Category: Spiritual

Love

When reflecting this morning, I was lead to just study characteristics of love – Godly love.

Love is definitely an action word and it sets a high but noble standard that is worth pursuing with “all our heart”..

Before Christ, most people have false perceptions and a surface understanding of the word LOVE. As we learn of Christ, we get a glimpse and understanding of what is love and how to recognize it.

As leaders, it is my prayer that we examine ourselves today and kneel at the feet of Jesus for direction, strength and wisdom on how to become and embody these scriptures so that we are equipped to lead.

Love characteristics and scriptures:

⁃ Love your Enemies: “But I say to you who hear [Me and pay attention to My words]: Love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, [make it a practice to] do good to those who hate you, bless and show kindness to those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-28, 31, 35-36 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.6.27-36.AMP

⁃ Love is Sacrifice: “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.”John 3:16 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.3.16.AMP

⁃ Love is Commitment : “No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.” John 15:13 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.15.13.AMP

⁃ Love Overlooks Unkindness: “Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].” 1 Peter 4:8 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/1pe.4.8.AMP

⁃ Love is Patient and Kind: “Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.4.AMP

⁃ Love is not Provoked: “It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.5.AMP

⁃ Love Rejoices in Truth: “It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail].” 1 Corinthians 13:6 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.6.AMP

In conclusion, Love is the Greatest level of Grace: “And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.13.AMP

Be Blessed !

Be a Blessing!

Surely I will be with you

When I was reflecting on this passage my mind was just thinking about the continuous grace of God. Early in our growth journey, we may make decisions that we know or later learn are contrary to what is the truth. Ideally, we grow, mature and arrive at the place where more of our decisions are based on and in alignment with the Word as growth is a continuous process. But the reality is that decisions have consequences (mental, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual).

As leaders, we may experience a season as a result of decisions where we have a sense of bewilderment, loss and are kindling an underlying desire for more of God like Gideon who summed it up well when he asked “where are all His wondrous works of which our fathers told us?”

I believe that at these moments, breakthrough, revelation and flow can occur because we desire to get to and remain at a place of hunger and thirst for the kingdom and its righteousness- despite how we are perceived, how we feel and ultimately the price we have to pay.

Arriving at that place where all we want is God’s presence and its manifestation in our lives and situation is vital as we press forward toward our assignment and associated battles. In our own strengths, we are not able to prevail in battle; however, with God’s promise that “Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite” the enemy- victory is assured.

In this season, it is my prayer that you will be encouraged, renewed and reenergized for Christ!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of [fearless] courage.

And Gideon said to him, O sir, if the Lord is with us, why is all this befallen us? And where are all His wondrous works of which our fathers told us, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.

The Lord turned to him and said, Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hand of Midian.

Have I not sent you?

Gideon said to Him, Oh Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Behold, my clan is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.

The Lord said to him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.”

Judges 6:12-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jdg.6.12-16.AMPC

The end of the matter is: Fear God

When I was reflecting on this scripture, I consider for a moment that there are many troubling works that we pursue “under the sun” where we are exerting a significant amount of effort and energy.

If these efforts are not pursuing Christ and his kingdom, it seems that “all is vanity and vexation (def. the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried) of spirit”.

As leaders, we live in a day where we pursue knowledge which continues to increase, we wonder whether knowledge ever has an end, and how do we acquire enough to be able to compete, create, innovate and thrive. This is the cycle of the knowledge of man.

But there is a higher level and realm of knowledge: revelation knowledge that comes with the fear and reverence of God. This is the type of knowledge with solutions that “flesh and blood” cannot reveal to us and it often “confounds the wise”.

There is nothing wrong with the judicious pursuit of growth and knowledge. We just need to realize that at some point, man’s knowledge will hit a natural limit which can create a sense of “grief and sorrow”.

When we hit that limit, we have to remember and trust that at the conclusion of the matter our rest, progress and peace comes when we Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments! That is our duty.

We must continue to commune with the Holy Spirit knowing that there is a “heavenly solution” to every problem – NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL. Amen

Be Encouraged and may the peace of Christ be with you this season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I entered into counsel with my own mind, saying, Behold, I have acquired great [human] wisdom, yes, more than all who have been over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has had great experience of [moral] wisdom and [scientific] knowledge.

And I gave my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I perceived that this also is a searching after wind and a feeding on it. [I Thess. 5:21.]

For in much [human] wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.1.16-18.AMPC

“All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.12.13.AMPC

Making the very most of the time

I was reflecting this morning on this year and all of the many blessings that the Lord has done- even during the times of loss, mistakes and hurt.

