JAMES 4:13-14
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
REFERENCES: JAMES 4:15, 5:1–3, 7–11; MATTHEW 6:19-21
A puff of smoke, a gust of wind, a spark of lightning, all transient, lasting only seconds, but all having the potential for great impact. Such are our lives, a mist, here today and gone the next. But what will we do with the mist that’s been given to us? Will we choose earthly success for ourselves or will we choose to impact the lives of others? In comparison to eternity, all we have here are mere seconds. To make those seconds count beyond this life, our motivation has to be to live for more than ourselves. In the mountains and valleys of life, we don’t get to have control. All we can do is take our God appointed place and walk it out with the goal of not merely success, but true significance. By adding value to those around us and leaving a legacy that will touch heaven.
Success is about adding value to you; significance is about adding value to others.
Oftentimes we make plans in our lives and forget to ask God what he wants us to do. And when we do that we are missing the chance to live a life of true significance. When we are obedient to God’s voice, not only we are showing him that we trust him, but that we are also willing to live a life that’s more than just about self-fulfillment.
Instead, you ought to say “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” —James 4:15
Service is about what you do with what you have. Many times we are called to do big things with our talents, gifts or money. There are resources and talents instilled in us that we store away. We may accidentally fall into greed when we hoard what is given us.
“For where your treasure is, your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:19
Following Jesus requires our commitment day in and day out. This path is demanding and our perseverance is successful when we focus with the end in mind. We can easily drift away from what God has called us to be without this kingdom mindset. Our ultimate goal is to build the kingdom of heaven. This requires us to not only be obedient and serve others but we must do so with joy in our hearts, without grumbling and complaining as we wait for the promises of Christ. Be patient and stand firm. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy in the midst of our suffering. Rejoicing in Christ allows us to persevere through every season and every circumstance. As the farmer waits patiently for the harvest, we must wait expectantly for the glorious promises Christ has for us.
Write down 3 areas in your life for which you desire perseverance. Ask God to see if this aligns with his plans for you and surrender it to God. Pray for God's promises and courage to follow his will.
In Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson’s newly released book, Slow Burn, you are invited to see waiting not as punishment, but as a sacred process of transformation. Whether you're longing for healing, breakthrough, or change, this season is an invitation to draw closer to a faithful God. With honesty and hope, this book offers strength for your soul, helping you live fully right where you are, confident that even in the slow burn of faith, God is powerfully at work.
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On Wednesday, May 14th, all VOUSCon teams will gather large at VOUS SoMi for a time of worship and encouragement. When we break into team workshops, some will stay at SoMi while select teams head to the Watsco for on-site walkthroughs and details.
If you're not signed up to serve VOUSCon yet, this night is for you, too! Come learn more about what it looks like to help host thousands of leaders from around the world. Discover all of the ways you can serve at VOUSCon and get registered.
To RSVP for Team Night, please click here!
Where: VOUS SoMi
When: Wednesday, May 14th
Time: 7:00 PM
Address: 6767 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL, 33143
ILMC will be taking place Saturday, May 17th.
This month's spotlight initiative is on Foster Care. We will partner with organizations such as 4KIDS, One More Child, His House & Citrus Family network to support Foster Care Parents and children currently in foster care.
To get more information about serving opportunities, click here
On Sunday, May 18th, we are having baptisms on the beach in Key Biscayne! If you are interested in being baptized, please click here to sign up.
Where: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
When: Sunday, May 18th
Time: 8:30 AM
Address: 1200 S Crandon Blvd
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Pavilion #: C16 (near Lighthouse Compound)
VOUSternship (Ages 18-28) applications are open for FREE now through May 9th! This is your chance to jump into a summer of purpose, growth, and hands-on ministry experience. Spots are limited and we kick off in just a few weeks—don’t wait! Apply today and take your next step at vouscollege.com/apply!
Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.
Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS DD
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack