TLC: Live with Vision

People underestimate the power of having a clear vision to live by, work towards, dream of. I'm amazed by how often we allow life to suck us up and wring us out in the day to day minutae of activity, caught up in doing what the day dictates. What would happen if we took our lives back?

Now, before launching into visionary thoughts, let's consider common mistakes we make: our visions tend to be self-centered, closed off and limited. Ouch! I discovered this while doing a vision exercise at our church. We were encouraging people to have vision for their lives, to create "dream books" about what they were believing for. No matter what age we worked with, there were two common responses. First, there were those who had never ever given thought to such things. They had no dream or vision for their life. It was neat to watch them begin to consider the possibilities. Some were scared at first, and some had been living a vision but just hadn't clearly identified it.

Secondly, there were always those whose dream books were all about what they wanted for themselves. The car, the spouse, the house, the stuff. They hadn't reached the point of seeing beyond themselves in the process. We all go through those stages.

I believe that when we can identify a vision that goes beyond ourselves, that is not easy to achieve but challenges us and challenges the walls of limitation we have lived in - that is true vision. Let it be large and vibrant! Dare to dream! Vision always needs to be broken down into bite-size chunks. There are steps you are going to take on the journey, but you need to know what you are running for!

At The Life Church, Mission Bay, we have a vision. Simply put, it is Encounter, Equip, Engage. We believe that this church, a part of San Diego for 30 years now, is here for a purpose that will touch not only our personal lives, but the lives of those around us and abroad.

ENCOUNTER
It is essential that we be able to encounter the living God, to come into a close and sustained intimacy of relationship with Him. As a church we facilitate these encounters through the preaching of the word, worship and prayer. These elements are woven into all that we do. We desire to know God more and more!

EQUIP
Being in relationship with God is only the beginning. Living the activated life of a Believer, being a Disciple of Jesus, is key for us. We encourage all believers to grow in their faith and understanding of the Bible, God's words to us. We also get excited about helping others find out how specially made they are: an amazing mix of temperment, gifts , abilities and experiences that work together to be a tremendous blessing to those around you!

ENGAGE
Knowledge is nothing if it is not used. Believing is not real if it is not put into action, tested, activated. Nothing it more thrilling than for us to stand on the foundation of our relationship with God, prepared to use what God has given us, and launch out to touch others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are believing for a massive paradigm shift - that the Church will see that no matter where she goes or what she does, she is a disciple of Christ. We see a bold and passionate people influencing their workplaces, neighborhoods and families with the love and power of God. Partnering with God to reach those who are lost in darkness and bring them into His marvelous light, seeing them saved from sin, healed from infirmities of body and soul, and delivered from bondages. A people no longer living for themselves but for something greater, SomeONE greater!

We don't believe in wasting time. Times are moving quickly now, hastening forward...let's not waste it. If you are joined together with The Life Church in commitment of relationship, then run with us. Let's go forward together. We have somewhere exciting to go!