Arise, Anoint Him

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and on the importance and significance of being chosen.

We have been equipped for greatness and can use, at our disposal, the power of anointing oil.

God outlines a clear desire and plan for each of us:

“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

We have all been predestined since the beginning of the world to thrive and to make an impact for the kingdom in this dispensation of time.

Even with that predestined purpose, we, as leaders, face many obstacles that could hinder our progress.

But throughout the scriptures, we see examples of how the use of anointed oil is a weapon and signifies that we are “different”!

We are not average nor ordinary!

If we feel sick, scripture guides us:

“Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord’s name. And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” James 5:14-15 AMPC

If we feel fear, we are reminded:

“Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.” Psalm 23:4-5 AMPC

When we need reassurance, we read:

“You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions. [Ps. 45:6, 7.]” Hebrews 1:9 AMPC

When God promotes us, we are equipped for the responsibilities:

“Then take the garments and put on Aaron the long and sleeved tunic and the robe of the ephod and the ephod and the breastplate, and gird him with the skillfully woven girding band of the ephod. And you shall put the turban or miter upon his head and put the holy crown upon the turban. Then take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him.” Exodus 29:5-7 AMPC

Lastly, when we need favor, the anointing prepares us to receive:

“Wash and anoint yourself therefore, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.” Ruth 3:3 AMPC

Whatever our needs, the Lord has already provided for us. We just need to use, trust in and remember the power of anointing oil.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel.

And Samuel said to Jesse, The Lord has not chosen any of these.

Then [he] said to Jesse, Are all your sons here? [Jesse] said, There is yet the youngest; he is tending the sheep.

Samuel said to Jesse, Send for him; for we will not sit down to eat until he is here. Jesse sent and brought him. David had a healthy reddish complexion and beautiful eyes, and was fine-looking.

The Lord said [to Samuel], Arise, anoint him; this is he.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.

And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.”

1 Samuel 16:10-13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/1sa.16.11.AMPC

Moses Had Laid His Hands Upon Him

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the idea concerning the importance of succession planning, building our leadership pipeline as a priority and obeying god.

We see in this passage, one of the greatest prophets, Moses, coming to the end of his time as the leader of Israel – a forty year burden. He has had many successes and many failures over the span of his life.

Though his leadership imprint did not begin until he was eighty (Acts 7:22, 30)’, he accomplished so much:

⁃ At the advice of his father in law, he created the judicial system to be able to meet the growing needs of Israel. Exodus 18:25-26

⁃ In Numbers 11:16, he had 70 men anointed with his wisdom to be able to multiply his effectiveness in leading and taking care of a whole nation of 600,000 men (not including women and children) after having left Egypt.

As a leader, Moses is known for being a master builder of leadership systems.

Equally if not more importantly, Moses had an intimate relationship with god where they met and talked on many occasions throughout the scriptures starting in Exodus through Deuteronomy.

Despite all of these successes, the thing that grieves me the most is that Moses’ decision, made out of anger and frustration, caused him to not obey god and follow his instructions when God was trying to take him to another level. The scripture says “I have let you see it [the promised land] with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” Decisions matter.

If we recall, the story in Numbers 20 goes as this:

“And the Lord said to Moses, Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to give forth its water, and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.

So Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation before the rock and Moses said to them, Hear now, you rebels; must we bring you water out of this rock?

And Moses lifted up his hand and with his rod he smote the rock twice. And the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.

And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the Israelites, you therefore shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” Numbers 20:7-12 AMPC

This disobedience or demonstrated inability to grow (in previous times, the guidance from god was to smote the rock) and perform at the next level, cause Moses to be placed on the exit ramp concerning Gods purpose and mission.

The scripture states that “Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated.” So he was not feeble and was well able physically to lead the people. There just was a lapse in judgement that cost him his position.

It was time to pass the mantle on to the leader who would take the children of Israel to the promised land, Joshua.

The lesson for us as leaders is to do our best to hear from God and to lead well- everyday. Our very existence and success as leaders depend on it.

Yes it is true, that the very people we are charged with leading may be stiff-necked, rebellious, struggle with change, and have old limiting beliefs and behaviors; but despite all of that, the responsibility of leadership still falls on us and we must and will be held accountable. The scripture reminds us that whom He sends, He qualifies.

In Closing: God, in his infinite wisdom and love, still provided for the children of Israel and provided them with a leader to carry the mantle forward – Joshua. God was not slack on fulfilling his promises to Israel in that he ensured that their new leader had a sure and solid foundation. The Bible states that “ Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him…” Moses had poured so much of himself into Joshua while they walked the leadership journey together.

