Tag: Bible

I am not worthy

As I was reflecting on this passage, I had so many questions and thoughts as to why was this centurion sending so many people out to see Jesus even though he had a need.

He was a man of high regard in the community and clearly was a man of means in that he built the synagogue with his own resources.

He was a leader’s leader.

The only conclusion I could gather was that this man had an uncommon level of fear, adoration and respect for Jesus and the things of God.

These beliefs and values were principle drivers of his success as the scripture says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

As leaders, we can use the centurion as a role model, a blue print of success.

We must also grow in the Lord and maintain the spirit of reverential fear, awe and adoration in our hearts.

Be Blessed!

Why? So that wisdom, understanding and blessings will be poured out on us that we will not have room enough to receive them. Amen

Be a Blessing!

“Now a centurion had a bond servant who was held in honor and highly valued by him, who was sick and at the point of death.

And when the centurion heard of Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and make his bond servant well.

And when they reached Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that You should do this for him, For he loves our nation and he built us our synagogue [at his own expense].

And Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent [some] friends to Him, saying, Lord, do not trouble [Yourself], for I am not sufficiently worthy to have You come under my roof; Neither did I consider myself worthy to come to You.

But [just] speak a word, and my servant boy will be healed.”

Luke 7:2-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.7.7.AMPC

Process vs Outcomes

When I was reflecting on this passage and cross references, I was reminded how there are times in this life journey that we are driven and bound by process; however, there are times when we may need to abandon the focus on process in the short term and simply achieve meaningful outcomes.

We have cases where the process of society was to honor the sabbath, to rest from labor and to keep it holy.

That is and has been an fruitful process for generations and to honor God.

But Jesus maintained an eternal perspective in that he clearly wanted to establish that there are times when process must be abandoned to achieve higher outcomes like healings.

In this case, the disciples had a need, hunger, that demanded solutions. As they were walking, they appeared to be following the permitted process at the time but the issue that bothered some was the timing of the action- on the sabbath.

As leaders, we work to develop processes and procedures that help achieve, increase and maximize sustainable operations in our business, the home and in the community.

There are times when that framework can also become the situational barrier to achieving a desired greater outcome. That is the role and responsibility of the leader to recognize the issue and to make the decision to deviate in order to achieve a higher outcome.

It is my prayer that we are wise as serpents and have spiritual sensitivity to discern these moments.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“ONE SABBATH while Jesus was passing through the fields of standing grain, it occurred that His disciples picked some of the spikes and ate [of the grain], rubbing it out in their hands. [Deut. 23:25.]

But some of the Pharisees asked them, Why are you doing what is not permitted to be done on the Sabbath days? [Exod. 20:10; 23:12; Deut. 5:14.]

And Jesus replied to them, saying, Have you never so much as read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him?–[I Sam. 21:1-6.] How he went into the house of God and took and ate the [sacred] loaves of the showbread, which it is not permitted for any except only the priests to eat, and also gave to those [who were] with him? [Lev. 24:9.]

And He said to them, The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Luke 6:1-5 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.6.5.AMPC

Teach Me, O Lord

As I was reflecting on the scripture this morning, I was reflecting on how important it is to build the discipline of renewing our minds on a daily basis and learning of Gods ways and thoughts. A continuous journey.

How do we know that we still have more to learn? Evaluate our results (our fruits)/ physical, spiritual and/ or mental. Is our fruit today fresh fruit or spoiling fruit?

Are we getting better and growing or are we seeing signs of deterioration in our performance because we have deviated from the daily activities that produce consistent results.

Maybe, we lack some understanding in an area. The scripture says “Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law…” as a pathway to closing knowledge and understanding gaps that need filling and to teach us to walk in his ways consistently.

Questions like: “what”, “why” and “how” demand answers. Learning from these answers helps us to grow in wisdom and strength.

Lastly, I read, “Make me go in the path of Your commandments, for in them do I delight” and was fascinated because we have free will. How does this happen? A yearning is placed in our hearts that creates desire which pulls us toward the center of his will.

Thank you Lord for not giving up on us so easily. We may loose the will to fight but you find a way to renew us again and again- restoration!

As leaders, we must learn to hear what is not being said by those around us. There are needs that we are able to meet through prayer, covering, coaching, mentoring and example. We are that beacon of light and hope that shines brighter as we draw closer to God.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end [steadfastly].

Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law; yes, I will observe it with my whole heart. [Prov. 2:6; James 1:5.]

Make me go in the path of Your commandments, for in them do I delight.

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness (robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches). [Ezek. 33:31; Mark 7:21, 22; I Tim. 6:10; Heb. 13:5.]

Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity (idols and idolatry); and restore me to vigorous life and health in Your ways.”

Psalm 119:33-37 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.119.33-37.AMPC

Weep Not!

I was reading this scripture and singing praises in my heart about just how worthy is the lamb who was slain.

