Living with a 50-Year Mindset
Pastor Robert Herber
August 25, 2024
Powered by Ministry-notes.com
Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Series on transitions: Week 3, unexpected continuation.
Personal story: Junior in college, desire to be part of a sorority event, and the disappointment of not being invited.
Three months later: Mission trip to Nepal, perspective shift—realization that some things aren't as important as they seem.
Time and decades change our perspective on what truly matters.
Sermon Title: Living with a 50-Year Mindset.
The Call to a Long-Term Vision
Six years into the church: Consultant suggested a five-year vision plan.
During a retreat, God shifted the focus: not a five-year vision, but a 50-year vision.
The imagery of oaks: Seeing oaks in a ravine, and God's message about raising up "oaks of righteousness" (Isaiah 61).
Connection to Isaiah 61:3 – God desires for His people to be like oaks, displaying His splendor.
Personal Connection to Oaks
Grew up on a ranch named "Oak Lake," surrounded by oaks that spanned generations.
The longevity of oaks: Oaks take time to grow but become strong, enduring, and provide shelter.
Spiritual significance: Being like an oak means enduring life's storms, offering stability, and being a blessing to others.
Oaks in the Bible
Abraham met God under the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18).
Gideon received his identity under the oak (Judges 6).
Oaks as places of meeting with God, receiving identity, and ministering to the Lord.
Psalm 1: A tree planted by streams of water—an image of strength, fruitfulness, and endurance.
God’s Vision for All Peoples Church
A 50-year vision to raise up people like oaks of righteousness.
Church planting vision: Plant 3,000 churches worldwide.
Personal mentorship from Ralph Moore, who saw the planting of 3,000 churches in his ministry over 50 years.
Understanding that significant things take time, much like planting oaks.
The Significance of 50 Years in Scripture
Leviticus 25: The Year of Jubilee—every 50 years was a time of rest, restoration, and freedom.
A 50-year perspective impacts how we live, work, and plan our lives.
God's people were instructed to live with a long-term vision, culminating in the Jubilee.
How a 50-Year Perspective Changes Your Life
Focus Beyond Fads
Fads are temporary; building a lasting legacy takes time.
Example: The difference between a short-lived trend (flash mobs) and planting oaks for the future.
Are we building for the moment or for eternity?
Patience for Long-Term Goals
Building with a 50-year perspective requires patience.
Example: It took four years to acquire land for the church building project.
A long-term vision gives perspective and resilience during challenges.
Handling Persecution and Challenges
A long-term view helps weather storms, as challenges and opposition will pass.
Personal example: A hate group formed against the pastor during his college ministry; it passed after two years.
Parenting with a Long-Term View
A 50-year mindset changes how you parent, focusing on who your children will become over time.
Invest in their future character, not just immediate concerns.
Health and Longevity
Planning to live a long, healthy life requires intentional habits.
Personal reflection on health and longevity, aiming to live to 95 and make choices accordingly.
Relationships Built for the Long Haul
Relationships should be seen as lifelong investments.
Example: Lifelong friendship and discipleship with JD Griffin, built over 25 years.
Deepening Your Relationship with God
A 50-year mindset fosters trust in God’s plan, even when things don’t happen immediately.
Romans 8:28: Over time, we see how God works all things for good.
Conclusion
Living with a 50-year mindset transforms how we approach life, faith, relationships, and challenges.
Encouragement to think beyond the immediate and build for a lasting legacy in Christ.
Biblical References
Isaiah 61:1-3: This passage speaks about the people of God being called "oaks of righteousness," a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. It connects to the idea of living with long-term vision and stability.
Psalm 1:1-3: The Psalm compares a righteous person to a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither, emphasizing strength and endurance over time.
Leviticus 25:8-18: This passage discusses the Year of Jubilee, a 50-year cycle in which property was returned, and debts were forgiven, symbolizing a complete life cycle and the significance of long-term planning in God’s economy.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15: Paul speaks about building on the foundation of Jesus Christ with materials that will endure, comparing temporary versus lasting work and the importance of building with a long-term perspective.
Romans 8:28-30: This well-known passage highlights God’s long-term plan for those who love Him, working all things for good, and conforming them to the image of His Son, emphasizing the need for patience and trust in God's timing.
Reflection Questions
What is something you value right now that might not be important in the long run? How might your perspective change over time?
How can you begin to live with a 50-year mindset in your relationship with God? What steps can you take to deepen your faith and build a lasting legacy?
In what areas of your life do you need to practice more patience? How does a long-term perspective help you handle challenges and setbacks?
What relationships in your life do you need to invest in for the long haul? How can you begin to nurture these relationships with a 50-year mindset?
How can you focus on building for eternity rather than getting caught up in short-term trends or fads? What "oak trees" are you planting in your spiritual journey today?
Daily Activities
Monday: Reflect on Your Long-Term Vision
Activity: Take 15-20 minutes to write down your personal goals and vision for the next 50 years. Focus on areas like faith, family, career, relationships, and health.
Application: Reflect on how this long-term perspective changes your current priorities. Consider what steps you can take today to align with this vision.
Tuesday: Plant Seeds of Faith
Activity: Spend time in prayer and Bible reading (Psalm 1 or Isaiah 61). Journal about how you can be an "oak of righteousness," deeply rooted in God’s Word and displaying His splendor.
Application: Ask God to show you one area in your spiritual life where you need to be more patient and committed to long-term growth, and take a small step toward it.
Wednesday: Invest in Relationships
Activity: Reach out to someone with whom you want to build a deeper, long-lasting relationship. This could be a mentor, friend, or family member. Plan to meet or talk with them this week.
Application: Reflect on how you can invest in this relationship for the long term, with the goal of mutual growth and support, just as oaks grow stronger together.
Thursday: Practice Patience in a Challenging Area
Activity: Identify a challenge you’re currently facing—whether at work, in parenting, or with a personal goal. Instead of seeking a quick solution, take a step back and pray for patience and perspective.
Application: Write down a 50-year perspective on this challenge, focusing on what lasting outcomes you want to see, and trust God with the timing of the results.
Friday: Build a Healthy Habit for Longevity
Activity: Choose one healthy habit that you can begin practicing today—whether it’s physical (exercise), emotional (rest), or spiritual (daily prayer). Commit to practicing it consistently over time.
Application: Reflect on how this small habit, done regularly, can contribute to your long-term well-being and prepare you to live a full, healthy life for many years to come.
