change – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

He Heals

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.com/

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, have a continuous need and responsibility to stay on the potters wheel for continuous molding and rework for elevation and more responsibility – promotion.

Said another way, we need “healing from the inside out” because leadership is difficult, painful and often misunderstood. We may appear to be successful externally; however, our inner man can be working through turmoil, confusion, indecision and lack of peace. Our belief systems will be challenged and found to be a hinderance for elevation at some point.

But God has a plan for us.

The Bible gives this example in Jeremiah:

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will make you hear My words.”

Then I went down to the potter’s house, and saw that he was working at the wheel.

But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him.

Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” says the Lord. “Look carefully, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Our transformation is taking place in our minds, our thoughts, our memories, our hearts, our words, our wills, our emotions and in our bodies with the intent to become more like Christ!

The Bible says it this way:

““Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. “Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. [Is 40:13]”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“This is from the Lord and is His doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. [Matt 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet 2:7]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil].”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

In conclusion, I just want to speak to and encourage each of our hearts to slow down and hear the sweet voice of the Lord and to do all that he tells us to do – by faith.

When we do this and trust the process, the Bible says:

“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. [Rom 14:10]”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The question before us is simply, “Will we be made whole?”

“When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?”

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing’

“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow]. [Ps 34:18; Is 57:15; 61:1; Luke 4:18]

Great is our [majestic and mighty] Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is inexhaustible [infinite, boundless].”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭3‬, ‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.147.3-5.AMP

The Potter’s Grace

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.com/

I was reflecting again this morning on this scripture and the reality that each of us as leaders are constantly under reconstruction as we strive to be Christ like.

Yes, we have Christ on the inside of us guiding us through life but there is a fundamental requirement that we must provide the raw materials for Christ to mold us.

We must choose to change so that we are perfected in accordance with the “Christ” standard and through Christ’s love.

We must encourage ourselves in the Lord, like David.

Regardless of our circumstances, we are still His workmanship

“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. [Rom 1:20]”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I am grateful that Christ has already done the work and paid the price for our sins.

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said in fulfillment of the Scripture, “I am thirsty.” [Ps 69:21] A jar full of sour wine was placed there; so they put a sponge soaked in the sour wine on [a branch of] hyssop and held it to His mouth. [Matt 27:48, 50; Mark 15:36f; Luke 23:36] When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and [voluntarily] gave up His spirit.”

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said [He would]. Come! See the place where He was lying.

Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭6‬

Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭ 18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

So let us be encouraged and run this race with purpose and gratitude knowing that whatever the challenge (s), we have already won!

We have the victory solely because of Christ.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us,

[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. [Ps 110:1]

Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer that we all can learn to rest in Him as His grace is more than sufficient:

“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 ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord:

“Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will make you hear My words.”

Then I went down to the potter’s house, and saw that he was working at the wheel.

But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him.

Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” says the Lord.

“Look carefully, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.18.2-5.AMP

A Time Appointed

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.com/

This morning, I was reflecting on the scriptures and the thought that as leaders we have to recognize when there is a major shift in our lives and the new season that we are now in. This change could be from an organizational/ strategic change at work or a significant event within our family or with our health. In short a “big event” and we have the eyes to see the shift:

“But blessed [spiritually aware, and favored by God] are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. [Luke 10:23, 24]

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, many prophets and righteous men [who were honorable and in right standing with God] longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

During moment like these , we must spend time before the Lord for direction, discernment, wisdom, knowledge and grace to meet the moment.

We can expect to receive the right strategy and necessary scriptures to meditate on for reassurance as we worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

“Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul breaks with longing For Your judgments at all times.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Selah

Scripture reminds us that we must stand strong, trust the Word and have faith that all things are working together for our good for we are the called by Christ.

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Amen

Recognizing the changing season is necessary for our growth and elevation; however, it does not guarantee we will be comfortable. We will need new spiritual and natural skills for success as our territories are being enlarged. We will need to spend more time in prayer for temperance and direction. We must also walk with confidence and boldness that we are uniquely prepared for this calling and that the Lord is able and will deliver us through this transition!

“Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels. The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be], skilled in teaching, patient and tolerant when wronged.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When we succeed, we know and will proclaim: to God be the glory! Amen

My final thoughts and prayers are:

Thank you, Lord for showing us that we are your tools and your vessels to accomplish your mission. We say yes and amen to the calling. We trust you and your process!

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭25‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

By faith, we surrender our wills, our ways, our minds, our mouths and our hearts to you so that you would be magnified.

