August 27: PROGRAMS

See it:

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 (NLT)

Obey it:

Today’s devotional thought is intentionally written for leaders. The ones that make programs run. We don’t need any “just because programs”. Just because programs are those we do “just because” with no missional component. Remember these three things:

1.      Have a compelling vision to reach the lost. You want to reach the city? What does that mean? Did you know that reaching the city means that sinners from said city will be coming to YOUR church, sitting next to YOUR daughter, and going to YOUR church picnic with their earrings, cigarette smell (not Marlboro, either) and (gasp!) real chicken? The truth is that many times we are afraid of the people we claim we want to reach. We cannot say: “we want to grow, but we don’t want to do much.”

2.      Have the guts to lead in your sphere of influence. If this is a God-given vision, you must proceed. Make sure you are not changing doctrine, Biblical principles, and the Ten Commandments. Fierce, determined, hurtful opposition is a given. The devil hates evangelism. You will see how much when you become missional.

3.      Bring alignment to the vision. There can’t be competing visions. Stay away from the FUBU church. For us, by us, and at the end of the day, it’s just us. That’s not what God had in mind when He created the church and launched it. Remember who we are doing it for: Jesus. Them. Us. In that order.

Share it:
1. Pay for the person behind you at the drive-thru.
2. Buy dessert for someone eating out alone.
3. Pick up the tab for a random table at a restaurant.

My prayer today:
Father, help me grasp your passion to reach our community with your truth and love. Help me do what furthers Your plan to seek and save. Amen.

Season of Service