discernment – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

Strong Tower

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning with a reverent heart and the thought, as leaders, “What do we do when we don’t know what to do?”

In this life’s journey, the weight of leadership becomes a reality usually when the stakes are high and the gravity of the moment require decisions that could be fatal or have lasting consequences.

There will be many voices, thoughts and fears that may try and influence our decision so we must decide early to filter all feedback through God’s word.

During these crucible moments, we CAN find answers by faith!

The Bible shares a couple of pathways:

“He who dwells 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 I will trust.””

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

““Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Selah

We must trust God and know that our responsibility and obligation is to make decisions to the best of our spirit led ability based out of love.

In doing that, we can move forward in grace, reverence, without condemnation and:

Thank god for that still small voice that gives us the unction of what to do.

Thank god for a tender heart to guide us as we act out of love.

Thank god for teaching us how to trust Him more.

Amen

In closing, should we wonder if we are making the right decision, there are secret places of reassurance in the scriptures:

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thank god for giving us the strongest tower in the Name of Jesus where we can run to and be safe!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.18.10.KJV

We Have Come to Know

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how we, the leaders, must continue to learn of Christ until we get to the wonderful place of knowing (with absolute certainty) that He is the way, the truth and the life – our all and all!

The Bible tells us:

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.””

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As leaders, we know that everyone who follows us does not always agree with us: sometimes because their understanding of the situation is at a different level or maybe they may feel that a different tactic is warranted to achieve the outcome.

All said, they either choose to engage because of buying into the mission or your leadership position or not.

We see in the Bible where some of the disciples chose to leave:

“But [still] there are some of you who do not believe and have faith.”

For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe, and who would betray Him.

And He was saying, “This is the reason why I have told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him [that is, unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.”

As a result of this many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭64‬-‭66‬ ‭AMP‬‬

On the other hand, team or family dynamics really can shift and grow to the point where members are finishing each other’s sentences and thoughts because of a deeper understanding, respect and interconnectedness.

Scripture says it this way:

“We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].””

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭69‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The truth is that conflict and adversity will reveal where the team or family or community really is!

Selah

The divinely given words we speak and decisions we make can serve as a two edged sword which will reveal truths and will likely cause conflict with what is believed, accepted and practiced as operating norms today – but it does not negate their validity!

So how do we move forward?

We must first realize that people are not our enemy and strive to always speak the truth in love.

“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Secondly, we recognize that leadership is ordained by God for the edifying of the saints, building strong homes and communities and making a kingdom impact.

The Bible say it this way:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Furthermore, you shall select from all the people competent men who [reverently] fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; you shall place these over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer that we recommit today to studying Gods word and seeking His heart until we can be like Peter and declare “we have come to know that Christ is the Son of the living God”!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“…we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. [Is 40:13]”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭69‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But [still] there are some of you who do not believe and have faith.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe, and who would betray Him.

And He was saying, “This is the reason why I have told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him [that is, unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.”

As a result of this many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him.

So Jesus said to the twelve [disciples], “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope].

We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].””

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭64‬-‭69‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/ljhn.6.66-69.AMP

Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the thought that we, the leaders, are often fighting against perceptions and opinions of others; however, what truly matters is what Christ says about us and whose report we choose to believe.

The Lord is not slack on fulfilling His promises and He makes all grace abound toward us. His mercy is refining us to be Christlike as we sit on the potter wheel of life. We are eternally being changed.

Humble beginnings:

We all come from humble beginnings. Some were raised in bad neighborhoods, broken homes, insufficient resources or supports, poverty, lack, homelessness, or just toxic environments that seemed impossible or unfair. Others may use these circumstances to attempt to limit us and our potential.

But God!

We see several examples where “others” had a negative view of Christ and David but their views did not hinder the manifestation of Gods prophecies.

Example#1: Nathaniel predisposition about Jesus:

“Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about—Jesus from Nazareth, the son of Joseph [according to public record].”

Nathanael answered him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.”

Example #2: Selection of King David:

“So Jesse sent word and brought him in. Now he had a ruddy complexion, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. The Lord said [to Samuel], “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.””

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

I am grateful that the Lord sees us through the eyes of eternity – in his image and his likeness:

“…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

In Christ, we leaders are new creations with unlimited possibility given by god when His anointing lives inside of us:

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

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We also benefit from the abundance of gods grace working in our favor:

“The grace of our Lord [His amazing, unmerited favor and blessing] flowed out in superabundance [for me, together] with the faith and love which are [realized] in Christ Jesus. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬, ‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

As with Jesus and David respectively, the scripture reveals how God is pleased. So shall it be with us:

“and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!” [Ps 2:7; Is 42:1]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The Lord said [to Samuel], “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion: How should we respond? Walk in Love!

Our success and opportunities are dependent less on our ability but that of God. He will teach us how to build partnerships and teams and will give us discernment to choose.

Yes, we live in a world of negative labels and images but because of the Blessing and favour, the Lord prepares the hearts of our partners – in advance. We are set up for success.

