Tag: Bible

Let these qualities define you

Mercy, kindness and truth.

I was reflecting on this passage this morning as I was reading. I just kept coming back to the phrase “let these qualities define you”.

What was interesting is that there is an assumption or mandate behind these words which is – EVERYDAY, ALL DAY!

As leaders in our homes, churches, business, communities and countries, we are held to a higher standard of excellence.

We are not perfect as there has only beeen one who was perfect-Christ, but we must choose to strive daily to be like Christ.

Mercy, kindness and truth.

Everyday- All Day!

Living these qualities all the time seems like a daunting task in our own strength as leaders.

Most of us fail this test on a daily basis yet we have the opportunity to make things right through forgiveness.

Living these virtues is a weighty responsibility but it truly challenges us to check our hearts, our motives, our actions and the impact on others as God has made each of us so different with different response mechanisms and different degrees of sensitivity.

Asking ourselves, “How close was I to the mark today?”, with every interaction, we will be well positioned to amplify and glorify Christ the King in us and to find favor.

Mercy, kindness and truth.

Every day, All day.

My prayer is that we as leaders have an awareness of and make a commitment to pressing toward the mark of the high calling in Jesus.

Be blessed.

Be a blessing!

“Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.”

Proverbs 3:3-4 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.3.3-4.AMP

A More Excellent Way

I was reflecting this morning and searching for biblical answers to questions as well as looking for truths that can serve as a counter measures or filters for the many thoughts that come into my mind.

As leaders, we are blessed to be creative/ innovative beings and to have many thoughts that bombard our minds.

The challenge comes with creating “systems” to capture, validate, connect and shape these thoughts into a vision, strategy, action plan , guidance and or precautionary warnings.

Thoughts are creative but they also must be filtered through the lens of the Word of truth to determine if they qualify for further actions.

Once the thought passes the truth test, then there is the question of whether it is the seed of something great or possibly a component of another or previous thought – “the garnishment”.

Next comes the question of timing. Is this a jewel that must be held and protected for future use or is this a “right now” solution or answer?

Everything we see in the natural started with a thought and therefore, I want to encourage us as leaders to ensure that we have a system for improving the quality of our thoughts, capturing them and shaping them for release at the right time.

Why?

For maximum impact on the earth and as our way of honoring God so that he receives all the glory.

It is my prayer that this helps you grow in your leadership.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! [Ps. 37:4.]

Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].”

Philippians 4:4-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/php.4.4-8.AMPC

True Strength

This morning, I was reading and ran across these words which broke something in my heart – “My grace is sufficient.”

It was the scripture that was needed at this time and it made me reflect and think about how often as leaders, we have many demands, competing priorities, strategic planning sessions, tactical execution tasks and the need to put out fires.

We may internalize all these responsibilities and they can just be overwhelming.

Often we just need a word from God to cut through it all to give us clarity on “what to do, right now.”

Many days, we have to move forward even as we may be hurt or bruised by the “unexpected challenges” of life or “reactions from the people for which we are responsible”.

So when we read or hear- “my grace is sufficient”, we are able to exhale and rest in the grace of God realizing that we don’t have to carry the load by ourselves- or at all.

Wow!

There is a feeling of freedom and reassurance in this scripture because He Jesus has it and He Jesus has us.

He is our strength, redeemer and our portion.

Be encouraged

Be blessed

Be a blessing !

“Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!

Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2co.12.7-10.AMP

Keeping Watch

I was reading this morning and came across this scripture that I have read often and in the context of the birth of Christ as the shepherds kept watch.

As leaders we say that we want to expand our territories – which is admiral and good.

We also may hear this same desired outcome from many on our teams and/ or within our circles of influence.

However, we need to be vigilant about consistently doing the right work at the right time and ensuring the same for those for which we lead. This is the responsibility of being a shepherd over a region.

A couple questions we can ask ourselves to gauge our preparedness for “promotion” are:

⁃ How well is your region performing, today? Is it in order or is it chaotic?

⁃ How well are your sheep doing in your flock? Is there harmony, shared purpose, are needs being met, is there strife or confusion?

⁃ What crucial conversations are you waiting to have with certain sheep but you are waiting for the “right time”? Are there issues that need to be addressed or encouragement and guidance that needs to be communicated?

⁃ What are things (loose ends) that you have in your mind frustrating you that need to get moved to the “done” column? These are the things that require emotional energy and focused effort but are critical to success.

