Category: Reflection

Who Then is That Faithful Steward, The Wise Man

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.wordpress.com/

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and my mind kept thinking about how critical it is for us, as leaders, to lead well – Every day! It really does make a difference and matters.

Scripture remind us that:

”When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.“ Proverbs 29:2 AMPC

We have a mandate to ”…Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28 AMPC

So let’s look at biblical traits of “leading well”!

Leading well requires a godly management philosophy:

”If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.“ Deuteronomy 28:1-2 AMPC

”But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and given distinction to] him who is godly [the man of loving-kindness].

The Lord listens and heeds when I call to Him. You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.“ Psalm 4:3, 7-8 AMPC

Amen

Leading well requires faith and diligence:

”But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].“ Hebrews 11:6 AMPC

”Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.“

Proverbs 22:29 AMPC

”A man shall be commended according to his Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God], but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense and is without understanding.

The wicked desire the booty of evil men, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous yields [richer fruitage].“ Proverbs 12:8, 11-12 AMPC

Selah

Leading well requires courage to coach and mentor – providing constant feedback:

”Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable.

[Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.]

And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.“ 2 Timothy 4:2 AMPC

Amen

Leading well requires effective delegation skills:

”Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people–God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain–and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers.

And let them judge the people at all times; every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge.

So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.

If you will do this, and God so commands you, you will be able to endure [the strain], and all these people also will go to their [tents] in peace.“ Exodus 18:21-23 AMPC

Lastly, the best leaders are found “doing the work” required to manifest the vision given by God:

”And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me? Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father’s house and [occupied] about My Father’s business?“

Luke 2:49 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Lead well!

“Peter said, Lord, are You telling this parable for us, or for all alike?

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful steward, the wise man whom his master will set over those in his household service to supply them their allowance of food at the appointed time?

Blessed (happy and to be envied) is that servant whom his master finds so doing when he arrives.

Truly I tell you, he will set him in charge over all his possessions.

But if that servant says in his heart, My master is late in coming, and begins to strike the menservants and the maids and to eat and drink and get drunk,

The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he does not know, and will punish him and cut him off and assign his lot with the unfaithful.

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act as he would wish him to act shall be beaten with many [lashes]. But he who did not know and did things worthy of a beating shall be beaten with few [lashes].

For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more. [Num. 15:29, 30; Deut. 25:2, 3.]“ Luke 12:41-48 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.12.41-48.AMPC

For I Believe God, That It Shall Be

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.wordpress.com/

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the reality that, as leaders, we often face storms – winter storms as soon as we declare we desire to grow and elevate our plans.

According to the National Weather Service, in the natural:

“Winter storms are often called the “deceptive killers” since many deaths can be attributed to indirect causes of adverse weather.”

This would suggest that our new visions and dreams are at the risk of “deceptive killers” called unbelief, fear and doubt.

But in the scriptures, we are reminded that “winters” are divinely orchestrated and therefore must serve a purpose for our good.

”While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.“

Genesis 8:22 AMPC

We must guard our hearts and not be deceived when we experience these winter storms.

We must not allow ourselves to be distracted because it is possible for us to be standing in the field of blessings; yet have a heavy and ungrateful heart – lacking understanding.

Winter seasons and storms are a vital component of our growth process and affords us the opportunity to hear from God; to jettison unproductive habits, relationship structures and beliefs; and to acquire new biblical skills, beliefs , strategies and boundaries.

There is an abundance of new wine available to us – scripture tells us that we just need to prepare our vessels:

”Neither is new wine put in old wineskins; for if it is, the skins burst and are torn in pieces, and the wine is spilled and the skins are ruined. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.“ Matthew 9:17 AMPC

Paul gives a glimpse of how to prepare:

”But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].“

1 Corinthians 9:27 AMPC

Let us therefore do the work to read the Word, believe the Word, pray the Word, do the Word, and repent when we fall short. In doing so, we shall unleash unlimited capacity for growth.

It shall be! In Jesus Name!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: and the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.

And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.“ Acts 27:21-25, 43-44 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.27.22-43.KJV

Be Dressed and Ready for Active Service

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.wordpress.com/

I was reading this scripture this morning and my mind began thinking about required changes this year that we, the leaders, need to focus on to release the king in us. My question:

”..Is there no king in you?” Micah 4:9 ESV

We have god given vision boards, strategic plans, and enthusiasm , now is the time for action! We must prepare for the harvest from our seeds sown.

