Category: Spiritual

His Faith is credited to him as Righteousness

I was reflecting on this scripture as my mind continued to return to the simplicity of the standard that Abram established when “he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord”. Gen 15:6 AMPC

The scripture says that “He [God] counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God)”

That is so amazing to comprehend and can serve as a life lesson for us as leader.

Sometimes life can feel complicated and overwhelming but the faith standard still remains simple and true: believe in, trust in, rely on, remain steadfast to God, period.

When we lose our way, we always can repent, reset our compasses and refocus our attention back on Christ.

We are reminded with the reality that salvation is not and cannot be earned by our works but it is a gift -“For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God!” Romans 4:2 AMPC

We just need to receive this gift, and trust (believe fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly.

In closing: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 KJV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God!

For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God). [Gen. 15:6.]

Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him).

But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God).”

Romans 4:2-5 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/rom.4.2-5.AMPC

You will be a blessing

I was reflecting on this scripture as my thoughts kept coming back to the importance of having a “more than enough” vs. a “just enough” mindset.

As leaders, we must always look for opportunities to be “change agents” with adding value to others as the foundation premise for success.

Our impact flows when we focus on being a blessing to or the burden remover for someone else, each day.

Yes, we have our own issues and needs but, our solutions are our seeds of service.

Remember:

⁃ When we feel stuck, we should focus on serving.

⁃ When we are not sure what to do, we should serve (teach, pray, build, enhance, intercede, sow- give of ourself).

Scripture reminds us that: “The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered. [II Cor. 9:6-10.]” Proverbs 11:25 AMPC

Our blessings and rewards come as a result of how well we succeed in serving others. The truth is that “he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.”

2 Corinthians 9:6 AMPC

Lastly, “God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to us in abundance, so that we may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].”

2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC

Trust the process and be intentional about sowing seeds of blessings into others.

Do not become weary as we proceed in faith knowing that what we do matters. “For the Lord will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song or instrument of praise.”

Isaiah 51:3 AMPC

My prayer is that we will be faithful in words and deeds for the glory of Gods Kingdom.

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).”

Ephesians 3:20-21 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].”

Genesis 12:2 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.12.2.AMPC

Agreeable to His will

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning because it really helped bring calm to my spirit: “He will cause our thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall our plans be established and succeed.”

While on this growth journey, a periodic and persistent question arises: “how” do we know whether we are in and doing gods will for our lives? We ask because we want to ensure that our lives matter.

As leaders, we live our lives with the strategy “to win”. We think all our actions are right but god looks at our ways, intentions, our motives – our whys.

Yes, we are blessed to have grace and mercy available but we don’t want to live our lives on the edges of his will. We desire to be in the center – the place of safety.

Scripture reminds us that: “Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4 AMPC

Sounds simple but, it is a journey.

God is faithful to lead us if we stay close to him – even when we discover we are not where we desire to be.

⁃ Fear not!

⁃ Be not anxious!

⁃ Trust the process!

⁃ Continue to yield to the Holy Spirit!

Know that God has good plans for us.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). [I Sam. 16:7; Heb. 4:12.]

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.”

Proverbs 16:2-3 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.16.2-3.AMPC

Yet Wisdom is Vindicated

I was reflecting on this scriptural truth in an effort to truly understand it and the related lessons: “Yet Wisdom is shown to be right by what its followers do.” V35 (CEV)

Throughout the Bible we are instructed to get godly wisdom and understanding and to hold on to them as they are more precious than rubies and pearls. By definition: “the reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord–that is Wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

The scripture states that “skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing. And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).”

When John the Baptist went about declaring the coming of Jesus, some chose to hear the Word, discern the truth in the Word, and acted on the Word to be baptized. Some did not.

As leaders, there are times when new concepts and ideas may surface that appear contrary to our training and our experiences; however, we need to exercise the discipline of discernment to search for and recognize the presence of a possible truth. Once identified, we must act on it by faith.

We must also understand that other leaders who may be more knowledgeable and experienced may not act – likely because they have not grown in wisdom to seek truth in the Word.

When it is all said and done, “ wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true and divine) by all her children [by their life, character, and deeds].”

Our actions make all the difference.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; but he that is inferior [to the other citizens] in the kingdom of God is greater [in incomparable privilege] than he.

And all the people who heard Him, even the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God [in calling them to repentance and in pronouncing future wrath on the impenitent], being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and the lawyers [of the Mosaic Law] annulled and rejected and brought to nothing God’s purpose concerning themselves, by [refusing and] not being baptized by him [John].

So to what shall I compare the men of this generation? And what are they like? They are like little children sitting in the marketplace, calling to one another and saying, We piped to you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we sang dirges and wailed [playing funeral], and you did not weep.

For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, He has a demon. The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, Behold, a Man Who is a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and notorious sinners.