As leaders, our value truly grows to the degree we show proficiency and consistency in how we manage our region and the flock or flocks therein.

We are not perfect and the headwinds that we must grow through may cause us to pause or delay on that “one” thing that we know must get done to move forward.

I encourage you today to make and execute a plan to get that vital “one” thing off your plate as it is likely draining the energy out of your life or the air out of your sail.

Leadership is for those of us who accepted the call and all associated pain and discomfort required to achieve that glorious end. It is a price well spent to achieve something great!

Be strong in the Lord

Be encouraged

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

Luke 2:8 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.2.8.AMP

Little boats

Recognize that we each have other little ships in our convoy.

I was reading this passage and I was intrigued at the leadership principles that just jumped off the page.

There is a significant amount of references to the events of this passage which included Jesus being awakened and rebuking the wind with the words “Peace, be still”.

Those closest to him showed utter amazement when they said that “even the wind and the sea obey him. ”

Think about that.

What stuck with me was:

⁃ After they launched to go to the other side,

⁃ and After the crowds went away,

⁃ There were still other little boats that followed.

This is not the dignitary boat full of disciples and Jesus but other little boats.

We do not know much about them or how many there are but they are mentioned – which is not by happenstance.

This got me to thinking about all the “little boats” that are watching and following us a leaders because they just want to study us, emulate us, support us, or maybe hope to be a part of something great and impactful.

These are not the folks that leave at the end of the meeting or event and go home. They want to be a part of the “after meeting” conversations.

They just want to be amongst the group of leaders to just soak up the vision, just hear the discussions, or to just be in the room.

Now today, you may be the little ship to someone else trying to get that nugget of wisdom or that glimpse of glory – which is fine.

I also want to encourage us a leaders to recognize that we each have other little ships in our convoy.

They are not satisfied with just the “message for the masses” but they desire and need a word, insights and strategies for differentiation – a nugget from us.

Let’s ensure that we recognize and invest into them.

Be blessed.

Be a Blessing!

“On that [same] day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee].”

So leaving the crowd, they took Him with them, just as He was, in the boat.

And other boats were with Him.”

Mark 4:35-36 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mrk.4.35-36.AMP

Why me Lord?

This morning I started my reading when a verse dropped into my heart- in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.

A couple of cross references later, I landed on this set of passages and just could not let them go.

Here is a great warrior David processing the question many of us may ask. In short the question comes down to – Why me?

Out of billions of people and souls that exist in this vast universe and God chose him and his house to execute a Divine purpose.

As leaders, we may never have battles as great as David but we see a glimpse of his thought process and his adoration.

Why me?

The answer for each of us may just simply be:

⁃ Because I AM the sovereign god and I chose you.

⁃ Because I saw you before the beginning of time and I see the end as I am all knowing and all present.

⁃ Because he sees his magnificent work and says- it is good.

⁃ Because he says that we are beautifully and wonderfully made.

⁃ Because he is not a God that makes mistakes.

⁃ Because he loves us and trusts us with his precious vision.

If we just surrender and say:

As for me and my house, we choose to serve you.

And

Nevertheless, according to your word, we will execute the order.

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“However, the Lord, the God of Israel, chose me before all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah he chose the house of my father; and among the sons of my father

He was pleased to make me king over all Israel; And of all my sons, for the Lord has given me many sons, He has chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.

And He said to me, Solomon your son shall build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he loyally and continuously obeys My commandments and My ordinances, as he does today.”

1 Chronicles 28:4-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/1ch.28.4-7.AMPC

Reversals are Not Fatal

When I was reflecting on this passage, I was reminded of the goodness of God. He has said that we have a responsibility to pursue and become pure and upright through the righteousness of Christ.

When we do this as leaders, we have assurances that this action on our part arouses a reaction from God to the point where our dwelling is prosperous again.

It further reinforces where in Deuteronomy that if we harken diligently unto the voice of the Lord and to do his commandments that there will be a blessing on us.

This is the leadership daily groundwork that we must do.

What was even more encouraging for me was that when we as leaders fall or maybe even stumble, there are consequences which may cause our divine vision to be aborted or delayed; however, the latter portion of the passage discusses how through God, that our latter end shall be greater.

What a promise.

What a responsibility

It is all up to us a leaders.

