Category: Spiritual

Permission to be Powerful

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and the question in my mind was “Why don’t we give ourselves permission to be powerful ?”

As leaders in our homes, communities, churches, and business, we believe that we have received direction and a mandate from God, but we don’t act.

If we really stop and observe,we can see the hand of God displayed in our lives. Abundance and favor surround us; yet, we do not give ourselves permission to be powerful.

Perhaps one reason is that we may only be given the “next step” vs being shown the entire journey. We likely have a vision of the end game but there is still a significant amount of ambiguity about the journey.

Perhaps the reason is that we simply do not fully “trust God”. Maybe said in a different way, maybe our fears are bigger than our faith in what God can do “for us”.

There may be others- I don’t know.

I just wanted to send a note of encouragement for us and to be reminded that the Lord’s answer still is: “I will certainly be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as [if they were only] one man.”

Selah

We are guaranteed success, if we continue to let the Lord be with us, guide us, carry us, and protect us.

He wants to see His Kingdom come and His will be done so that He gets all the glory!

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this strength of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?”

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.”

The Lord answered him, “I will certainly be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as [if they were only] one man.”

Gideon replied to Him, “If I have found any favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who speaks with me.”

Judges 6:14-17 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jdg.6.14-17.AMP

Let these qualities define you

Mercy, kindness and truth.

I was reflecting on this passage this morning as I was reading. I just kept coming back to the phrase “let these qualities define you”.

What was interesting is that there is an assumption or mandate behind these words which is – EVERYDAY, ALL DAY!

As leaders in our homes, churches, business, communities and countries, we are held to a higher standard of excellence.

We are not perfect as there has only beeen one who was perfect-Christ, but we must choose to strive daily to be like Christ.

Mercy, kindness and truth.

Everyday- All Day!

Living these qualities all the time seems like a daunting task in our own strength as leaders.

Most of us fail this test on a daily basis yet we have the opportunity to make things right through forgiveness.

Living these virtues is a weighty responsibility but it truly challenges us to check our hearts, our motives, our actions and the impact on others as God has made each of us so different with different response mechanisms and different degrees of sensitivity.

Asking ourselves, “How close was I to the mark today?”, with every interaction, we will be well positioned to amplify and glorify Christ the King in us and to find favor.

Mercy, kindness and truth.

Every day, All day.

My prayer is that we as leaders have an awareness of and make a commitment to pressing toward the mark of the high calling in Jesus.

Be blessed.

Be a blessing!

“Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.”

Proverbs 3:3-4 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.3.3-4.AMP

A More Excellent Way

I was reflecting this morning and searching for biblical answers to questions as well as looking for truths that can serve as a counter measures or filters for the many thoughts that come into my mind.

As leaders, we are blessed to be creative/ innovative beings and to have many thoughts that bombard our minds.

The challenge comes with creating “systems” to capture, validate, connect and shape these thoughts into a vision, strategy, action plan , guidance and or precautionary warnings.

Thoughts are creative but they also must be filtered through the lens of the Word of truth to determine if they qualify for further actions.

Once the thought passes the truth test, then there is the question of whether it is the seed of something great or possibly a component of another or previous thought – “the garnishment”.

Next comes the question of timing. Is this a jewel that must be held and protected for future use or is this a “right now” solution or answer?

Everything we see in the natural started with a thought and therefore, I want to encourage us as leaders to ensure that we have a system for improving the quality of our thoughts, capturing them and shaping them for release at the right time.

Why?

For maximum impact on the earth and as our way of honoring God so that he receives all the glory.

It is my prayer that this helps you grow in your leadership.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! [Ps. 37:4.]

Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

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 4:4-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/php.4.4-8.AMPC

Who is like you, Lord?

Oh my God, this passage just made my heart full.

Who, or I would add what, is like the Lord?

There is nothing or no one who has the depth or the width of God as he is all present and all knowing. There is no end to him or his majesty.

This is just an awe inspiring thought.

He is faithful to take care of his chosen and he has a history of defeating our enemies and bringing them to their knees despite how powerful they may appear. Why?

Because we are a chosen generation – a royal priesthood. He is faithful to do his part to take care of us so that we can execute our devine purpose with maximum impact. Why?

So that the earth will know and see his glory manifested here. He deserves all the glory and all the praise for who he is and for what he has done.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof and they that dwell in it.

Let thy Kingdom come!