“God, glorify your name! Yes, your name alone be glorified, not ours. For you are the one who loves us passionately, and you are faithful and true.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭115‬:‭1‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—

A time to be born and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. [Heb 9:27]

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance.

A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.

A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;

A time to keep silent and a time to speak. [Amos 5:13]

A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace. [Luke 14:26]

What profit is there for the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the task which God has given to the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/ecc.3.1-9.AMP

Spoiled By the Potter’s Hand

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.com/

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the reality that in our journeys with God we are constantly challenged to grow.

Usually we find, as leaders, that when we face obstacles or resistant, there is often a “faith lesson” in the works to prepare and strengthen us while refining our skills for the next level of leadership.

This process can be frustrating, disheartening and difficult as promotion usually requires us to change to thrive at the higher level.

Scripture tells us:

“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Yes, he knows us but we must learn ourselves and choose to lay down our weights, habits, beliefs and simply say “yes lord” – despite it all, I will go!

Everyday, we are presented with a choice to move forward in Christ or not!

We do not always make the correct choice but we can improve our odds of success in Christ by surrendering our hearts, minds, emotions, dreams and fears to Him – allowing him to mix our lives up like the potter.

Allow Christ to Continuously Improve Us:

Often times we have grown and formed into a pot that capacity to handle so much of the “weight of leadership”. If we are not careful, our development and preparedness can become obsolete or ineffective as new situations demand “more”.

Unless we allow ourselves to be broken, molded and reshaped on the potters wheel, we will not be adequately prepared or equipped for the demands of the moment.

It is my sincere prayer and declaration that we will remain faithful and keep our hearts receptive for the calling of God:

“Now Moses was faithful in [the administration of] all God’s house, [but only] as a ministering servant, [his ministry serving] as a testimony of the things which were to be spoken afterward [the revelation to come in Christ]; [Num 12:7] but

Christ is faithful as a Son over His [Father’s] house. And we are His house if we hold fast our confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ].

Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as [your fathers did] in the rebellion [of Israel at Meribah], On the day of testing in the wilderness,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭5-8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let’s let the potter continue to mold us and get all the glory! He does marvelous work.

In Jesus Name.

Be Blesses!

Be a Blessing!

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord:

“Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will make you hear My words.”

Then I went down to the potter’s house, and saw that he was working at the wheel.

But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him.

Then the word of the Lord came to me:

“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” says the Lord. “Look carefully, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

At one moment I might [suddenly] speak concerning a nation or kingdom, that I will uproot and break down and destroy;

if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent and reverse My decision concerning the devastation that I intended to do.

Or at another time I might [suddenly] speak about a nation or kingdom that I will build up or establish;

and if they do evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will reverse My decision concerning the good with which I had promised to bless them.

Now then, say to the men of Judah and to the citizens of Jerusalem, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am shaping a disaster and working out a plan against you. Turn back, each of you from his evil way; correct your habits and change your actions for the better.” ’

But they will say, ‘That is hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act in accordance with the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.18.12.AMP

We Are Well Able

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.wordpress.com/

I was reading the scripture this morning and the thought of how critical, as leaders, we must train ourselves to have “spiritual eyes” as we continue to grow in stature, influence and authority.

We see in this passage that the children of Israel were on the edge of claiming and possessing the land which God had promised them.

Moses was told, by God, to send out the leaders from each tribe to spy out the land. These leaders represented the best of the best.

They went and did what was commanded but when they returned, most had an “evil report” that success was impossible as they measured their success ability by “their” capabilities vs God’s capabilities.

Alternatively, there were two leaders (Caleb and Joshua) who saw the same conditions but had a “good report” that success is possible! Their sight was solely focused on God’s capabilities.

Scripture shows us:

“…Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among the scouts who had searched the land, rent their clothes,

And they said to all the company of Israelites, The land through which we passed as scouts is an exceedingly good land.

If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Only do not rebel against the Lord, neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense and the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.”

Numbers 14:6-9 AMPC

Selah

As leaders, our faith is and will continue to be tested with greater and greater “mountains”. We will always need to lean on, rely on and depend on God! We must get comfortable being uncomfortable, understanding that God’s plans require us to grow.

Scripture challenges us to build up our faith:

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;”

Jude 1:20 AMPC

Like taking medicine, meditating on the Word should be our action multiple times per day.

In closing, this is our prayer:

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.”

