Let Me Go

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought how one idea revealed to us, downloaded from heaven AND acted upon, can transform our lives forever. We may be given the foundation for a new industry, product line or strategy.

Many times we may view ourselves in our jobs or businesses as “I am just”; but the word of the Lord reminds us that we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We are greater than any current position or role we are fulfilling because we have Christ in us – our hope of glory.

As leaders, the question we face is will we answer the call when the idea is revealed as well as the plan?

Scripture says that:

“I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 AMPC

Scripture gives us an example with Jacob and this strategy:

Let me pass through your entire flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep and every dark or black one among the lambs and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and those shall be my wages.

The good news is that Jacob was and remained faithful in serving and prospered Laban:

Jacob served Laban for many years and endured his fair share of deception and broken promises.

Despite all of the wage adjustments, deception in giving him the wrong bride, Jacob continued to serve. “And Laban said to him, If I have found favor in your sight, I pray you [do not go]; for I have learned by experience and from the omens in divination that the Lord has favored me with blessings on your account.”

Genesis 30:27 AMPC

This example reinforces that our jobs are not our source in the kingdom -Christ is. He has given us the economic model of sowing and reaping.

Lastly, as leaders, we must remember that results come from execution. Jacob received and acted on the strategy and was blessed.

“So Jacob became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks [of sheep and goats], and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.” Genesis 30:43 AMP

In closing, we cannot discount the fact that the ways of Jacob pleased the Lord and the Lord provided for him:

“And the Angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Look up and see, all the rams which are mating [with the flock] are streaked, speckled, and spotted; for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar, and where you made a vow to Me; now stand up, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.’ ”” Genesis 31:11-13 AMP

As we strive and grow, this is my prayer that we continue to honor those in authority to create the conditions for revelation and success strategies.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now when Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go back to my own place and to my own country.

Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know the work which I have done for you.”

But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your sight, stay with me; for I have learned [from the omens in divination and by experience] that the Lord has blessed me because of you.”

He said, “Name your wages, and I will give it [to you].” Jacob answered him, “You know how I have served you and how your possessions, your cattle and sheep and goats, have fared with me.

For you had little before I came and it has increased and multiplied abundantly, and the Lord has favored you with blessings wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household?” Laban asked, “What shall I give you?”

Jacob replied, “You shall not give me anything. But if you will do this one thing for me [which I now propose], I will again pasture and keep your flock:

Let me pass through your entire flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep and every dark or black one among the lambs and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and those shall be my wages.

So my honesty will be evident for me later, when you come [for an accounting] concerning my wages.

Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and dark among the young lambs, if found with me, shall be considered stolen.” And Laban said, “Good! Let it be done as you say.””

Genesis 30:25-34 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.30.26-34.AMP

I Shall Not Want

I was reflecting this morning on some scriptures which are seeds of greatness, once manifested in our lives through meditation and confession will transform who we are in Christ.

As leaders, our ability to be multipliers of leaders grows with our ability to be more like Christ and to have more of his anointing.

One of the areas and often strongholds to the full manifestation of God’s goodness is the presence of “lack” in our lives. Lack can be finances, wisdom, health, patience, or maybe peace.

Lack is real for many but it is not our portion!

Scripture reminds us that we have all sufficiency in all things (2 Corinthians 9:8) and it also says this about lack:

⁃ “The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1 AMP

⁃ “O [reverently] fear the Lord, you His saints (believers, holy ones); For to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions lack [food] and grow hungry, But they who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.” Psalms 34:9-10 AMP

In the beginning (Gen 1: 12-31), God created reproducing seed, provided water and sun for provision and abundance. He affirmed and sustained it – even to this day. He also gave us a mandate to exercise our dominion over the earth.

We therefore already have provision made available to us and we now have awareness that “lack” is not our portion in Christ.

So the question is how do we break the cycle of “lack” in our homes, ministry and businesses – Prepare our hearts to become a Sower and an Imitator of God:

⁃ “Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];” Ephesians 5:1 AMP

⁃ “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap.” Galatians 6:7 AMP

Amen

In closing, the Word tells us:

“Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him also and He will do it.”