Joshua learned from the best and was sensitive to hear and to obey the words of God. So much so that the Bible states the new generation of “Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Lead well!

“And the Lord said to him, This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, I will give it to your descendants.

I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.

So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, And He buried him in the valley of the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.

Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated. [Deut. 31:2.]

And the Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

And Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him; so the Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, [None equal to him] in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt–to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, And in all the mighty power and all the great and terrible deeds which Moses wrought in the sight of all Israel.”

Deuteronomy 34:4-12 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/deu.34.4-12.AMPC

Open His Eyes That He May See

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea of the importance of seeking and having wise anointed counsel.

The scriptures tells us that if we seek wise counsel, we will find it. “For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 AMPC

One benefit of wise counsel, once found, is that they bring insights that are relevant and profound and they can come into agreement with us and our vision.

When they do, the scripture reminds us that God then joins to create a three strand cord – that can not easily be broken!

It says: “…if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]” Matthew 18:19-20 AMPC

Selah

A second benefit is that wise counsel can pray and provide a shield of protection in trouble by declaring that:

⁃ “the Angel of the Lord encamps around us who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of us He delivers. [Ps. 18:1; 145:20.]” Psalm 34:7 AMPC

⁃ “A thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, but it shall not come near us.” Psalm 91:7 AMPC

⁃ “For He will give His angels [especial] charge over us to accompany and defend and preserve us in all our ways [of obedience and service].” Psalm 91:11 AMPC

Amen!

A third benefit of wise counsel is they help us to mature and to no longer be like “children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.” Ephesians 4:14 AMPC

We appreciate them being “instant in season, out of season; reproving, rebuking, exhorting us with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2 KJV

They uphold us by speaking life into our situation reminding us of what God has said: “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.” Proverbs 4:20-22 KJV

It is my prayer that we, as leaders, don’t let pride be a hinderance to our seeking wise counsel for this season of our lives.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Therefore the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing. He called his servants and said, Will you show me who of us is for the king of Israel?

One of his servants said, None, my Lord O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber.

He said, Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him. And it was told him, He is in Dothan. So [the Syrian king] sent there horses, chariots, and a great army. They came by night and surrounded the city.

When the servant of the man of God rose early and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. Elisha’s servant said to him, Alas, my master! What shall we do?

[Elisha] answered, Fear not; for those with us are more than those with them.

Then Elisha prayed, Lord, I pray You, open his eyes that he may see.

And the Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

2 Kings 6:11-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/2ki.6.11-17.AMPC

Perfectly and Fully Developed

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea that we need to be patient with ourselves as we walk out this faith journey.

We live in a society that values and cherishes immediate gratification and instant results. Certain situations exist where we need an immediate need met and God is able to meet our needs immediately.

Usually, when it comes to growth and maturation, this is developed over time.

Like a plant when the bulbs are planted, there may be a period where it appears that nothing is happening.

During these times, there is the tendency to think that the seed has died and there will be no harvest- not so!

With patience, there ultimately is that glimmer of hope which is created when we see the tip of the blade. Then later, we see more and more plant growth and with hearty roots.

So is it with our personal spiritual development and growth as a leader.

We all need a little grace and patience as we press towards our breakthrough moment.

We never know the level of effort that is required to complete this process.

Many times we have confessed that “this is the time, we will stay true to our confession and be obedient in season and out of season” – only to still realize that without God we can do nothing.

Many of us, are comfortable with endurance, steadfastness and patience having “partial” access to the rooms in our heart, our minds and in our souls.

To permit them to do a thorough work, we must sacrifice our comfort for vulnerability and for growth.

When we “let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work” in us, we will see God’s handiwork.

Yes, all things are possible for him who believes”.

“We believe… so therefore all things are possible for us, because of Christ Jesus”.

Be encouraged!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-4 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jas.1.2-4.AMPC

You are A Stumbling Block to Me

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the importance for leaders that we also exhibit effective skills in following.

The best leaders are also the best followers in that we are accountable to someone and we should desire to emulate the traits expected of others.

The scripture shared the benefits associated with “followership” – or being under authority. It says:

⁃ “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17 KJV

⁃ “Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right. For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence (muzzle, gag) the [culpable] ignorance and irresponsible criticisms of foolish people.” 1 Peter 2:13-15 AMP

As a follower, sometimes the vision of our leader may be so great, that we miss it!

It takes effort and maturity to learn how “to see the vision” through a higher strategic lens vs our current lens level, so as not to become a hinderance.

We also have a responsibility to: “Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God], so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness],”. Philippians 2:14-15 AMP

By maintain order and an environment of faith, we create a space for supernatural impartations.

