Tag: Bible

It gives Light to all Who are in the House

I was reflecting this morning on the reality that as leaders, we ultimately will have a crucible moment when we realize that our lives are but a looking glass- an example. What we believe and who we become is what is revealed to others.

Who we truly are will/ shall reveal itself.

We also have to be comfortable, as we serve in Gods Kingdom, that our role is to be an example and to be a seed sower for Christ! The scripture states it this way:

“I planted[the seed], Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth. So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 AMP

This can be humbling but it is also the truth. We must trust and rely on the process.

The second crucible moment comes when we realize that we will need to sow the seed of sacrifice where all will view us, judge us, criticize us, doubt us:

“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:4, 16 AMP

People will see our sacrifice differently – like viewing light through a prism.

Because visible light, also known as white light, consists of a collection of component colors. Upon passage through the prism, the white light is separated into its component colors – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. The separation of visible light into its different colors is known as dispersion.

As in the natural, we may see only parts of light through the prism of our faith, belief and experiences, so will others who view our light!

We cannot control how people will interpret our light. We just need to know that when God drives the increase, it will be undeniable, awesome and will compel men to come to Him.

We just need to be “willing and obedient, and we shall eat the best of the land;” Isaiah 1:19 AMP

As we commit our time, talent and treasure to the kingdom, the scripture states that:

“A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16 AMP

This is how our lamps give light to all who are in the house.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

Matthew 5:15 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.5.15.AMP

Bear Fruit with Patience

I was reflecting this morning and my mind drifted toward foundational principles and concepts that, if missed, can really cause us as leaders to build our dreams on foundations of sand vs solid rock. And that grieved me.

Concept #1:

While on this earth, though for a vapor, the scripture says we are ALL given some basic raw materials:

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

“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].” 2 Corinthians 9:10 AMP

It is up to us how we utilize these resources. Do we squander them, dismiss them, or do we cherish them and serve as good stewards of them? All are OUR CHOICES.

Concept #2:

We often have grand visions but we soon discover our imperfect souls require constant spiritual maintenance: surgery to get our hearts to align with God resulting in prepared and nourished soil.

Grand visions with no biblical character is shallow or hollow at best:

“Incline your ear [to listen] and come to Me; Hear, so that your soul may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies [promised and] shown to David.

Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call on Him [for salvation] while He is near.

Let the wicked leave (behind) his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion (mercy) on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.”

Isaiah 55:3, 6-8 AMP

Concept #3:

When looking at the 80/20 rule as applied to our spiritual growth, preparing the soil of our hearts, ensuring alignment with Gods thoughts and being obedient to his directions are the 20% tasks that make all the difference.

“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

These are some fundamental principles that require time and meditation until we receive revelation and own them.

Our breakthrough to the next level is dependent on our soil quality.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience.”

Luke 8:15 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.8.15.AMPC

The Wickedness of Man was Great

I was reflecting this morning and the thought that crossed my mind is how man, left to his own devices, can be a destructive force. But with Christ as our moral compass and guide, all things become new and all things are possible.

During creation, we see where God was pleased with man as the scripture states: “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it completely. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.”

Genesis 1:31 AMPC

However, as time passed, God began to have regrets because man in his fallen state was in a place “that every imagination and intention of all human thinking was only evil continually”.

As leaders, we may find ourselves in a situation where we are building for the future with high expectations; however, we see chaos, deception, confusion, and strife surrounding us.

Despite what is happening around us the Bible reminds us that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9 AMPC ) and therefore we also live in a time where the thoughts of Man are evil continuously. Their minds, words and deeds are toward those things which are evil.

“But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.”

And so can we by declaring Psalms 91 that God:

⁃ He is our Refuge and our Fortress, our God; on Him we lean and rely, and in Him We [confidently] trust!

⁃ He will deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

⁃ He will cover us with His pinions, and under His wings shall we trust and find refuge

⁃ His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

⁃ We shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

⁃ A thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, but it shall not come near us.”

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination and intention of all human thinking was only evil continually.

And the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved at heart.

So the Lord said, I will destroy, blot out, and wipe away mankind, whom I have created from the face of the ground–not only man, [but] the beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air–for it grieves Me and makes Me regretful that I have made them.

But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.”

Genesis 6:5-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.6.6-8.AMPC

Be Careful therefore How You Listen

I was reflecting on these passages and what really stuck with me is how we as leaders, must continue to prepare and nurture our soil if we want to continue to grow with God.

Nothing stands still and we must show continuous engagement with actions to continue to grow with Christ.

Since we desire the unlimited wisdom supply that comes from above, there is a demand of meaningful engagement and willful change – on our behalf.