Psalms 37:4-5 AMP

“Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.”

Matthew 7:7-8 AMP

My prayer for you today:

“Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love].

You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].

For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

Because of this act of ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation [in this gift] for them and for all [the other believers in need], and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you.

Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!” 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The earth sprouted and abundantly produced vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, according to their kind; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it.

God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to provide light upon the earth, to rule over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it.

Then God said, “Let the waters swarm and abundantly produce living creatures, and let birds soar above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.”

And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”

Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.”

And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.” and to all the animals on the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that moves on the ground—to everything in which there is the breath of life—I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so [because He commanded it].

God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good and He validated it completely. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.”

Genesis 1:12, 17-18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 30-31 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.1.12-31.AMP

Many Prophets and Kings Longed to See What You See

When I was reflecting on these scriptures, I was reminded about of the urgent need for a deeper level of leadership development for these turbulent times. As leaders, multiplying our effectiveness is in direct proportion to our ability to recognize, prayerfully select and enter into covenant relationships with others.

By granting this access or being granted this access, there is a level of trust that, if broken, can really be catastrophic and cause significant pain.

The relationship can include giving a part of our or receiving a part of someone else’s anointing, reputation and good name, so covenant relationships should not be viewed lightly.

The size and magnitude of the commission determines the model chosen from those revealed in scriptures. There are at least four:

⁃ The 70 Appointed: “Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into every city and place where He was about to go. He was saying to them, “The harvest is abundant [for there are many who need to hear the good news about salvation], but the workers [those available to proclaim the message of salvation] are few. Therefore, [prayerfully] ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest. Go your way; listen carefully: I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:1-3 AMP

⁃ The 12 disciples: “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them: “Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not go into a city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 10:1, 5-7 AMP

⁃ The 3 disciples: “Then they went to a place called Gethsemane; and Jesus said to His disciples, “Sit down here until I have prayed.” He took Peter and James and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled [extremely anguished at the prospect of what was to come]. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved and overwhelmed with sorrow, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.”” Mark 14:32-34 AMP

⁃ Joseph: “Now the plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all of his servants. So Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this [a man equal to Joseph], in whom is the divine spirit [of God]?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since [your] God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and clear-headed and wise as you are. You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word and pay respect [to you with reverence, submission, and obedience]; only in [matters of] the throne will I be greater than you [in Egypt].” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you [in charge] over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and dressed him in [official] vestments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot; and runners proclaimed before him, “[Attention,] bow the knee!” And he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission shall no man raise his hand [to do anything] or set his foot [to go anywhere] in all the land of Egypt [all classes of people shall submit to your authority].”” Genesis 41:37-44 AMP

We should not despise, discount or cheapen the value of “access” for “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see”. These relationships can be one of the greatest source of growth and maturity resulting in our ability to think and plan at a greater level of depth. Often, access is granted to rooms, conversations and experiences that are sacred and private – exponentially propelling our growth, understanding, influence, power and authority.

A warning: we must use discernment and wisdom in choosing relationships for many desire the benefit but have not yet developed their character to thrive well in a covenant relationship. If they are not tested and prayerfully vetted, things can go wrong rather quickly.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Choose well!

“Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught].

Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight.

All things have been transferred and turned over to Me by My Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”

Then turning to His disciples, Jesus said privately, “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see, for I say to you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, and they did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.””

Luke 10:19-24 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.10.21-24.AMP

The Government Shall be Upon His Shoulder

I was reflecting this morning on these scripture and my mind began to ponder the principles of government. Some governments are based on principles of democracy yet others are based on other principles including a monarchy.

One of the most referenced documents, for which I am grateful, is the US constitution which begins with:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

As leaders, we must understand that every government or organization has a constitution – guiding principles. These principles may be called : Mission statements, values statements, vision statements, or charters. Whatever the name, usually, there is a common woven thread that each organization is a fragile and precious “experiment” created on a foundation of certain ideals with a vision of desired outcomes.

