Reflection – Page 8 – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

Spoiled By the Potter’s Hand

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the reality that in our journeys with God we are constantly challenged to grow.

Usually we find, as leaders, that when we face obstacles or resistant, there is often a “faith lesson” in the works to prepare and strengthen us while refining our skills for the next level of leadership.

This process can be frustrating, disheartening and difficult as promotion usually requires us to change to thrive at the higher level.

Scripture tells us:

“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Yes, he knows us but we must learn ourselves and choose to lay down our weights, habits, beliefs and simply say “yes lord” – despite it all, I will go!

Everyday, we are presented with a choice to move forward in Christ or not!

We do not always make the correct choice but we can improve our odds of success in Christ by surrendering our hearts, minds, emotions, dreams and fears to Him – allowing him to mix our lives up like the potter.

Allow Christ to Continuously Improve Us:

Often times we have grown and formed into a pot that capacity to handle so much of the “weight of leadership”. If we are not careful, our development and preparedness can become obsolete or ineffective as new situations demand “more”.

Unless we allow ourselves to be broken, molded and reshaped on the potters wheel, we will not be adequately prepared or equipped for the demands of the moment.

It is my sincere prayer and declaration that we will remain faithful and keep our hearts receptive for the calling of God:

“Now Moses was faithful in [the administration of] all God’s house, [but only] as a ministering servant, [his ministry serving] as a testimony of the things which were to be spoken afterward [the revelation to come in Christ]; [Num 12:7] but

Christ is faithful as a Son over His [Father’s] house. And we are His house if we hold fast our confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ].

Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as [your fathers did] in the rebellion [of Israel at Meribah], On the day of testing in the wilderness,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭5-8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let’s let the potter continue to mold us and get all the glory! He does marvelous work.

In Jesus Name.

Be Blesses!

Be a Blessing!

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord:

“Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will make you hear My words.”

Then I went down to the potter’s house, and saw that he was working at the wheel.

But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him.

Then the word of the Lord came to me:

“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” says the Lord. “Look carefully, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

At one moment I might [suddenly] speak concerning a nation or kingdom, that I will uproot and break down and destroy;

if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent and reverse My decision concerning the devastation that I intended to do.

Or at another time I might [suddenly] speak about a nation or kingdom that I will build up or establish;

and if they do evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will reverse My decision concerning the good with which I had promised to bless them.

Now then, say to the men of Judah and to the citizens of Jerusalem, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am shaping a disaster and working out a plan against you. Turn back, each of you from his evil way; correct your habits and change your actions for the better.” ’

But they will say, ‘That is hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act in accordance with the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.18.12.AMP

For God is With Us (Immanuel)

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

I was reading this morning and reflecting on the simple but powerful thought – “for God is with us”. This means we are never alone.

So simple!

So powerful!

So marvelous!

So reassuring!

As leaders, we prepare for and train to lead our teams and families through the battles of life.

Our spirits can be encouraged when we read in the scriptures that God always causes us to triumph:

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The Bible also tells us that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and the path is blessed:

“The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].

When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand and sustains him.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Though afflictions and adversity will come, God is still with us:

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

In closing, it is my prayer that we will continue to rest in the confidence that Immanuel is always with us:

“For our fathers did not possess the land [of Canaan] by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, Because You favored and delighted in them.” Psalms‬ ‭44‬:‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“….for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” [Josh 1:5]”. Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬B AMP‬‬

Thank you Lord! You are so worthy to be praised.

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“”Be broken [in pieces], O peoples, and be shattered! Listen, all you [our enemies from the] far countries.

Prepare yourselves [for war], and be shattered; Prepare yourselves [for war], and be shattered.

“Take counsel together [against Judah], but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand,

For God is with us (Immanuel).””

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/isa.8.9-10.AMP

Spiritual Ignorance

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that, as leaders, being in a place of spiritual ignorance can be extremely costly.

The Bible says it this way:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark).” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

The solution is for us to choose to study and apply Gods word in our daily lives:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And by developing simple success behaviors, we make our way prosperous:

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

As we continue on this journey, our partial understanding becomes clearer as Christ reveals the mysteries unto us.

