FaithSF Online | Vision Sunday Part 3
Ordered Steps & Expansive Vision
Scripture References
Ephesians 3:20 ↗ ; Psalm 37:4-5 ↗ , 23; Proverbs 3:5-6 ↗ ; Philippians 4:6-7 ↗ ; 1 John 5:14 ↗ ; Acts 20:24 ↗ ; 2 Timothy 4:6-8 ↗ ; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ↗ ; Ephesians 2:10 ↗ ; Colossians 1:9-11 ↗
Introduction
The pastor returned from a ministers conference sensing fresh direction. The Holy Spirit whispered, “I’m sending people to you, son—there is no such thing as a small church, only small faith and small vision.” The message that followed centers on enlarging inner capacity, yielding to God’s ordered steps, and completing our life-course with joy.
Key Points / Exposition
1. Small Faith vs. Small Church
•God evaluates churches by vision and faith, not seating capacity.
•External growth only lasts when preceded by inner growth—character, prayer life, generosity, word intake.
•The congregation was asked, “Are y’all ready to grow?”—growth begins on the inside.
2. Delight, Commit, and Receive (Psalm 37:4-5, 23)
•“Delight” = become soft & pliable before the Lord; He then “gives” (Heb.
nathan
—places within) His desires.
•Commit (roll) your path to Him and He brings it to pass; our steps are
ordained
(established).
•Illustration: phone “filter” showed how believers sometimes live by outdated self-images; in Christ we are new creations.
•Self-check: Where is your self-image sourced—from past failures or from redemption?
3. Trusting Beyond Understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)
•Lean not on intellect alone; acknowledge Him and He
makes
paths straight.
•Testimonies:
• Bike commute—inner “check” saved the pastor from a potential accident.
• Delay in entering Bible school—waiting one extra year synchronized divine appointments: meeting his wife, new dean, and key relationships.
• Courtship & marriage—submitted to pastoral counsel and God provided rings, catering, and finances right on time.
•Principle: Right thing + wrong timing = disobedience. Continual “check-ins” with the Spirit are vital.
4. Casting Cares to Keep Faith Alive (Philippians 4:6-7)
•Worry and faith cannot coexist.
•Example: mother’s home-going; releasing anxiety permitted God’s peace to flood in.
•Practical “cuss word” the pastor used: “Everything ain’t about you”—we are conduits, not terminals.
5. Exceedingly, Abundantly (Ephesians 3:20)
•God’s ability is tied to “His power at work in us.” We regulate the flow by our faith, alignment, and obedience.
•Stand in faith this “E-3-20” year: dream beyond measurable limits but ensure dreams match His purpose.
6. Finishing the Course with Joy (Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:6-8 ↗ )
•Paul modeled a fearless finish: fought the good fight, kept the faith, looked forward to the victor’s crown.
•Real success = completing the assignment Jesus gave—in His strength, with His joy.
7. Paths Prepared, Works Predestined (Ephesians 2:10)
•We are God’s workmanship,
created for good works
already prepared.
•Resources, people, and timing await us along those paths—our obedience unlocks supply for ourselves and for those God wants to bless through us.
8. Prayer for Precision (Colossians 1:9-11)
•Pastor led the church in this apostolic prayer: being “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,” then strengthened with His might to sustain patience, longsuffering, and joy.
•Assignment: pray this over yourself, your family, and the church daily.
Major Lessons & Revelations
•God measures by faith and vision, not size.
•Inner transformation precedes outer expansion.
•Divine desires are implanted as we delight in Him.
•Timing is integral to obedience; peace is the umpire.
•Casting cares is a non-negotiable for sustained faith.
•Finishing well requires joy supplied by the Holy Spirit.
•Each believer’s life contains pre-arranged people, resources, and works—discover them through prayer and daily sensitivity.
Practical Application
1.Pray Colossians 1:9-11 ↗ over yourself every day this week.
2.Schedule “check-in” moments: pause, acknowledge the Lord, and listen before major decisions.
3.List care-items; verbally cast each on the Lord (Phil. 4:6-7). Refuse to take them back.
4.Dream with God: write three “E-3-20” requests that align with His purpose, not mere personal comfort.
5.Serve: prepare for incoming people—enlarge capacity in hospitality, discipleship, and generosity.
Conclusion & Call to Response
Growth starts inside. God has prepared paths, but He asks us to delight, commit, trust, and move. Accept His expansive vision, cast off small faith, and purpose today to run—then finish—your course with joy.
