Tag: Bible

Have you not heard?

When I was reading this morning, I was amazed at the fact that the Bible specifically states that the Lord never becomes tired or weary.

That is almost beyond my natural comprehension as the scripture tells us to not be weary in well doing.

We are in a season where rhetoric is increasing and lies are being spoken as truths to confuse the people.

There is a growing anger, distrust and discord amongst brethren.

Many followers need a standard against which to measure for truth or they have possession of the truth but not the understanding,

As leaders, it is comforting to know that the one who we are following is battle ready and will not waiver because of fatigue.

It is also comforting to know that the Lord has an unlimited supply of hope, clarity, encouragement, ideas, creative solutions, resolve, and energy for us- when we are in need.

Our daily work must be to first prepare ourselves and then to prepare those within our inner circles. This will provide the exponential affect that is lasting.

When we rise and before we engage in battle, we must tap into the unlimited supply only provided by the Lord thru Christ Jesus.

Through prayer, we can tap that unlimited supply of grace, mercy, wisdom, courage, strength, resolve, encouragement,love, direction, guidance, hope and peace.

It is my prayer that we will continue to grow in the Lord and the power of his might so that we will have the power that is needed to achieve the purpose we are called to achieve. In Jesus Name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become tired or grow weary; There is no searching of His understanding.

He gives strength to the weary, And to him who has no might He increases power.

Even youths grow weary and tired,

And vigorous young men stumble badly,

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/isa.40.28-31.AMP

No Recovery Time Required

When I read this familiar scripture, it really stayed with me what was the value and impact of the word “immediately”.

Anyone who has had a fever or a major procedure knows that under normal conditions, there is usually a time from when the fever breaks until a person is back to 100% physically.

Even with an operation or procedure, there is usually post operation/ procedure recovery and maybe even rehabilitation that is required to return to the activities of daily living.

Lastly, besides, the physical process of recovery, there may also be emotional recovery that is needed.

But we see here where Jesus entered the scene and not only cured the mother in law of her issue but there was no recovery time or delay. I really like how the account was a bit more prescriptive in that Jesus held her hand, raised her up and the fever left.

As leaders, there are certain ailments (worries/situations/ assignments/ obstacles) that we may be struggling thru that simply need the authoritative yet gentle touch from Jesus and his interference/ rebuking of the forces that are coming against us ( our family, bodies, minds, purpose, assignment , project, marriage).

I suspect that there may be one in many areas of our lives.

It is my prayer that we take the time to identify those areas of struggle and hopelessness and that we simply humble ourselves to invite (ask for) the touch of the master.

By doing so, we come into agreement with the word and he is able to and desires to make the situation whole – without the required recovery time.

In Jesus name amen.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Be free!

“Then Jesus got up and left the synagogue and went to Simon’s (Peter’s) house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her. Standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she got up and began serving them [as her guests].”

Luke 4:38-39 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.4.39.AMP

Consistent Leadership

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and several thoughts just stuck with me:

1. Despite doing good and showing grace, Jesus was still sought out to be killed.

2. Despite the harmful intentions of others, there is a miraculous way of escape available for us so that the will of the father is still achieved.

3. Despite opposition and threats (personal harm), Jesus demonstrated consistent leadership by being faithful in performing the required task and doing it with authority and power (maximum impact).

As leaders, there is an ever present price that we must pay to achieve devine results.

By Gods grace and the direction of the Holy Ghost, we will and must “show up” and execute His plan with authority. This is not easy but this is why it is called leadership.

To be clear, we will and are often misunderstood.

We will and are often speaking, living and sharing biblical truths with Jesus’ authority that are unpopular and could place us in harms way (whether verbal, reputational, or physical), but to God be the glory for providing us with ways of escape- unscathed.

It is my prayer that, today, our hearts are not troubled and that our strength fail not.

We have all sufficiency in all things by Christ Jesus.

No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper.

We will accomplish that which God has sent us to do- it shall come to pass!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As they heard these things [about God’s grace to these two Gentiles], the people in the synagogue were filled with a great rage; and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the crest of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to hurl Him down the cliff.

But passing [miraculously] through the crowd, He went on His way.