By sowing the seeds of faith in God and trusting in his word, we will see 100 fold harvests in health, healing, territory, relationships, customers, engaged employees, peaceful marriages, spiritual growth.

Our roots will be so planted by the rivers of living water that we will not be impacted by the adversaries of life.

We can and will be renewed and reestablished.

“Then, if you are pure and upright, surely He will bestir Himself for you and make your righteous dwelling prosperous again.

And though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase.”

Job 8:6-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/job.8.6-7.AMPC

Goodness and Mercy

For a couple of days, I have been reading on the goodness of God and his mercy.

The first passage just resonated with me because of the simplicity of the truth – “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord”.

There are images of strife, conflict and moral decay that seems to be on every hand. These are symptoms of what man, who chooses not to recognize God as their shepherd and when left to their own devices, creates.

The truth is that the earth is STILL full of the goodness of the Lord.

Next I reflected on Psalm 23 where it starts out stating that the “Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want”and ends with the passage below-“only goodness, mercy and unfailing love will follow me all the days of my life…”

Amen

As leaders, we are closing out the first quarter of this year. We may not have yet achieved what we had planned.

Fret not, press forward toward your high calling and know that Gods goodness and mercy is not in short supply. Stay the course.

Be encouraged.

Be blessed.

Be a blessing.

“For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”

Psalm 33:4-5 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.33.4-5.KJV

“Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.”

Psalm 23:6 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.23.6.AMPC

Be it unto me

The power of agreement.

I was reading this passage and was moved by a couple thoughts as…

There are some passages that are so simple yet are so profound that you can spend a lifetime learning about and growing into until the Word becomes you.

That is what I feel when I read the Word that says that with God nothing shall be impossible.

Nothing.

That is almost hard to comprehend as on a daily basis, we may hear it be told that you “can’t” do this or that “won’t” work or that “no one has ever done this before” or whatever phrase that can and is a limiting belief- and contrary to the truth!

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

I was also amazed at the simplicity of agreement that came from Mary with her saying “be it unto me according to your word”. Period

Be it unto me that:

⁃ I am the head and not the tail

⁃ I am healed of all manner of sickness and disease

⁃ My latter days shall be greater than the former

⁃ You delight in the prosperity of your saints

⁃ Your kingdom come and that thy will be done

⁃ You have assigned angels to me and one angel can put thousands to flight

⁃ That you would lead me and guide me into all truth

⁃ That you will order my steps in your word

⁃ I will be fruitful, multiply, have dominion and subdue

⁃ That I am blessed in the city, blessed in the field and that everything that I put my hand to will prosper

⁃ That if I lack wisdom that I just need to ask

⁃ That now there is no condemnation

⁃ That I shall have faith to decree a thing and it shall be established

⁃ That I am yours and beautifully and wonderfully made

⁃ I have all sufficiency in all things

Be encouraged.

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Luke 1:37-38 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.1.37-38.KJV

Be not Dismayed by Unbelief

The road to revelation even for the inner circle takes time.

The road to revelation even for the inner circle takes time.

When I was reading this passage, I was simply amazed at the reactions of those that were closest to Jesus but the more I pondered the situation it really provided a principle that is worth noting.

We see people who spent significant amounts of time with Jesus simply amazed and perplexed when the vision he talked about over the years truly materialized.

A few remembered, were excited, and tried to share the good news with the inner circle; but to my amazement, the inner circle did not believe what they heard.

This is not a new phenomenon but an example and reminder that as leaders, we often wonder whether our vision or message is resonating with the masses; however, in reality, it may not even be fully appreciated or internalized by those that are closest to us.

We can cast the vision, we can execute the vision, we can engage our inner circle, we can have them by our sides when we have critical meetings but at the end of the day, those closest to us will get a revelation at different times- if ever.

Wow.

Our jobs as leaders is to be consistent in performing the tasks and doing the necessary work while praying for those inside our inner circle that our vision moves from head knowledge to capturing their hearts. This is a process and a journey.

Stay committed to your divine vision.

Stay the course in executing your plan.

Communicate the vision and plan early and often.

Love the people where they are and realize that they are each walking down their personal revelation journey.

“And they remembered His words. And having returned from the tomb, they reported all these things [taken together] to the eleven apostles and to all the rest.

Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who reported these things to the apostles.

But these reports seemed to the men an idle tale (madness, feigned things, nonsense), and they did not believe the women.”

Luke 24:8-11 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.24.8-11.AMPC