Prayer
“Father, fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Strengthen us with all might so we finish our course with joy. Order our steps, enlarge our faith, and use us as conduits of Your blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
References & Resources
•Ministers Conference (January 22)
•Bishop Keith Butler teachings
•Testimony: “My God Is an Awesome God” worship service
•Colossians 1:9-11 ↗ prayer guide
Vision Sunday with Pastor Don & Michelle Part 2
Living the Vision God Planned
Scripture References
Psalm 39:4 ↗ ; Psalm 37:23 ↗ ; Colossians 3:23 ↗ ; Jeremiah 1:5-11 ↗ ; Habakkuk 2:1-3 ↗ ; Matthew 28:18-20 ↗ ; Acts 1:8 ↗ ; Luke 19:12-27 ↗ ; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ↗ ; Romans 10:9-10 ↗ ; John 3:16 ↗
Introduction
The pastors opened in exuberant praise, then shifted to a sobering reminder that our days are brief and purpose-filled. Personal testimonies of janitorial service, water-fountain “excellence,” and God’s unexpected directions set the stage for a message on discerning, writing, and running with God’s vision for our lives.
Key Points / Exposition
1. Number Your Days - Live on Assignment
•Psalm 39:4 ↗ prayed as a daily calibration: “Teach me the number of my days.”
•Perspective: one human lifetime is “minutes” in God’s thousand-year day (2 Peter 3:8 ↗ alluded).
•Success is measured by motive and obedience, not external applause; ordinary tasks (cleaning a water fountain) can be “the most important thing in the universe” when done for Christ.
2. Ordered Steps & Joy in Each One
•Psalm 37:23 ↗ —“ordered” means set up, established, prepared.
•God delights in “each step,” not only the destination.
•Reject the temptation to postpone joy until prayers manifest; partner with God in the process.
3. Do Everything as to the Lord
•Colossians 3:23 ↗ : work willingly, with heart motives purified.
•Personal check: even the pursuit of God’s will can become an idol if it eclipses intimacy with Him.
4. Capture the Vision God Shows You
•Jeremiah 1:5-11 ↗ used as template:
• God identifies calling (prophet to nations).
• He addresses insecurities (“I am a child”).
• He imparts enablement (touches Jeremiah’s mouth).
• He asks, “What do you see?”—inviting partnership.
•Habakkuk 2:1-3 ↗ : write the vision plainly so you and co-runners can “run while reading.”
•Practical tool: Vision boards—pictures + Scripture placed where frequently seen; discretion encouraged (code meaningful only to you).
5. Plans with Specific Details
•Noah’s ark, Tabernacle, Temple: God sometimes gives precise measurements and timing.
•Testimonies:
• Black-pants directive led to serving in a California-Raisin costume for outreach.
• “Change your socks” nudge spared public embarrassment.
• Lease-negotiation letter written exactly as Holy Spirit instructed.
•Exhortation: “Pay attention to detail”—contracts, transcripts, financial paperwork, etc.
6. Your Core Assignment - The Great Commission
•Matthew 28:18-20 ↗ & Acts 1:8 ↗ : every believer is called to witness; if personal assignment is unclear, start here.
•Support missions both by going and by sending (church partners with the Fleges).
7. Stewardship & Increase
•Luke 19:12-27 ↗ (minas): multiplication expected; returning only what God gave is called “wicked.”
•2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ↗ :
• Sow bountifully → reap bountifully.
• God provides seed and bread: live in “daily-bread mode” and resist hoarding when finances feel tight.
• Set an annual giving goal above the tithe; trust God to supply both seed and tithe.
Major Lessons & Revelations
•Life is temporary; purpose is eternal.
•God values heart motive over platform.
•Vision must be documented, visible, and prayed over.
•Specific obedience unlocks further revelation.
•Everyone has a role in evangelism and in financing the gospel.
•Stewardship is worship; multiplication is expected.
Practical Application
1.Pray Psalm 39:4 ↗ this week—ask God to reveal the brevity and purpose of your life.
2.Create or update a vision board: include Scriptures, coded images if privacy needed, place where you linger daily.
3.Review any current divine instructions—identify missing details and act on them.
4.Schedule a monthly “detail audit” (contracts, bank statements, transcripts, etc.).
5.Write a specific 2026 sowing goal (post-tithe) and begin confessing 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ↗ over it.
6.Share Jesus with at least one person or intentionally support a missionary this month.
Conclusion & Call to Response
The message climaxed with an invitation to embrace God’s path: accept Christ, return from backsliding, receive the Holy Spirit, and step onto the ordered road of vision, plan, assignment, and stewardship. The congregation was exhorted to “stay on the path” and avoid detours that cause unnecessary bumps and scrapes.
Prayer
A pastoral prayer thanked God for:
•Clarity of purpose and ordered steps.
•The Holy Spirit’s continual help.
•Courage to record and pursue vision.
•Grace for financial stewardship and perpetual harvest.
Intercession followed for salvation, rededication, and Spirit-baptism of all responders.
