Yesterday  morning I had the opportunity to visit one of our mission outreach partners in the Peoria area--Southside Mission. I was invited to see the various ministries and projects which started from a simple dream of one young lady who saw a need and felt God’s tug on her life to make a difference.

I love it when God tug’s on my heart….reminds me that God is in control and that I am invited to partner with Him in what He is doing in His world. Ministries like Southside Mission bring out the best in people, because they see a BIG VISION, which they feel God has called them to do.

People with vision are fun to be around; they talk in excited and purposeful ways about this project or that success. They share a glimpse of the plan God has given, and they understand their calling. Most are filled with hope, and they understand that they are called to serve and not to be served.

Good news for Crossroads--we are involved with many such ministries. I have had opportunity since coming on board to visit some of them, and I hope to visit all of them soon. I am drawn to people with “Vision;” I suspect you’re the same way.

I remember early in my life picking strawberries all day long so that I could help a visionary friend set up a fruit stand. I never worked so hard in my life, but I remember how much fun it was because I was part of the vision. Vision gives us life. Now this is a great place to quote a famous passage from scripture from Proverbs 29:18.  I love how the “Message” interprets this passage:

If people can’t see what God is doing,
    they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
    they are most blessed.

So do you want to be blessed? Then the answer lies in seeing and embracing the vision that God has placed before you.

See you on the journey,

Pastor Rip