encouragement – Page 4 – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

There He Spent Time With Them and Baptized

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

As I was reflecting on this scripture this morning, my heart was drawn to the insights that there comes a point in leadership where we, the leaders, have to elevate our thinking and time allocation to do less physical work and pivot to focus our energies on strategic work.

Though both are critical to a missions success, leaders who fail to make this transition can find their efforts diluted and ineffective – causing the entire team to suffer.

We see an example in the Bible with Jesus:

“So when the Lord learned that the Pharisees had been told that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), He left Judea and returned again to Galilee.”

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I like how the scripture brought clarity as to the roles and responsibilities of Jesus and that of His disciples – “…although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were…”.

Jesus serves as the King and the disciples served as the Lords as it relates to the task of baptizing the multitudes.

Research demonstrates that lords have authority over their own territories and are responsible for the faithful execution of their office; however, the ultimate power to make decisions that affect the entire kingdom is that of the king.

The Bible tells us in the book of Revelations that Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords:

“They will wage war against the Lamb (Christ), and the Lamb will triumph and conquer them, because He is Lord of Lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him and on His side are the called and chosen (elect) and faithful.” [Dan 2:47; 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 19:16]”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭17‬:‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

As kings, we must focus on visions, strategies and plans – which translate the vision into reality. By doing this work, we demonstrate our faith in God – knowing that he will cause the plan to come to pass.

With our plans written, we can then declare, decree and pray for the manifestation by faith in Jesus Name – dispensing our angels ( the ministering spirits) and causing all heavenly forces to work on our behalf according to Mark 11:24.

“For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

In any case, we must learn to be comfortably uncomfortable with making this critical transition.

We must humble ourselves and learn the mind of Christ so that we can elevate our vision and line of site “to see” farther and farther until we see the glory of the lord and what “can be”!

This level of clarity often occurs during times of despair and chaos.

Our success as an elevated leader into greater authority is dependent on this critical transition.

Lastly, our new role then allows us, the leaders, to relentlessly focus on building leaders who are trained in “the way” – culturally or spiritually.

This would include leadership and process development- helping the organization be successful for years to come.

This is the space where exponential/ multigenerational impact is created!

Selah

This transition may not be easy because it requires us to change; however, we must learn to resist the desire to “do”.

The success of the mission is dependent on our making this change!

Thank you Lord for elevating us in this season!

Amen

Be Blessed!!

Be a Blessing!

“After these things Jesus and His disciples went into the land of Judea, and there He spent time with them and baptized. [John 4:1, 2]

Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there; and people were coming and were being baptized—

for John had not yet been thrown into prison.

Therefore there arose a controversy between John’s disciples and a Jew in regard to purification (ceremonial washing).

So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi (Teacher), the Man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan [at the Jordan River crossing]—and to whom you have testified—look, He is baptizing too, and everyone is going to Him!”

John replied, “A man can receive nothing [he can claim nothing at all] unless it has been granted to him from heaven [for there is no other source than the sovereign will of God].

You yourselves are my witnesses that I stated, ‘I am not the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ but, ‘I have [only] been sent ahead of Him [as His appointed forerunner and messenger to announce and proclaim His coming].’ [Mal 3:1]

He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands by and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this pleasure and joy of mine is now complete. [Song 5:1]

He must increase [in prominence], but I must decrease. [Is 9:7]”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭30‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.3.22-30.AMP

Believe and Decide to Trust

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 continually make three fundamental decisions to successfully follow Christ and to maximize our effectiveness in the kingdom- believe, know and trust.

We must also know that various areas of our lives could be in different stages at different times.

Because of this faith growth journey we study the Word of god to build up our most holy faith in all areas.

BELIEVE

The Bible tells us that:

“But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Now I hear the word of the Lord saying:

“…“Do not be afraid any longer; only believe and trust [in Me and have faith in My ability to do this], …””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭50‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

KNOW

The second decision step occurs as we walk with Christ and experience a level of truth and understanding where certain issues or questions are just settled – truth is revealed and accepted.

Below are just some scripture to help manifest our “knowing”:

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”

‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever— Do not abandon the works of Your own hands. [Ps 57:2; Phil 1:6]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭138‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

TRUST

Our measure of success is getting to the place where we say, “ Lord, I trust you and you alone!” This milestone is liberating and creates a deeper relationship that man cannot understand.

