Category: Uncategorized

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

No Recovery Time Required

When I read this familiar scripture, it really stayed with me what was the value and impact of the word “immediately”.

Anyone who has had a fever or a major procedure knows that under normal conditions, there is usually a time from when the fever breaks until a person is back to 100% physically.

Even with an operation or procedure, there is usually post operation/ procedure recovery and maybe even rehabilitation that is required to return to the activities of daily living.

Lastly, besides, the physical process of recovery, there may also be emotional recovery that is needed.

But we see here where Jesus entered the scene and not only cured the mother in law of her issue but there was no recovery time or delay. I really like how the account was a bit more prescriptive in that Jesus held her hand, raised her up and the fever left.

As leaders, there are certain ailments (worries/situations/ assignments/ obstacles) that we may be struggling thru that simply need the authoritative yet gentle touch from Jesus and his interference/ rebuking of the forces that are coming against us ( our family, bodies, minds, purpose, assignment , project, marriage).

I suspect that there may be one in many areas of our lives.

It is my prayer that we take the time to identify those areas of struggle and hopelessness and that we simply humble ourselves to invite (ask for) the touch of the master.

By doing so, we come into agreement with the word and he is able to and desires to make the situation whole – without the required recovery time.

In Jesus name amen.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Be free!

“Then Jesus got up and left the synagogue and went to Simon’s (Peter’s) house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her. Standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she got up and began serving them [as her guests].”

Luke 4:38-39 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.4.39.AMP

Little boats

Recognize that we each have other little ships in our convoy.

I was reading this passage and I was intrigued at the leadership principles that just jumped off the page.

There is a significant amount of references to the events of this passage which included Jesus being awakened and rebuking the wind with the words “Peace, be still”.

Those closest to him showed utter amazement when they said that “even the wind and the sea obey him. ”

Think about that.

What stuck with me was:

⁃ After they launched to go to the other side,

⁃ and After the crowds went away,

⁃ There were still other little boats that followed.

This is not the dignitary boat full of disciples and Jesus but other little boats.

We do not know much about them or how many there are but they are mentioned – which is not by happenstance.

This got me to thinking about all the “little boats” that are watching and following us a leaders because they just want to study us, emulate us, support us, or maybe hope to be a part of something great and impactful.

These are not the folks that leave at the end of the meeting or event and go home. They want to be a part of the “after meeting” conversations.

They just want to be amongst the group of leaders to just soak up the vision, just hear the discussions, or to just be in the room.

Now today, you may be the little ship to someone else trying to get that nugget of wisdom or that glimpse of glory – which is fine.

I also want to encourage us a leaders to recognize that we each have other little ships in our convoy.

They are not satisfied with just the “message for the masses” but they desire and need a word, insights and strategies for differentiation – a nugget from us.

Let’s ensure that we recognize and invest into them.

Be blessed.

Be a Blessing!

“On that [same] day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee].”

So leaving the crowd, they took Him with them, just as He was, in the boat.

And other boats were with Him.”

Mark 4:35-36 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mrk.4.35-36.AMP

Tender moments

When I was reading this passage, my heart just became full as it truly demonstrates a glimpse of a tender moment in just how personal and personable Jesus was in that he even allowed one disciple close to him to lean on his chest just as a child.

There are many moments in life when the world did not make sense, there was a yearning to just be comforted and we needed something precious that could not be met or resolved by simple proximity or through words.

Maybe we were seeking understanding from someone in the natural that loved and cared deeply for us and we could just lean in and rest against their chest – and the world was good again.

These are tender moments that never expire.

As leaders, we have moments where we need answers to serious issues that our Circle of influence either cannot answer or from whom we have not sought counsel because of the sensitivity of the matter – maybe the need we have may impact a decision concerning them.

We don’t have to work through the issue alone. We always have the bosom of Jesus readily available. It is there for those who seek him and the fullness of his relationship.

This is not a place or a privilege reserved for those that seek an idle or casual relationship.

This access comes to those who have a reciprocal relationship developed over time- a relationship forged through the joys of being with him and likely through adversities.

Precious moments may be few or they may be oftern but they are impactful and meaningful exchanges.

It is my prayer that you will receive tender moments.

It is also my prayer that you will give tender moments when there just are no words.

Be blessed.

Be a blessing!

“But Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved, following–the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper and had said, Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?”

John 21:20 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jhn.21.20.AMPC

Freedom through Forgiveness

It is impossible to get through this life as a leader and to not make mistakes.

When I was reading this morning, several thoughts crossed my mind as I reflected on this passage.

One thought that stayed with me was the need and importance of leaders learning to asking for and forgiving themselves for the many mistakes that they have made.

It is impossible to get through this life as a leader and to not make mistakes: Mistakes in decisions, mistakes with people, mistakes due to immaturity, mistakes due to ignorance, etc.

Assuming that mistakes will continue to be made, prayerfully not with an unclean heart, there really needs to be a focus as leaders on our response when we discover that we have “missed the mark” – our response. Our genuine heartfelt responses.

The second thought was that our freedom and release is also dependent on our willingness as leaders to forgive those who have hurt or wronged us.

I will pause there.

Yes, as leaders, we need to find a place in our hearts and a way to demonstrate foregiveness toward others so that we can be free and to be able to continue to receive all that has been prepared for us.

Easy… not in our own strength.

Possible…yes with Gods help.

Necessary…absolutely.

It is my sincere prayer that each of us will find the strength to humble ourselves each day and to forgive ourselves and those who have hurt us or harmed us so that we can be free to run our Devine races.

Our destiny is worth the price!

“For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.”

Matthew 6:14-15 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.6.14-15.AMPC

Merry Christmas

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

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

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

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

3 John 1:2 KJV

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

We are Ambassadors

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

We are Ambassadors

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

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

We have visions and dreams that are the solutions.

Our kindness and understanding provides places of comfort and respite.

Our counsel and advice provide resolve and direction.

That is an awesome privilege and responsibility.

In closing:

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

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

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

But through it all, we are still Blessed.

Be encouraged Leader and keep pressing forward.

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

Isaiah 61:1 AMPC

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

The Top 10%

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

The Top 10%

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

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

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

This discipline and action of faith also accelerated their outcomes.

They are the “cleansed”.

But

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

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

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

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

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

That is so powerful.

That is so moving.

That is so awesome.

Be encouraged.

Be Blessed.

Be Whole.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 17:14-19 KJV

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

Character DOES matters!

Your character determines you destiny.

Character DOES matters!

Yes it matters

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

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

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

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

Leadership is a heart issue.

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

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

In short:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be blessed and be authentic.

Character DOES matter!

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

Luke 16:10 NIV

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

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

Luke 16:10 AMPC

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