Then He came down [from the hills of Nazareth] to Capernaum, a city of Galilee [on the shore of the sea], and He was teaching them on the Sabbath; and they were surprised [almost overwhelmed] at His teaching, because His message was [given] with authority and power and great ability.”

Luke 4:28-32 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.4.32.AMP

Provision During Famine

I was reflecting on this passage today because it reminded me of how God is faithful to provide forbid through the famine (droughts of life) if we would only listen to his voice.

What was so moving about this passage is that it reinforces the fact that solutions are not always found in the places of familiarity but only at the place – people and geography- where God leads us.

As leaders, we will face famines as we move forward in battle. We just need to ensure that we have set time aside to be able to hear the word of the Lord as to what to do, where to go, when to go and with whom we should partner. Then take action.

We have to choose to believe that God is orchestrating our steps and is commanding others to meet our needs so that we can also be a blessing to them – even in the famine there is supernatural provision.

Lastly, as leaders, we have a responsibility to articulate our needs through prayer and to trust the process of the Lord.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Trust God!

“Then He said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown.

But in truth I say to you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was closed up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land; and yet Elijah was not sent [by the Lord] to a single one of them, but only to Zarephath in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.”

Luke 4:24-26 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.4.25-26.AMP

“After a while the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land.

And the word of the Lord came to him: Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there.

Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”

1 Kings 17:7-9 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/1ki.17.7-9.AMPC

He is All We Need

Oh Lord, I am grateful for your clear and present Word.

When I was reflecting on this passage this morning my heart became full at the beauty and clarity of God’s word.

The passage starts with “keep and protect me, O God, for in you I have placed my trust and found refuge”.

We are living in a season and time when external events could cause us to live in a constant state of fear but we, as leaders, have an obligation to learn of, believe in and to act on the Word of God to combat these fears. Yes, this is the work.

We also have a responsibility to carefully select the words that we say to remain in line with the Word because what we decree shall be established! In Proverbs 18:21 AMP we are reminded that : “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”

Lastly, trouble can and often is at every hand but we can find comfort in Psalms 34:19 AMP that “Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the LORD rescues him from them all.”

At the end of the day or at the conclusion of the whole matter; He is all we need.

We choose to say and believe: “You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe.” CEV

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing,

Fear not!

“Keep and protect me, O God, for in You I have placed my trust and found refuge.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.”

As for the saints (godly people) who are in the land, They are the majestic and the noble and the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows [pain and suffering] of those who have chosen another god will be multiplied [because of their idolatry]; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, my cup [He is all I need]; You support my lot.”

Psalms 16:1-5 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.16.1-5.AMP

The Lord Still Reigns

When I was reflecting on this scripture this morning, my heart just started to rejoice when I read that “the Lord reigns”. I then realized that the verb is in the present tense which means…He Still reigns.

As leaders, we are impacted, grieved, amazed, troubled, and maybe astonished by what we see and experience in this life. Many times, things in our society, community, and relationships just don’t make sense to our natural minds.

What is true and real is that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkened, and spiritual wickedness.

What is also true is that we serve a true and living god – THAT STILL REIGNS. He is the same God that created us in his image and his likeness.

As we continue to press in, to know him, to learn of him, to trust him, to lean on and depend on him, to hide under his wings for protection, we can and shall be reassured and stabilized for the leadership battle for this season and this time.

When we look at the outcomes of our time and energy spent drawing closer to God, we will begin to see that when adversity comes, we will faint not because our strength will be strong.

Gods purpose will be revealed and all the people will see His glory and brilliance.

It is my prayer that we will be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might as we put on the whole armor of God.

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands and coastlands be glad.

Clouds and thick darkness surround Him [as at Sinai]; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

Fire goes before Him And burns up His adversaries on all sides.

His lightnings have illuminated the world; The earth has seen and trembled.

The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory and brilliance.”

Psalms 97:1-6 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.97.1-6.AMP

Restore to me the Joy

When I was reflecting on the scripture, I was draw to these words, “Restore to me the Joy of your salvation”.

At times our journey through life can become difficult.

As leaders, we face and accept the realities and expectations that we have to process our issues while we guide others on how to address theirs – which can be difficult.