It is a place where favor and the blessing are activated and our eyes see His wondrous works and new mercies everyday.

“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not regard the proud nor those who lapse into lies.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

““Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord And whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord.

“For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters, That spreads out its roots by the river; And will not fear the heat when it comes; But its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought Nor stop bearing fruit.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion

“It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail. [Mal 3:6] They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. [Is 33:2]”

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of your wonders, They would be too many to count.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let us say: Thank you Lord for your love, kindness, and mercy towards and anointing in me!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].

This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. [Is 5:20]

For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned.

But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].””

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.3.18-21.AMP

Then He Expected It to Produce

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, must always strive to learn from God by observing his actions and learning his heart so that we produce the fruit of Love.

We see in the scripture how much He cares for us:

““Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Time and time again, the Lord has always been faithful to fulfill His covenant promise.

This love is illustrated in Isaiah where he continued to show, in words and deeds, His love for the children of Israel by positioning them to succeed in Canaan knowing he may be disappointed.

The scripture said this concerning God:

“You transplanted a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭80‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Selah

I am so grateful that God continues to provide for us by making salvation available for both Jews and Gentiles through Christ, His only begotten son.

The reality is that accepting and following Christ still remains 100% on us – let us choose well and learn how to produce fruit that meets the excellence standard.

We must remember our history and be diligent to not repeat it.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.

They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’ ”

The Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked (stubborn, rebellious) people.

Now therefore, let Me alone and do not interfere, so that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you (your descendants) a great nation.””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭32‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

It is my sincere prayer that in this season, each of us, as the leaders, truly hear and heed the call of Christ. The time is now!

Here are a couple of scriptures to guide, encourage and strengthen us:

“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.

So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We ultimately have the accountability and ownership of our decision. Let us choose well and produce worthy fruit.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now let me sing for my greatly Beloved [Lord] A song of my Beloved about His vineyard (His chosen people).

My greatly Beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile slope (the promised land, Canaan). [Song 6:3; Matt 21:33-40]

He dug it all around and cleared away its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine (the people of Judah).

And He built a tower in the center of it; And also hewed out a wine vat in it.

Then He expected it to produce [the choicest] grapes,

But it produced only worthless ones. “And now, says the Lord, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge between Me and My vineyard (My people).

“What more could have been done for My vineyard that I have not done in it? When I expected it to produce good grapes, why did it yield worthless ones?”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/isa.5.1-4.AMP

The Wind Blowest

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how important it is that we, the leaders, live our lives in such a way that we are lead by and flow in the holy spirit – like the wind.

It is fascinating to me how something that is formless, invisible, unassuming and gentle as the wind is can also be so powerful and destructive at times. It’s almost as if it has no limits or boundaries – unstoppable.

The scripture tells us: “…so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ B KJV‬‬

Selah

The Bible tells us how the journey with the holy spirit began at Pentecost:

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place, and suddenly a sound came from heaven like a rushing violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

There appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were being distributed [among them], and they rested on each one of them [as each person received the Holy Spirit].

And they were all filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (different languages), as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately]. ‘

And it shall be in the last days,’ says God, ‘That I will pour out My Spirit upon all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

And your young men shall see [divinely prompted] visions, And your old men shall dream [divinely prompted] dreams; Even on My bond-servants, both men and women, I will in those days pour out My Spirit And they shall prophesy.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

As leaders, when the holy spirit moves in any situation, those without the trained eye will only see the results we achieve but will not be able to discern how we achieved the results. But we will know that it is all the Lords doing!

Because we believe in Christ and are led by the Holy Spirit, so shall be our effectiveness and impact.

Like the wind, the spirit will change our thinking, transform our planning and energize us for achievement.

We are the solution for the plagues and issues facing our community, our nation and our world.

We have to be just like the wind: formless yet steadfast in the word of God.

We must be invisible (undetected) so that we can disrupt the plans of the enemy and can provide the breeze of encouragement and hope.

When necessary, we must be the destructive solution and bind any forces that are hinderances – breaking the chains of bondage, lack, apathy, disbelief, ignorance and stagnation.

For according to Deuteronomy 28:13, we are the heads and not the tails; always above and never beneath.

No matter what was our starting point, we can still walk in this divine privilege today by faith:

“for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.

He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We are the mighty wind of change for the kingdom because we stand for righteousness and truth while walking in love.

Amen

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In Jesus name

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.3.8.KJV

Am I in the place of God?