Yet wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true and divine) by all her children [by their life, character, and deeds].”

Luke 7:28-35 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.7.28-35.AMPC

But Christ is Real!

I was just reading this morning and came across this scripture and I could not help but reflect on the sheer magnitude of this statement. OMG. My heart was just flooded with emotions of gratitude.

As leaders, there is one personal journey question that only you can answer: How real is Christ to you, today?

Wherever we are on the continuum, the meer fact that we are reading this question, it shows that we are still on this growth journey.

Sometimes we get tossed to and fro in our minds and with the many challenges of life. But, it is helpful to return to our home base of certainty and comfort – Christ.

Remembering the scriptures that say: “For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Today is a good day to just enter into his presence, just adore him, and to lay all of our cares/sins at the feet of Jesus at the cross. Christ is over every power and authority.

Hosanna in the highest!”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him.

Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life.

Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.

Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may sound wise, but they are only human teachings.

They come from the powers of this world and not from Christ.

God lives fully in Christ. And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority.

Christ has also taken away your selfish desires, just as circumcision removes flesh from the body.

And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death.

You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people.

But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins.

God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. There Christ defeated all powers and forces.

He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.

Don’t let anyone tell you what you must eat or drink. Don’t let them say you must celebrate the New Moon festival, the Sabbath, or any other festival.

These things are only a shadow of what was to come. But Christ is real!”

Colossians 2:6-17 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/col.2.6-17.CEV

God Instructs Him Correctly and Teaches Him

As I was reflecting on this passage this morning, I was reminded where the scriptures states “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph…”. The question is how much we will allow him to do so.

In this example story of the farmer, the interesting fact was even though each seed he was planting required soil to grow, each had unique soil preparation and planting requirements to grow successfully.

This is also true for each of our “vision” seeds that we have been given.

Practically, there are certain processes/ tasks that must be completed to harvest a successful businesses, ministry, community, family and marriage.

Some of the tasks may be: regulatory, personnel, finances, product or services, customers/ client relations, communications – provision.

As the leaders, what is most important are the instructions we download from God daily on how to prepare our soil for these provisions as each seed requires different soil preparation and handling techniques for success.

God knows what our soil needs, when it is needed and he is faithful to order our steps – day in and day out, if we let him lead, guide and teach us. We need God’s revelations and wisdom.

As we listen and make adjustments, we will see our harvest yield fruit of its kind- some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold.

The results will be in direct proportion to our faith and growth in these areas: Prayer, Praise, Worship, Fasting, Reading and Meditating on the Word and Communing with the Holy Spirit.

It is my prayer that we will hear with clarity “What the Lord is Saying” for us this season. All we know and believe is that it will be edifying and good for us.

Be Blessed!!

be a Blessing!

“Give ear and hear my [Isaiah’s] voice; listen and hear my words.

Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Does he continue to plow and harrow the ground after it is smooth?

When he has leveled its surface, does he not cast abroad [the seed of] dill or fennel and scatter cummin [a seasoning], and put the wheat in rows, and barley in its intended place, and spelt [an inferior kind of wheat] as the border?

[And he trains each of them correctly] for his God instructs him correctly and teaches him.”

Isaiah 28:23-26 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/isa.28.23-26.AMPC

“Pay close attention to what I am saying. Farmers don’t just plow and break up the ground.

When a field is ready, they scatter the seeds of dill and cumin; they plant the seeds of wheat and barley in the proper places and sow other grains around the edges.

They learn this from their God.”

Isaiah 28:23-26 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/isa.28.23-26.CEV

How is it That You We’re Not Afraid

I was reading this passage this morning and was just amazed at how “good intentions” may have serious consequences because of ignorance.

We have the example of an Amalekite who, it appears, thought he was acting in obedience to kill Saul when Saul, the King, asked to be killed.

Maybe the Amalekite thought he was just “being obedient”, but what is clear is that when the Amalekite presented before King David, he underestimated King David’s response.

Unknowingly, perhaps, the Amalekite had violated a higher principle, ““Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.””

As leaders, we must remember that decisions always have consequences (favorable or unfavorable) and we must understand that strategic principles (the invisible/ spiritual ) always override operational decisions (the visible/ natural).

This can be a hard lesson to understand but it is a vital lesson to grasp.

Daily, we are being challenged to evaluate each decision through the lens of strategic principles set by Christ and his Word. Ignorance of these principles do not negate their presence.

Even if our actions seem to be right, if they don’t align with the Word, it is misguided energy and effort.

There is always a higher guiding principle or principality that we need to understand and to which to adjust our thoughts and actions for long term success.

It is my prayer that we strive daily to learn of and understand the spiritual law and principles against which all operational decisions shall be judged. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“He asked me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ He said to me, ‘Stand up facing me and kill me, for [terrible] agony has come over me, yet I still live [and I will be taken alive].’