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer and decree that we are and remain diligent students of His Word!

“My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.

Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.

For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Let us fight the good fight of faith against spiritual ignorance.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it [and the spiritual ignorance of its people],

saying, “If [only] you had known on this day [of salvation], even you, the things which make for peace [and on which peace depends]! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.

For a time [of siege] is coming when your enemies will put up a barricade [with pointed stakes] against you, and surround you [with armies] and hem you in on every side, [Is 29:3; Jer 6:6; Ezek 4:2]

and they will level you to the ground, you [Jerusalem] and your children within you. They will not leave in you one stone on another, all because you did not [come progressively to] recognize [from observation and personal experience] the time of your visitation [when God was gracious toward you and offered you salvation].””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭44‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.19.41-44.AMP

Be Steadfast

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://atomic-temporary-196791482.wpcomstaging.com/

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the thought that, we leaders, often struggle with making decisions whether to accept/ decline new roles/ responsibilities or with having steadfast confidence whether a related decision we made was the right one.

Some of this anxiety may result from the lack of sufficient decision making discipline or the lack of sufficient maturity in hearing, recognizing and acting upon the voice of God.

Whatever the cause, the result can be the same: our experiencing turmoil and anxiety versus being in a place of calm and rest.

We are not alone in having internal feelings of inadequacy but I am grateful that we serve a true and living god who is touched by our infirmaries. In Him we are made strong and he will always be with us as he was with Moses and Gideon:

“But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And God said, “Certainly I will be with you…

Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬A AMP‬‬

“But Gideon said to Him, “Please Lord, how am I to rescue Israel? Behold, my family is the least [significant] in Manasseh, and I am the youngest (smallest) in my father’s house.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“The Lord answered him, “I will certainly be with you….”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬ A AMP‬‬

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

We must be encouraged and believe that like Abraham, we will not stagger at the promises of God.

“But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, let us focus on meditating and becoming doers of these scriptures so that we may become steadfast in our leadership and follower-ship of Christ:

“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep. [Ps 23; Is 40:11]”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.

Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you.

Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].”

‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬, ‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭56‬-‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.15.57-58.AMP

That Your Faith May Not Fail

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and my heart just keeps settling on “just trust god”!

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Proverbs 16:7 AMP

We can be encouraged by this excerpt from Jeremiah which reminds us of gods commitment to perform his word:

“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see the branch of an almond tree.”

Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am [actively] watching over My word to fulfill it.””

Jeremiah 1:11-12 AMP

Amen

We are living in a season of rapid and successive conflicts yet my spirit keeps reminding me that we just need to “trust god”.

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”

Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

God alone is our place of refuge!

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”

For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, And under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.”

Psalms 91:2-4 AMP

Regardless of the quantity and severity of the challenges, our hearts keep telling us-“just trust God”.

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.”

Psalms 34:19 AMP

We, leaders, must prioritize Him with our time in prayer, study, meditation and worship to achieve the best results.

““I love those who love me; And those who seek me early and diligently will find me. ”

Proverbs 8:17 AMP

We must believe that all of his magnificent wisdom will make things OK.

“Yes, You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.

You will draw me out of the net that they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength and my stronghold.

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth and faithfulness. [Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59]”

Psalms 31:3-5 AMP

We must believe that god is working it all out for our good:

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”

Romans 8:28 AMP

““The Lord will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way, but flee before you seven ways.”

Deuteronomy 28:7 AMP

Lastly, the Lord’s mercy endurerh forever so we just need to trust, believe and call out to Him:

“When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you.”

Psalms 91:15 CEV

It is my prayer that our faith fail not!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith].””

Luke 22:32 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.22.32.AMP

What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the story of blind Bartimaeus and how he was sensitive enough to realize that his only hope of healing was through an encounter with Jesus.

As leaders, sometimes we may feel that we are blinded by a situation or a decision. We must also have the mindset that our only way forward is to aggressively pursue Christ, His wisdom and His anointing.

Amen

We are living in a season where trouble is on every hand and many have lost their way.