When we are at that emotional/ spiritual crossroad, I would encourage us to think on these things as:

⁃ We don’t have to carry the load as the scripture says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

⁃ We have provision for the thorn in our flesh as the scripture says, “But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.

⁃ We can come before the throne of grace and be restored with the Joy of His salvation.

It is my prayer that no matter the challenge, the difficulty or the sin that we will decide today to trust only in and pursue God. He will restore us, if we simply ask.

Be blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Psalm 51:10-12 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.51.10-12.AMPC

Barriers to Abundance

The difference between Good and Great lies in obedience

I was reflecting on this reading today and my heart was heavy in that as leaders, though we start the day with the intent of emulating Christ, we may often question by the end of the day whether that is even possible. It is not, in our own strength but with Christ- it is possible.

As I was reading in this chapter, I was encouraged by how God demonstrates his faithfulness to Israel but at the end of the day, the disobedience of the leaders caused the journey to be prolonged and the promise to be fulfilled by someone else.

As leaders and as followers of leaders, growth or opportunities to grow for tomorrow often come at the decisions of others based on their observation of our behaviors today.

Disobedience, lack of execution, lack of attention to detail, or lack of emotional discipline can be behaviors that may derail our future from being Great to a comfortable and rewarding life of just “Good”.

I believe as leaders we desire to be Great but often faint on the daily execution to believe, to exhibit the characters of and to just obey Christ. His word instructs, guides and yes- corrects, those who he love and are called. We need to and must press in to peel away the layers of our old nature that may be a barrier or a hindrance at achieving the “Great” level.

Renewing our mind and soul daily yields dividends along with the redemptive power of forgiveness. I encourage us a leaders to be vulnerable with Christ and he has and will be faithful to take our insufficiency and to make us whole (nothin missing and nothing broken).

Be blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.”

Nehemiah 9:16-17 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/neh.9.16-17.KJV

Faithfulness Brings Favor

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and was reminded about the importance of being faithful, remaining steadfast in our work, and pursuing quality in our decisions.

As leaders, we:

⁃ Have to settle certain decisions in advance of adversity so that when the challenges come, we can make decisions faster and exude confidence and resolve for others to see. Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi.

⁃ Must choose daily to pursue Gods path for our lives and to allow him to order our steps. Ruth decided to also follow Naomi’s god.

⁃ Need to be faithful and diligent about serving those around us daily. People are observing and are extending favor / opportunities/ promotion toward us. Ruth’s effort and diligence was observed by others and supported.

⁃ Should remain humble , coachable and to prayerfully wait, watch and to see what the Lord is doing on our behalf. Ruth listened to advice and coaching from Naomi.

It is my sincere prayer that we will be faithful in our leadership and faint not.

Be blessed,

Be a blessing!

“And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.”

Ruth 1:15-18 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/rut.1.15-18.KJV

Permission to be Powerful

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and the question in my mind was “Why don’t we give ourselves permission to be powerful ?”

As leaders in our homes, communities, churches, and business, we believe that we have received direction and a mandate from God, but we don’t act.

If we really stop and observe,we can see the hand of God displayed in our lives. Abundance and favor surround us; yet, we do not give ourselves permission to be powerful.

Perhaps one reason is that we may only be given the “next step” vs being shown the entire journey. We likely have a vision of the end game but there is still a significant amount of ambiguity about the journey.

Perhaps the reason is that we simply do not fully “trust God”. Maybe said in a different way, maybe our fears are bigger than our faith in what God can do “for us”.

There may be others- I don’t know.

I just wanted to send a note of encouragement for us and to be reminded that the Lord’s answer still is: “I will certainly be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as [if they were only] one man.”

Selah

We are guaranteed success, if we continue to let the Lord be with us, guide us, carry us, and protect us.

He wants to see His Kingdom come and His will be done so that He gets all the glory!

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this strength of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?”

But Gideon said to Him, “Please Lord, how am I to rescue Israel? Behold, my family is the least [significant] in Manasseh, and I am the youngest (smallest) in my father’s house.”

The Lord answered him, “I will certainly be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as [if they were only] one man.”

Gideon replied to Him, “If I have found any favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who speaks with me.”

Judges 6:14-17 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jdg.6.14-17.AMP