Vision Sunday | Helping People Find Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Write the Vision—Clarity for the Journey Ahead

God calls His people to write down the vision He gives so that it is clear and actionable, especially in times of uncertainty or challenge. When we know the direction God is leading us, we can run with purpose and not just be busy, but fruitful. Without a clear vision, we risk wandering aimlessly, missing out on the fullness of what God wants to accomplish in and through us. Take time to seek God’s direction, write it down, and keep it before your eyes so you can move forward with confidence and faith. [07:40]

Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV)
And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God’s vision and write it down so you can move forward with clarity and purpose?

Day 2: Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us—Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Looking back on our journey, we see that God has been faithful every step of the way, providing, protecting, and guiding us through every season. Gratitude grows when we pause to remember all that He has done, and it gives us confidence that He will continue to lead us into the future. Just as the Israelites set up stones to remember God’s help, we too can mark moments of His faithfulness in our lives, knowing He hasn’t brought us this far just to leave us. [13:30]

1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.”

Reflection: Take a few minutes to recall and write down three specific ways God has helped you “thus far”—how does remembering these moments encourage your faith for what’s ahead?

Day 3: Seek First His Presence—Making God Our Priority

The presence of God is not just a part of our lives; it is the foundation and the source of everything we need. When we prioritize being near to God above all else, we find protection, direction, and joy. Programs, plans, and even good intentions are empty without His presence leading the way. As we move into new seasons, let’s commit to seeking Him first, making His presence our number one priority in our homes, our church, and our daily lives. [15:54]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally prioritize God’s presence in your daily routine this week?

Day 4: Keep the Word in Front of You—Growing in Spiritual Depth

Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength means keeping His Word at the center of our lives and passing it on to the next generation. When we surround ourselves with Scripture—reading it, speaking it, and displaying it in our homes—it shapes our hearts and minds, builds faith, and brings transformation. Let’s be intentional about immersing ourselves and our families in God’s Word, making it a visible and living part of our everyday lives. [20:47]

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (ESV)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Reflection: Where in your home or daily life can you place a visible reminder of God’s Word to encourage and strengthen your faith?

Day 5: Helping People Find Hope—Our Mission in Action

Our calling is to help people find hope, healing, and breakthrough through Jesus, who is the true source of hope. As we step into new opportunities and seasons, we are reminded that our mission is not just about buildings or programs, but about lives being changed by the power of God. By sharing the hope we have found, serving others, and living out authentic joy and faith, we become a city on a hill, drawing others to the light of Christ. [30:08]

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs hope right now, and how can you intentionally reach out to them this week with encouragement or prayer?

Sermon Summary

Today marks a pivotal moment in the journey of Hope City, a day to pause and recognize the faithfulness of God in our story. We stand in awe of the miracles that have brought us here—not just the visible ones, but the everyday blessings we often overlook. It’s easy to get caught up in what we want or what’s next, but true gratitude comes from recognizing the miracle of the present: the breath in our lungs, the community around us, and the evidence of God’s hand in our lives. As we look forward, we do so with faith, knowing that the same God who has carried us thus far is preparing us for even greater things.

We filter every decision—whether in leadership, family, or personal life—through three lenses: preference, tradition, and what is truly sacred. Only what is sacred is non-negotiable, and at the heart of all we do is the presence of God. Our church is not built on programs or personalities, but on the living presence of the Almighty. We are committed to making His presence our first priority, both corporately and in our individual homes. Everything we need is found in Him, and we refuse to move forward without His leading.

Looking back, we celebrate thousands of lives changed this year—over 6,000 commitments to Jesus, nearly a thousand baptisms, and countless stories of restoration and purpose. But we also look ahead with expectation. In the coming year, we are deepening our commitment to spiritual growth, launching new “cultivate classes,” expanding our campus, and creating more opportunities for people to encounter God’s Word and presence. Our mission is clear: helping people find hope, because hope has a name—Jesus.