As leaders, we need a Word to help us to prepare for next year and beyond as I believe that each year is a building block- a stepping stone in this journey called “life”.

Since we are here, we have a responsibility- a duty to press forward and upward for Gods glory.

As leaders, we should perform an annual assessment – the process of strategic planning. This is less about goal setting but more around energy allocation planning:

⁃ How are we directing our seeds of life- our time, our talents and our treasures?

⁃ How do we effectively position ourselves to receive not just the 30 folds or 60 fold return on our energies but the 100 fold return?

⁃ How do we achieve Maximum Impact?

One thought that comes to mind is that we have to recognize the season that we are in spiritual, emotionally, and physically:

⁃ What are the tools and resources that we currently have available to us?

⁃ What are the tools and skills we need to study and meditate on in the word and acquire to aggressively pursue what god has placed on our hearts to achieve?

⁃ What are the the habits, thoughts and behaviors that we need to purge/ let go of to draw closer to Christ?

My second thought surrounds the need to “Checkin” on our relationships to ensure that they are thriving and are still fruitful.

Some may need rearranging and others may need an investment of time as relationships are all that matter as they provide the spice and richness of life.

My third thought surrounds achieving the I00 fold return mindset – the true desire to live as the scripture states: purposefully, worthily and accurately.

How do we accomplish something great and transformational in this season as we want to flow with the Holy Spirit. We just want to be in the center of gods will/ his word.

Lastly, we must do the work of committing our thoughts, dreams and action plans to paper- no matter how small or comprehensive.

This brings clarity and power when we find a reinforcing scripture.When we are in agreement with the Word, Christ will be in the midst of the plan and his presence, multiplication, grace, mercy, revelation, peace, confidence, rest and provision exists. OMG, thank you Lord!

It is my sincere prayer that in this season that we will write the vision, come into agreement with the Word and flow into our devine appointment where there is no lack but all sufficient in all things in Christ Jesus.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Dream Bigger!

“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.5.15-16.AMPC

“And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. [Heb. 10:37, 38.]”

Habakkuk 2:2-3 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/hab.2.2-3.AMPC

“Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain–some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty. He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing.”

Matthew 13:8-9 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.13.8-9.AMPC

I Perceive that this is a Holy man of God

When I was reflecting on this passage I found myself asking many questions and also just sitting in amazement at how unspoken dreams and hopes that have been deferred can still be met.

Here is a women who was sucessful in many areas of her life: her finances as she was referred to as rich, prominent and influential; her community as she was asked what does she need and she stated that she had peace and security and needed no special favors; and her marriage as her husband listened to and respected her ideas and feelings as evidenced when they discussed setting up a room in their house to accommodate the prophet whenever the prophet came to town.

What also became clear was that she was a hospitable person who insisted that the prophet ate a meal at their home with an open invitation whenever the prophet came through.

Her hospitality, concern for and reverence of the man of God created this ripe environment for her unspoken desire/ need to be met. Selah

God was also dealing with Elisha’s spirit which could not rest until his role in this devine appointment was completed. Elijah’s heart was open and he desired to bless the woman with her true hearts desire – a son.

Each of us, as leaders, have true and unspoken desires and dreams that we may have given up on because they seem impossible.

Maybe, just maybe, our breakthrough will come as we continue living the Christ- like life in showing love, patience, hospitality, and servanthood.

These love seeds that we plant can and must manifest a harvest in its season.

Our honoring God and the things that concern him, being sensitive to and hearing from the Holy Spirit while acting on those unctions, pour foundations for the resurrection of these dreams and desires.

Be not wiery nor ashamed in doing good in this season as whatsoever we soweth, we shall also reap in the next season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a rich and influential woman lived, who insisted on his eating a meal.

Afterward, whenever he passed by, he stopped there for a meal.

And she said to her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who passes by continually. Let us make a small chamber on the [housetop] and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then whenever he comes to us, he can go [up the outside stairs and rest] here.

One day he came and turned into the chamber and lay there. And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to Gehazi,

Say now to her, You have been most painstakingly and reverently concerned for us; what is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king or to the commander of the army? She answered, I dwell among my own people [they are sufficient].

Later Elisha said, What then is to be done for her? Gehazi answered, She has no child and her husband is old. He said, Call her. [Gehazi] called her, and she stood in the doorway.

Elisha said, At this season when the time comes round, you shall embrace a son. She said, No, my Lord, you man of God, do not lie to your handmaid.