As leaders, there are times where our leadership is challenged and our pursuits may appear to be thwarted.

Sometimes the burden of the vision can seem impossible in the natural and the path from here to there may feel circular or ridden with obstacles.

But, be encouraged and let’s elevate our line of sight to above the trees towards heaven and not focus on what we see with our eyes.

We need to allow our hearts and minds to think on the history of our predecessors in Egypt that were protected as they crossed over the Red Sea and their enemies were consumed.

Let’s also consider the generations since then that have faced obstacles much greater than what we face today – yet they prevailed because they maintained God as their source and existence.

History can and will repeat itself if we maintain and hold onto the same foundations that provided strength and guidance – from above.

Holding onto the Great I AM is the greatest success strategy that HAS and WILL EVER exist in this earth.

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be satisfied against them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall dispossess them and drive them out.’

You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; [Clad in armor] they sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in splendor, working wonders? You stretched out Your right hand, The sea swallowed them. You in Your lovingkindness and goodness have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them with care to Your holy habitation.”

Exodus 15:9-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/exo.15.9-13.AMP

True Strength

This morning, I was reading and ran across these words which broke something in my heart – “My grace is sufficient.”

It was the scripture that was needed at this time and it made me reflect and think about how often as leaders, we have many demands, competing priorities, strategic planning sessions, tactical execution tasks and the need to put out fires.

We may internalize all these responsibilities and they can just be overwhelming.

Often we just need a word from God to cut through it all to give us clarity on “what to do, right now.”

Many days, we have to move forward even as we may be hurt or bruised by the “unexpected challenges” of life or “reactions from the people for which we are responsible”.

So when we read or hear- “my grace is sufficient”, we are able to exhale and rest in the grace of God realizing that we don’t have to carry the load by ourselves- or at all.

Wow!

There is a feeling of freedom and reassurance in this scripture because He Jesus has it and He Jesus has us.

He is our strength, redeemer and our portion.

Be encouraged

Be blessed

Be a blessing !

“Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!

Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2co.12.7-10.AMP

Keeping Watch

I was reading this morning and came across this scripture that I have read often and in the context of the birth of Christ as the shepherds kept watch.

As leaders we say that we want to expand our territories – which is admiral and good.

We also may hear this same desired outcome from many on our teams and/ or within our circles of influence.

However, we need to be vigilant about consistently doing the right work at the right time and ensuring the same for those for which we lead. This is the responsibility of being a shepherd over a region.

A couple questions we can ask ourselves to gauge our preparedness for “promotion” are:

⁃ How well is your region performing, today? Is it in order or is it chaotic?

⁃ How well are your sheep doing in your flock? Is there harmony, shared purpose, are needs being met, is there strife or confusion?

⁃ What crucial conversations are you waiting to have with certain sheep but you are waiting for the “right time”? Are there issues that need to be addressed or encouragement and guidance that needs to be communicated?

⁃ What are things (loose ends) that you have in your mind frustrating you that need to get moved to the “done” column? These are the things that require emotional energy and focused effort but are critical to success.

As leaders, our value truly grows to the degree we show proficiency and consistency in how we manage our region and the flock or flocks therein.

We are not perfect and the headwinds that we must grow through may cause us to pause or delay on that “one” thing that we know must get done to move forward.

I encourage you today to make and execute a plan to get that vital “one” thing off your plate as it is likely draining the energy out of your life or the air out of your sail.

Leadership is for those of us who accepted the call and all associated pain and discomfort required to achieve that glorious end. It is a price well spent to achieve something great!

Be strong in the Lord

Be encouraged

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

Luke 2:8 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.2.8.AMP

Reversals are Not Fatal

When I was reflecting on this passage, I was reminded of the goodness of God. He has said that we have a responsibility to pursue and become pure and upright through the righteousness of Christ.

When we do this as leaders, we have assurances that this action on our part arouses a reaction from God to the point where our dwelling is prosperous again.

It further reinforces where in Deuteronomy that if we harken diligently unto the voice of the Lord and to do his commandments that there will be a blessing on us.

This is the leadership daily groundwork that we must do.

What was even more encouraging for me was that when we as leaders fall or maybe even stumble, there are consequences which may cause our divine vision to be aborted or delayed; however, the latter portion of the passage discusses how through God, that our latter end shall be greater.

What a promise.

What a responsibility

It is all up to us a leaders.

By sowing the seeds of faith in God and trusting in his word, we will see 100 fold harvests in health, healing, territory, relationships, customers, engaged employees, peaceful marriages, spiritual growth.

Our roots will be so planted by the rivers of living water that we will not be impacted by the adversaries of life.

We can and will be renewed and reestablished.

“Then, if you are pure and upright, surely He will bestir Himself for you and make your righteous dwelling prosperous again.

And though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase.”

Job 8:6-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/job.8.6-7.AMPC

Goodness and Mercy

For a couple of days, I have been reading on the goodness of God and his mercy.

The first passage just resonated with me because of the simplicity of the truth – “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord”.

There are images of strife, conflict and moral decay that seems to be on every hand. These are symptoms of what man, who chooses not to recognize God as their shepherd and when left to their own devices, creates.

The truth is that the earth is STILL full of the goodness of the Lord.

Next I reflected on Psalm 23 where it starts out stating that the “Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want”and ends with the passage below-“only goodness, mercy and unfailing love will follow me all the days of my life…”

Amen

As leaders, we are closing out the first quarter of this year. We may not have yet achieved what we had planned.

Fret not, press forward toward your high calling and know that Gods goodness and mercy is not in short supply. Stay the course.

Be encouraged.

Be blessed.

Be a blessing.

“For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”

Psalm 33:4-5 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.33.4-5.KJV

“Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.”

Psalm 23:6 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.23.6.AMPC

Be it unto me

The power of agreement.

I was reading this passage and was moved by a couple thoughts as…

There are some passages that are so simple yet are so profound that you can spend a lifetime learning about and growing into until the Word becomes you.

That is what I feel when I read the Word that says that with God nothing shall be impossible.

Nothing.

That is almost hard to comprehend as on a daily basis, we may hear it be told that you “can’t” do this or that “won’t” work or that “no one has ever done this before” or whatever phrase that can and is a limiting belief- and contrary to the truth!

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

I was also amazed at the simplicity of agreement that came from Mary with her saying “be it unto me according to your word”. Period

Be it unto me that:

⁃ I am the head and not the tail

⁃ I am healed of all manner of sickness and disease

⁃ My latter days shall be greater than the former

⁃ You delight in the prosperity of your saints

⁃ Your kingdom come and that thy will be done

⁃ You have assigned angels to me and one angel can put thousands to flight

⁃ That you would lead me and guide me into all truth

⁃ That you will order my steps in your word

⁃ I will be fruitful, multiply, have dominion and subdue

⁃ That I am blessed in the city, blessed in the field and that everything that I put my hand to will prosper

⁃ That if I lack wisdom that I just need to ask

⁃ That now there is no condemnation

⁃ That I shall have faith to decree a thing and it shall be established

⁃ That I am yours and beautifully and wonderfully made

⁃ I have all sufficiency in all things

Be encouraged.

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Luke 1:37-38 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.1.37-38.KJV

Be not Dismayed by Unbelief

The road to revelation even for the inner circle takes time.

The road to revelation even for the inner circle takes time.

When I was reading this passage, I was simply amazed at the reactions of those that were closest to Jesus but the more I pondered the situation it really provided a principle that is worth noting.

We see people who spent significant amounts of time with Jesus simply amazed and perplexed when the vision he talked about over the years truly materialized.

A few remembered, were excited, and tried to share the good news with the inner circle; but to my amazement, the inner circle did not believe what they heard.

This is not a new phenomenon but an example and reminder that as leaders, we often wonder whether our vision or message is resonating with the masses; however, in reality, it may not even be fully appreciated or internalized by those that are closest to us.

We can cast the vision, we can execute the vision, we can engage our inner circle, we can have them by our sides when we have critical meetings but at the end of the day, those closest to us will get a revelation at different times- if ever.

Wow.

Our jobs as leaders is to be consistent in performing the tasks and doing the necessary work while praying for those inside our inner circle that our vision moves from head knowledge to capturing their hearts. This is a process and a journey.

Stay committed to your divine vision.

Stay the course in executing your plan.

Communicate the vision and plan early and often.

Love the people where they are and realize that they are each walking down their personal revelation journey.

“And they remembered His words. And having returned from the tomb, they reported all these things [taken together] to the eleven apostles and to all the rest.

Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who reported these things to the apostles.

But these reports seemed to the men an idle tale (madness, feigned things, nonsense), and they did not believe the women.”

Luke 24:8-11 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.24.8-11.AMPC