Now is the time to move forward like David and Pursue! When we do, we will be covered by grace like Noah.

”David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this band [of raiders]? Will I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you will certainly overtake them, and you will certainly rescue [the captives].”“

1 Samuel 30:8 AMP

”I pursued my enemies and overtook them; And I did not turn back until they were consumed.“ Psalms 18:37 AMP

”But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.“ Genesis 6:8 KJV

Success is ours as we prepare and move forward in Faith!

Scriptural Gives Us Steps for Preparedness:

”Keep your loins girded and your lamps burning,“ Luke 12:35 AMPC

”So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.“ 1 Peter 1:13 AMPC

”The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going. A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident.“ Proverbs 14:15-16 AMPC

”A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.“ Proverbs 16:9 AMPC

”Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand” Proverbs 19:21 AMPC

We Are Empowered by Christ to Succeed:

”Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.“ Proverbs 22:29 ESV

”Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment.“. Proverbs 16:10 AMPC

Opportunity abounds with the Blessing:

”Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people],

making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.

Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.“. Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP

When we do this, we will be prepared and experience the overflow of abundance and favour of God.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”“Be dressed and ready for active service, and keep your lamps continuously burning.

Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that when he comes and knocks they may immediately open the door for him.

Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are those servants whom the master finds awake and watching when he arrives. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he will prepare himself to serve, and will have them recline at the table, and will come and wait on them.

Whether he comes in the second watch (before midnight), or even in the third (after midnight), and finds them so [prepared and ready], blessed are those servants.“

Luke 12:35-38 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.12.35-38.AMP

The Disciple is not Above His Master

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the idea that we, as leaders, must change first to affect change for our households, businesses and ministries. Others will not or cannot change until we do. If we expect greater outcomes, it is on us to drive the change.

We must prepare ourselves for the battle; here are a couple of ways:

Dream Bigger to See Farther!

We must dream bigger dreams and think bigger thoughts according to the limits of God. This causes his super to be added to our natural by faith.

”for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.“

Genesis 13:15 KJV

”And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.“

Deuteronomy 6:10-12 KJV

Desire Bigger to Create Capacity , Hunger and Thirst!

”The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: But the desire of the righteous shall be granted.“ Proverbs 10:24 KJV

”Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.“

Matthew 5:6 KJV

Get greater Joy for Strength for the Journey!

”Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.“

Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

Break up our fallow ground:

”Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.“ Hosea 10:12 KJV

Gird our loins:

”Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.“ Jeremiah 1:17 KJV

Find instructions in the Word:

”Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight.“ Psalm 119:33-35 KJV

”Blessed be the LORD my strength, Which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:“Psalm 144:1 KJV

Take Action for Now is the Time:

”(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)“

2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV

In closing:

As we commit to soaking ourselves in the Word this year, we will see our wounds healed and an abundance of wealth, riches, favour, peace and clarity in our lives.

At the end, we will testify of the transformation that occurred.

Thank you Lord that you said in your word:

”Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.“. Genesis 13:17 KJV

We receive it by faith, in Jesus name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his Lord.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?“

Matthew 10:24-25 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.10.24-25.KJV

Let There Be…and There Was…and It Was Good

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea that many of us are prayerfully creating vision boards for the new year which will serve as our blueprints for this season.

The good news is that scripture instructs us:

”And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.“

Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV

As leaders, our having a clear picture of the end game at the beginning, starts our creative process.

Next, in Genesis, we see God’s creative process in action when he said, “Let there be…”!

”In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.“ Genesis 1:1 KJV

”And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.“ Genesis 1:2-3 KJV

”God made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and by His understanding and skill stretched out the heavens.“ Jeremiah 10:12 AMPC

”And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…” Genesis 1:31 KJV

Now, is our time!

”Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.“ Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 NASB1995

Our Success is Guaranteed as we Sow the Word into our Hearts:

”The sower soweth the word.“ Mark 4:14 KJV

”Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.“ 2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV

”The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.“ Psalm 37:23-24 KJV

Now is the time to create something glorious for the kingdom of god.

Let us pray, study and declare the Word to build our faith which allows the Supernatural ANNOINTING to flow:

”(as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.“ Romans 4:17 KJV

”The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion.“ Proverbs 28:1 KJV

Happy New Year!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth. [Heb. 11:3.]

