Tag: encouragement

Gather Up The Fragments

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that our perspective as the leaders, and our posture of expectations determines whether we see opportunity or failure in our lives. 

It is possible to be rowing in the sea of opportunity and abundance but all we may see are problems and issues. 

This is a matter of perspective!

We serve the God of more than enough: whether ideas, insights, revelation, favor, grace or impact. 

We serve the god who said that All things are possible. 

The Bible encourages us to:

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

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

And to say:

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

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

As we renew our mind in the word, the Word will help us “to see and to not despise” what may feel like small beginnings. 

“Then Elisha prayed and said, “Lord, please, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servants eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

In the scripture example, we see where Christ blessed the seed of the lad and it created a harvest of overflow but to the natural eyes, they just saw “crumbs”; however, to those walking by faith, it was a harvest of abundant overflow. 

Fragments are our overflow if we have the eyes to recognize them, receive or collect them, and enjoy them!

OMG

God in His infinite and sovereign wisdom can use any situation to meet our needs and to bless us. His methods may seem foolish to man and it may confound the wise; nevertheless, He is not constrained and can use as few or many ways to accomplish his will:

Scripture says it this way:

“But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. 

God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are,”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

In conclusion, we must continue to trust and keep our eyes on God for:

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live, 

you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding closely to Him; for He is your life [your good life, your abundant life, your fulfillment] and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord promised (swore) to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

The harvest may not come the way we expect but it does not negate the fact that it is our harvest!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

When the people saw the sign (attesting miracle) that He had done, they began saying, “This is without a doubt the promised Prophet who is to come into the world!” [Deut 18:15, 18; John 1:21; Acts 3:22]”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.6.12-14.AMP

And You Did Not Abandon Them

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, serve an awesome god who is loyal, faithful, trustworthy, dependable and reliable. 

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

The Bible tells us:

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

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

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

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

  1. The answer is “Seek my face”:

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

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

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

2. And know that His Word will prevail: 

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

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen and Amen

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Thank you Lord!

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

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

    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

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

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

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

    ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Amen

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

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

    ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen and to God be the Glory!

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

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

    ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

    That Bread!

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, need to constantly improve our spiritual diets for strength to exercise our faith at higher levels – more specifically, nourishing our inner man with the bread of life – YES, THAT BREAD!

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

    Jesus has declared that He is the Bread of Life:

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

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

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

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

    ‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭32‬-‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Amen

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

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

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

    ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

    ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Selah

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

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

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

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

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

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

    ‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬, ‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

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

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

    Give us this day our daily bread.”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Amen and thank you for the bread of life!

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭53‬-‭58‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

    Praise

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that as our territories and responsibilities increase, we, the leaders, must stay rooted and grounded in Praise!

    We must understand, appreciate and leverage “praise” in season and out of season so that our strength is renewed. 

    The Bible comforts and tells us that we are not alone as God is always with us:

    ““When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. 

    “For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt [to the Babylonians] as your ransom, Cush (ancient Ethiopia) and Seba [its province] in exchange for you.”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    Let us prioritize getting understanding:

    ““The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]. [James 1:5]”

    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    We should also learn that praise IS our battle strategy:

    “You need not fight in this battle; take your positions, stand and witness the salvation of the Lord who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.’

     ” When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in their holy (priestly) attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Praise and give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever.” 

    When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were struck down [in defeat].”

    ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭17‬, ‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    We now know that Jesus is our bridge and solution as we cross over the troubled waters of life:

    “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 

    And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. 

    And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 

    And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 

    And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 

    And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”

    ‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35‬-‭40‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Selah

    In conclusion, let us simply pause and be reminded that we must be thankful in all we do:

    “Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    And Amen!

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty heavens. 

    Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness. [Deut 3:24; Ps 145:5, 6] 

    Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; 

    Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute. 

    Praise Him with resounding cymbals; Praise Him with loud cymbals. 

    Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭150‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.150.1-6.AMP

    Be Not Weary…

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

    I was reflecting on these scripture this morning and the thought thot we, the leaders,  may suffer in silence questioning our leadership effectiveness and impact – wondering whether we truly add value daily. 

    When we do this, a real danger exists if we permit these thoughts to fester unchecked by the Word of God. 

    We risk allowing our hearts to become tainted, grieved and possibly hardened. 

    God forbid!

    Lord Help Us!

    Scripture warns us that the enemy and his followers are here to try to kill, steal or destroy the purposes of God – including our assignments, our joy, our confidence and our hope. 

    “…In the last days there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly passions.” [2 Pet 3:3, 4]  These are the ones who are [agitators] causing divisions—worldly-minded [secular, unspiritual, carnal, merely sensual—unsaved], devoid of the Spirit. 

    But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit, 

    and keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously and looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ [which will bring you] to eternal life. ”

    ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭21 ‭AMP‬‬

    The Bible also warns us to guard our hearts as if our lives depended on it:  

    “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭45‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Let us therefore meditate on and follow the below biblical roadmap for success:

    “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 

    And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

    Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 

    And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

    ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬-‭32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    Amen

    In closing, I declare and decree that we will never grow weary being the sowers who ONLY sow The Word of God according to Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ – encouraging, comforting and building up each other according  to 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬. 

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

    ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 

    Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/114/gal.6.9-10.NKJV

    He Refreshes and Restores My Soul 

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning with my thoughts centered on how we, the leaders, must joyfully pay the price to be the shepherd of God’s precious seed- His people. We must choose to be open, available, disciplined, and “other” centered – being sensitive to the needs of those we lead and influence. 

    This is only accomplished through a life of sacrifice and prayer – with prayer being THE strategy and differentiator!