My thoughts just began to absorb the magnitude of the responsibility and the reality of the moment when it was determined that out of all the generations upon generations of men that have walked the earth, only one – Christ was and is able to look upon and open the book.

There was this sense of hopelessness, despair and weeping because there was believed to be no one who could to do the job to finish the mission.

But one of the elders simply said “Weep not: behold”.

Oh my God.

The only possible solution to our problem is the Lamb- Christ, is here.

As leaders, more importantly as believers who are leaders, we too have been uniquely called, qualified and equipped to solve what seems like impossible tasks that are plaguing our nations, communities and our families.

We are the solutions only because of Christ that lives in and guides us.

We have unlimited access to and supply of his spirit and knowledge to bring his kingdom to this earth- this day.

Lastly, we should pray and seek Christ as we build our teams so that they understand, know and thrive in supporting the vision; because, we were clear about and searched for the the right person with skills, temperament and drive to be a part of our teams.

As we continue to praise and say “Worthy is the Lamb”, it is my prayer that all grace abound toward us.

In Jesus Name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

Revelation 5:1-5 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.5.5.KJV

Follow Me

I was reflecting on how in life and in business, we experience changes in leadership/ influencers in our life. One of the best leadership changes that transforms our lives is when we are introduced to and accept Christ.

But the journey cannot and should not stop there because there is a statement in the scripture that truly is the litmus test- He simply says “Follow Me”. So simple yet so profound in that the decision we made -Ike Mathew-begins a journey that is so hard to describe.

The scripture gives a little more color in that it states “ [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk].”

This is a progressive journey because there are many who start out strong but then fade away because of disappointment. There are many who fade away because of adversity. There are many who fade away because of pride. There are many who fade away because of the pain of change. Then there are those who fade away because of the guilt and shame of mistakes.

Then there are those, us, who dare to believe daily that the journey to be like Christ is possible and is worth it – But; realize that it is only possible because of Christ’s ever increasing and present grace.

He is the Master teacher of how to “do life” and how to “do life more abundantly”. He is the one that takes our insufficiency and turns it to all sufficiency them to more than enough then to overflow so that He can get all the glory and his Kingdom can come.

No matter the starting point, the end result is still the same- Jesus has come and has chosen to sit at the table with us and to be our great physician, master and teacher.

He specializes and yearns to help those who start out broken and he make us whole. He said “ I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].” Yes- that is me and you, if we are truly honest.

As we grow closer to our teacher and Master, we will see our leadership influence grow and expand “beyond measure” because we have done and are doing the work by being a follower of God and copying him (Eph 5:1 AMP) and doing what He did with greater works(John 14:12).

“To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“After this Jesus went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi (Matthew) sitting at the tax booth; and He said to him, “Follow Me [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk].” And he left everything behind and got up and began to follow Jesus [as His disciple].”

Luke 5:27-28 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.5.27-28.AMP

“Then as Jesus was reclining at the table in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews] came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Master eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but [only] those who are sick. Go and learn what this [Scripture] means: ‘I desire compassion [for those in distress], and not [animal] sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].””

Matthew 9:10-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.9.10-13.AMP

Abide in My Word; Know the Truth

I was reflecting on a couple areas in this passage as it reinforced that much of our behaviors and habits that we exhibit as adults, we have learned from our parents (the reference in the passage is from our father) and from others that we chose to emulate.

But what is true is that many of the things we learned, when they are exposed to the light of God’s Word, they may prove to not be edifying, biblical or Kingdom truths- no matter the best intentions.

The second thought that just stirred up my soul is when the scripture talks about “abiding in His word”. I see this image where the word is like a heavy rain that just soaks us through and through until it reaches our very core- the roots of our trees.

Naturally speaking, when it rains and no matter how parched or hard the land is, with time the water will penetrate the soil, make it soft, porous and ready to accept seeds of new growth. So can the Word of God- the truth.

As leaders, we are always seeking or needing wise counsel. Many of us have Boards of Directors, coaches, bosses, mentors and advisors. The scripture speaks about “iron sharpeneth iron” and “ in the multitude of counselors, there is safety”.

It is my sincere hope and prayer that we will place Christ and his Word as the Chairman of “our board “ and just make time daily to just soak in his word and to listen for his voice so that He gets all the glory for the mighty works we will perform.

Be Blesses!

Be a Blessing!

“So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples.

And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].”

They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone. What do You mean by saying, ‘You will be set free’?”

Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, everyone who practices sin habitually is a slave of sin.

Now the slave does not remain in a household forever; the son [of the master] does remain forever.

So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.

I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you plan to kill Me, because My word has no place [to grow] in you [and it makes no change in your heart].

I tell the things that I have seen at My Father’s side [in His very presence]; so you also do the things that you heard from your father.””

John 8:31-38 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.8.31-38.AMP

I Am Waiting on You

When I was reading this passage this morning, my mind was captivated by the awesomeness and patience of God.

He clearly is stating that He has provided provision for our rest since the foundation of the world. Thank you Lord!

