Christ – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

Living the Exception Life

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

I was reflecting on these scripture today with a grieved heart because we, the leaders, can become deceived in our hearts as we live in a world that is fascinated by “shiny objects” and focuses on what we “don’t have” vs appreciating and valuing the abundance of blessings and provisions that we “do have”.

This spirit of discontent can creep into how we see ourselves, how we show up in our families, how we show up at work, how we show up in our relationships and how we show up within our church or community.

Often our dissatisfaction stems from our choosing to set our eyes and focus on that which is temperal vs what is eternal, everlasting, loving and true.

We must be open to “hear” when we have gotten off track and are wrong – receiving the feedback from those who love us and speak hard truths into our lives.

The Bible says it this way:

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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]”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Selah

Our ability to hear, recognize and receive wise counsel from those who love us and desire the best for us may create safe guardrails that could prevent us from making and living with bad decisions.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

that thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

As achievers and leaders, there is nothing wrong with wanting “more”; however, the tricks of the enemy could deceive us if we don’t purposefully make time to be thankful and mindful of what “we do have” right now!

We have the abundant life of rest, peace, joy and contentment – right now, if we have the eyes to see it!

Scripture reminds us:

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, “Eat and drink,” Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Yet, “… all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What we focus on can and will grip our hearts and our minds if we are not careful to guard our hearts.

This is true whether we focus on “what we don’t have” versus the overwhelming majority and abundance of what “we do have”. We must not let the enemy steal our joy when we are sitting in the fields of abundance!

We are not deficient or incomplete in any way!

We have all sufficiency in all things in Christ:

“And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We are joint heirs of the promises in Christ:

“[it is this:] that the Gentiles are now joint heirs [with the Jews] and members of the same body, and joint partakers [sharing] in the [same divine] promise in Christ Jesus through [their faith in] the good news [of salvation].”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, when we are tempted to be distracted and to focus on the “Exceptions of Life”, my prayer is that we pause, reflect and take action on this Word:

“Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in.

Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O gates, And lift them up, ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in.

Who is [He then] this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory [who rules over all creation with His heavenly armies]. Selah.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

He has already prepared the table before us and his blessings overtake us day by day.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“So the Lord God took the man [He had made] and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may freely (unconditionally) eat [the fruit] from every tree of the garden;

but [only] from the tree of the knowledge (recognition) of good and evil you shall not eat, otherwise on the day that you eat from it, you shall most certainly die [because of your disobedience].””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.2.15-17.AMP

So There Was a Difference of Opinion

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea that great change often creates controversy and confusion.

During these times, we, the leaders, must be steadfast, immovable and grounded in the truth of Gods word.

We may experience contrarian voices of opinion trying to redirect, divert or stop our momentum.

We may even find those closest to us try and isolate us taking defensive postures out of fear – leaving us as prey amongst wolves.

BUT GOD!

Scripture says:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

I am grateful that the God we serve is faithful, just and true. He has given us authority to tread on serpents while also commanding us to walk in love and pray for those who persecute us:

“Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭44‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thank you Lord!

As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be careful to “hear” and “do” all we are told to do.

The Lord will grant us spiritual eyes to see how He is turning things around for our good if we just trust Him:

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen!

In conclusion, let us follow the example of the healed blind man below and be reminded to always stand on the side of truth – declaring the many good things that the Lord has done as our testimony!

In standing on truth, we recognize that the battle is not ours and bring every principality in subjection under Christ:

“He said, “Listen carefully, all [you people of] Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: ‘Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For He (the Father) has put all things in subjection under His (Christ’s) feet. But when He says, “All things have been put in subjection [under Christ],” it is clear that He (the Father) who put all things in subjection to Him (Christ) is excepted [since the Father is not in subjection to His own Son]. [Ps 8:6]”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then they brought the man who was formerly blind to the Pharisees.

Now it was on a Sabbath day that Jesus made the mud and opened the man’s eyes.

So the Pharisees asked him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, “He smeared mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see.”

Then some of the Pharisees said, “This Man [Jesus] is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner (a non-observant Jew) do such signs and miracles?” So there was a difference of opinion among them.

Accordingly they said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “[It must be that] He is a prophet!”

However, the Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the man’s parents.

They asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?”

His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but as to how he now sees, we do not know; or who has opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him [and stop asking us]; he is of age, he will speak for himself and give his own account of it.”

His parents said this because they were afraid of [the leaders of] the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone acknowledged Jesus to be the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue (excommunicated).

Because of this his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

So a second time they called the man who had been [born] blind, and said to him, “Give God glory and praise [for your sight]! We know this Man [Jesus] is a sinner [separated from God].”

Then he answered, “I do not know whether He is a sinner [separated from God]; but one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.””

‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭13‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.9.13-25.AMP

What Does the Lord Require

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and my heart was pondering the question of “What’s next?” – for this next season of life.

We, the leaders and servants of the Lord, are on this journey learning how to heal from the inside out with the goal to mature into the place where we have all sufficiency in all things and are self sufficient in Him (Christ) needing no aide or support!

What a wonderful journey and goal.