For the government/kingdom of Christ, scripture declares to us:

⁃ “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. [Isa. 25:1; 40:9-11; Matt. 28:18; Luke 2:11.]

⁃ “…The very Stone which the builders rejected and threw away has become the Cornerstone; this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? [Ps. 118:22, 23.] Matthew 21:42 AMPC

⁃ “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth; in that day the Lord shall be one [in the recognition and worship of men] and His name one.” Zechariah 14:9 AMPC

⁃ “…All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.”Matthew 28:18 AMPC

⁃ “And there was given Him [the Messiah] dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom is one which shall not be destroyed. [Rev. 5:1-10.]”. Daniel 7:14 AMPC

⁃ “[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins. [Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation. For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.”Colossians 1:13-16 AMPC

As Citizens of His Kingdom, let us pray therefore: “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.” Matthew 6:9-10 AMPC. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. [Isa. 25:1; 40:9-11; Matt. 28:18; Luke 2:11.]

Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the [latter] time forth, even forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. [Dan. 2:44; I Cor. 15:25-28; Heb. 1:8.]”

Isaiah 9:6-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/isa.9.6-7.AMPC

Praise the Lord

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and just how wonderful God is. As godly leaders pursuing godly visions, sometimes our agendas are “disrupted” by an unction of the Holy Spirit. In these moments we are lead to take a pause or a brief detour so that Gods kingdom is blessed, we are refreshed and His perfect will is done.

Today, it is my hope that we stop and simply say – “Thank you Lord”.

“For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that we are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of ourselves [of our own doing, it came not through our own striving], but it is the gift of God;”

Ephesians 2:8 AMPC

We have reassurances and rest in the scriptures that reminds us:

⁃ “Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. [Lev. 7:12; Isa. 57:19; Hos. 14:2.]” Hebrews 13:15 AMPC

⁃ “And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.” 1 John 4:16 AMPC

⁃ “And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].” 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC

⁃ “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created].” Psalm 145:8-9 AMPC

In closing and most of all, God is faithful and can be trusted:

“According to Your steadfast love give life to me; then I will keep the testimony of Your mouth [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it].

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. [Ps. 89:2; Matt. 24:34, 35; I Pet. 1:25.]

Your faithfulness is from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it stands fast.”

Psalm 119:88-90 AMPC

Yes, He truly deserves ALL the glory, honor and adoration. Let’s praise him today!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“PRAISE THE Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights!

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers and judges of the earth! Both young men and maidens, old men and children!

Let them praise and exalt the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted and supreme!

His glory and majesty are above earth and heaven!

He has lifted up a horn for His people [giving them power, prosperity, dignity, and preeminence], a song of praise for all His godly ones, for the people of Israel, who are near to Him.

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) [Ps. 75:10; Eph. 2:17.]”

Psalm 148:1, 11-14 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.148.1-14.AMPC

Great Peace Have They Which Love Thy Law

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and was really intrigued by the idea of just how wonderful it is to have peace but equally of growing spiritually until we just simply love the law. The result of that growth is that nothing will offend us.

Rest assured that achieving this level of spiritual growth does not come by accident or by circumstances but by our taking specific actions.

We, as leaders, can be encouraged. By deciding to execute certain strategies, we will have greater and greater levels of peace and grow in our ability to lead ourselves and others to higher levels. The scripture reminds us that “As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” Proverbs 27:17 AMP

Through our struggle to achieve mental peace in “life”, our deliverance and breakthrough comes when we make adjustments in our day (each 24 hours) learning how to pay attention to God – even in the midst of our activities.

This may feel overwhelming initially, but we have to fight to achieve this level of communion with the Holy Spirit. It is beneficial and worth the effort. Here are some strategies to consider:

Strategy #1: Keep Seeking the things that are above

“Therefore if we have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set our mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. For we died [to this world], and our [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 AMP

Strategy #2: Taking time to Abide in Christ

“Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 AMP

Strategy #3: Purposeful and Frequent Praise

“Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances.”