We are refreshing our vision, mission, and core values to better reflect who we are and where God is leading us. Our mission is to help people find hope; our vision is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus, choosing authentic joy and learning to fight in faith. Our core values—God’s Word, love, evangelism, service, and growth—will guide us as we step into this new season. The grand opening of our new West Houston campus is just the beginning. We invite everyone to join us in prayer, expectation, and participation as we continue to witness God’s faithfulness and help more people find hope in Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Recognize the Miracle of the Present It’s easy to overlook the everyday blessings that surround us, focusing instead on what we lack or desire. But true spiritual maturity comes from seeing the miracle in the mundane—the breath in our lungs, the relationships we cherish, and the opportunities before us. Gratitude is not about having everything we want, but about seeing God’s hand in what we already have. This perspective shift opens our eyes to the faithfulness of God in every season. [02:21]
2. Filter Life Through What Is Sacred Not everything we do is equally important; some things are preferences, others are traditions, but only a few are truly sacred. When we filter our decisions through this lens, we ensure that our lives and our church remain anchored in what matters most: the presence and purposes of God. This discernment keeps us from being busy without being fruitful and helps us build on a foundation that will last. [06:00]
3. God’s Presence Must Be Our First Priority Programs, systems, and personalities may draw crowds, but only the presence of God transforms lives. When we make His presence our non-negotiable priority, we create space for authentic encounters, lasting change, and true spiritual growth. This commitment is not just for our gatherings, but for our homes and personal lives as well. [15:54]
4. Keep God’s Word in Front of You Spiritual growth requires intentionality. By keeping God’s Word visible and central—in our homes, conversations, and daily routines—we cultivate a heart that is sensitive to His voice and direction. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also equips us to face challenges with hope and resilience. [20:47]
5. Embrace the New with Faith and Honor As God leads us into new seasons, it’s important to honor the past while embracing the future with faith. Refreshing our vision and mission is not about abandoning what was, but about aligning more closely with what God is doing now. When we step forward with humility and expectation, we position ourselves to see even greater miracles and impact. [28:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
[01:43] - Recognizing Everyday Miracles
[03:36] - Shifting to Gratitude and Generosity
[05:23] - The Three Lenses: Preference, Tradition, Sacred
[07:16] - Habakkuk: Writing the Vision
[09:12] - The Importance of Clear Direction
[12:16] - Celebrating This Year’s Impact
[14:43] - Looking Ahead: Three Commitments
[15:54] - God’s Presence as First Priority
[20:10] - Opportunities for Spiritual Growth
[22:05] - Keeping God’s Word Visible
[25:08] - New Initiatives: Cultivate Classes & Revival Nights
[27:03] - Refreshing Vision, Mission, and Core Values
[30:08] - Mission: Helping People Find Hope
[31:26] - Vision: Life-Changing Relationship & Joy
[32:39] - Core Values: Word, Love, Evangelism, Service, Growth
[35:19] - The New Building: A City on a Hill
[37:14] - Joining in Prayer for the Future
[39:43] - Invitation to Salvation and Commitment

Bible Study Guide

Hope City Small Group Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV)
> And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”

Psalm 73:28 (ESV)
> But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (ESV)
> You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Observation Questions

In Habakkuk 2:2, what does God instruct Habakkuk to do with the vision He gives him? Why is it important for the vision to be “plain”? ([07:16])
According to Psalm 73:28, what does the psalmist say is “good” for him, and what is the result of being near to God? ([15:16])
In Deuteronomy 6:5-9, what are some practical ways God’s people are told to keep His Word in front of them and their families? ([20:47])
The sermon mentioned three “lenses” for making decisions: preference, tradition, and what is sacred. What are some examples given of things that are considered sacred at Hope City? ([06:00])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God told Habakkuk to write the vision down and make it clear for others? How might this relate to the way a church or family should approach their own vision or direction? ([07:16])
The psalmist says it is “good to be near God.” What does it look like in everyday life to make God’s presence a first priority, both for a church and for individuals? ([15:54])
The passage in Deuteronomy emphasizes repeating God’s commands to children and keeping them visible. Why is it important to keep God’s Word in front of us, and what might happen if we don’t? ([20:47])
The sermon talks about filtering decisions through what is sacred, not just preference or tradition. Why is it important to distinguish between these, and what are the risks if we don’t? ([06:00])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to “recognize the miracle of the present” and not overlook everyday blessings. What is one everyday blessing in your life that you often overlook? How can you practice gratitude for it this week? ([02:21])
Think about a recent decision you made in your family, work, or personal life. Did you filter it through preference, tradition, or what is truly sacred? How might your decision have changed if you focused on what is sacred? ([06:00])
The pastors said, “Our church isn’t built on programs or personalities, but on the presence of the Almighty.” What is one way you can make God’s presence a greater priority in your home or personal routine this month? ([15:54])
Deuteronomy 6 talks about keeping God’s Word visible in your home and life. What is one practical step you can take this week to keep Scripture in front of you or your family? (For example, a verse on your mirror, a family memory verse, or a reminder on your phone.) ([20:47])
The church is entering a new season, refreshing its vision and mission. Is there an area of your life where God might be inviting you to “embrace the new with faith and honor the past”? What would it look like to step forward with faith in that area? ([28:15])
The sermon celebrated thousands of lives changed and looked forward to more. Who is one person in your life who needs hope? What is one thing you can do this week to help them find hope in Jesus? ([30:08])
The pastors invited everyone to join in prayer and participation for the future. What is one specific way you can pray for Hope City or get involved in this next season? ([37:14])

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Vision Sunday | Helping People Find Hope | Hope City