But the woman conceived and bore a son at that season the following year, as Elisha had said to her.”

2 Kings 4:8-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/2ki.4.8-17.AMPC

TO EVERYTHING there is a Season

I have been reflecting on this passage this morning because my heart and mind is heavy.

We are approaching a season that is supposed to be focused on the wonderful gifts that God has given us: family, friends, life and even Christ; however, achieving peace is not something that comes automatic. We have to do the work of trusting God and casting all of our cares at the foot of the cross.

These times of joy can become times of pain because of the pressures of commitments and the sometimes overwhelming barrage of negative information that comes our way each day- But God!

We have a way of escape and a choice. We can choose to participate in the realms of stress, fear, anger, dismay, disbelief, overwhelm – or not. We can choose the path of peace as this season too shall pass!

Yes, that issue that seems impossible, this too shall pass!

As leaders, we have to remind ourselves as the Word clearly states that we live in a life that has cycles and seasons. The question is: “What is the pain of this season trying to teach us?”

⁃ Maybe the answer is for us to birth new goals, new dreams, new habits, new relationships- maybe new responses to an existing issue that leads us to rest in a place of peace.

⁃ Maybe the answer is for us to let somethings just simply – die. Unfruitful beliefs, relationships, habits, mindsets, goals, activities, condemnations from what we “should” have done or “should” have been.

⁃ Maybe we need to purge our minds and spirits of those images, beliefs and standards that bring perpetual grief, are no longer edifying and try to steal our joy. There are many and they seem to just try and nibble away at our peace – if we let them. We will not!

⁃ Maybe we are in the season where we can give ourselves permission to hit the “reset” button on: that project that we never started, the areas in our lives that have become disarray, our deferred hopes and dreams, the vision (s) that we have only hidden in our hearts, relationships that mean the most to us but have been neglected, our allowance for Gods grace to be revealed in our lives, our allowing the Holy Spirit to come and just commune with us, our just stopping and hearing that much needed word from the Lord.

No matter where we are today, please let’s take time to just give thanks.

It is my prayer that we all can simply say, “It is well with my soul today, in the name of Jesus!”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Peace be unto you!

“TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, [Heb. 9:27.]

A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away, A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak, [Amos 5:13.]

A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. [Luke 14:26.]”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.3.8.AMPC

As We Have Forgiven

One of the scriptural principles that I was reflecting upon this morning is the power of prayer and all the mysteries associated with it.

As leaders, we need to thank the Lord for all of his many benefits and the devine connections that he is making in our lives. Our lives are a living testimony – even with it ups and downs, progress and set backs.

The second area of impact for leaders is through prayer; however, learning how to pray is a journey in itself.

We may feel like novices, sometimes empowered, sometimes unheard, and sometimes we just have no words but just moans (of agony, disbelief, bewilderment, helplessness, the lack of understanding, the need for comfort, or the need for validation – just the need for a touch from the Lord with no commentary or extra.

Life hurts – sometimes real bad.

But I am encouraged that the Lord, in his devine wisdom and sovereignty cared enough for us to provide provision and a path to move forward in grace thru prayer.

Yes Lord. Help…..us!

The scriptures reminds us of a couple things:

⁃ We must pray for one another. This is vital because each of us are traveling through life and need support, intercession and maybe deliverance.

⁃ The Effectual and fervent prayers of the righteous is able to accomplish much. It DOES make a difference because we recognize God and our dependence on him.

⁃ We must learn how to grow in our prayer life for growth and stability in Christ and life. There is no shame in admitting that we are learning how to build this powerful muscle. This is also a journey.

⁃ When in doubt on how to pray, we can just come before the Lord to recognize him and his sovereignty, thanking him and adoring him, casting our petitions (issues, fears, needs and wants) at his feet, thanking him for his promises in his Word, asking for revelation, clarity and direction in his Word, and thanking him sincerely while resting in the belief that it is already done according to his Word.

⁃ We must guard our hearts continually leveraging forgiveness: letting go of both the wrong and the resentment for the power to flow.

This is the work that makes a difference and changes us and the atmosphere in our favor.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”

James 5:16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jas.5.16.AMP

“Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”

James 5:16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jas.5.16.AMPC

“Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Matthew 6:9-13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.6.9-13.AMPC

““Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment]. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’”

Matthew 6:9-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.6.9-13.AMP

Honor the Lord with your wealth

I was reflecting on the scripture and the concept of honoring God with my wealth just truly got a hold of me and it would not let me go.

