Tag: Bible

I Sought The Lord [On The Authority of His Word]

A Leadership Insight

I was reading this morning and simply wondered whether, as leaders, we have ever had a scripture that just grips us mentally, emotionally and spiritually so much that it demands attention for meditation until we receive revelation?

Well this is one for consideration: “I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me…”.

Why is there a higher level of confidence of a response here than simply a hope or a wish?

The scripture tells us:

“IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]” John 1:1 AMPC

“And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [Isa. 40:5.]” John 1:14 AMPC

“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 AMP

“For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes in Him [Christ]. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His Person and by His agency] to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 AMPC

When we are truly ready, He has already provided:

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.

Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut. 4:29-30.]

I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will release you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and all the places to which I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:11-14 AMPC

Thank you Lord!

In closing, it is my prayer that today, in this season, we seek God and develop the skill to pray Gods word, which is his will, with confidence; knowing and believing:

“…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” James 5:16 AMPC

“For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.” Mark 11:24 AMP

Because we have assurance he will perform his Word:

“Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12 KJV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.34.4.AMP

For Such a Time as This

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the idea of how we are created, prepared and positioned by the “I AM” to achieve a heavenly mandate. Our only question is “What does the master want us to do?”

We see areas in this world that grieves us and we quietly desire to “fix it” knowing the current state conflicts with our understanding of what is “possible”.

God’s wisdom and grace uniquely prepares us to be the solution and He would not ask us to do anything more than we are “well able” to do with His leading.

Unfortunately, many are living beneath the promises of God due to the lack of knowledge and understanding. Deliverance for their pain is awaiting for our faith to alignment with Gods plan.

There is still a real enemy that desires to steal, kill and to destroy mankind; but, Christ has come that we all may have life and have it more abundantly.

We all must be taught the truth through observation or instruction to expose our minds and hearts to the sun of “possibilities”. This intersection creates a burning desire to pursue our higher standard and noble calling.

Scripture provides a tangible example with Queen Esther. She was uniquely positioned by God to thwart the evil plan of Haman against the Jews.

Ester was afraid and understood the rule of law and that the resolution path was a high risk and, if done, without the grace, wisdom and the provision of God could lead to death.

Mordecai, Esther’s uncle provided clarity on her options challenging her to understand her purpose while placing a demand on her to press beyond her comfort zone for gods purposes.

She decided to take action by faith at great personal risk.

She then prepared herself by fasting, to get direction on what to do.

As leaders, we will all face our individual giants. My prayer is that we will take the step of faith towards God plans like Queen Ester.

Let us:

1. Decide to Answer the Call

2. Consecrate ourselves to purge our hearts so we can be lead by the spirit

3. Pursue/ Move forward by faith

For “who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion? “

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”And Mordecai told him of all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews to be destroyed.

[Mordecai] also gave him a copy of the decree to destroy them, that was given out in Shushan, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king, make supplication to him, and plead with him for the lives of her people. And Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any person, be it man or woman, who shall go into the inner court to the king without being called shall be put to death; there is but one law for him, except [him] to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live.

But I have not been called to come to the king for these thirty days. And they told Mordecai what Esther said.

Then Mordecai told them to return this answer to Esther, Do not flatter yourself that you shall escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish.

And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

Then Esther told them to give this answer to Mordecai, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me; and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I also and my maids will fast as you do.

Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went away and did all that Esther had commanded him.“

Esther 4:7-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/est.4.7-17.AMPC

Don’t Disregard the Love of God

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting still on this scripture and the thought that, despite our successes on the outside, we all have unfinished healings on the inside.

Our portion is to be made whole – nothing missing and nothing broken in Christ.

Jesus has made internal healing available to all and He has nothing more to do because the work is already finished! The bible reminds us:

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” Romans 5:8 AMPC

“[Jesus] Who gave (yielded) Himself up [to atone] for our sins [and to save and sanctify us], in order to rescue and deliver us from this present wicked age and world order, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father–” Galatians 1:4 AMPC

As leaders, the more we grow in Christ and emulate Him, we become an attraction for others. As we focus on our own healing, we will accelerate our influence and impact. Selah

We must also remember that we matter to God! “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 AMPC

“How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! [Ps. 40:5.]”

Psalm 139:17 AMPC

OMG

We have assurances:

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22.]” 1 Peter 5:7 AMPC

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”

Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC

“Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us?” Romans 8:34 AMPC

My prayer and declaration for us today:

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:34, 37-39 AMPC

Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But the Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside you yourselves are full of greed and robbery and extortion and malice and wickedness.

You senseless (foolish, stupid) ones [acting without reflection or intelligence]! Did not He Who made the outside make the inside also?

But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every [little] herb, but disregard and neglect justice and the love of God.

These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone. [Lev. 27:30; Mic. 6:8.]”

Luke 11:39-40, 42 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.11.42.AMPC

Give as Donations

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the power and purpose of service. Each year, as leaders, we need to spend time in prayer and meditation while walking through our strategic planning process.

This is an exercise where we reflect and assess our accomplishments for this year but most importantly, who have we become! Have we grown in the areas of importance, stagnated or have we lost ground?

Regardless of the “reality”, we have an opportunity to inquire of the Lord concerning what foundational seeds we should sow for growth – our act of service to others.

As we listen with our hearts in faith, we will receive a new model of service. We will also have validation because the solution will bring inner peace – that’s it!

