Tag: encouragement

Weep Not!

I was reading this scripture and singing praises in my heart about just how worthy is the lamb who was slain.

My thoughts just began to absorb the magnitude of the responsibility and the reality of the moment when it was determined that out of all the generations upon generations of men that have walked the earth, only one – Christ was and is able to look upon and open the book.

There was this sense of hopelessness, despair and weeping because there was believed to be no one who could to do the job to finish the mission.

But one of the elders simply said “Weep not: behold”.

Oh my God.

The only possible solution to our problem is the Lamb- Christ, is here.

As leaders, more importantly as believers who are leaders, we too have been uniquely called, qualified and equipped to solve what seems like impossible tasks that are plaguing our nations, communities and our families.

We are the solutions only because of Christ that lives in and guides us.

We have unlimited access to and supply of his spirit and knowledge to bring his kingdom to this earth- this day.

Lastly, we should pray and seek Christ as we build our teams so that they understand, know and thrive in supporting the vision; because, we were clear about and searched for the the right person with skills, temperament and drive to be a part of our teams.

As we continue to praise and say “Worthy is the Lamb”, it is my prayer that all grace abound toward us.

In Jesus Name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

Revelation 5:1-5 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.5.5.KJV

Follow Me

I was reflecting on how in life and in business, we experience changes in leadership/ influencers in our life. One of the best leadership changes that transforms our lives is when we are introduced to and accept Christ.

But the journey cannot and should not stop there because there is a statement in the scripture that truly is the litmus test- He simply says “Follow Me”. So simple yet so profound in that the decision we made -Ike Mathew-begins a journey that is so hard to describe.

The scripture gives a little more color in that it states “ [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk].”

This is a progressive journey because there are many who start out strong but then fade away because of disappointment. There are many who fade away because of adversity. There are many who fade away because of pride. There are many who fade away because of the pain of change. Then there are those who fade away because of the guilt and shame of mistakes.

Then there are those, us, who dare to believe daily that the journey to be like Christ is possible and is worth it – But; realize that it is only possible because of Christ’s ever increasing and present grace.

He is the Master teacher of how to “do life” and how to “do life more abundantly”. He is the one that takes our insufficiency and turns it to all sufficiency them to more than enough then to overflow so that He can get all the glory and his Kingdom can come.

No matter the starting point, the end result is still the same- Jesus has come and has chosen to sit at the table with us and to be our great physician, master and teacher.

He specializes and yearns to help those who start out broken and he make us whole. He said “ I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].” Yes- that is me and you, if we are truly honest.

As we grow closer to our teacher and Master, we will see our leadership influence grow and expand “beyond measure” because we have done and are doing the work by being a follower of God and copying him (Eph 5:1 AMP) and doing what He did with greater works(John 14:12).

“To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“After this Jesus went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi (Matthew) sitting at the tax booth; and He said to him, “Follow Me [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk].” And he left everything behind and got up and began to follow Jesus [as His disciple].”

Luke 5:27-28 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.5.27-28.AMP

“Then as Jesus was reclining at the table in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews] came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Master eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but [only] those who are sick. Go and learn what this [Scripture] means: ‘I desire compassion [for those in distress], and not [animal] sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].””

Matthew 9:10-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.9.10-13.AMP

Strongholds

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and the many habits that we have been blessed to change over the years. We may not see the incremental daily progress but one day we see the growth and are grateful.

Todays passage really requires focused effort in areas of life that others call “strongholds”. They may or may not be strongholds classified as sin but may be beliefs or behaviors that prevent us from living a guilt/ condemnation free life.

This passage is the antidote to that thought, “ It feel like we will never overcome this thing”!

The truth is that”EVERY” plant which our Heavenly Father did not plant will be torn up by the root.

How?

“Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us…”

As leaders, it is important that we identify, understand and address the things that slows us down and prevents us from running toward the fight: animosity, anger, doubt, unbelief, unforgiveness, mistakes, bruises, abuse, low self esteem, loneliness, strife, etc.

Today is the day to rejoice and to be free to pursue our devine purpose because we are covered by the blood of Jesus that blots it all out.

“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].”

Amen.

Be encouraged!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“He answered, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant will be torn up by the roots.”

Matthew 15:13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.15.13.AMP

Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord…?

When I was reflecting on this passage, I was reminded of the power of relationships in that the most fruitful relationships require giving of ourselves to benefit someone who we value highly.

Not so much the case with Christ in that if we give of ourselves (trust), we will reap a better version of ourselves if we would just obey (or simply take action on his guidance).

As leaders, one of the most frustrating challenges is when those whom we are selected to lead may ask for advise or solutions to their challenges and then they take actions which are contrary to the guidance. When they receive unexpected results, they are upset.

I am sure that I have frustrated a many mentors and managers because of such behaviors. Though my intentions may have been honorable, my execution may have been flawed.

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not practice what I tell you?”

Fair question. Why don’t we practice what we are told? Here are a few ideas:

⁃ Lack of a decision to commit to authority and to trust the person or the process.

⁃ Lack of Discipline. We make a decision to commit but we achieve consistently inconsistent outcomes.

⁃ Lack of know how and the resolve to press through being imperfect until achieving mastery.

⁃ Not counting up the cost. It was simply harder than we thought. Now what?

“Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ and who maketh manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place.”

Thank God for grace!

We have an opportunity to begin again,today, to lay a solid and secure foundation in Christ.

He is always ready to receive us.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not practice what I tell you?

Everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and obeys them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a [far-sighted, practical, and sensible] man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and yet could not shake it, because it had been securely built and founded on the rock.

But the one who has [merely] heard and has not practiced [what I say], is like a [foolish] man who built a house on the ground without any foundation, and the torrent burst against it; and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.””

Luke 6:46-49 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.6.46-49.AMP

No Recovery Time Required

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Jesus name amen.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Be free!

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

Luke 4:38-39 AMP

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

Consistent Leadership

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

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

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

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

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

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

To be clear, we will and are often misunderstood.

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

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

We have all sufficiency in all things by Christ Jesus.

No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper.

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

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

Luke 4:28-32 AMP

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

Devine Appointments

I was reflecting on this passage and just kept reading it over and over.

I believe that we, as leaders, are set up with devine appointments where people are placed into our lives so that we can prepare them for life’s journey.

Sometimes, by simply being a sounding board or sharing our experiences, we are able to open up others eyes so that they might see a path forward, receive encouragement and hope again as they experience pain and challenges.

It is my prayer that we are open to seeing and recognizing these devine appointments and are able to ease the pain of others.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.”

Psalms 34:19 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.34.19.AMP

He is All We Need

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing,

Fear not!

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 16:1-5 AMP

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

The Lord Still Reigns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 97:1-6 AMP

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