Living with Vision: Embracing Community and Intentionality

Today, the focus is on living with vision and intentionality, both as individuals and as a church community. The invitation is to lift up the name of Jesus, not just as a ritual, but as an overflow of gratitude for what He has done in our lives. There is a reminder that God’s eyes are on each of us personally, and that surrendering our hearts to Him is the way to catch His attention and experience His support. In a world filled with chaos, violence, and division, we are called to remember that our battle is not against people, but against spiritual forces, and that Jesus is still Lord, still on the throne, and still the only one who can bring true healing and peace.

As we look ahead to a season of growth and outreach, there is a challenge to make room for others—both literally, by adjusting our schedules for new service times, and relationally, by inviting those who are far from God to experience His love. The importance of community is emphasized: we are not meant to do life alone, but to be known, loved, and challenged within a circle of believers who pray for us and walk with us through every season. Small groups and authentic relationships are not just programs, but essential environments for spiritual growth and transformation.

Attention is also given to the rhythms and disciplines that shape our lives. What we take in—through media, conversations, and daily habits—either draws us closer to God’s vision or distracts us from it. We are encouraged to filter our intakes, to be honest about what is shaping our minds and hearts, and to prioritize time with God above all else. The gap between our hopes and our reality is often bridged by our daily disciplines: time in God’s Word, prayer and worship, reflection on His goodness, expressing love to those closest to us, and intentionally adding value to others.

Ultimately, the vision is not about building a big church or running programs, but about seeing lives transformed, atmospheres changed, and the kingdom of God advanced in our city. We are called to be a church that loves deeply, prays fervently, pursues unity, and welcomes the next generation into passionate faith. As we step into a new season, the invitation is to surrender afresh, to run with God’s vision, and to believe for a harvest of changed lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Eyes Are on You Personally No matter how overlooked or unworthy you may feel, God’s attention is fixed on you. Surrendering your whole heart to Him is not a one-time event, but a daily posture that invites His support and presence into your life. When you open your heart, you catch the attention of the God who searches the earth for those who are fully His. [27:42]
• 2. Community Is Essential for Spiritual Growth You are not meant to walk alone. The people you surround yourself with will either encourage your growth or stunt it. True community means being known, loved, and challenged—embracing relationships where honesty, prayer, and accountability are the norm, not the exception. [48:10]
• 3. What You Take In Shapes Who You Become Your daily intakes—what you watch, listen to, and dwell on—are forming your thoughts, attitudes, and spiritual health. It’s not about legalism, but about protecting the anointing and calling on your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you filter your inputs, so that your mind is governed by the Spirit and filled with life and peace. [55:24]
• 4. Disciplines Bridge the Gap Between Hope and Reality The difference between where you are and where you hope to be is often found in your daily disciplines. God can deliver and heal in a moment, but it is your consistent habits—time in the Word, prayer, reflection, loving others, and adding value—that sustain freedom and produce a lasting legacy. [63:33]
• 5. Unity and Intercession Release God’s Blessing God detests discord among His people and delights in unity. Praying for other churches, leaders, and believers—even those who are different from us—releases blessing and advances the kingdom. In a divided world, the church must be a beacon of unity, love, and intercession for the city and beyond. [42:09]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [25:36] - Lifting Up the Name of Jesus
• [27:02] - God’s Eyes Are on You
• [28:15] - Announcements & Junior High Sendoff
• [29:16] - At the Movies: Vision for Outreach
• [30:15] - Making Room for Others
• [32:20] - Baptisms & Small Group Launch
• [33:35] - Pastoring Through a Heavy Season
• [35:15] - Our Battle Is Not Against People
• [36:11] - Life and Peace in the Spirit
• [37:22] - Prayer for Healing and Peace
• [41:41] - Unity Among Churches
• [43:42] - Four-Step Spiritual Journey
• [46:30] - Three Keys to Reaching God’s Vision
• [47:28] - The Power of Your Circle
• [54:38] - The Importance of Your Intakes
• [60:54] - The Role of Disciplines
• [63:33] - Five Daily Disciplines
• [68:55] - Running with Vision
• [70:52] - Prophetic Vision for the Next Season
• [73:15] - Invitation to Surrender to Jesus
• [74:46] - Celebration and Closing

Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV) — > For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.

2. Romans 8:6 (ESV)
> For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

3. Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
> Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Chronicles 16:9, what is God looking for in people, and what does He promise to those whose hearts are fully His?
2. In Romans 8:6, what is the difference between a mind governed by the flesh and a mind governed by the Spirit?
3. What kinds of things does Philippians 4:8 tell us to focus our thoughts on?
4. In the sermon, what are some practical ways the pastor suggested we can “make room” for others in our church community? [[30:15]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “God’s eye is on you today…surrendering your heart one more time and say, God, here’s my whole heart.” Why is daily surrender important, and how does it relate to catching God’s attention? [[27:42]]
2. The pastor emphasized that “community is essential for spiritual growth.” Why do you think being “known, loved, and challenged” in a group is so important for following Jesus? [[48:10]]
3. The message talked about “filtering our intakes”—the things we watch, listen to, and dwell on. Why is it not just about legalism, but about protecting the calling and anointing on your life? [[55:24]]
4. The pastor said, “The gap between our hopes and our reality is often bridged by our daily disciplines.” What does this mean, and how do daily habits help us live out God’s vision? [[01:03:33]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to “make room” for others, both in our schedules and in our relationships. Is there a practical way you could adjust your routine or comfort zone to invite someone new into your life or to church this month? [[30:15]]
2. Think about your current “circle”—the people you spend the most time with. Are they helping you grow in your faith, or holding you back? Is there a next step you could take to build more honest, prayerful relationships? [[48:10]]
3. The pastor asked, “What are your intakes?”—what you watch, listen to, and read. Is there something you regularly take in that you sense is distracting you from God’s vision? What’s one thing you could filter or replace this week? [[55:24]]
4. The message listed five daily disciplines: time in God’s Word, prayer and worship, reflection on God’s goodness, expressing love to those closest to you, and adding value to others. Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which one is hardest? What’s one step you could take to grow in the hardest area? [[01:03:33]]
5. The sermon said, “Unity and intercession release God’s blessing.” Is there someone (or another church) you could pray for this week, even if you disagree with them? How might that change your heart? [[42:09]]
6. The pastor shared that “God can deliver in a day, but you have to back up that deliverance with daily habits.” Is there an area where you’ve experienced God’s help, but need to build new habits to keep growing? What could that look like for you? [[01:02:53]]
7. The vision is not about building a big church, but about seeing lives transformed. What does “success” look like for you in this next season, if you measure it by changed lives and spiritual growth instead of numbers or achievements? [[44:58]]