The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light; and there was light.

And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness. [II Cor. 4:6.]

And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

And God said, Let there be a firmament [the expanse of the sky] in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters [below] from the waters [above].

And God made the firmament [the expanse] and separated the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse. And it was so.

And God called the firmament Heavens. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.

And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be collected into one place [of standing], and let the dry land appear. And it was so.

God called the dry land Earth, and the accumulated waters He called Seas. And God saw that this was good (fitting, admirable) and He approved it.“

Genesis 1:1-10 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.1.1-10.AMPC

The Increase of His Government and of Peace

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and my heart just began to fill up with praise and adoration for our King- Jesus Christ.

As leaders, it is important to pause and give alms where due. So today we will simply celebrate Christ with words of praise and adoration. He deserves all the glory and he alone is worthy. Let’s begin:

”For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder..” Isaiah 9:6 AMPC

Joy to the world, the Lord has come

”And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.“

Luke 2:13-14 KJV

”O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,“

Psalm 95:6-7 KJV

Let us thank him as He has overcome the World on our behalf:

”The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.“ Psalm 103:19 AMPC

”The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).“ John 10:10 AMPC

”I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]“

John 16:33 AMPC

Oh Come Let is Adore Him

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure.

Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion; bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul!“

Psalm 103:20-22 AMPC

”I WILL bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.“ Psalm 34:1 AMPC

Relationship Matters

”And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–“ John 14:16 AMPC

”He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.“ John 7:38 AMPC

My prayer is that your peace be multiplied, in Jesus Name:

”May grace (God’s favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.“ 2 Peter 1:2 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. [Isa. 25:1; 40:9-11; Matt. 28:18; Luke 2:11.]

Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the [latter] time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. [Dan. 2:44; I Cor. 15:25-28; Heb. 1:8.]“ Isaiah 9:6-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/isa.9.6-7.AMPC

I Sought The Lord [On The Authority of His Word]

A Leadership Insight

I was reading this morning and simply wondered whether, as leaders, we have ever had a scripture that just grips us mentally, emotionally and spiritually so much that it demands attention for meditation until we receive revelation?

Well this is one for consideration: “I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me…”.

Why is there a higher level of confidence of a response here than simply a hope or a wish?

The scripture tells us:

“IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]” John 1:1 AMPC

“And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [Isa. 40:5.]” John 1:14 AMPC

“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 AMP

“For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes in Him [Christ]. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His Person and by His agency] to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 AMPC

When we are truly ready, He has already provided:

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.

Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut. 4:29-30.]

I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will release you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and all the places to which I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:11-14 AMPC

Thank you Lord!

In closing, it is my prayer that today, in this season, we seek God and develop the skill to pray Gods word, which is his will, with confidence; knowing and believing:

“…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” James 5:16 AMPC

“For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.” Mark 11:24 AMP

Because we have assurance he will perform his Word:

“Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12 KJV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.34.4.AMP

For Such a Time as This

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the idea of how we are created, prepared and positioned by the “I AM” to achieve a heavenly mandate. Our only question is “What does the master want us to do?”

We see areas in this world that grieves us and we quietly desire to “fix it” knowing the current state conflicts with our understanding of what is “possible”.

God’s wisdom and grace uniquely prepares us to be the solution and He would not ask us to do anything more than we are “well able” to do with His leading.

Unfortunately, many are living beneath the promises of God due to the lack of knowledge and understanding. Deliverance for their pain is awaiting for our faith to alignment with Gods plan.

There is still a real enemy that desires to steal, kill and to destroy mankind; but, Christ has come that we all may have life and have it more abundantly.

We all must be taught the truth through observation or instruction to expose our minds and hearts to the sun of “possibilities”. This intersection creates a burning desire to pursue our higher standard and noble calling.

Scripture provides a tangible example with Queen Esther. She was uniquely positioned by God to thwart the evil plan of Haman against the Jews.

Ester was afraid and understood the rule of law and that the resolution path was a high risk and, if done, without the grace, wisdom and the provision of God could lead to death.

Mordecai, Esther’s uncle provided clarity on her options challenging her to understand her purpose while placing a demand on her to press beyond her comfort zone for gods purposes.

She decided to take action by faith at great personal risk.

