11/01/09 - Vision Sunday - Pastor Sheryll Ashmore

Pastor Sheryll Ashmore discusses "Where Am I and Why?" in this Vision Sunday message.

Vision Sunday - Where Am I and Why?
Pastor Sheryll Ashmore
Sunday, November 1, 2009

www.churchatmirrorlake.com


Sermon Notes:


Where Am I and Why?

In life, in relationships (with God and others), on the job, in my church

Vision Sunday-November 2009-Year coming to a close-Let’s look at our ministry model and set some goals for the remainder of 2009 and next year.

Ready to grow? If not, why? How do you feel when you hear the challenge to grow? This reveals the condition of our hearts.

Truth is: you’ve been called to greatness! God intends for us to lead a great life.
* Luke 7:28 “I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is.”
* John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Why does God want us to live great lives?
* Matthew 23:11 “The greatest among you must be a servant.” Life is not supposed to happen to us-we are supposed to be intentional and make the most of our life by serving others on purpose.
- His greatest desire is for us to live a life that looks beyond ourselves to see the needs and the hurts of others. This means we must continue to mature in our Christian walk. Left to our own thoughts, this does not come naturally. It happens as we allow His love to live in and through us.

Characteristics and excuses for where we are:
- I’ve been hurt (we forget we have also hurt others and hope and expect that they will forgive and move one) So much easier to focus on the times when we’ve been hurt, rather than those times we’ve done the hurting.
- I don’t have time. (grow and mature right where you are-simply make the most effective use of your life-get intentional about being the best coach ever in your home, on the job, doing what you are already doing at church)

Our reaction to life defines us: Those things or people that anger us, make us afraid control us. Others are watching to see if we live out what we say we believe.
- What comes out of our mouth in tough situations? The way you talk gives you away.
- Where was I this time last year? Have I shrunk, stayed the same, grown? Even if I identified myself as a coach last year, I should continue to grow and mature.


The Stadium Scenario

1.) Spectator: person who watches event

What’s in it for me?
Hope I get my money’s worth.
Judgmental
Critical
Notice things need to be done and wonder who will do it-no personal investment
Do I commit or not?

Examples: They do this or that. What do you do about this? They could have done that better. I could do better than them.

I stay here because:
I just can’t make a decision
I’m afraid I don’t have what it takes

* Luke 17:20 NKJV-“The kingdom of God does not come with observation…”

2.) Fan: person enthusiastic about an interest

I do get my money’s worth
I like it
I see things that need to be done or could be done better, but I’m pretty happy watching others do it.
I do cheer others on

Examples: Rah! Rah! Rah! You can do it. You do the work and I’ll cheer you on.
Look at how great our children’s ministry is-they do such a great job.

I stay here because:
I’m having a blast. I’m good at cheering others on. They need me to motivate them. It doesn’t really require much of me.

* Mark 9:40 NLT-“Anyone who is not against is for us.” Spectators and fans are “for us” people. Players and Coaches are “with us” folks.


3.) Player: a person who takes part

I am just not happy watching others make it happen
I am more invested and really want to participate in the victory
It’s important to me that the team performs well and we get the victory

Examples: We can do it. Hey-I’ll help you with that.
Did you notice we need_________? What should be done about that?

I stay here because:
If I go any further, I’m all in. Am I ready for that?
I’m doing great right where I am, why do I need anything more?
I’m really good at what I do. Wouldn’t it be better if I continue doing it?

* Matthew 5:1-2-Message-“When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.”

4.) Coach: a person who instructs and aligns

It’s important to me that others find their place on the team
I look at the overall game plan and am no longer focused on just “my” area
I notice when something needs to be done in any area and don’t want on someone else to jump in there-if it needs to be done, I can do it.
My greatest joy is helping others find their gifts, get on the right seat on the bus and do well.

Examples: continually casting vision, sees the big picture, understands the importance of the entire team
Our overall game plan is: vision
Tell me what you like to do: making it happen
I know where your gift can be used effectively

I stay here because:
Where else would I be?
This is where I find the greatest level of satisfaction and fulfillment.
This is where I can serve others best
Once I’ve realized all of this, why would I go back to anything else?
In fact, I want to get better and better at coaching
* 1 Corinthians 9:19 “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.”



Four Groups of People Involved With Every Great Adventure:
1) Those who participate in the whole adventure (with us)
2) Those who started but did not finish (for us)
3) Those who waved at the adventurers from the dock (for us)
4) Those who didn’t even know there was an adventure going on (oblivious)


At the end of the day, I want to be in for the whole adventure. I want people to know I was with them, sold out to make sure they achieved their God-given destiny. I don’t want live to pass me by and I’m oblivious to what’s going on. I want my life to count for the Kingdom of God-I want to be someone He can use to bring many to Christ.