As leaders, we desire an unlimited harvest but do we invest daily the time, energy and attention to study, ponder and meditate on the seeds of the Word while sowing them into our soil: our minds, wills, emotions and spirit?

Quality time invested in shaping our faith visions brings tangible clarity and is time well spent.

Our visions are becoming so real that we already see and possess them in our minds and hearts?

This relationship requires engagement, communication, patience, tenderness, listening, hearing, empathy, and connection to grow and thrive.

So true this is in the spiritual realm that “For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what he thinks and guesses and supposes that he has will be taken away.”

There is a risk of deterioration and loss of ground.

Not for us as I decree that the blood of Jesus covers us, our households and our visions. In Jesus Name Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For there is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open.

Be careful therefore how you listen. For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what he thinks and guesses and supposes that he has will be taken away.”

Luke 8:17-18 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.8.18.AMPC

His Faith is credited to him as Righteousness

I was reflecting on this scripture as my mind continued to return to the simplicity of the standard that Abram established when “he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord”. Gen 15:6 AMPC

The scripture says that “He [God] counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God)”

That is so amazing to comprehend and can serve as a life lesson for us as leader.

Sometimes life can feel complicated and overwhelming but the faith standard still remains simple and true: believe in, trust in, rely on, remain steadfast to God, period.

When we lose our way, we always can repent, reset our compasses and refocus our attention back on Christ.

We are reminded with the reality that salvation is not and cannot be earned by our works but it is a gift -“For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God!” Romans 4:2 AMPC

We just need to receive this gift, and trust (believe fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly.

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

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God!

For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God). [Gen. 15:6.]

Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him).

But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God).”

Romans 4:2-5 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/rom.4.2-5.AMPC

Agreeable to His will

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning because it really helped bring calm to my spirit: “He will cause our thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall our plans be established and succeed.”

While on this growth journey, a periodic and persistent question arises: “how” do we know whether we are in and doing gods will for our lives? We ask because we want to ensure that our lives matter.

As leaders, we live our lives with the strategy “to win”. We think all our actions are right but god looks at our ways, intentions, our motives – our whys.

Yes, we are blessed to have grace and mercy available but we don’t want to live our lives on the edges of his will. We desire to be in the center – the place of safety.

Scripture reminds us that: “Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4 AMPC

Sounds simple but, it is a journey.

God is faithful to lead us if we stay close to him – even when we discover we are not where we desire to be.

⁃ Fear not!

⁃ Be not anxious!

⁃ Trust the process!

⁃ Continue to yield to the Holy Spirit!

Know that God has good plans for us.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). [I Sam. 16:7; Heb. 4:12.]

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.”

Proverbs 16:2-3 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.16.2-3.AMPC

Yet Wisdom is Vindicated

I was reflecting on this scriptural truth in an effort to truly understand it and the related lessons: “Yet Wisdom is shown to be right by what its followers do.” V35 (CEV)

Throughout the Bible we are instructed to get godly wisdom and understanding and to hold on to them as they are more precious than rubies and pearls. By definition: “the reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord–that is Wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

The scripture states that “skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing. And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).”

When John the Baptist went about declaring the coming of Jesus, some chose to hear the Word, discern the truth in the Word, and acted on the Word to be baptized. Some did not.

As leaders, there are times when new concepts and ideas may surface that appear contrary to our training and our experiences; however, we need to exercise the discipline of discernment to search for and recognize the presence of a possible truth. Once identified, we must act on it by faith.

We must also understand that other leaders who may be more knowledgeable and experienced may not act – likely because they have not grown in wisdom to seek truth in the Word.

When it is all said and done, “ wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true and divine) by all her children [by their life, character, and deeds].”

Our actions make all the difference.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; but he that is inferior [to the other citizens] in the kingdom of God is greater [in incomparable privilege] than he.

And all the people who heard Him, even the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God [in calling them to repentance and in pronouncing future wrath on the impenitent], being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and the lawyers [of the Mosaic Law] annulled and rejected and brought to nothing God’s purpose concerning themselves, by [refusing and] not being baptized by him [John].

So to what shall I compare the men of this generation? And what are they like? They are like little children sitting in the marketplace, calling to one another and saying, We piped to you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we sang dirges and wailed [playing funeral], and you did not weep.

For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, He has a demon. The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, Behold, a Man Who is a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and notorious sinners.

Yet wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true and divine) by all her children [by their life, character, and deeds].”

Luke 7:28-35 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.7.28-35.AMPC

But Christ is Real!

I was just reading this morning and came across this scripture and I could not help but reflect on the sheer magnitude of this statement. OMG. My heart was just flooded with emotions of gratitude.

As leaders, there is one personal journey question that only you can answer: How real is Christ to you, today?

