God's Call and Vision for 2010 And Beyond...

God’s Call and Vision for 2010

The call and vision this year and in the years to come is based on the first eight chapters of Nehemiah. There are some key words that the Lord has given to us as a ministry that I would like to share with you.

Key Words:
Build a wall of protection for the elderly
Praying
Compassion
Godly Leadership
Cooperation
Perseverance
Courage
Work
Tenacity
Weeping
Joy
Service

“…If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ…” 1Peter 4:11b-NIV

As we look at this verse, the reason we serve in ministry is so that “….in all things God may be praised…” 2010 has many things on its plate; mid-term election, unemployment, the housing market, possible conflict with Iran, more “problems” that can keep us distracted and things that will affect our lives in many ways. There are many concerns in our current society that will take our time, effort and our resources, but many of them are distractions that will take us away from the main call of our work for the Lord. The concern is that we will be carried away by the cares of the world from the main objective the Lord has given to us.

Our CALL this year is based on Nehemiah. We are to “Cast the Vision” to as many as possible but it must start with us. Nehemiah shows Godly leadership by his fasting and praying and confidence in God’s purpose. He also shows a self-sacrificing spirit whose only interest is God’s purpose and the call of God on his life and those he is influencing. God chose a man whose heart was right and who had a clear perception on the issues, placing him at the right place at the right time, equipping him with His Spirit and sent him forth to do exploits. We are that “man”.

Nehemiah had a heart and burden to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem. Chapter three reveals a remarkable display of unity. The reconstruction of the walls was a tremendous challenge (not unlike what we are facing in our ministry). Some 40 groups were working on the wall; this shows the unity of purpose and work that should be characteristic of our ministry.

In chapter four, warfare is imminent; there are those arising up to fight Nehemiah but there are also those fighting with him. Like Nehemiah, we can ignore those opposed to us and trust God for victory. We should realize that all spiritual ministry involves spiritual warfare. Be prepared for battle, quick to aid those who are under attack. The enemy tries to discourage some whose dedication is waning, but those who are strong for the Lord’s purpose redouble their efforts. They add weapons to their assortments of tools (What weapons do we need to add to our tools?). For the project of rebuilding the wall to succeed, the people had to continue with right attitude and right action--and so must we.

Chapter five finds Nehemiah dealing with oppression. The poor inside of the walls had found a champion in Nehemiah for their cause (like Nehemiah, we are the champions for the elderly).

Soon, in chapter six, distraction came calling. Nehemiah said, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” Four times the call came to come down, but each time Nehemiah said NO. Because of the many distractions that the enemy sends our way, we have to have our spiritual eyes and ears open in order not to be swayed by their call. Nehemiah said, “For they are trying to make us afraid, saying, 'their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.' Now, therefore, O God, strengthen my hands," Neh.6:9 Pray that our responses in demanding situations will be like Nehemiah’s, O God, strengthen my hands.

Many things surround us that are a distraction to get our focus off of the work God has called us to do at Crossroads. Our first work is to bring salvation, hope and purpose to our residents, their families and the staff of the care centers. Secondly, we are called to mature those in our influence; Board, chaplains, volunteers, Crossroad’s staff and donor champions.
While we are called to be mindful of things going around us, to walk in prayer over those things, we cannot lose the call of the work the Lord has given us.

Joy and thanksgiving must become our main-stay as we continue to accomplish God’s work. Dedicating our work to the Lord, knowing it is He who gives all success and progress. Wisdom knows that the Lord is the source of any spiritual advancement. At the same time be aware that no such progress will go unopposed--we will incur spiritual opposition--sometimes expressed through human agencies.

Like Nehemiah, we need to gather others together to do the work the Lord has given us to do; those who have a heart and mind to work. There are four lasting principles that were involved in Nehemiah’s life that should sum up our lives as well.

- First, compassion is often the springboard of obedience to God’s will.

- Second, cooperation with others is required to carry out God’s will.

- Third, confidence in the results that comes from prayer, fasting and the Word of God as these three things will reveal God’s will to us.

- Fourth, courage will manifest itself as tenacity in refusing to compromise on the conviction that one is doing God’s will.

“And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' Then they set their hands to this good work." Neh. 2:18