus on Jesus. Remember, the burden is bigger than you. You have “little strength” but He is all-powerful and more than able to make your dreams a reality. Your biggest challenge will be to keep your vision pure and focused.
There is a temptation to let your eyes wonder from the burden and set your gaze on yourself or side issues. Resist the distractions and keep your gaze on Jesus and the Vision He has given.
3. To see your Vision become a reality, rely on the HOLY SPIRIT, not yourself.
Pastor Alex Himaya reminded us from Luke chapter 4 that you can be forgiven and not be free. You can be redeemed but not released. If you are going to experience the amazing plan God has for you, it will require you to trust completely in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When you trust Jesus Christ as your LORD, you are “born again”, not born physically, but spiritually. You are empowered with the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave. The Apostole Paul proclaimed, “Since we live by the SPirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, NIV).
Pursuing Truth with Chris Vaught 