Reflection – Page 23 – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

Uncommon results thru common people

Extraordinary miracles will be performed that all will see and cannot deny

When I was reading this passage, the thought that crossed my mind was how the people marveled at and were perplexed by how these common men could achieve uncommon results.

This is EXPONENTIAL IMPACT where the results (fruits) are so overwhelming, undeniable and far above what we (as leaders) could ever think or to ask.

Just imagine when, not if, this day comes for us as leaders, we will have to be prepared for moments like these to be able to give an account and to give glory and honor to Jesus because of his mighty works and for empowering and equipping us for our devine purpose.

It shall come to pass as I remember reading that if we harken diligently to the voice of the Lord our God and to observe and do his commandments, we will be set on high.

We will be blessed in the city and in the field and everything we do shall prosper.

Be encouraged today.

Be bold.

And to God be the glory for the things that he has done.

“Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. And since they saw the man who had been cured standing there beside them, they could not contradict the fact or say anything in opposition. But having ordered [the prisoners] to go aside out of the council [chamber], they conferred (debated) among themselves, Saying, What are we to do with these men? For that an extraordinary miracle has been performed by (through) them is plain to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.”

Acts 4:13-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/act.4.13-16.AMPC

Just a scent of living water

The work for us as leaders is to just stay next to and connected to the living water as that is our source of renewal.

When I read this passage a couple of thoughts came to my mind and I was just in awe:

The thought struck me that the regardless of the age of the tree it can be renewed with just the scent of the living water.

Oftentimes as leaders we are faced with a situation where there appears to be “no life – or solution”.

This can be in business, a family, a church, or a community.

But the passage talks about the power that comes from just the “scent of the living water” and how the situation can and will be changed.

I also remember reading in Psalms where we can be like a tree planted by the living water and whenever we do so, we shall bring forth fruit in our season and we will prosper.

The work for us as leaders is to just stay next to and connected to the living water as that is our source of renewal.

Be encouraged.

Be renewed.

Be blessed and know that we are created in advance to do good works for this time and this season.

We are the chosen generation.

We are the royal priesthood.

We are the solution to the ailments of this world because we dare to believe and pursue our God given purpose!

“Though its roots grow old in the earth and its stock dies in the ground, Yet through the scent [and breathing] of water [the stump of the tree] will bud and bring forth boughs like a young plant.”

Job 14:8-9 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/job.14.8-9.AMPC

What will thou that I shall do unto thee?

Clarity in “the ask” yields immediate results/ outcomes.

I was awe struck by this passage and the actions taken by the blind man.

The Assessment:

1. He had a need.

2. He pursued the One who could solve his need.

3. He was not moved by others opinions.

4. Transformation was a priority- an urgent imperative.

5. So he RESISTED RESISTANCE. HE REFUSED TO BE DENIED!

What about us?

We, the leaders can have this same mindset.

We sometimes lose the power of the moment because our lack of clarity of “The Ask” combined with faith.

Our most intimate and personal desires are but “An Ask” away.

We just need “to ask” with clarity, conviction AND resolve!

So simple, so powerful and so awesome.

Lets take the step by faith and just watch the manifestations.

He reigns forever!

“Then Jesus stood still and ordered that he be led to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, What do you want Me to do for you? He said, Lord, let me receive my sight! And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight! Your faith (your trust and confidence that spring from your faith in God) has healed you.”

Luke 18:40-42 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.18.40-42.AMPC

Run your own race – the race of one

Leaders focus on “Effective Efforts”

When I was reading the passage below, I was amazed at how my minds eye did not previously see the statement about coveting your “neighbors house”.

Today that just caught my eye and my mind was flooded with many thoughts.

There are many leaders that invest a significant amount of time and effort comparing themselves to others and most importantly looking at the fruits of others.

As leaders, we must turn our focus towards executing our plan as we truly are in a race of one.

We are given devine purpose and plans for which we alone are distinctly created and prepared to perform.

If we focus our efforts on our plan and ponder on it day and night while seeking counseling and wisdom, it is then that favor, blessings and wisdom can overtake us.

We will take the needed actions of “effective effort” to manifest the outcomes that we truly desire.

We can not afford to be distracted as this can impact the thousands for which we are caretakers.

We must truly focus all of our beings on the real work of sowing seeds, planning, managing our emotional energy, and relentless execution.

This is the groundwork to clarifying our vision for what is to come.

That is the work of leadership that we must strive to achieve.

Then and only then will the fruits that we so desire and delight for in our hearts will begin to be manifested

We will have BECOME that which we desire.

Be blessed!

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s. [Luke 12:15; Col. 3:5.]”

Exodus 20:17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/exo.20.17.AMPC

Merry Christmas

I wanted to just send a note of thanks and gratitude to you – my Vision Multiplier extended family.

It is my prayer that you have and will continue to be blessed by the weekly posts.

On this most blessed day, I wanted to offer this prayer for you and your family:

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

3 John 1:2 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/3jn.1.2.KJV

We are Ambassadors

Whether in the community, our family, the church, or the marketplace, people need us to lead them and guide them to a better place.

We are Ambassadors

I was reflecting on this passage and a few that follow it and I think what struck me was just how powerful our presence and actions have as leaders.

Whether in the community, our family, the church, or the marketplace, people need us to lead them and guide them to a better place.

We have visions and dreams that are the solutions.

Our kindness and understanding provides places of comfort and respite.

Our counsel and advice provide resolve and direction.