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, must know and understand that God is sovereign and elevates who he chooses, when he chooses and how he chooses for the Kingdom’s sake.

Often, we can become despondent and discouraged by the circumstances we see or are experiencing in the natural; but often, the significant resistance we experience is just our opportunity to simply trust God, his promises and the process.

Scripture reminds us in these moments that:

“The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand and sustains him.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We know that significant resistance cannot stop God’s plan. We must do our part and boldly fight the good fight of faith. The Bible instructs us on how:

“Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Blessed be the Lord, my Rock and my great strength, Who trains my hands for war And my fingers for battle;”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭144‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion. [Lev 26:17, 36; Ps 53:5]

When a land does wrong, it has many princes, But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of [unscrupulous] men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit].

But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

We MUST endure UNTIL we claim our rewards:

“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Through your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have heard and obeyed My voice.” [Gen 12:2, 3; 13:16; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Acts 3:25, 26; Gal 3:16]”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does wonderful things.

Blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.”

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ AMP‬‬

Thank you Emmanuel for being with us! Mathew 1:23.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”

So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.”

When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭15‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.50.15-21.NIV

We Must Work the Works

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and my mind kept focusing on the power and value that we, leaders, create with focused efforts on just doing “the work” – being about our fathers business!

Yes, we have dreams, strategies and plans but without “anointed”execution, Gods glory may not be revealed. We must focus solely on kingdom outcomes.

The Bible teaches us how to work:

““Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one [the only God]! 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].

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

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“The hand of the diligent will rule, But the negligent and lazy will be put to forced labor.

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad. [Ps 50:4; Prov 15:13]”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

An example of a godly man at work is found in John. Scripture tells us:

“There came a man commissioned and sent from God, whose name was John. [Mal 3:1]

This man came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe [in Christ, the Light] through him.

John was not the Light, but came to testify about the Light.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

What’s our charge today?

“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

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

Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “Today if you hear His voice,

Do not harden your hearts as [your fathers did] in the rebellion [of Israel at Meribah], On the day of testing in the wilderness,

Where your fathers tried Me by testing [My forbearance and tolerance], And saw My works for forty years [And found I stood their test].

“Therefore I was angered with this generation, And I said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they did not know My ways [nor become progressively better and more intimately acquainted with them]’;”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We require the urgency of Now:

“Come now [and pay attention to this], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and carry on our business and make a profit.”

Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air].”

‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].

For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer and decree that we will be steadfast in our daily execution so that God will get all the glory!

“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

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?”

Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed and illustrated in him.

We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.

As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world [giving guidance through My word and works].””

‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.9.4.AMP

Higher Than Your Thoughts

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and my heart began to consider ways we, as leaders, can maintain strong mental health in this season.

Sometimes we get so bogged down by endless “to do” lists or our peace is disturbed by our “not yet done” list or maybe we worry about our “what should I be doing” list.

These can all be tools used by Satan to steal our joy, our peace and ultimately weaken our resolve and ability to fight – if we allow it.

I believe and declare that we choose to pursue the thoughts of Christ!

Scripture teaches us several strategies for success:

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Strategy #1 – Don’t go at it alone:

“For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭20‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

““How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the Lord had given them up? “For their rock is not like our Rock, Even our enemies themselves judge this.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].

For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another’s load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.

But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.

For every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [little] load [of oppressive faults].”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Strategy #2- Control our thoughts with focused effort:

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭7‬a KJV‬‬

“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; Trust also in him; And he shall bring it to pass.

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, And thy judgment as the noonday.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Strategy #3 – Think on paper:

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭30‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”

‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:

and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:

that his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭17‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

In closing, as we meditate on the Lord’s revealed plans for us, we get a glimpse of His thoughts, a sense of His peace and clarity that others can’t understand!

God’s mercy and truth cuts through ALL the confusion:

“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the table of thine heart:

So shalt thou find favour and good understanding In the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?

But we have the mind of Christ.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬, ‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Let the wicked leave (behind) his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts;

And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion (mercy) on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.

“For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, Making it bear and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [2 Cor 9:10]”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/isa.55.7-10.AMP

Restrain Your Voice From Weeping

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how we, the leaders, need to find ways to comfort the people when tragedy strikes. We have to be full of the holy spirit, rich with empathy and prayerfully reassuring to people at their darkest point. That is LOVE based leadership.