We need the power to flow as the anointing bridges any and all gaps, if we allow it.

Lastly, there is great work that must be accomplished for the kingdom of God. It is my prayer that when we feel the need to murmur and complain, that we realize that our murmurings are not against others, but against the Lord.

We must be careful to not be a stumbling block and should say to our souls- “Peace Be Still”!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples [clearly] that He must go to Jerusalem, and endure many things at the hands of the elders and the chief priests and scribes (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), and be killed, and be raised [from death to life] on the third day.

Peter took Him aside [to speak to Him privately] and began to reprimand Him, saying, “May God forbid it! This will never happen to You.”

But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on things of God, but on things of man.””

Matthew 16:21-23 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.16.21-23.AMP

Behold, I Will Stand Before You There

I was reflecting on these scriptures and my mind began to think about war (the battles of life) and the impact that we, as leaders, have on others lives.

Despite our best intentions and precise planning, not everything works according to the plan.

The scripture reminds us that:

“…For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more.” Luke 12:48 AMPC

The best leaders come to realize that we need help. That is why the example of Moses is so powerful because, even “the powerful” Moses, needed help and support to lead Gods people well. Selah

Moses’ sacrifice of intercession and overwatch all day during the battle seemed impossible in his own strength. Yes, Moses was acting on divine revelation and divine direction but he realized that he needed help and an abundance of grace to complete the mission.

Leadership is hard and we leaders are often misunderstood. Our decisions have consequences and are magnified but are often misunderstood. We are responsible and accountable for achieving results while we remain committed to higher ideals while serving as caretakers of our teams, communities and families.

We must pray and earnestly seek the lord’s guidance for revelation often during the discomfort of the battle and difficult decisions.

We can always find rest and comfort in the scripture as we are reminded: “BLESSED BE the Lord, my Rock and my keen and firm Strength, Who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight– My Steadfast Love and my Fortress, my High Tower and my Deliverer, my Shield and He in Whom I trust and take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.” Psalm 144:1-2 AMPC

But after the decision is made and necessary actions are taken, we often suffer in silence with the “what if’s”. For those moments, there can be solace in the Word: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].”Ephesians 6:10 AMPC

Rest in his promise: “Behold, I will stand before you there….”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“So Moses cried to the Lord, What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.

And the Lord said to Moses, Pass on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand the rod with which you smote the river [Nile], and go.

Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at [Mount] Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, that the people may drink.

And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. [I Cor. 10:4.]

He called the place Masson [proof] and Meribah [contention] because of the faultfinding of the Israelites and because they tempted and tried the patience of the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us or not?

Then came Amalek [descendants of Esau] and fought with Israel at Rephidim.

And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.

So Joshua did as Moses said and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop.

When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.

But Moses’ hands were heavy and grew weary. So [the other men] took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it.

Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

And Joshua mowed down and disabled Amalek and his people with the sword.

And the Lord said to Moses, Write this for a memorial in the book and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under the heavens. [I Sam. 15:2-8.]

And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner; And he said, Because [theirs] is a hand against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Exodus 17:4-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/exo.17.16.AMPC

Why sit We Here Until We Die?

I was reading this passage and was reminded that many times in life, we miss opportunity because of indecision and failure to act.

There are times that we need to “be still” so we can see the salvation of the Lord and to hear the voice of the Good shepherd.

Often, the options that we “initially see” in the natural have negative outcomes.

But we see in the story of the leprous men, where they concluded, that if they don’t act, They WILL die.

But if they did take action, They MAY still die BUT They also MAY live!

Hope and possibility was born.

As leaders, we need a decision making system that will help us to “move forward” in faith so that we can possess the promise land. The Word reminds us in Deuteronomy that:

“For the land which you go in to possess is not like the land of Egypt, from which you came out, where you sowed your seed and watered it with your foot laboriously as in a garden of vegetables.

But the land which you enter to possess is a land of hills and valleys which drinks water of the rain of the heavens,

A land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always upon it from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.” Deuteronomy 11:10-12 AMPC

We are also comforted and reassured that: “the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than you.

Every place upon which the sole of your foot shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the River, the river Euphrates, to the western sea [the Mediterranean] your territory shall be.

There shall no man be able to stand before you; the Lord your God shall lay the fear and the dread of you upon all the land that you shall tread, as He has said to you.”

Deuteronomy 11:23-25 AMPC

We, as leaders, must:

⁃ Settle in our minds that we need to make decisions and Take Action!

⁃ Prepare for the battle by spending time in the Word to understand the heart of God concerning us and our mission.

