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
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
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
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
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.”
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.]”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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