I want to finish what I shared with our staff during our retreat weekend before last. 

10. Do I really expect everyone to be excited about this vision?
Nehemiah 2:10
When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.

Not everyone can buy into the vision of 5 Point.  We are not about keeping the people we have happy.  We are about reaching the lost.  People will be aggravated about the vision because it is’t centered around them.  When this happens, the best thing they can do for us and them is find a church they are happy with.  It is ok to release people.

11. Am I willing to speak the truth?
Nehemiah 2:19-20
[19] But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" [20] I answered them by saying, "The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it."

There comes a time when being nice isn't an option anymore.  People will try and run you over and steal the vision.  Nehemiah played no part in this nor should we.  If were going to reach this city we must speak the truth.  Churches have been running from this truth for way too long.

12. Am I willing to bring people along?
Nehemiah didn't’t try to do it all.  He brought others along to help.  He shared the vision and they bought into it.  As people buy into the vision God has given me it is our job to assist them find their position.  Where can they help.  Please understand, some people aren’t going to make the distance.  They will start but not finish.

13. Am I willing to fight for our community?
Nehemiah 4:21
[21] So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out.

When we come to barriers, are we going to fight or lay down?  People will try and stop us but we can't let that discourage us.  Nehemiah and his men worked with weapons when needed.  That day is coming soon in America.

14. Am I willing to see this through completion?
Nehemiah 6:15-16
So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. [16] When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

I need a team that is willing to put everything on the line until we’ve reached this city for Jesus.  My question for all of you, are you willing to see this through regardless of how tough it gets?

Some other thoughts:
* Have you held up to your commitment this past Sunday by serving others?  If so, let me know.
* Please make plans to attend our vision casting at New Spring in Greenville this Saturday evening at 6 pm.
* I leave for Africa in 25 days.  A few things are needed:
    a. video camera - this is to leave so that videos can be taken and sent back to America of the work being done.
    b. $700 to feed a lepers colony
    c. lots of prayer
* Found out I will be speaking at a leaders conference.  Teaching about vision and leadership.  Tell you a lot more about trip soon.
* Want to do better writing on Thursday and Fridays.  Enjoy sharing my thoughts.  Not sure why millions read them
* Enough for today.