References & Resources
•YouVersion “Verse of the Day” videos.
•Vision-board tools (magazines, digital collages).
•Testimonies: janitorial excellence, detail miracles, outreach costume story.
•Missions partner: The Flege family.
Vision Sunday with Pastor Don & Michelle
Guarding Vision & Walking in Ordered Steps
Scripture References
Mark 3:23-25 ↗ ; 2 Corinthians 2:11 ↗ ; Ephesians 6:11 ↗ ; James 3:13-18 ↗ ; Mark 4:13-17 ↗ ; Psalm 37:23 ↗ ; Ephesians 3:20 ↗ ; 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ↗ ; John 3:16 ↗ ; Romans 10:9-10 ↗ ; 2 Corinthians 9:7-10 ↗
Introduction
•“Vision Sunday” launches a season of clarifying God’s plan for the church and each believer in the new year—declared “a year of new beginnings, a fresh start, an E-320 year.”
•Pastor candidly shares how sermons often shift from neat notes to Spirit-led direction.
•Lighthearted opener (the purse story) reminds the congregation not to be distracted—God has something specific to say.
Key Points / Exposition
1. Satan’s Primary Tactic—Division
•Mark 3:23-25 ↗ : Jesus states a divided kingdom or house cannot stand.
•Greek insight: “Satan” = adversary/accuser; “divided” = cut into pieces.
•Historical example: Rome fell from internal decay, not external attack.
•Application: Church, household, and nation must guard unity or become unstable targets.
2. Recognizing the Devil’s Devices
•2 Corinthians 2:11 ↗ —unforgiveness gives Satan “advantage.”
•Device (noēma): mindset, scheme.
•Ephesians 6:11 ↗ —“wiles” (methodeia) = predictable methods; believers are to wear full armor.
•Practical discernment: media rhetoric steeped in accusation and contempt often signals demonic influence.
3. Two Kinds of Wisdom (James 3:13-18)
•Bitter envying = fierce self-promotion; strife = party spirit/factionalism.
•Source: earthly, soulish, devilish—produces confusion (disorder, tumult) and “every evil work.”
•Wisdom from above: pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, impartial, sincere.
•Fruit of righteousness is sown only by peacemakers.
4. Attacks Precede Advancement
•Mark 4:13-17 ↗ : affliction (circumstantial pressure) and persecution (people-pressure) arise “for the Word’s sake.”
•Personal testimonies:
• Minivan totaled yet family spared; engine brackets gone—God’s protection.
• Pastor’s wife’s “dream car” (Jeep) totaled one month after purchase—enemy’s attempt to discourage, yet both walked away unharmed.
• Building move, plumbing failure, garage door expense—pressure surged just before ministry breakthroughs.
•Insight: pressure often signals proximity to the “end zone” of promise.
5. Ordered Steps & Daily Vision
•Psalm 37:23 ↗ —God orders (prepares) steps, yet believers must choose to walk them.
•Members challenged to:
1.Ask God what He desires for them this year.
2.Receive a confirming word/song/verse to anchor vision.
3.Set giving goals—God supplies seed to sow (2 Cor 9:7-10).
Major Lessons & Revelations
•Unity is spiritual warfare; division is Satan’s shortcut to cripple power.
•Speech reveals allegiance—heavenly wisdom edifies; soulish talk divides.
•Pressure is not proof of defeat but evidence the Word is working.
•God’s guidance is moment-by-moment; intimacy with Him averts chaos.
•Vision includes generosity—God funds what He assigns.
Practical Application
•Guard conversations: refuse labeling, name-calling, and strife-filled posts.
•Daily pray (1 Tim 2:1-2) for leaders, churches, and cities to avert chaos.
•Conduct a “Spirit-check” before reacting; ask, “Is this wisdom from above?”
•Build a vision board/faith list (car example) and keep it before your eyes.
•Set a specific 2026 giving goal; expect God to channel seed through you.
•Volunteer practical skills (reading, math, arts) at local school partnership—live out ordered steps.
Conclusion & Call to Response
•God has a victorious vision; the devil has a divisive plan—choose which to advance.
•Believers invited to salvation (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10 ↗ ), rededication, Spirit-baptism, and active service.
•Charge: Move forward in excellence, sow peace, and watch Ephesians 3:20 ↗ unfold.
Prayer
•Thanksgiving for ordered steps and the wisdom from above.
•Petition for heightened sensitivity, unity in the body, protection from strife, and empowerment to fulfill 2026 vision.
References & Resources
•Vision board testimony (Jeep, E-320).
•Historical note: A.D. 70 Jerusalem siege—internal strife amid external threat.
•Terry Savelle Foy’s “Vision 2026” broadcast (one-word focus exercise).
•Local outreach: Reading Elementary School volunteer/tutor initiative.