Psalm 143:10 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“AND THE Lord said to Moses, Send men to explore and scout out [for yourselves] the land of Canaan, which I give to the Israelites. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader or head among them.

So Moses by the command of the Lord sent scouts from the Wilderness of Paran, all of them men who were heads of the Israelites.

Moses sent them to scout out the land of Canaan, and said to them, Get up this way by the South (the Negeb) and go up into the hill country,

And see what the land is and whether the people who dwell there are strong or weak, few or many,

And whether the land they live in is good or bad, and whether the cities they dwell in are camps or strongholds,

And what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is timber on it or not. And be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes.

And they returned from scouting out the land after forty days. They came to Moses and Aaron and to all the Israelite congregation in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh, and brought them word, and showed them the land’s fruit.

They told Moses, We came to the land to which you sent us; surely it flows with milk and honey. This is its fruit.

But the people who dwell there are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; moreover, there we saw the sons of Anak [of great stature and courage].

Amalek dwells in the land of the South (the Negeb); the Hittite, the Jebusite, and the Amorite dwell in the hill country; and the Canaanite dwells by the sea and along by the side of the Jordan [River].

Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once and possess it; we are well able to conquer it.

But his fellow scouts said, We are not able to go up against the people [of Canaan], for they are stronger than we are.”

Numbers 13:1-3, 17-20, 25-31 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/num.13.2-31.AMPC

Understanding The Right Thing to Do

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.wordpress.com/

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and read:

”Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:“

Luke 12:51 KJV

I was puzzled as to why would Jesus be bringing division amongst families as he is not the author of confusion.

Further study revealed the leadership principle:

As leaders, we often realize that God’s vision and mandate for us requires making a controversial decision that is scriptural and in alignment with God. The challenge often is that the decision is disruptive and may conflict with the current desires, beliefs and values of those within our house (team).

Moments like these create pressure and a separation where everyone in the house (team) will have to make an individual decision to align with the vision/ decision or not. We will all have to choose!

Scripture tells us “Jesus said to all the people: As soon as you see a cloud coming up in the west, you say, “It’s going to rain,” and it does.

When the south wind blows, you say, “It’s going to get hot,” and it does.

Are you trying to fool someone? You can predict the weather by looking at the earth and sky, but you don’t really know what’s going on right now. “

Change is necessary now!

Scripture prepares us leaders when it says:

“And I will have to suffer a lot of pain until it is over.”

This journey will be difficult as there will be a falling away as current relationships will be redefined, behaviors that were His permissive will need to be set aside for the perfect will of god in our lives. This is all about the elevation of our mindsets to pursue excellence – gods best for our lives

It is my prayer that we will make the right decisions, pray without ceasing, and move forward with gods grace by faith in Jesus Name. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”I came to set fire to the earth, and I wish it were already on fire! I am going to be put to a hard test.

And I will have to suffer a lot of pain until it is over.

Do you think that I came to bring peace to earth? No indeed! I came to make people choose sides.

A family of five will be divided, with two of them against the other three. Fathers and sons will turn against one another, and mothers and daughters will do the same. Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law will also turn against each other.

Jesus said to all the people: As soon as you see a cloud coming up in the west, you say, “It’s going to rain,” and it does.

When the south wind blows, you say, “It’s going to get hot,” and it does.

Are you trying to fool someone? You can predict the weather by looking at the earth and sky, but you don’t really know what’s going on right now.

Why don’t you understand the right thing to do?“ Luke 12:49-57 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/luk.12.57.CEV

Blessed is That Man

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.”

Psalm 40:4 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.40.4.KJV

Moses Had Laid His Hands Upon Him

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the idea concerning the importance of succession planning, building our leadership pipeline as a priority and obeying god.

We see in this passage, one of the greatest prophets, Moses, coming to the end of his time as the leader of Israel – a forty year burden. He has had many successes and many failures over the span of his life.

Though his leadership imprint did not begin until he was eighty (Acts 7:22, 30)’, he accomplished so much:

⁃ At the advice of his father in law, he created the judicial system to be able to meet the growing needs of Israel. Exodus 18:25-26

⁃ In Numbers 11:16, he had 70 men anointed with his wisdom to be able to multiply his effectiveness in leading and taking care of a whole nation of 600,000 men (not including women and children) after having left Egypt.

As a leader, Moses is known for being a master builder of leadership systems.

Equally if not more importantly, Moses had an intimate relationship with god where they met and talked on many occasions throughout the scriptures starting in Exodus through Deuteronomy.

