When I was told that the theme for this newsletter is VISION, a hymn popped into my head. “Be Thou My Vision” is one of my favorites. As you examine the lyrics closely, you will discover that it is actually a prayer. The request is for God’s vision, presence, and wisdom to be at work in our lives. What an appropriate prayer request! My vision as a sinful human being is so limited, shortsighted, flawed, and even dangerous to myself and those around me. But God knows the big picture and what makes living worthwhile. Whether you are an individual, a church, or an organization like Christian Crusaders, it makes sense to first ask for God’s vision for your life. In fact, God is pleased when we ask for his help. According to Paul in Ephesians we are “God’s workmanship, created in Jesus Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Did you catch that? You and I are ‘His workmanship’ – the product of God’s vision. He has created you and redeemed you for a purpose – to do good works which He envisioned us doing. He has a plan in mind for us. Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us humbly turn to him first, as we envision our future.

“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, in the day and the night.
Waking or sleeping thy presence my light.
Be Thou my wisdom, be Thou my true word.
I ever with Thee, and Thou with me Lord.
Thou my great Father, and I thy true heir
Thou in me dwelling, and I in thy care.”