This is a material shift from the world’s approach which focuses on “getting” – the outcomes.

As godly leaders, we focus on how we can “be a blessing” and “sow seeds” of service into the lives of others. In return, we have the priviledge to call them “our customer”.

We see this success model in the bible: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6 AMPC

The greatest skills we can learn are how to attract and serve a customer. That is a special relationship that must be nurtured for mutual benefit. This relationship requires that we give of ourselves to others.

“But [dedicate your inner self and] give as donations to the poor [of solutions] of those things which are within [of inward righteousness] and behold, everything is purified and clean for you.

It is my prayer that we will not become weary in sowing seeds of love (solutions) that emotionally benefits others and glorifies God.

Angels, ministering spirits, go and cause the customers to come in Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now while Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to take dinner with him, so He entered and reclined at table.

The Pharisee noticed and was astonished [to see] that Jesus did not first wash before dinner.

But the Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside you yourselves are full of greed and robbery and extortion and malice and wickedness.

You senseless (foolish, stupid) ones [acting without reflection or intelligence]! Did not He Who made the outside make the inside also?

But [dedicate your inner self and] give as donations to the poor of those things which are within [of inward righteousness] and behold, everything is purified and clean for you.” Luke 11:37-41 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.11.37-41.AMPC

Holy Spirit

I was reading these scriptures and was reflecting on the Holy Spirit and how vital it is to our success and growth as a believer and as a leader.

It is and will be the most powerful influence on our lives as we transform daily to be like Christ.

It is free to all who simply ask and pursue it as the scripture reminds us “how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!” Amen

There are difficult days ahead as we pursue, subdue, take authority over, dominate and occupy our designated areas of responsibility.

We need and will continue to need the guidance, wisdom and insights that can only be revealed to us by the spirit.

Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit is our teacher :

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” John 14:26 AMP

The Holy Spirit guides us:

“But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you.” John 16:13-15 AMP

The Holy Spirit encourages us:

“So the church throughout Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace [without persecution], being built up [in wisdom, virtue, and faith]; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it continued to grow [in numbers].”

Acts 9:31 AMP

The Holy Spirit empowers us:

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”

2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

With all these benefits and more available , there is a question before us all that is found in Acts 19:

“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed [in Jesus as the Christ]?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”” Acts 19:2 AMP

It is available and free today to us all if we just ask. Amen

It is my prayer that as we continue to ask for the holy spirit to be manifested in us, to lead and to guide us in our lives:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” Romans 15:13 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““So I say to you, 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 [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.

What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish?

Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!”” Luke 11:9-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.11.9-13.AMP

If Two Believers

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and was encouraged as I was reminded that with God, the solution to a problem is often simple.

It is awesome to realize the sheer power that IS manifested when two believers come into “agreement”.

The Word says that when we do come into agreement: “about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

Anything?

Yes, anything!

Wow and Amen!

There are a couple of criteria that must be met for the promise to flow:

⁃ They must be of “one mind”.

⁃ They must be in “harmony”.

That’s it. So simple.

As we do the work to identify and associate with another believer, determine what we truly want/desire, become one mind concerning the desired outcome while ensuring it aligns with the will of God (it is helpful to use a scriptural basis), and be in harmony; then we can ask and EXPECT RESULTS!

Amen

This means that “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23 KJV

The challenge with us, as leaders, is we sometimes struggle with the sheer simplicity of the message.

The Word also warns us about those who teach a message contrary to the scripture:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”

Romans 16:17-19 KJV

In closing, it is my prayer that these scriptures will settle in your spirit and give you peace, reassurance and confidence:

⁃ “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 KJV

⁃ “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22 KJV

⁃ “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:10 KJV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.””Matthew 18:19-20 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.18.19-20.AMP

Go and Do Likewise

I was reading this scripture this morning and was reflecting on just how easy we, as leaders, can allow ourselves to get so busy that we loose, for a moment or permanently, the ability to be touched by the infirmities of others.

I suspect that each of us have had a moment where we were so focused on our needs, goals and objectives that we missed taking the time to “really see” the needs of someone else.

Our response may be because we perceive the risk of “their ask” may be more than we think we can accommodate or maybe, we just do not feel like being “other centered” in that moment.

As leaders, we are learning that being a follower of Christ is not always convenient and often reveals our hidden heart issues.

We then see in this example, how the Good Samaritan was “moved with pity and sympathy [for him]”.

We are also reminded that: “But by the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). In fact, I worked harder than all of them [the apostles], though it was not really I, but the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 AMPC

It is easy to become overwhelmed, struggle to find balance, and to not live up to the standard set by the Word of God: “Contribute to the needs of God’s people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.” Romans 12:13 AMPC

We must strive daily to take on and have the mind of Christ: “For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa. 40:13.]” 1 Corinthians 2:16 AMPC

“All things are legitimate [permissible–and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor].” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 AMPC

We are encouraged and constantly being prepared to touch life at many touch points, being less structured so that we can “connect” with others. The Bible reminds us: “Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:1-2 AMP

We are God’s workmanship, His ambassadors and are the salt of the earth. We have been given dominion and authority over the whole earth. Because of Christ, we have a river of living water to be a blessing to mankind showing pity and mercy. In Jesus Name, Amen

Like the Good Samaritan, let us Go and do likewise!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesus, taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.

Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].

But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him], And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine.

Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii [two day’s wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.

Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers? He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30-37 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.10.30-37.AMPC

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

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