Wherever we are on the continuum, the meer fact that we are reading this question, it shows that we are still on this growth journey.

Sometimes we get tossed to and fro in our minds and with the many challenges of life. But, it is helpful to return to our home base of certainty and comfort – Christ.

Remembering the scriptures that say: “For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Today is a good day to just enter into his presence, just adore him, and to lay all of our cares/sins at the feet of Jesus at the cross. Christ is over every power and authority.

Hosanna in the highest!”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him.

Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life.

Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.

Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may sound wise, but they are only human teachings.

They come from the powers of this world and not from Christ.

God lives fully in Christ. And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority.

Christ has also taken away your selfish desires, just as circumcision removes flesh from the body.

And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death.

You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people.

But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins.

God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. There Christ defeated all powers and forces.

He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.

Don’t let anyone tell you what you must eat or drink. Don’t let them say you must celebrate the New Moon festival, the Sabbath, or any other festival.

These things are only a shadow of what was to come. But Christ is real!”

Colossians 2:6-17 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/col.2.6-17.CEV

God Instructs Him Correctly and Teaches Him

As I was reflecting on this passage this morning, I was reminded where the scriptures states “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph…”. The question is how much we will allow him to do so.

In this example story of the farmer, the interesting fact was even though each seed he was planting required soil to grow, each had unique soil preparation and planting requirements to grow successfully.

This is also true for each of our “vision” seeds that we have been given.

Practically, there are certain processes/ tasks that must be completed to harvest a successful businesses, ministry, community, family and marriage.

Some of the tasks may be: regulatory, personnel, finances, product or services, customers/ client relations, communications – provision.

As the leaders, what is most important are the instructions we download from God daily on how to prepare our soil for these provisions as each seed requires different soil preparation and handling techniques for success.

God knows what our soil needs, when it is needed and he is faithful to order our steps – day in and day out, if we let him lead, guide and teach us. We need God’s revelations and wisdom.

As we listen and make adjustments, we will see our harvest yield fruit of its kind- some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold.

The results will be in direct proportion to our faith and growth in these areas: Prayer, Praise, Worship, Fasting, Reading and Meditating on the Word and Communing with the Holy Spirit.

It is my prayer that we will hear with clarity “What the Lord is Saying” for us this season. All we know and believe is that it will be edifying and good for us.

Be Blessed!!

be a Blessing!

“Give ear and hear my [Isaiah’s] voice; listen and hear my words.

Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Does he continue to plow and harrow the ground after it is smooth?

When he has leveled its surface, does he not cast abroad [the seed of] dill or fennel and scatter cummin [a seasoning], and put the wheat in rows, and barley in its intended place, and spelt [an inferior kind of wheat] as the border?

[And he trains each of them correctly] for his God instructs him correctly and teaches him.”

Isaiah 28:23-26 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/isa.28.23-26.AMPC

“Pay close attention to what I am saying. Farmers don’t just plow and break up the ground.

When a field is ready, they scatter the seeds of dill and cumin; they plant the seeds of wheat and barley in the proper places and sow other grains around the edges.

They learn this from their God.”

Isaiah 28:23-26 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/isa.28.23-26.CEV

How is it That You We’re Not Afraid

I was reading this passage this morning and was just amazed at how “good intentions” may have serious consequences because of ignorance.

We have the example of an Amalekite who, it appears, thought he was acting in obedience to kill Saul when Saul, the King, asked to be killed.

Maybe the Amalekite thought he was just “being obedient”, but what is clear is that when the Amalekite presented before King David, he underestimated King David’s response.

Unknowingly, perhaps, the Amalekite had violated a higher principle, ““Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.””

As leaders, we must remember that decisions always have consequences (favorable or unfavorable) and we must understand that strategic principles (the invisible/ spiritual ) always override operational decisions (the visible/ natural).

This can be a hard lesson to understand but it is a vital lesson to grasp.

Daily, we are being challenged to evaluate each decision through the lens of strategic principles set by Christ and his Word. Ignorance of these principles do not negate their presence.

Even if our actions seem to be right, if they don’t align with the Word, it is misguided energy and effort.

There is always a higher guiding principle or principality that we need to understand and to which to adjust our thoughts and actions for long term success.

It is my prayer that we strive daily to learn of and understand the spiritual law and principles against which all operational decisions shall be judged. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“He asked me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ He said to me, ‘Stand up facing me and kill me, for [terrible] agony has come over me, yet I still live [and I will be taken alive].’

So I stood facing him and killed him, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. Then I took the crown which was on his head and the band which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my Lord.”

David said to him, “How is it that you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” So he struck the Amalekite and he died.

David said to the [fallen] man, “Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord’s anointed.’ ””

2 Samuel 1:8-10, 14-16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2sa.1.14.AMP