So I stood facing him and killed him, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. Then I took the crown which was on his head and the band which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my Lord.”

David said to him, “How is it that you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” So he struck the Amalekite and he died.

David said to the [fallen] man, “Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord’s anointed.’ ””

2 Samuel 1:8-10, 14-16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2sa.1.14.AMP

Press On

I was reflecting on these scriptures and just how much energy and focus we need as leaders to be able to just “press on”.

There are always mountains to climb, land to acquire, goals to meet and issues to resolve but one thing that is required to navigate through these storms is our ability to pursue peace and to just “press on” – keep it moving!

We must realize that our greatest challenges and resistance often lives right at the door of our breakthroughs and success’s.

In the military, there is often an event called the “crucible” – a cumulative rigorous exercise which requires demonstrated mastery of recent learnings. The second objective of the “crucible” is often to test your ability to “press on” !

Each of us are living through our own “crucible”. To us, I share these thoughts:

⁃ Yes there is discomfort. So what, “press on”.

⁃ Yes there is disappointment. So what, “press on”.

⁃ Yes there are fears, doubts, and limited beliefs. So what, “press on”.

Yes, progress comes with a price. It demands more time of us in study, prayer and consecration.

We are in a season where breakthroughs will surface out of the chaos for those of us who choose to rest in Christ, have peace and “press on”.

We may see resistance of various kinds; but, we will have to just take the ground that has been promised to us.

We will take these hills only with the faith and belief in the promise that god has given us. This is the mindset we must develop as the whole earth is groaning and awaiting the manifestation of the sons of god.

Thank you Lord for this word!

It is my prayer and decree that , we your people, this year will just take you at your word and move forward in faith so that your kingdom comes and that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Press on!

“I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.”

Philippians 3:14-15 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/php.3.14-15.AMP

“We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2co.4.8-10.AMP

“You [my enemy] pushed me violently so that I was falling, But the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”

Psalms 118:13-14 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.118.13-14.AMP

They will share the Burden

I was reflecting on these scriptures that relate to equipping ourselves and our teams for exponential impact through Gods power.

It is becoming more real to me just how critical we, the leaders, must become resolute in our thinking to attract, develop and train more godly leaders.

We are given the mandate to: Be Fruitful, Multiply, Subjugate, and to have Dominion. These conditions cannot be achieved without a team no matter the assignment.

The reality that our mandate is much bigger than our personal abilities requires that we assemble and equip a team of likeminded and committed leaders.

Understanding, like Joshua, that every place we walk is ours; there is no limit to the opportunities. Our only potential limit is in our ability to prepare ourselves (spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally) and the leaders on our team.

Only you and God will know the number of “men” that will be needed for the calling on your life. We see that Moses needed 70; but the scriptures shows that just two can have unlimited impact when they are in agreement.

In closing, here are a couple of reflection questions to ask:

⁃ Who is on your leadership team that needs to be coached to the next level?

⁃ What training/ capability gaps do you have in your leadership team that needs addressing?

⁃ Who is on your leadership team but chooses not to grow?

⁃ What is your action plan to resolve these gaps, this year?

It is my prayer that the Lord will give you clarity, wisdom, courage and strength to attract, train and realign your team to run the race that God has given you. In Jesus Name, Amen

“And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.””

Genesis 1:28 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.1.28.AMP

“The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.”

Numbers 11:16-17 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/num.11.16-17.NIV

“Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.18.19.AMP

Be Merciful

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures related to “mercy“ and assessing just how to further align our lives with the standard that God has extended unto us. Simply “how can we get better?”

Being merciful is a heart condition – a continuous heart preparation, evaluation and adjustment process as we walk with Christ.

The reality of our “growth progress”is revealed when we get “pinched” and our initial reaction or thought is not Godly and we ask “OMG, where did that come from?”

As leaders, yes we are busy, have great demands and pressures that we navigate daily; however, we must continuously examine our hearts, our thoughts and our behaviors to ensure we are growing in the Word, have not stagnated or worst – lost ground.

It does take daily work to overcome our old sinful nature by putting on the whole armory of god and renewing our minds.

We operate in a glass bowl where everyone is observing us and how we respond or react towards others. Our response reveals how we value others, their thoughts and their ideas!

When we miss the mark, we must recognize the offense and be sensitive enough to repair the hurt.

As leaders who truly care and desire to lead with love, we have the greatest power available to us and that is “being merciful”. Seeds of mercy can and will pay dividends

It is my prayer that we will sow these mercy seeds generously and bountifully for the glory of God.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful. “

Do not judge [others self-righteously], and you will not be judged; do not condemn [others when you are guilty and unrepentant], and you will not be condemned [for your hypocrisy]; pardon [others when they truly repent and change], and you will be pardoned [when you truly repent and change].

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more].

For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.””

Luke 6:36-38 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.6.38.AMP