Psalms 119:164 AMP

For those that may not fully appreciate the value in making these adjustments, the Word offers some reassurances that this investment of time and energy is not lost effort. Here are a couple benefits:

Benefit #1: Receipt of Godly Peace

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 AMP

Benefit #2: Competitive Advantage

“In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the [learned] magicians and enchanters (Magi) in his whole realm.” Daniel 1:20 AMP

Benefit #3: Greater Understanding from God

“I understand more than the aged [who have not observed Your precepts], Because I have observed and kept Your precepts.” Psalms 119:100 AMP

In closing, what is so reassuring in this scripture is that it declares that Gods Word is true! Not only is it true today, it has always been true from the beginning.

Let’s choose today to stand together on the Word and abide in Christ until we reach the point that we just Love the law and he gets all the glory! Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Princes have persecuted me without a cause: But my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil.

I hate and abhor lying: But thy law do I love.

Seven times a day do I praise thee Because of thy righteous judgments.

Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them.”

Psalm 119:160-165 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.119.160-165.KJV

Your Treasure

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and my mind began to reflect on the most valuable treasure we have – time.

Each of us are blessed to have 168 each week to invest our time into the things that matter most to us and is a tell of what we truly value.

Sometimes our actions are in conflict with what we verbally or mentally say are important.

Time is our scoreboard of life.

As leaders, we all search for meaning and purpose in life as it would seem futile to achieve much and to realize all is vanity.

To help us try and stay on the right track to meaning, the bible urges us to: “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” Matthew 6:33 AMP

It is admirable to want our lives to count for something and they do!

We can be encouraged and validated as the scripture says: “For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].”

2 Timothy 1:9 AMPC

As leaders, we face a constant struggle and tension with “how do we set our hearts to invest” as time is the currency of our lives.

If we feel the need to redeem the time, we can walk in wisdom. Colossians 4:5 KJV

Next, we can leverage the strategy that our Daily Activity Determines Our Destiny!

When we evaluate our calendars over the past week, how did we allocate our 168 hours?

What will be revealed is what we truly value today. We can ask ourselves a couple of questions:

⁃ Are we pleased with what we saw?

⁃ Does it represent the best that life offers?

⁃ Is there sufficient preplanned time with those we love?

⁃ What are our time allocations today?

⁃ What should our time allocations be?

This can be a hard fact to accept; however, congratulations, we now have the foundations for a plan and there is hope in the Word:

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””

Matthew 19:26 AMP

We can be assured that:

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMPC

And

“I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it. And God does it so that men will [reverently] fear Him [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is]. [Ps. 19:9; James 1:17.]” Ecclesiastes 3:14 AMPC

Amen

Lastly, with focused effort, we can achieve calendar alignment with our values.

“TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Pursue your best life in Christ.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Matthew 6:21 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.6.21.AMPC

Blessed is That Man

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and one word got a hold of me that I could not let go. The passage begins with “Blessed is that man…”. And my heart was just filled with emotions.

Something was different about this scripture in that it demanded and still demands a higher level of leadership commitment.

There are many references in the Word concerning “blessed is the man”. Usually following this phrase is a promise of the blessings and benefits that are associated with our action. If we do this then, we receive the promise.

But there is something different about those who strive for and achieve the level of “that man”.

When we see it, we ask:

⁃ Is the fat of the lamb reserved for “that” man?

⁃ Is the 100 fold return reserved for “that” man?

⁃ Is it possible that the greater and mighty works are reserved for “that” man?

⁃ Is ”that” the difference from being in the crowd of the many which are called vs being a part of the few that are chosen?

⁃ Is “that” the difference between being great and exceedingly great?

⁃ Is “that” the difference from being a follower vs a giant in Christ like Paul, Moses, Elijah, and David?

What then differentiates “the” man and qualifies him to be “that” man?

So what is it that moves us forward – closer to and higher in Christ?

What is clear is “that” is a special place, a higher level in Christ and is available to all.