More than ever, we need to pray for biblical clarity as Christ has already overcome the world and has divine solutions for everything problem we face.

Scripture reminds us:

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”

John 16:33 AMP

Success in this season will require a heightened level of intensity and focus on what the Lord is saying.

By having the same level of urgency, intensity, purpose and resolve as Bartimaeus, we can overcome whatever is required to achieve the will and purposes of God.

We may need to replace external inputs (media/ opinions) into our spirits with focused meditation on Gods word to hear what the Lord is saying. Being still helps us hear the what, how, and when to take action.

This is our portion and a result of being a son/ daughter of the true and living god.

He still is our shepherd according the Psalms 23:1 and we shall not want!

The righteous have never been forsaken nor their seed begging bread according to Psalms 37:25.

Jesus is still saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

Selah

In closing:

“…Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

John 14:27 AMP

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

“But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity], so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication].” Hebrews 3:13 AMP

Be assured that the hurting world is watching and will inquire: What is it that gives you your confidence, your strength, your patience, your understanding, your direction and your clarity?

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As He was approaching Jericho [on His way to Jerusalem], it happened that a blind man was sitting beside the road begging. [Matt 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52] Now when he heard a crowd going by, he began to ask what this was [about]. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

So he shouted out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!”

Those who were leading the way were sternly telling him to keep quiet; but he screamed all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Then Jesus stopped and ordered that the blind man 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 regain my sight!”

Jesus said to him, “Regain your sight; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.”

Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus, glorifying and praising and honoring God. And all the people, when they saw it, praised God.”

Luke 18:35-43 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.18.35-43.AMP

There Is Nothing Too Difficult

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the thought that we serve a great god but we also serve a jealous god. So, as leaders, when we walk into our “Canaan” and enjoy many of gods blessings and deliverance, we must be careful to keep Him as our top priority.

We see several warnings in the scripture:

“Watch yourself so that you do not make a covenant (solemn agreement, treaty) with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a [dangerous] trap among you. But you shall tear down and destroy their [pagan] altars, smash in pieces their [sacred] pillars (obelisks, images) and cut down their Asherim —for you shall not worship any other god; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]—”

Exodus 34:12-14 AMP

As leaders, we must be ever sensitive to the reality that we are not in this fight alone and we have the god who is the giver of knowledge and understanding with us always. As long as we have God, we can achieve anything.

‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You…”

Many of us face mountains that seem insurmountable but I am here to remind us that there truly is nothing to difficult for God and he is well able to do it! He says:

““Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?””

Jeremiah 32:27 AMP

The Lord was faithful to fulfill his promise to deliver the children of Israel with mighty works of signs and miracles, but they were not equally faithful and consistently built idols to worship. This grieved the Lord.

Scripture says:

great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

“You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land [of plenty] flowing with milk and honey.

They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do.

Today, we know that we will take possession of our lands and we know that we will prosper in Christ Jesus.

We must also remember that we are always at risk of losing our zeal for god and letting “distractions of life” to be our idols – if we are not careful.

It is my prayer and decree that we will be forever faithful to God!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“”…I prayed to the Lord, saying,

‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—

You who show lovingkindness to thousands, but repay the wickedness (sin, guilt) of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], O great and mighty God; the Lord of hosts is His name;

great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do.

Therefore You have caused all this disaster and suffering to come upon them.”

Jeremiah 32:16-20 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.32.16-23.AMP

Your Words Were Heard

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

I was reflecting this morning on the scripture and the leadership experience of Daniel.

We see that leadership, gods way, requires us to go before the Lord, be in his presence alone so we can receive solutions to a situation.

Scriptural account of Daniel’s experience states:

“I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz.

His body also was [a golden luster] like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and his feet like glowing burnished bronze, and the sound of his words was like the noise of a multitude [of people or the roaring of the sea]. [Rev. 1:12-16; 19:6.]

And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision [of this heavenly being], for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them so that they fled to hide themselves.”

Daniel 10:5-7 AMPC

Selah

Daniel’s transparency and authenticity is appreciated, as there is a certain level of vulnerability that we leaders will experience:

“So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me, for my fresh appearance was turned to pallor; I grew weak and faint [with fright].”

