Tag: encouragement

Surely I will be with you

When I was reflecting on this passage my mind was just thinking about the continuous grace of God. Early in our growth journey, we may make decisions that we know or later learn are contrary to what is the truth. Ideally, we grow, mature and arrive at the place where more of our decisions are based on and in alignment with the Word as growth is a continuous process. But the reality is that decisions have consequences (mental, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual).

As leaders, we may experience a season as a result of decisions where we have a sense of bewilderment, loss and are kindling an underlying desire for more of God like Gideon who summed it up well when he asked “where are all His wondrous works of which our fathers told us?”

I believe that at these moments, breakthrough, revelation and flow can occur because we desire to get to and remain at a place of hunger and thirst for the kingdom and its righteousness- despite how we are perceived, how we feel and ultimately the price we have to pay.

Arriving at that place where all we want is God’s presence and its manifestation in our lives and situation is vital as we press forward toward our assignment and associated battles. In our own strengths, we are not able to prevail in battle; however, with God’s promise that “Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite” the enemy- victory is assured.

In this season, it is my prayer that you will be encouraged, renewed and reenergized for Christ!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of [fearless] courage.

And Gideon said to him, O sir, if the Lord is with us, why is all this befallen us? And where are all His wondrous works of which our fathers told us, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.

The Lord turned to him and said, Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hand of Midian.

Have I not sent you?

Gideon said to Him, Oh Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Behold, my clan is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.

The Lord said to him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.”

Judges 6:12-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jdg.6.12-16.AMPC

The end of the matter is: Fear God

When I was reflecting on this scripture, I consider for a moment that there are many troubling works that we pursue “under the sun” where we are exerting a significant amount of effort and energy.

If these efforts are not pursuing Christ and his kingdom, it seems that “all is vanity and vexation (def. the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried) of spirit”.

As leaders, we live in a day where we pursue knowledge which continues to increase, we wonder whether knowledge ever has an end, and how do we acquire enough to be able to compete, create, innovate and thrive. This is the cycle of the knowledge of man.

But there is a higher level and realm of knowledge: revelation knowledge that comes with the fear and reverence of God. This is the type of knowledge with solutions that “flesh and blood” cannot reveal to us and it often “confounds the wise”.

There is nothing wrong with the judicious pursuit of growth and knowledge. We just need to realize that at some point, man’s knowledge will hit a natural limit which can create a sense of “grief and sorrow”.

When we hit that limit, we have to remember and trust that at the conclusion of the matter our rest, progress and peace comes when we Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments! That is our duty.

We must continue to commune with the Holy Spirit knowing that there is a “heavenly solution” to every problem – NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL. Amen

Be Encouraged and may the peace of Christ be with you this season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I entered into counsel with my own mind, saying, Behold, I have acquired great [human] wisdom, yes, more than all who have been over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has had great experience of [moral] wisdom and [scientific] knowledge.

And I gave my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I perceived that this also is a searching after wind and a feeding on it. [I Thess. 5:21.]

For in much [human] wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.1.16-18.AMPC

“All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.12.13.AMPC

I Perceive that this is a Holy man of God

When I was reflecting on this passage I found myself asking many questions and also just sitting in amazement at how unspoken dreams and hopes that have been deferred can still be met.

Here is a women who was sucessful in many areas of her life: her finances as she was referred to as rich, prominent and influential; her community as she was asked what does she need and she stated that she had peace and security and needed no special favors; and her marriage as her husband listened to and respected her ideas and feelings as evidenced when they discussed setting up a room in their house to accommodate the prophet whenever the prophet came to town.

What also became clear was that she was a hospitable person who insisted that the prophet ate a meal at their home with an open invitation whenever the prophet came through.

Her hospitality, concern for and reverence of the man of God created this ripe environment for her unspoken desire/ need to be met. Selah

God was also dealing with Elisha’s spirit which could not rest until his role in this devine appointment was completed. Elijah’s heart was open and he desired to bless the woman with her true hearts desire – a son.

Each of us, as leaders, have true and unspoken desires and dreams that we may have given up on because they seem impossible.

Maybe, just maybe, our breakthrough will come as we continue living the Christ- like life in showing love, patience, hospitality, and servanthood.

These love seeds that we plant can and must manifest a harvest in its season.

Our honoring God and the things that concern him, being sensitive to and hearing from the Holy Spirit while acting on those unctions, pour foundations for the resurrection of these dreams and desires.

Be not wiery nor ashamed in doing good in this season as whatsoever we soweth, we shall also reap in the next season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a rich and influential woman lived, who insisted on his eating a meal.

Afterward, whenever he passed by, he stopped there for a meal.

And she said to her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who passes by continually. Let us make a small chamber on the [housetop] and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then whenever he comes to us, he can go [up the outside stairs and rest] here.

One day he came and turned into the chamber and lay there. And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to Gehazi,

Say now to her, You have been most painstakingly and reverently concerned for us; what is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king or to the commander of the army? She answered, I dwell among my own people [they are sufficient].

Later Elisha said, What then is to be done for her? Gehazi answered, She has no child and her husband is old. He said, Call her. [Gehazi] called her, and she stood in the doorway.

Elisha said, At this season when the time comes round, you shall embrace a son. She said, No, my Lord, you man of God, do not lie to your handmaid.

But the woman conceived and bore a son at that season the following year, as Elisha had said to her.”

2 Kings 4:8-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/2ki.4.8-17.AMPC

TO EVERYTHING there is a Season

I have been reflecting on this passage this morning because my heart and mind is heavy.

We are approaching a season that is supposed to be focused on the wonderful gifts that God has given us: family, friends, life and even Christ; however, achieving peace is not something that comes automatic. We have to do the work of trusting God and casting all of our cares at the foot of the cross.

These times of joy can become times of pain because of the pressures of commitments and the sometimes overwhelming barrage of negative information that comes our way each day- But God!

We have a way of escape and a choice. We can choose to participate in the realms of stress, fear, anger, dismay, disbelief, overwhelm – or not. We can choose the path of peace as this season too shall pass!

Yes, that issue that seems impossible, this too shall pass!

As leaders, we have to remind ourselves as the Word clearly states that we live in a life that has cycles and seasons. The question is: “What is the pain of this season trying to teach us?”

⁃ Maybe the answer is for us to birth new goals, new dreams, new habits, new relationships- maybe new responses to an existing issue that leads us to rest in a place of peace.

⁃ Maybe the answer is for us to let somethings just simply – die. Unfruitful beliefs, relationships, habits, mindsets, goals, activities, condemnations from what we “should” have done or “should” have been.

⁃ Maybe we need to purge our minds and spirits of those images, beliefs and standards that bring perpetual grief, are no longer edifying and try to steal our joy. There are many and they seem to just try and nibble away at our peace – if we let them. We will not!

⁃ Maybe we are in the season where we can give ourselves permission to hit the “reset” button on: that project that we never started, the areas in our lives that have become disarray, our deferred hopes and dreams, the vision (s) that we have only hidden in our hearts, relationships that mean the most to us but have been neglected, our allowance for Gods grace to be revealed in our lives, our allowing the Holy Spirit to come and just commune with us, our just stopping and hearing that much needed word from the Lord.

No matter where we are today, please let’s take time to just give thanks.

It is my prayer that we all can simply say, “It is well with my soul today, in the name of Jesus!”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Peace be unto you!

“TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, [Heb. 9:27.]

A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break 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 cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away, A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence 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.]”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.3.8.AMPC

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