We the leaders must be open and choose to measure a man/ woman according to the Christ standard. Failure to live by the Christ standard may cause us to miss opportunity.

“Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. [Gen 18:1-8; 19:1-3; Judg 6:11-24; 13:6-20]”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We must be diligent at inspecting the fruit of others and ourselves so that God will get the glory and his purposes will be fulfilled.

“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about—Jesus from Nazareth, the son of Joseph [according to public record].”

Nathanael answered him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.”

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Here is an Israelite indeed [a true descendant of Jacob], in whom there is no guile nor deceit nor duplicity!”

Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do You know [these things about] me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were still under the fig tree, I saw you.”

Nathanael answered, “Rabbi (Teacher), You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”

Jesus replied, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe [in Me]? You will see greater things than this.”

Then He said to him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man [the bridge between heaven and earth].” [Gen 28:12; Dan 7:13]”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭45‬-‭51‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.1.51.AMP

When They Saw It, They Praised God

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the leadership traits that we must posess, and cultivate, as we press forward toward our goals and destiny.

These are the traits of: discernment, persistence, desire, fortitude, and resolve which are observed behaviors we see in blind Bartimaeus.

Sometimes, we may feel like blind Bartimaeus as it relates to our next step or current decisions; but, as we walk through the process with Christ, we have faith that we will be blessed and hope that others will be blessed when God makes us whole- nothing missing and nothing broken.

Leadership lesson #1: Power of discernment

“They told him, Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. And he shouted, saying, Jesus, Son of David, take pity and have mercy on me!”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

I believe Bartimaeus had to have knowledge or discernment to know that Jesus was the only solution to his problem. He was surrounded by many people but his focus was on just one- Jesus.

So shall we be because critical decisions and situations are well beyond the knowledge and ability of our inner circles and we must outreach to Christ for direction and strategies.

Leadership lesson #2: Ask for help and be persistent in asking for help

“But those who were in front reproved him, telling him to keep quiet; yet he screamed and shrieked so much the more, Son of David, take pity and have mercy on me!”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭39‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

By crying out to Jesus as he alone is our source, we must understand and believe that our visions are being restored as we press in to Christ’s thoughts and ways.

Our persistence and “must have” mindset will cause us to triumph and not become weary.

Leadership lesson #3: Power of desire with fortitude

“What do you want Me to do for you? He said, Lord, let me receive my sight!”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭41‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

We must have an “I will not be denied” mindset and must also be prepared to answer the question of “what do we want?” – with clarity.

Often, we may simply ask for what we need and fail to decide in advance what we actually want!

We have to ask that our eyes are opened to opportunities, relationships, transitions for elevation, and opportunities to make a greater impact while the master grantor is passing by.

Don’t miss it!

Leadership lesson #4: Power of Resolve – eagerly awaiting for God to move

“And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight! Your faith (your trust and confidence that spring from your faith in God) has healed you.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭42‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

This is about training our hearts and our spiritual eyes to expect good outcomes by faith – despite what our natural eyes see.

In conclusion:

We know that because of the power that lives in us, we are influencers and change makers. When we persist and pursue what we want in Christ, miracles will flow.

“And instantly he received his sight and began to follow Jesus, recognizing, praising, and honoring God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭43‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Others will see gods handiwork in us, will be blessed and will praise God for his wondrous and mighty works.

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As He came near to Jericho, it occurred that a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.

And hearing a crowd going by, he asked what it meant.

They told him, Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.

And he shouted, saying, Jesus, Son of David, take pity and have mercy on me!

But those who were in front reproved him, telling him to keep quiet; yet he screamed and shrieked so much the more, Son of David, take pity and have mercy on me!

Then Jesus stood still and ordered that he be led to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him,

What do you want Me to do for you? He said, Lord, let me receive my sight!

And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight! Your faith (your trust and confidence that spring from your faith in God) has healed you.

And instantly he received his sight and began to follow Jesus, recognizing, praising, and honoring God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭35‬-‭43‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.18.43.AMPC

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

The Thoughts and Motives of a Man

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the thought of how it is vital for us as leaders to learn how to have successful interactions/ relationships with others.

Relationship building with others requires us to use the spirit of discernment because the behaviors we may be observing with our eyes may be a distraction from the real drivers and motivators for the individual – what’s in their heart.

Scripture tells us: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.“

Romans 12:18 KJV

We may find that underneath the observed present behaviors is often a person who is hurting and searching for answers or are preoccupied with their issues and concerns. They may simply need us, as the leader, to hear and recognize their pain, to discern their need and to pray either with them or for them to intercede on their behalf for gods favor and peace to rest in them. We have the solution that everyone needs and that is Jesus.

There is no problem, ailment or situation that Jesus can’t resolve. We, his followers, have to be led by the spirit to discern the problem and to speak life into the persons situation. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”For what person knows the thoughts and motives of a man except the man’s spirit within him?

So also no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God.

We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit].“

1 Corinthians 2:11-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.2.11-13.AMP