Vision

So, you always wanted x-ray vision as a kid, huh?  Maybe you still want it now.  Superman was so cool, spying out the real situation or those bad guys through buildings, in vehicles, underground, he saw it all.  No  obfuscation!

In these days, seeing through things to the truth, wow, what a rare and valuable skill that is! And what a benefit!  Unfortunately, even Superman like x-ray vision would not really be helpful in our situation today.  You see, people and situations look to be one way on the outside but are another way on the inside.  Superman could only see through physical things to physical things.  Now Jesus, Jesus can see hearts and to the very heart of the matter!  He sees all things very clearly.He is more than a Super man - He is The God Man - Messiah.  He made all things so, it's no wonder He can see so well. He sees people so very much differently than we do.  He knew what He was about when He made them. He formed all people of the past and still forms each one today in their mother's womb, in the image of God. He has "Jesus Vision" - he foresees the plan He's crafting each one for. All shine the glory of The Maker, even if they may not align with His heart.  He has actually invited each to reflect Him uniquely in the world. Very spectacular!  If they accept/receive Him, they will live into the real self He made them to be.  He wants every one of them to, but will never force people to receive and love Him.  He died to rescue us from sin and death (something horrible we can never cleanse or free ourselves from that separates us from our loving God), so that we can have forever Kingdom life together with God,.  He is so so good that we will never get to the end of adventures in seeing the wonder!

There are many deceived in this time, but lots are waking up - seeing the fog lift, understanding there is evil in the world and a real enemy who wants to kill, steal and destroy them, their children and all human life.  The enemy wants to mar God's image, wreck the beauty of His creation and thwart Father God's relationship with those He loves so dearly.  The enemy uses human agency to accomplish much of his plan, but God has come in human form (Jesus) and snatched victory from the enemy forever! It's like the song "The Passion" says, "Our chains are gone, our debt is paid, The cross has overthrown the grave For Jesus' blood that sets us free means death to death and life for me!" And, while the King is victorious, there are far off outposts where people have not gotten the word!  But, it's coming - even now unfolding! Billions - asking for the Lord of the harvest to send more workers!

So, Jesus Vision, how do you get it?  Trust Jesus' shed blood for your sins and take Him as your Lord! He will send you the Holy Spirit to guide you into seeing with His eyes. You'll be amazed at what you never saw before become completely visible!  Blindfolds OFF!  Take time to look into the eyes of Jesus.  What you will see will overshadow any other thing your human eyes may see - put into perspective any situation or circumstance you may be experiencing.  His love, power, truth, life and light - His purity, holiness, righteousness, joy, goodness and kindness - you will see it all there and it will astonish and knock you over! Most of all, His true deep real and constant love for you, personally.  Mmmm...that is the most wonderful.

Merger

Just WOW.

My brain is spinning and my spirit is peaceful and buoyant all at the same time – what an interesting sensation! I don’t think I’ve ever been on this ground before or had an experience quite like this – a whole new territory is open and new exciting treasure is ready to be found!  Yahoo! Though I’ve been sitting with Papa on the topic of “mergers” since 2008, what He revealed tonight was amazing! 

Smart management always enters a merger with good leadership. This includes a well thought out vision and plan as well as developing and working along-side brilliant team leaders who understand and embrace that vision and plan. AND,< KEY POINT HERE> team leaders become consummate at articulating and demonstrating this to the rest of the team as well as encouraging, empowering and releasing them to understand it and move into alignment with it.  They are also agile and adept at precipitating glitches and urgent things on the fly, as they come up, and realigning all along the way!

I’m actually in the midst of many (merger) situations myself (funny huh!) and there are lots of aspects that are sensitive and important.  The following are some things right now that stand out big and grab my attention:

·      1. When you are merging two very different entities into one it's important to maintain focus on the new identity and it's benefits.  Do not indulge contemptuous and/or patronizing attitudes toward either entity as a result of operational differences or understandings (no matter how much the differences cause fear and anxiety).  Whether or not something is working or not working, smart or ridiculous, an attitude of arrogance or devaluing is always, always, always  going to move things in the wrong direction.  Whether or not you actually voice this heart attitude to someone or not – they see it!  Instead, learn to develop and embrace a shared vision.  Hey, you are going to be together here a long time.  Intentionally lean into a culture of engagement. Really see and appreciate each other's true areas of gifting and potential and sincerely convey it.  But more - learn to understand that you need each other, because - you do! Learn to walk respectfully through difficult and sticky areas and agree that while you may disagree, you will not disengage or resort to subterfuge or undermining one another.  Relationship is huge here.  And, believe for the very best - remain hopeful and act in alignment with the potential (negativity is very draining, for everyone).

Really important note about this – the only person you can really do anything about in regards to attitude is YOU and that is truly enough for any person to manage.  Don't "story write" about other people's intentions or motives. Be relentless in examining your own heart, motives, attitudes and actions.  And be intentional to root out negative unproductive ones and replace them with the right ones.  You actually GET TO walk out goodness, graciousness, mercy and kindness and an over the top hopefullness here.  And give grace to yourself and others in this process.  THIS MATTERS. Lip service is a fail here and THIS IS A TEST!  One note - God keeps giving you the test until you pass. ;)

·       2. This is going to be messy!  Yes, just get over it – nothing about this will be tidy. Change – it is typically dreaded and ever the constant.  Even in the best case scenarios, where everyone is positive and moving through implementation of a vision/plan that’s well conveyed and unfolded.  It’s the nature of change to be a challenge to old and new alike and there is always something that will need to be adjusted along the way.  It’s going to be this way.   It does not mean that messy = fail.  Or, even that some failure along the way = ultimate debacle and obliteration.  It’s just the nature of this process.  It's good and important to be willing to engage, stay classy and connected through messiness!  And if you are really extra smart you will use it to see what it is that comes up inside of YOU in the process and see it as opportunity!

·       3. There is going to be hard work involved.  Yep, it’s a given.  Changes always involve lots of work.  And it can be very intense and sometimes seemingly all at once.  Do your best, but, don’t try to be superman or wonder woman (burn out is sure to happen with this mentality). Plan out and move in alignment with the plan and be thoughtful, communicate good boundaries and be willing to make adjustments along the way.  Get good rest, take care of your health, take breaks, make time for fun and celebrate successes and milestones all along the way! Keep focused on the vision and goal – it’s a place we’ve never been before and it’s exciting and full of promise and potential!  Remember, this momentary push is not forever and things will not always be this way. Find the joy in who God is in every moment – even and may I say, ESPECIALLY the hard ones (God is particularly radiant in less than easy circumstances)!

Sheesh!  I see an unlimited sea of possibilities here!  I'm still pondering it. Merger – it does not have to be a cause for fear. And hey, do you see it?!  It's an unbelievably exciting future on the horizon ahead! There is a radiant identity emerging.  Let's MERGE with EXCELLENCE!  Gosh, that unity sound, it is just BOOMING!