The Bible says that we can have the desires of our hearts if we delight ourselves in him. Psalms 37:4

The Bible also says that if we ask, he will give us wisdom. James 1:5

The Bible says that he will reveal into us the mysteries. Mathew 13:11

If we sincerely ask, Jesus will reveal unto us how do we graduate to be called “that man”?

But we must first have the desire for the meat of the word and crave the anointing.

Let us resolve today, as leaders, to press in and grow to become “that man (or woman)” in Christ.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, And respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”

Psalm 40:4 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.40.4.KJV

You Do Not Know of What Sort of Spirit You Are

When I was reflecting on this passage this morning, I was intrigued by the words of Jesus when he told his two disciples James and John, “You do not know of what sort of spirit you are….”.

What is most interesting is that these disciples traveled with Jesus for a while.

They saw him perform miracles and mighty works yet it appears that they did not grasp and understand His fundamental message and principle of love.

It is almost as if they still had a mistaken identity – at least momentarily.

Reading through the chapter, there are clues that suggest that the disciples were in a period of unrest, conflict or something. Examples are:

⁃ They were focused on trying to determine who was the greatest disciple vs just serving.

⁃ They were confounded by the charge from Jesus to feed the 5,000 men and their families.

⁃ They wanted to rebuke a man who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name but Jesus corrected them.

In the last case below, the disciples wanted to cause fire to come down on the Samaritan village who would not receive Jesus.

But my mind kept coming back to, “Why?” Why would the disciples have such a violent reaction to the village’s response? And as leaders, what can we learn from this?

Perhaps, they felt disrespected. If so, the scripture helps us adjust:

“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 AMPC

OMG

Perhaps, they were angry:

“Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].” James 1:19-20 AMPC

Help us Lord!

Perhaps they did not understand their identity in Christ. Scripture says: “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].”

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 AMPC

Selah

It is my prayer that we, the leaders, continue to seek out and strive to adopt the mind of Christ. We will need it to prevail in this season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But [the people] would not welcome or receive or accept Him, because His face was [set as if He was] going to Jerusalem.

And when His disciples James and John observed this, they said, Lord, do You wish us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did? [II Kings 1:9-16.]

But He turned and rebuked and severely censured them. He said, You do not know of what sort of spirit you are,

For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them [from the penalty of eternal death]. And they journeyed on to another village.”

Luke 9:53-56 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.9.53-56.AMPC

He Came Near to Damascus

I was reflecting this morning on this passage and my mind kept thinking that each of us, as leaders, travel our own road to Damascus. It is a continuous journey.

Granted most of us are or were not persecuting Christians like Saul; however, one thing was true is that we were not walking according to the plan that God had for our lives.

Despite how bad things were before our “Christ encounter”, it is really reassuring to see where God said: “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;” Acts 9:15 AMP

I am so grateful that even in the midst of our actions which were/are contrary to Christ, he still sees us as his chosen instruments.

As leaders, we error. We may have multiple trips where we deviate from Gods plan for our lives. Maybe not to the initial degree but we may find ourselves off the road or even losing ground on the road.

The good news is that Christ is still trying to get our attention and to prepare us for promotion and advancement. He created us and he knows us and creates moments of divine revelation that are absolute and undeniable because it is so impactful and transformational for us.

God is acutely aware of how to get our attention and to demonstrate his sovereignty, love and rulership.

We just have to yield and allow him to help us.

He even writes: “THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us,

and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].

He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [Ps. 110:1.]” Hebrews 12:1-2 AMPC

Despite what we have achieved so far, we are destined for even greater works because of our “Christ encounter” if we would once again:

“Delight ourselves also in the Lord, and He will give us the desires and secret petitions of our heart.

Commit our way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of our load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:4-5 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And requested of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.

Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, And he fell to the ground.

Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me [harassing, troubling, and molesting Me]?

And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance].

Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do?

The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.

The men who were accompanying him were unable to speak [for terror], hearing the voice but seeing no one.

Then Saul got up from the ground, but though his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.” Acts 9:2-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/act.9.3-8.AMPC