That is an awesome privilege and responsibility.

In closing:

Sometimes, we feel inadequate, but great things can still be accomplished. Ask Gideon.

Sometimes, we make mistakes but still can be mighty. Ask David.

Sometimes we overestimate what we can and will do and fail. Ask Peter.

But through it all, we are still Blessed.

Be encouraged Leader and keep pressing forward.

“THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound, [Rom. 10:15.]”

Isaiah 61:1 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/isa.61.1.AMPC

When did progress become a shortfall?

Renewing our minds with the TRUTH helps us recognize many of the unfruitful thoughts we have acquired which are lies.

When did progress become a shortfall?

As leaders, we often have big audacious goals that we are striving for and will achieve.

Sometimes as the calendar comes to a close, we realize that our timeframes for achievement may be the issue and not so much the goal.

There is a constant struggle with finding the right balance between aiming high and the required efforts of execution.

When we aim high with the strategy of personal growth as the pathway, progress is ultimately achieved however circular it may feel.

Working through the layers of limiting beliefs that we must combat may often be a surprising as these beliefs tend to surface throughout the process. Some may have been learned as early as childhood or unconsciously acquired recently.

They are like barnacles underneath a ship and often slow down our progress or worst yet, they become a part of our speech. Words are creative.

Renewing our minds with the TRUTH helps us recognize many of the unfruitful thoughts we have acquired which are lies. With focused effort of cleansing our minds, our goals become manifested in reality.

Be encouraged as we are growing from faith to faith. Reflect on these things and progress is assured:

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. As one who reckons, he says to you, eat and drink, yet his heart is not with you [but is grudging the cost].”

Proverbs 23:7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.23.7.AMPC

“For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].”

Philippians 4:8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/php.4.8.AMPC

“For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.”

Psalm 139:13-14 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.139.13-14.AMPC

The Top 10%

We recognize that our success is an outward expression of the divine favor and Blessing that that is on our lives.

The Top 10%

When I was reflecting on the passage below, I was struck by the thought of the 10% – the top 10%

There are many that have a dream, desire or goal and are actively pursuing them. They seek advice and help. They take actions from their advisors and they see results.

These are the 90% ‘ers who are doing what is needed to strive and achieve. They sought out advice and had the discipline to take the necessary actions to achieve their goal.

This discipline and action of faith also accelerated their outcomes.

They are the “cleansed”.

But

There are a few of us, the leaders- I call the top 10% ‘ers, that go above and beyond.

We remember, think of and take time aside to thank and glorify god for his mercy, compassion, provision, faithfulness and for his works.

We show our reverence and appreciation through the behaviors of praise, gratitude and adoration.

We recognize that our success is an outward expression of the divine favor and Blessing that that is on our lives.

This sensitivity and awareness not only gets us “cleansed” but we are also made “whole”- nothing missing, nothing broken.

That is so powerful.

That is so moving.

That is so awesome.

Be encouraged.

Be Blessed.

Be Whole.

“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests.

And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”

Luke 17:14-19 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.17.14-19.KJV

Character DOES matters!

Your character determines you destiny.

Character DOES matters!

Yes it matters

I was reading this passage this morning and was moved emotionally.

As leaders, we are in an environment where integrity and character matters in every area of our lives.

We are and will never be perfect but there are foundational traits and behaviors we have to strive to exhibit and ultimately BECOME.

People forget and forgive mistakes when they feel that our heart is right but they never forget when they feel that our character revealed issues in our hearts.

Leadership is a heart issue.

Decisions will not be easy and may keep us up at night because of the impact to others and their families.

We have to be sensitive enough to realize when we make a mistake and responsible enough to take ownership of the issue to correct it – even if the outcome has an adverse outcome for others.

In short:

We must still make the decision because it is the right thing to do.

We must always find a way to treat others with dignity and respect.

We must guard our hearts against the misinformation of anger, bitterness or even revenge.

We must press through our disappointment of “How did I get here” and strive to make another and prayerfully a better decision.

We have to develop the capacity to move forward even in the face of conflict, adversity, ambiguity, confusion and fear.

We are the guiding light and the North Star that people crave to follow but cannot often articulate.

People are waiting on us- the leaders to provider hope, guidance and direction.

Never under estimate the power, impact and resolve of you, one committed leader with a passion to transform your environment.

Be blessed and be authentic.

Character DOES matter!

““Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

Luke 16:10 NIV

https://luke.bible/luke-16-10

“He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest and unjust also in much.”

Luke 16:10 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.16.10.AMPC

Are they really the enemy or just our “growth opportunity”?

If he is not against me, then he is for me

When I was reading this passage I was amazed and perplexed by it.

It caused me to pause and to evaluate my assumptions as to who is and should be on my team.

We have a scenario where a man was taking action that appeared to be going against “the plan “.

Sometimes as leaders, we resist ideas from people who may have a different approach or thought pattern than our own.

We may discount their thoughts or ideas because of their delivery method.

The issue may not be that there is an adversarial motive in their heart but that the issue is with us, the leaders.

I am finding that by trying to get to the heart of the person (or the message) there are usually gems of wisdom.

What if we adopted this “If you are not hindering me (active or passive) by default, you are with me”mindset.

It is a game changer and can be so powerful in fostering solutions.

It opens up the window of opportunity for growth and change.

It also may be a salve to soothe our souls.

Be blessed.

“For he who is not against us is for us. [Num. 11:27-29.]”

Mark 9:40 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mrk.9.40.AMPC