Daniel 10:8 AMPC

There was much for Daniel to absorb, but, as leaders, we must choose to be authentic and transparent with God about where we are.

It’s not like he doesn’t know!

Our expressed desire for dependency on the Lord to achieve our calling is vital.

In closing, I am so grateful for a glimpse of how the Lord views us:

“He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.”

Daniel 10:11-12 NIV

Scripture says that Daniel is “highly esteemed”.

Because he also set his mind to gain understanding and to humble himself before God, an angelic (heavenly) response was required.

Let us rest and embrace the view that the Lord sees us as “highly esteemed” and is moved by our words, desires, prayers and petitions.

Let us by faith strive with one goal that God be glorified and that his kingdom shall come.

In Jesus name amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves.

So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.

Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.

A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.”

And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless.

Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak.

I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my Lord, and I feel very weak.

How can I, your servant, talk with you, my Lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”

Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”

When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my Lord, since you have given me strength.””

Daniel 10:7-12, 14-19 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/dan.10.7-19.NIV

Trust in Him

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

I was reflecting this morning and thinking on the idea of the Declaration of Independence.

America was created and founded on its desire to become an independent nation to chart its own course.

The founding fathers’ framework valued and understood the importance of being “one nation under God” – which has unlocked grace and has contributed to our success.

Scripture reminds us:

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Proverbs 16:7 KJV

As leaders, we must also decide to make God our primary focal point. When we do, the bible tells us that our success and the success of America is assured.

“Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Proverbs 14:34 AMPC

So in reality, our Declaration of Independence was from man; however, the lasting declaration is really one of “Dependency on God”.

That is the real story and the real success principle that we, as leaders, seek – having a thirst for God!

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face?” Psalms 42:1-2 CEV

“For in Him we live and move and have our being; as even some of your [own] poets have said, For we are also His offspring.”

Acts 17:28 AMPC

We play a vital roles in steering this ship while here on earth:

“THE EARTH is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it, the world and they who dwell in it. [I Cor. 10:26.]”

Psalm 24:1 AMPC

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven. [Isa. 22:22.]” Matthew 16:19 AMPC

So as we celebrate the birth of our great nation, let us also celebrate the birth of our great faith in and dependence on God.

“…For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; My fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged. “

Psalms 62:5b-6 AMP

We just need to trust in Him!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“My soul, wait thou only upon God; For my expectation is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trust in him at all times; ye people, Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”

Psalm 62:5-8 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.62.5-8.KJV

Do It With All Your Might

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning, and the thought that, as leaders, we always have more time demands than time to accomplish tasks. We must be selective with our energy allocation.

Feelings we experience are: a sense of overwhelm, a sense that we’re not good enough for the assignment, or maybe a sense that our current actions are not sufficient.

Deadlines are being missed, we are having issues fitting in the demands of leadership, family, health and or relationships.

It feels impossible to win in all areas.

But I hear the spirit of God saying to us:

“But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” [Gen 18:14; Jer 32:17]”

Luke 18:27 AMP

Amen

I am so grateful that we serve a true and living God that understands and helps us:

“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”

Hebrews 4:15-16 AMP

So what do we do?

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 AMP

What does that mean?

We must focus our minds, today, on doing the things of the greatest value and which are pleasing to god by faith – which is our best!

Let’s also not worry about tomorrow.

““So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 AMP

Yes, progress may feel circular where we make progress, digress or stagnate, study and pray to increase our faith and know how, then move forward to the next level.

We must be encouraged, keep plowing our ground and planting good seeds – keep fighting the good fight of faith.

In closing, we must remember:

“…under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the strong, and neither is bread to the wise nor riches to those of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of ability; but time and chance overtake them all. [Ps 33:16-19; Rom 9:16]”. Ecclesiastes 9:11 AMP

Let this mind be in us that we have all sufficiency in all things through Christ Jesus.

As we continue to pursue the mind of Christ and his purposes, we will see his kingdom revealed, what we do shall prosper and Christ will be glorified – by faith in Jesus name. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) where you are going.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/ecc.9.10.AMP