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•Illustration: phone “filter” showed how believers sometimes live by outdated self-images; in Christ we are new creations.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.

Sunday Service with Pastor Don & Michelle

Expanding Capacity for an “E-320” Year

Scripture References

Ephesians 3:20 ↗ ; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ↗ ; Acts 4:23-35 ↗ ; Psalm 126:1-6 ↗ ; Amos 9:13 ↗ ; Galatians 6:7-9 ↗ ; Habakkuk 2:1-3 ↗ ; Hebrews 10:29 ↗ ; Psalm 112 ↗ ; Psalm 2 ↗ ; John 3:16 ↗ ; Romans 10:9-10 ↗ ; 1 John 1:9 ↗ ; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28 ↗

Introduction

• The congregation entered 2024 under a prophetic banner given by Bishop Butler: “A year of new beginnings and a fresh start.”

• While preparing, the preacher sensed the Lord narrowing that word for this house: “For those who stand in faith, this will be an E-320 year.”

• E-320 is drawn from Ephesians 3:20 ↗ (AMP C) and describes God doing “super-abundantly, far over and above” anything we can ask or imagine—yet it is proportional to the power “at work in us.”

• The morning’s aim: enlarge spiritual capacity so God can release greater grace, resources and impact through us.

Key Points / Exposition

1. God’s Capacity Meets Our Capacity (Ephesians 3:20)

•Exceedingly-abundantly (Gk. hyper + ek + perissos): “beyond all measure, beyond all limits.”

•Limiting factor: not God’s willingness but how much of His power is “actively at work within” the believer.

•Question posed: “How big is your cup this morning?”

2. Generosity Sets Capacity (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ↗ )

•Sowing sparingly = reaping sparingly; sowing bountifully (Gk. eulogia, “good words / praise / bestowal of good”) = reaping bountifully.

•God loves a cheerful, prompt-to-do-it giver whose heart is in the gift.

•Two-fold provision: “seed for the sower” (future) and “bread for food” (present).

•Grace = God’s ability to produce results; the Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of grace” (Heb 10:29).

•When believers become “addicted” to giving, God finances the addiction.

3. Grace Demonstrated in the Early Church (Acts 4:23-35)

•Corporate prayer, unity and Spirit-filling produced boldness, signs, wonders and “great grace.”

•Result: “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” Owners liquidated surplus property; distribution met every need—model of a supernatural economy.

4. Harvest Laws & the Shortening Gap

•Psalm 126 ↗ : sowing in tears → reaping with joy; return laden with sheaves.

•Amos 9:13 ↗ : prophetic picture of harvest overtaking sowing—time compressed.

•Galatians 6:7-9 ↗ : law of sowing & reaping; don’t faint, due season is guaranteed.

•Word for 2024: expect the lag between seed and harvest to shrink.

5. Enlarging the Cup

•Pray in the Holy Ghost (Jude 20) to “charge” the inner man.

•Daily Word intake: “Man shall not live by bread alone.”

•Write the vision (Hab 2:1-3); keep pictures of faith projects before your eyes.

•Serve—service itself is seed.

•Refuse mental “leaning” that shrinks possibility; align purpose with God’s purpose (“He pays for His plan”).

Major Lessons & Revelations

• Abundance flows to purpose: when His purpose becomes ours, supply is guaranteed.

• Grace is not abstract; it is the Holy Spirit empowering believers to do what they otherwise cannot.

• Generosity positions believers as distribution centers through which God blesses others.

• Unity and Spirit-fullness eliminate lack in a community.

• Harvest acceleration is a hallmark of this prophetic season.

Practical Application

• Identify “big and bold” requests; write them, pray them, visualize them.

• Schedule daily Spirit-led prayer; include praying in tongues to enlarge capacity.

• Give cheerfully and bountifully; ask God where/what to sow—especially into others’ faith projects.

• Serve in church ministries—service = sowing.

• Create or update a vision board (Hab 2); place faith images where you pray.

• Guard speech; speak “eulogia”—good words—over finances, projects, family.

• Track testimonies of provision; let them fuel fresh faith.

Conclusion & Call to Response

The Lord invites every believer to refuse small thinking and embrace an E-320 lifestyle—exceedingly, abundantly above. Do not shrink God to fit your present cup; enlarge the cup through faith, giving, service and Spirit-filled living. Due season is now; harvest is accelerating. Step out, stand in faith, and watch God make you a blessing.

Prayer

Father, thank You that we are anointed to minister and to receive. Enlarge our hearts, expand our capacity, and release all-sufficiency grace so that in 2024 we become true distribution centers—meeting needs, funding vision, and bringing glory to Jesus. Amen.