I have heard and read about bringing the tithe into the storehouse which brings ridiculous blessings but for some reason, I never really saw this part about honoring the Lord with my wealth.

When, not if

The scripture really jumped out at me as I realized that there is a assumed outcome that we do and will have wealth to have the choice to honor him or not. OMG

In a world that dwells on scarcity and lack, we have a supposed and assumed outcome of being in a place of wealth and abundance to build and grow the Kingdom of God.

What is that abundance? One of the translations defines wealth as: your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors]. Righteous labors in the home, church, community, and marketplace from them we have all sufficiency in all things – wealth and capital.

As leaders, our righteous labor does make a difference wherever we are placed. As we focus on being a light in darkness and possessing the land, the glory of the Lord will shine on us that men should see our good works and the father will be glorified.

Lastly, we must pray and ask for wisdom and guidance as it relates to our capital (our time, talents and our treasures) and how we should invest them so that God is honored.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Honor the Lord with your wealth And with the first fruits of all your crops (income); Then your barns will be abundantly filled And your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Proverbs 3:9-10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.3.9-10.AMP

“that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to establish His Name (Presence).”

Deuteronomy 26:2 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/deu.26.2.AMP

““Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by failing to keep His commandments and His judgments (precepts) and His statutes which I am commanding you today; Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember [with profound respect] the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore (solemnly promised) to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Deuteronomy 8:11, 17-18 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/deu.8.11-18.AMP

I am not worthy

As I was reflecting on this passage, I had so many questions and thoughts as to why was this centurion sending so many people out to see Jesus even though he had a need.

He was a man of high regard in the community and clearly was a man of means in that he built the synagogue with his own resources.

He was a leader’s leader.

The only conclusion I could gather was that this man had an uncommon level of fear, adoration and respect for Jesus and the things of God.

These beliefs and values were principle drivers of his success as the scripture says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

As leaders, we can use the centurion as a role model, a blue print of success.

We must also grow in the Lord and maintain the spirit of reverential fear, awe and adoration in our hearts.

Be Blessed!

Why? So that wisdom, understanding and blessings will be poured out on us that we will not have room enough to receive them. Amen

Be a Blessing!

“Now a centurion had a bond servant who was held in honor and highly valued by him, who was sick and at the point of death.

And when the centurion heard of Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and make his bond servant well.

And when they reached Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that You should do this for him, For he loves our nation and he built us our synagogue [at his own expense].

And Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent [some] friends to Him, saying, Lord, do not trouble [Yourself], for I am not sufficiently worthy to have You come under my roof; Neither did I consider myself worthy to come to You.

But [just] speak a word, and my servant boy will be healed.”

Luke 7:2-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.7.7.AMPC

Process vs Outcomes

When I was reflecting on this passage and cross references, I was reminded how there are times in this life journey that we are driven and bound by process; however, there are times when we may need to abandon the focus on process in the short term and simply achieve meaningful outcomes.

We have cases where the process of society was to honor the sabbath, to rest from labor and to keep it holy.

That is and has been an fruitful process for generations and to honor God.

But Jesus maintained an eternal perspective in that he clearly wanted to establish that there are times when process must be abandoned to achieve higher outcomes like healings.

In this case, the disciples had a need, hunger, that demanded solutions. As they were walking, they appeared to be following the permitted process at the time but the issue that bothered some was the timing of the action- on the sabbath.

As leaders, we work to develop processes and procedures that help achieve, increase and maximize sustainable operations in our business, the home and in the community.

There are times when that framework can also become the situational barrier to achieving a desired greater outcome. That is the role and responsibility of the leader to recognize the issue and to make the decision to deviate in order to achieve a higher outcome.

It is my prayer that we are wise as serpents and have spiritual sensitivity to discern these moments.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“ONE SABBATH while Jesus was passing through the fields of standing grain, it occurred that His disciples picked some of the spikes and ate [of the grain], rubbing it out in their hands. [Deut. 23:25.]

But some of the Pharisees asked them, Why are you doing what is not permitted to be done on the Sabbath days? [Exod. 20:10; 23:12; Deut. 5:14.]

And Jesus replied to them, saying, Have you never so much as read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him?–[I Sam. 21:1-6.] How he went into the house of God and took and ate the [sacred] loaves of the showbread, which it is not permitted for any except only the priests to eat, and also gave to those [who were] with him? [Lev. 24:9.]

And He said to them, The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Luke 6:1-5 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.6.5.AMPC