Scripture encourages us by saying:

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

On this journey we experience many starts and stops; and many ups and downs which may cause us to ask the question in our hearts, “What’s Next Lord?”

Yes … our foundations are still sure and grounded in Christ but we sometimes need a refresher, reassurance, guidance or a reset- where we lift our eyes and hands to heaven for answers.

When we arrive at this moment, we have some scriptures we can learn of, lean on and trust/do:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being].”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.””

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; So shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

As we soak in His presence, we can ask Him:

“Who may ascend onto the mountain of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

Who has not lifted up his soul to what is false, Nor has sworn [oaths] deceitfully. [Matt 5:8] He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

This is the generation (description) of those who diligently seek Him and require Him as their greatest need, Who seek Your face, even [as did] Jacob. [Ps 42:1] Selah.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭27‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Glory be to God!

In conclusion, let us be encouraged as it is my prayer and sincere desire that we soak in the presence of the Holy Spirit today until we receive our breakthrough and His peace becomes real to us – for that is our portion, in Jesus Name.

The Bible says:

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.

Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind.

You shall teach them diligently to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.

And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand (forearm), and they shall be used as bands (frontals, frontlets) on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“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

In Jesus Name, Amen and it is so!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

‭‭Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/mic.6.8.NIV

Emotional Bankruptcy

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

I was reflecting on these scripture this morning and the thought of how do we, as leaders, cope when we feel like we are emotionally bankrupt?

Emotional bankruptcy can surface in many forms:

Our calling may start to feel like a weight
Our assignment may start to feel like a job
Our mission success has unleashed an abundance of waggling tongues
Our battle has endured longer than anticipated

Emotional bankruptcy is almost a taboo subject as we, the leaders, are always to watch and pray – being vigilant to put on the whole armor of God.

Yet….we see a real life biblical example, in Elijah, a successful leader that experienced this tender moment and how God responded- giving us hope and guidance.

The good news is that feeling drained is not a sign of failure but a signal for us to rely on God for strength.

Selah

Also, as long as our why (the desire to serve Christ) is still present, there is hope! The work that remains is to recover from our emotional pains. The scripture shows us the way as we embrace the Word:

“Hear my cry, O God; Attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, When my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭61‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen

We see in the Bible where Elijah has reached a place of emotional exhaustion, despair, and depression.

We also see Gods love in action as He sent an angel to minister to Elijah (Heb 1:14): demonstrating compassion , providing rest and sustenance rather than a rebuke.

Scripture describes it this way:

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Divine strength stands in the gap when personal strength fails. The Bible say it this way:

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Thank you Lord!

In closing, let us be reminded that He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies ( Psalms 23:5) and we shall declare that:

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/1ki.19.4-8.KJV

A Good Man Leaves an Inheritance

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of what type of inheritance or legacy should we, the leaders, strive to leave.

So what is an inheritance?

Marian- Webster defines inheritance as:

“something received from past generations (property, traits, etc.), the act of receiving it (legally or genetically), or the genetic transmission of qualities from parent to offspring, encompassing material possessions, intangible characteristics, and biological traits”

Selah

Part of the leadership development process is realizing that lasting skills are learned through observation, versus class training.

So as leaders we must ensure that our legacy is built on biblical principles of truth, integrity, and righteousness.

By being leaders of character we demonstrate the behaviors that we want to see emulated and scaled throughout our families our businesses and our communities – whether small or large.

Who we are speaks volumes about whether we are truly a follower of Christ or merely an observer of Christ.

Selah

We, the leaders, must also be judicious about who we choose to follow as there are many who desire to lead, but are not equipped to do so. Then we have others who are equipped to lead, but lack character.

The most successful leaders are those who are equipped to lead and have unshakable character that’s based out of righteousness.

Our using Jesus as our example, we can press beyond talking the talk and progress towards walking the walk – demonstrating godly leadership in good times and tough times. This type of leadership thrives both in and out of season.

By learning and studying the Word of God, we face the lens of righteousness daily which reminds us that we are on a journey.

If we error, we can make corrections under Gods grace as He looks at our heart and our motives and His grace is sufficient:

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

No matter where we start, we have a responsibility to continually grow and to improve daily being diligent to let no sin or weight cause us to stumble- causing others to error. The Bible says it this way:

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thank you Lord!

In closing, no matter our circumstances, let us demonstrate the importance of prayer, love, service, understanding, patience, kindness, and joy in our lives.

These foundational character traits, plus righteousness will cause others to want to follow Christ the Light of the World and see the manifestation of God‘s glory in their lives.

That outcome is the best inheritance we can ever leave!

In Jesus name, amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭22‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.13.22.AMP

God Will Wipe Away Every Tear From Their Eyes

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the reality that loss and grief happens to everyone – regardless of our positions, roles or responsibilities.

At some point during this life journey, each of us will lose someone who we admire, love and respect deeply – our human “rock”.

It is true that each of us grieve differently; however, the worst thing we could do is to shortcut the grieving process or attempt to expedite it so as to not be perceived as vulnerable.

If that person truly meant something to us, they deserve to be remembered and grieving allows us to honor them intimately.