⁃ Prayerfully make a plan and come into Agreement with the Word.

⁃ Close the door of impossibility by finding and reading scriptural promises.

⁃ Take action on the last directive/ idea received from the Lord. No more instructions may be coming until we act on this one.

⁃ Choose not to stay in the valley of indecision. In this valley, great leaders, great dreams and great visions have become paralyzed and have died.

⁃ Be comfortable being uncomfortable. For during most of the journey in the “Faith” highway, we will not see the “entire picture”.

We choose to move forward!

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.

And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.

For the LORD had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.”

2 Kings 7:3-8 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/2ki.7.3-8.KJV

They were Longing

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the burden that comes along with the change associated with losing someone who is precious.

This can be in both business and our personal lives: however, what is clear is that the person’s presence had an impact on us.

At moments like these, we can search the Word of God for solid ground to stand, reflect, recalibrate and muster the courage to press forward.

Leaders find solid ground by having faith in god and his consistency:

⁃ “Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly].” Mark 11:22 AMP

⁃ “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”John 14:1 AMP

⁃ “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”Genesis 8:22 AMP

⁃ “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].” John 1:1-5 AMP

A leader’s ability to reflect and recalibrate is based on the belief that God’s promises will still come to pass:

⁃ “For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.” Matthew 5:18 AMP

In closing, it is my prayer that today, we can muster up the courage to press forward continuing the good work of the kingdom – remembering but never looking backwards.

“….. now therefore arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.” Joshua 1:2 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own.

And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return.

But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them.”

Hebrews 11:14-16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/heb.11.14-16.AMP

But Jesus

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and I just could not stop thinking about these life and hope sustaining words – But Jesus!

There are so many real life applications that come along with these words that It is impossible to express them all.

As leaders, we face many ups and downs as we pursue our objectives and purposes and our needs change.

Despite where we are, we know that we can call on and rely on Jesus to be our source as in him we have all sufficiency in all things.

When we need reassurances, we can meditate on these scriptures:

⁃ “WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete). And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1-2 AMPC

⁃ “And He said to him, “I am the [same] Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land as an inheritance.” But Abram said, “Lord God, by what [proof] will I know that I will inherit it?”Genesis 15:7-8 AMP

⁃ “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler (small shield), And stand up for my help.” Psalms 35:1-2 AMP

The question today is what is your need? He says:

“Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.” Psalms 2:8 AMP

In closing, whatever the ask or challenge, we must remember that our “x” factor happens when we declare – “But Jesus”!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now they were all weeping loudly and mourning for her; but He said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead, but is sleeping.”

Then they began laughing scornfully at Him and ridiculing Him, knowing [without any doubt] that she was dead.

But Jesus took hold of her hand and spoke, saying, “Child, arise!” And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that she be given something to eat.

Her parents were greatly astonished [by the miracle]; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.”

Luke 8:52-56 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.8.52-56.AMP

Go in Peace

I was reflecting on this familiar passage and my mind considered the sea of people surrounding Christ and how one can feel lost in the masses.

We leaders, who are called by God, sometimes erroneously forget to recognize our differentiating ingredient in the marketplace – faith in Christ.

We are searching for customers/ partnerships who have a yearning, a need, that cannot be met but by a faith connection. That is who we are called to serve.

When our faith and obedience to pursue what God has called us to do matches with the faith of the consumer, there is immediate success. Virtue is exchanged.

Scripture reminds us that we are created by God to do His works:

“For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalms 139:13-14 AMP

Everyone will not nor is expected to buy our products or to receive our solution today. We just need to focus our efforts on finding the one in the crowd that has the need, today!

By faith, we must see them, trust Gods process and press forward knowing that devine connections shall and must happen so that God will get all the glory.

It is possible at times to doubt and wonder if what we desire will materialize. The women in this passage likely experienced that emotion as well – but she pressed forward doing the work to stay in faith and believe.

Here is a word of encouragement for those moments: “”Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”John 14:1 AMP

Go in peace and rest in:

⁃ Knowing whom god sends he qualifies

⁃ Knowing that as we seek wisdom and understanding that our paths will be lit

⁃ Knowing that divine appointments are being orchestrated by the Lord

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” While they all were denying it, Peter [and those who were with him] said, “Master, the people are crowding and pushing against You!”

But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, because I was aware that power [to heal] had gone out of Me.”

When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came up trembling and fell down before Him.

She declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed.

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith [your personal trust and confidence in Me] has made you well. Go in peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).”” Luke 8:45-48 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.8.45-48.AMP