Despite all of these successes, the thing that grieves me the most is that Moses’ decision, made out of anger and frustration, caused him to not obey god and follow his instructions when God was trying to take him to another level. The scripture says “I have let you see it [the promised land] with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” Decisions matter.

If we recall, the story in Numbers 20 goes as this:

“And the Lord said to Moses, Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to give forth its water, and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.

So Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation before the rock and Moses said to them, Hear now, you rebels; must we bring you water out of this rock?

And Moses lifted up his hand and with his rod he smote the rock twice. And the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.

And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the Israelites, you therefore shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” Numbers 20:7-12 AMPC

This disobedience or demonstrated inability to grow (in previous times, the guidance from god was to smote the rock) and perform at the next level, cause Moses to be placed on the exit ramp concerning Gods purpose and mission.

The scripture states that “Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated.” So he was not feeble and was well able physically to lead the people. There just was a lapse in judgement that cost him his position.

It was time to pass the mantle on to the leader who would take the children of Israel to the promised land, Joshua.

The lesson for us as leaders is to do our best to hear from God and to lead well- everyday. Our very existence and success as leaders depend on it.

Yes it is true, that the very people we are charged with leading may be stiff-necked, rebellious, struggle with change, and have old limiting beliefs and behaviors; but despite all of that, the responsibility of leadership still falls on us and we must and will be held accountable. The scripture reminds us that whom He sends, He qualifies.

In Closing: God, in his infinite wisdom and love, still provided for the children of Israel and provided them with a leader to carry the mantle forward – Joshua. God was not slack on fulfilling his promises to Israel in that he ensured that their new leader had a sure and solid foundation. The Bible states that “ Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him…” Moses had poured so much of himself into Joshua while they walked the leadership journey together.

Joshua learned from the best and was sensitive to hear and to obey the words of God. So much so that the Bible states the new generation of “Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Lead well!

“And the Lord said to him, This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, I will give it to your descendants.

I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.

So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, And He buried him in the valley of the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.

Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated. [Deut. 31:2.]

And the Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

And Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him; so the Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, [None equal to him] in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt–to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, And in all the mighty power and all the great and terrible deeds which Moses wrought in the sight of all Israel.”

Deuteronomy 34:4-12 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/deu.34.4-12.AMPC

Perfectly and Fully Developed

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea that we need to be patient with ourselves as we walk out this faith journey.

We live in a society that values and cherishes immediate gratification and instant results. Certain situations exist where we need an immediate need met and God is able to meet our needs immediately.

Usually, when it comes to growth and maturation, this is developed over time.

Like a plant when the bulbs are planted, there may be a period where it appears that nothing is happening.

During these times, there is the tendency to think that the seed has died and there will be no harvest- not so!

With patience, there ultimately is that glimmer of hope which is created when we see the tip of the blade. Then later, we see more and more plant growth and with hearty roots.

So is it with our personal spiritual development and growth as a leader.

We all need a little grace and patience as we press towards our breakthrough moment.

We never know the level of effort that is required to complete this process.

Many times we have confessed that “this is the time, we will stay true to our confession and be obedient in season and out of season” – only to still realize that without God we can do nothing.

Many of us, are comfortable with endurance, steadfastness and patience having “partial” access to the rooms in our heart, our minds and in our souls.

To permit them to do a thorough work, we must sacrifice our comfort for vulnerability and for growth.

When we “let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work” in us, we will see God’s handiwork.

Yes, all things are possible for him who believes”.

“We believe… so therefore all things are possible for us, because of Christ Jesus”.

Be encouraged!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-4 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jas.1.2-4.AMPC

They were Longing

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the burden that comes along with the change associated with losing someone who is precious.

This can be in both business and our personal lives: however, what is clear is that the person’s presence had an impact on us.

At moments like these, we can search the Word of God for solid ground to stand, reflect, recalibrate and muster the courage to press forward.

Leaders find solid ground by having faith in god and his consistency:

⁃ “Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly].” Mark 11:22 AMP

⁃ “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”John 14:1 AMP

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

⁃ “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].” John 1:1-5 AMP

A leader’s ability to reflect and recalibrate is based on the belief that God’s promises will still come to pass:

⁃ “For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.” Matthew 5:18 AMP

In closing, it is my prayer that today, we can muster up the courage to press forward continuing the good work of the kingdom – remembering but never looking backwards.

“….. now therefore arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.” Joshua 1:2 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own.

And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return.

But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them.”

Hebrews 11:14-16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/heb.11.14-16.AMP