We can choose to pick up their legacy mantle and live our lives as a witness to honor their greatness -especially those traits and memories that edified God and His kingdom.

That is one of the greatest forms of honor!

Selah

The Bible tells us that to everything there is a time and season under the sun.

“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 weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The Bible also gives examples of the process of setting time aside to mourn.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Lastly , we will need a word from the Lord to help us process the grief and to find comfort. Our hearts can get happy as the scripture below says: “See! I make all things new.”!

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is a promise and we stagger not at His promises because He is well able to perform them:

“But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

It is my prayer for us that we follow the example of David and walk through the healing process to arrive at that place of joy:

“David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters.

But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭30‬:‭6‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

David later wrote in Psalms:

“You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” Psalm‬ ‭30‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. [Isa. 25:8; 35:10.]

And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine). [Isa. 43:19.]”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/8/rev.21.4-5.AMPC

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:

‭‭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

And You Did Not Abandon Them

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, serve an awesome god who is loyal, faithful, trustworthy, dependable and reliable.

His unwavering consistency and dedication towards us remains true, despite how we react or respond.

The Bible tells us:

““For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.

“Yet from the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and ordinances and have not kept them.

Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The answer is “Seek my face”:

“…Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].”

Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor leave me, O God of my salvation!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

2. And know that His Word will prevail:

“So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“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

Amen and Amen

Because God is sovereign and knows us intimately, we can rest in His presence:

“You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O Lord, You know it all. [Heb 4:13]

You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me.

Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Thank you Lord!

He loves us so much that He often shares mysteries and secrets with us as we draw nearer to Him. What a privilege!

““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” [Ex 33:12; Is 49:1, 5; Rom 8:29]”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“…To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. [Mark 4:11]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

So let us get to the place where we resolve in our hearts that it is all about Christ and Christ alone:

“be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Lastly, let us be courageous and walk in the confidence that all things are working together for our good:

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen and to God be the Glory!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, And brought water for them out of a rock for their thirst, And You told them to enter and take possession of The land that You swore to give them. [John 6:31-34]

“But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They stiffened their necks and would not heed Your commandments.

“They refused to listen and obey, And did not remember Your wondrous acts which

You had performed among them; So they stiffened their necks and [in their rebellion] appointed a leader in order to return them to slavery in Egypt.

But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and merciful and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not abandon them. [Num 14:4]”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/neh.9.16.AMP

Endure to the End

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the present urgency we, the leaders, must have in developing our “finishing what we started” mindset – one focused and determined to ensure that the issues and challenges of life don’t deter us from our kingdom assignment.

Sometimes situations may shake our foundations due to rapid successive events which create a feeling of destabilization and doubt – where we wonder if we are in the right place or whether we are making a difference.

Yes, adversity will come.

Yes, doubts will try to creep into our hearts and minds.

And Yes, people may seem to be blinded by the truth and resist us, our ideas and our god.

In times like these, we must hold steadfast to our trust in Jesus, believe that a heavenly solution is possible and pray until we hear His voice for direction as He is our good shepherd.

He will shield us and hide us in His secret place so that we are hidden from the wiles of the devil. The Bible says:

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” [Gen 18:14; Job 42:2]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

When we stand on the solid rock of Christ, we find purpose and strength in Him.

The Bible says: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold. [Heb 2:13]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

It also says: “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We must choose today to lighten our loads to run our race and if we faint not, the Lord will be faithful to do all that He has promised:

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

““If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the best of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion, it is my prayer that we faint not but earnestly pray so that we may endure to the end:

“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭7‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.24.13-14.KJV

That Bread!

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, need to constantly improve our spiritual diets for strength to exercise our faith at higher levels – more specifically, nourishing our inner man with the bread of life – YES, THAT BREAD!

THAT bread, once ingested, changes us from the inside out including our eternal future, our perspectives, our visions, our hopes, our motivations, our purposes and our why’s.

Jesus has declared that He is the Bread of Life:

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭32‬-‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

So let us feast at a higher level as Christ has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness:

“according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As His children, we have the responsibility to follow and call unto Him:

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For we [believers] have become partakers of Christ [sharing in all that the Messiah has for us], if only we hold firm our newborn confidence [which originally led us to Him] until the end, while it is said,

“Today [while there is still opportunity] if you hear His voice, Do not harden your heart, as when they provoked Me [in the rebellion in the desert at Meribah].” [Ps 95:7, 8]”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

As followers of Christ, we have assurances that He will sustain us and provide us with the necessary tools to expand His kingdom:

“Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. [Is 55:10; Hos 10:12]

You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].

For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

Because of this act of ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation [in this gift] for them and for all [the other believers in need],

and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

When we are willing and obedient to sow a seed, we have a biblical example of how God allows us to be a blessing and be blessed at the same time:

““There is a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people?”

Then Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated; the same also with the fish, as much as they wanted.

When they had eaten enough, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.”

So they gathered them up, and they filled twelve large baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬, ‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion, let us pray continually that the Lord will give and we will receive our daily bread:

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen and thank you for the bread of life!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭53‬-‭58‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.6.55.KJV