As leaders, it is vital that we recognize when people are hurting as did the Lord:

“Thus says the Lord, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation (songs of mourning) and bitter weeping.

Rachel (Israel) is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are gone.” [Matt 2:18]”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Though we experience constant change and the associated emotions of loss, we can still find rest in and reliance on Christ who has been touched by the feelings of our infirmities:

“That which has been is that which will be [again], And that which has been done is that which will be done again. So there is nothing new under the sun.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

““I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].” [Is 9:6]”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

We must guide ourselves and others to places of shelter during the storms:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”

For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions,
And under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.

You will not be afraid of the terror of night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But danger will not come near you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

In closing, let us be encouraged as we do “the work” of comforting Gods people in this season:

“Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion,

make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“May his name be praised, now and forever. From the east to the west praise the name of the Lord!”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭113‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Thus says the Lord, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation (songs of mourning) and bitter weeping.

Rachel (Israel) is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are gone.” [Matt 2:18]

Thus says the Lord, “Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears, For your work will be rewarded,” says the Lord; “

And your children will return from the enemy’s land.

“There is [confident] hope for your future,” says the Lord; “Your children will come back to their own country.

“I have surely heard Ephraim (Israel) moaning and grieving, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised,

Like a bull unaccustomed to the yoke or an untrained calf; Bring me back that I may be restored, For You are the Lord my God.

‘After I turned away [from You], I repented; After I was instructed, I struck my thigh [in remorse];

I was ashamed and even humiliated Because I carried the disgrace of my youth [as a nation].’

“Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a darling and beloved child? For as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him.

Therefore My affection is renewed and My heart longs for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” says the Lord.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.31.15-20.AMP

Light to Everyone

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that, as leaders, there will be dark days ahead that require success skills of discernment, forgiveness, wisdom and biblical guidance.

In order to stay our courses and be a biblical example of LOVE, we will need the light and life given by Christ.

The scripture tells us:

“Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.”

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“While you have the Light, believe in the Light [have faith in it, hold to it, rely on it], that you may become sons of the Light and be filled with Light. Jesus said these things, and then He went away and hid Himself from them [was lost to their view].”

‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭36‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Selah

As we strive daily to be like Christ, we can live the mandate:

“Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. [Prov. 10:12.]”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].

And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. [Ezek. 20:41.]”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Amen

Lastly, we have to understand and recognize the risks if we don’t guard our hearts, our minds and our words to choose, LOVE!

“Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.]

For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, Making it bear and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [2 Cor 9:10]

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 ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

It is my prayer that we be strong, vigilant and courageous in these times. The word is still true when it says that whatever we sow, we will reap. Let’s sow love!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word.

Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone.

The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CEV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.1.3-5.CEV

For I Shall Yet Praise Him

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and my heart and mind was captured by this phrase- “for I shall yet praise Him”.

As leaders, there are many moments along this leadership journey that we hit a “rough patch” or sometimes a season of sequential rough patches where we are caught off guard.

Even then, the scripture declares that despite it all, we shall rejoice always in the Lord and shall yet praise Him.

The Bible commands us to:

“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! [Ps. 37:4.]”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“IT IS a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises [with musical accompaniment] to Your name, O Most High,

To show forth Your loving-kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night,”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭92‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

For this, we shall yet praise him!

When doubt tries to come against us, we are reminded that by being on Gods side, we always have options and will prevail because we are never alone. He has our backs!

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

For this, we shall yet praise him!

When we question our worth, scripture reminds us of our value in Gods sight:

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

““Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

For this, we shall yet praise him!

When our peace needs restoration, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength as we turn to and simply trust God:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.

I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.””

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

For this, we shall yet praise him!

Lastly, when we don’t know what to do, scripture shows us the way forward:

“But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress.

Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭59‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“Let the saints be joyful in the glory and beauty [which God confers upon them]; let them sing for joy upon their beds.

Let the high praises of God be in their throats and a two-edged sword in their hands, [Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16.]

To wreak vengeance upon the nations and chastisement upon the peoples,

To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,

To execute upon them the judgment written. He [the Lord] is the honor of all His saints. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭149‬:‭5‬-‭9‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Amen

For this, we shall yet praise him!

“Let every thing that hath breath Praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭150‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Vindicate me, O God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation;

Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!

For You are the God of my strength; Why do You cast me off?

Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!

Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your tabernacle.

Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy;

And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.43.1-5.NKJV