He is just waiting on us to believe and receive the provision. Selah

Today, leaders, I just want to encourage us to set aside all the things that are tormenting our minds, stealing our peace, stealing our joy, stealing our hope, causing us to fear and causing us to doubt.

Provision for peace has already been made available to us. Amen

All we have to do is believe and personally trust and confidently rely on God.

It is in that place of rest where dreams are renewed, visions are clarified and hope is reborn.

It is never too late as God has also made provision to start , TODAY!

I pray that all grace abound toward you, in Jesus name. Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For we who believe [that is, we who personally trust and confidently rely on God] enter that rest [so we have His inner peace now because we are confident in our salvation, and assured of His power], just as He has said, “As I swore [an oath] in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest,” [this He said] although His works were completed from the foundation of the world [waiting for all who would believe].”

Hebrews 4:3 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/heb.4.3.AMP

What if?

I was reading this morning and my mind started to reflect on, “What if?”

What if we took the Word as it is written? No filters No doubt. No unbelief.

What if we just soaked ourselves in the Word of God until we are saturated through and through? It would just exude out our pores.

As leaders, we are responsible for casting the vision based off revelation we receive from the Lord.

How much greater could our impact be with a few adjustments:

What if we believed that all things are possible to him who believes?

What if we believed that we are the head and not the tail, always above and never beneath?

What if we believed that if we decree a thing, it shall be established?

What if we believed that we have angels, ministering spirits, looking after and protecting us so that our foot does not dash against the stone.

What if we believed the promise that with long life, we will be satisfied?

What if we believed that his word is like medicine to all our flesh?

What if we believed that Gods kingdom rules over all?

What if we believed that we have dominion over the fouls of the air, the fishes in the sea and everything that creepeth on the earth?

What if we believed that words were used to create the heavens and the earth? When we decree a thing and it shall be established.

What if we believed that if we sow a seed in the famine that we will reap a hundred fold? We have all sufficiency in all things.

Be encouraged and have faith in God to live a life with no limits.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!””

Mark 9:23 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mrk.9.23.AMP

“Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly].”

Mark 11:22 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mrk.11.22.AMP

“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.”

Psalm 103:19 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.103.19.AMPC

“My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.”

Proverbs 4:20-22 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.4.20-22.AMPC

“Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings.”

Genesis 26:12 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.26.12.AMPC

Strongholds

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and the many habits that we have been blessed to change over the years. We may not see the incremental daily progress but one day we see the growth and are grateful.

Todays passage really requires focused effort in areas of life that others call “strongholds”. They may or may not be strongholds classified as sin but may be beliefs or behaviors that prevent us from living a guilt/ condemnation free life.

This passage is the antidote to that thought, “ It feel like we will never overcome this thing”!

The truth is that”EVERY” plant which our Heavenly Father did not plant will be torn up by the root.

How?

“Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us…”

As leaders, it is important that we identify, understand and address the things that slows us down and prevents us from running toward the fight: animosity, anger, doubt, unbelief, unforgiveness, mistakes, bruises, abuse, low self esteem, loneliness, strife, etc.

Today is the day to rejoice and to be free to pursue our devine purpose because we are covered by the blood of Jesus that blots it all out.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”

Amen.

Be encouraged!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“He answered, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant will be torn up by the roots.”

Matthew 15:13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.15.13.AMP

Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord…?

When I was reflecting on this passage, I was reminded of the power of relationships in that the most fruitful relationships require giving of ourselves to benefit someone who we value highly.

Not so much the case with Christ in that if we give of ourselves (trust), we will reap a better version of ourselves if we would just obey (or simply take action on his guidance).

As leaders, one of the most frustrating challenges is when those whom we are selected to lead may ask for advise or solutions to their challenges and then they take actions which are contrary to the guidance. When they receive unexpected results, they are upset.

I am sure that I have frustrated a many mentors and managers because of such behaviors. Though my intentions may have been honorable, my execution may have been flawed.

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not practice what I tell you?”

Fair question. Why don’t we practice what we are told? Here are a few ideas:

⁃ Lack of a decision to commit to authority and to trust the person or the process.

⁃ Lack of Discipline. We make a decision to commit but we achieve consistently inconsistent outcomes.

⁃ Lack of know how and the resolve to press through being imperfect until achieving mastery.

⁃ Not counting up the cost. It was simply harder than we thought. Now what?

“Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ and who maketh manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place.”

Thank God for grace!

We have an opportunity to begin again,today, to lay a solid and secure foundation in Christ.

He is always ready to receive us.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not practice what I tell you?

Everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and obeys them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a [far-sighted, practical, and sensible] man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and yet could not shake it, because it had been securely built and founded on the rock.

But the one who has [merely] heard and has not practiced [what I say], is like a [foolish] man who built a house on the ground without any foundation, and the torrent burst against it; and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.””

Luke 6:46-49 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.6.46-49.AMP