She then prepared herself by fasting, to get direction on what to do.

As leaders, we will all face our individual giants. My prayer is that we will take the step of faith towards God plans like Queen Ester.

Let us:

1. Decide to Answer the Call

2. Consecrate ourselves to purge our hearts so we can be lead by the spirit

3. Pursue/ Move forward by faith

For “who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion? “

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”And Mordecai told him of all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews to be destroyed.

[Mordecai] also gave him a copy of the decree to destroy them, that was given out in Shushan, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king, make supplication to him, and plead with him for the lives of her people. And Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any person, be it man or woman, who shall go into the inner court to the king without being called shall be put to death; there is but one law for him, except [him] to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live.

But I have not been called to come to the king for these thirty days. And they told Mordecai what Esther said.

Then Mordecai told them to return this answer to Esther, Do not flatter yourself that you shall escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish.

And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

Then Esther told them to give this answer to Mordecai, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me; and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I also and my maids will fast as you do.

Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went away and did all that Esther had commanded him.“

Esther 4:7-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/est.4.7-17.AMPC

Don’t Disregard the Love of God

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting still on this scripture and the thought that, despite our successes on the outside, we all have unfinished healings on the inside.

Our portion is to be made whole – nothing missing and nothing broken in Christ.

Jesus has made internal healing available to all and He has nothing more to do because the work is already finished! The bible reminds us:

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” Romans 5:8 AMPC

“[Jesus] Who gave (yielded) Himself up [to atone] for our sins [and to save and sanctify us], in order to rescue and deliver us from this present wicked age and world order, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father–” Galatians 1:4 AMPC

As leaders, the more we grow in Christ and emulate Him, we become an attraction for others. As we focus on our own healing, we will accelerate our influence and impact. Selah

We must also remember that we matter to God! “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 AMPC

“How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! [Ps. 40:5.]”

Psalm 139:17 AMPC

OMG

We have assurances:

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22.]” 1 Peter 5:7 AMPC

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”

Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC

“Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us?” Romans 8:34 AMPC

My prayer and declaration for us today:

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:34, 37-39 AMPC

Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But the Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside you yourselves are full of greed and robbery and extortion and malice and wickedness.

You senseless (foolish, stupid) ones [acting without reflection or intelligence]! Did not He Who made the outside make the inside also?

But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every [little] herb, but disregard and neglect justice and the love of God.

These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone. [Lev. 27:30; Mic. 6:8.]”

Luke 11:39-40, 42 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.11.42.AMPC

Give as Donations

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the power and purpose of service. Each year, as leaders, we need to spend time in prayer and meditation while walking through our strategic planning process.

This is an exercise where we reflect and assess our accomplishments for this year but most importantly, who have we become! Have we grown in the areas of importance, stagnated or have we lost ground?

Regardless of the “reality”, we have an opportunity to inquire of the Lord concerning what foundational seeds we should sow for growth – our act of service to others.

As we listen with our hearts in faith, we will receive a new model of service. We will also have validation because the solution will bring inner peace – that’s it!

This is a material shift from the world’s approach which focuses on “getting” – the outcomes.

As godly leaders, we focus on how we can “be a blessing” and “sow seeds” of service into the lives of others. In return, we have the priviledge to call them “our customer”.

We see this success model in the bible: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6 AMPC

The greatest skills we can learn are how to attract and serve a customer. That is a special relationship that must be nurtured for mutual benefit. This relationship requires that we give of ourselves to others.

“But [dedicate your inner self and] give as donations to the poor [of solutions] of those things which are within [of inward righteousness] and behold, everything is purified and clean for you.

It is my prayer that we will not become weary in sowing seeds of love (solutions) that emotionally benefits others and glorifies God.

Angels, ministering spirits, go and cause the customers to come in Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now while Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to take dinner with him, so He entered and reclined at table.

The Pharisee noticed and was astonished [to see] that Jesus did not first wash before dinner.

But the Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside you yourselves are full of greed and robbery and extortion and malice and wickedness.

You senseless (foolish, stupid) ones [acting without reflection or intelligence]! Did not He Who made the outside make the inside also?

But [dedicate your inner self and] give as donations to the poor of those things which are within [of inward righteousness] and behold, everything is purified and clean for you.” Luke 11:37-41 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.11.37-41.AMPC