    Whether the mountain seems small or large, we, the leaders, choose to do the necessary work to build up our faith until the mountain becomes a molehill- in Jesus name. 

    The Bible anchors our faith when it tells us:

    “And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. [Zech 3:1-10; Rom 8:33, 34]”

    ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.”

    ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

    ‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “‘Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    1 Samuel 26:23

    The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed

    Selah

    How can we pray believing He is God? Come into His presence with boldness knowing Jesus is our advocate!

    “….But the righteous are bold as a lion.”

    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    “Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”

    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

    ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

    ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Amen

    In conclusion, lets us lift each other up in prayer- interceding until God’s glory is revealed,  burdens are removed and the joy is restored:

    “Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. 

    The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”

    ‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit.”

    ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭51‬:‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    In Jesus Name. Amen. 

    Be Blessed!

    Be A Blessing!

    “The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], [Ezek 34:11-31] I shall not want. 

    He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. [Rev 7:17] 

    He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.23.1-3.AMP

    The Invalid…The Man

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning with a grieving heart and the thought that, we the leaders, must be reminded and believe that when Jesus comes into our situation – things change. 

    We may be in a season of significant change or even loss; however, it is in these moments we must work harder to hold onto our faith foundation. – the answer still is Christ, and Christ alone!

    “For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone] for all, the testimony given at the right and proper time.”

    ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    OMG

    What we do know in scripture is that Jesus has already made provision for us:

    “Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬, ‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    ““Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “The Lord is near to the heartbroken and He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin). 

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

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

    ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    Selah

    As we work through the grieving process, we are reminded that the Word of god is true and ever present:

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. 

    Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””

    ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    In conclusion, grief may not have an expiration date; however, whenever we are ready to let Christ into our circumstances, like the invalid, Christ just asks us if we want to get well:

    When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to get well?” 

    And when the master speaks, let us rise and be made whole – like the man:

    “Jesus said to him, “Get up; pick up your pallet and walk.” Immediately the man was healed and recovered his strength, and picked up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “In these porticoes lay a great number of people who were sick, blind, lame, withered, [waiting for the stirring of the water; 

    for an angel of the Lord went down into the pool at appointed seasons and stirred up the water; the first one to go in after the water was stirred was healed of his disease.] 

    There was a certain man there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 

    When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to get well?” 

    The invalid answered, “Sir, I have no one to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am coming [to get into it myself], someone else steps down ahead of me.” 

    Jesus said to him, “Get up; pick up your pallet and walk.” 

    Immediately the man was healed and recovered his strength, and picked up his pallet and walked. 

    Now that day was the Sabbath. 

    So the Jews kept saying to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and you are not permitted to pick up your pallet [because it is unlawful].” 

    He answered them, “The Man who healed me and gave me back my strength was the 

    One who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’ ” 

    They asked him, “Who is the Man who told you, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk’?” 

    Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away [unnoticed] since there was a crowd in that place. 

    Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.””

    ‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.5.3-14.AMP

    I Remember Your Sincere and Unqualified Faith

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, must cherish and remain steadfast in honoring legacy traditions that have preserved us over the generations. 

    It is this continuity of values and beliefs that has and holds families, companies, neighborhoods and churches together. 

    Scripture tells us:

    “And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. [Zech 3:1-10; Rom 8:33, 34]”

    ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Often, we the leaders, find ourselves in difficult situations that seem to have manifested overnight and have a life of their own. 

    Even after we take many actions, the situation does not appear to get better- but worst. 

    It is at these moments, we must decide to embrace the core values that informed, strengthened and empowered those that came before us  – believing and knowing that God is still on the throne and all things are still working together for our good!

    We know, by promise, God is working on our behalf:

    “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross.”

    ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    We know trouble does not last always and there is joy in the morning:

    “For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! 

    So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.”

    ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    No matter the situation, we can still thrive because of Christ in us:

    “‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ [Acts 18:10] 

    “Indeed, all those who are angry with you will be put to shame and humiliated; Those who strive against you will be as nothing and will perish. 

    “You shall search for those who quarrel with you, but will not find them; They who war against you will be as nothing, as nothing at all. 

    “For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    In closing, let’s remember the words of a poem which said: “Rest if you must but don’t you quit”. 

    It is even better said in the scriptures:

    “Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience [as those who died in the wilderness]. 

    For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

    ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Let us rejoice and worship the Lord in our most unqualified faith and shout:

    “Blessed be the name of the Lord From this time forth and forever. 

    From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the Lord is to be praised [with awe-inspired reverence]. 

    The Lord is high above all nations, And His glory above the heavens.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “I thank God, whom I worship and serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 

    and as I recall your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 

    I remember your sincere and unqualified faith [the surrendering of your entire self to God in Christ with confident trust in His power, wisdom and goodness, a faith] which first lived in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am confident that it is in you as well. 

    That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]. 

    For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”

    ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/2ti.1.3-7.AMP

    For The Famine is Very Severe in Canaan

    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, really need to fall in love again with the Word of God because it gives life – even long life- to us who believe. We choose to receive His promises, by faith, despite our present challenges!

    What is clear in these passages is that, Canaan, the promised land that once flowed with milk and honey is experiencing a severe famine (Deuteronomy 26:9; Genesis‬ ‭47‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬). 

    Even with the external realities of a famine, The Blessing of Abraham was still on the lives of Jacob and his sons – Abraham’s seed: 

    “indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies [by conquering them]. [Heb 6:13, 14; 11:12] 

    Through your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have heard and obeyed My voice.”]”

    ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Today, we qualify as the seed of Abraham through Christ:

    “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might also come to the Gentiles, so that we would all receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit through faith.”

    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    The Bible also promises us a long satisfied life in Psalms 91: 

    “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 

    He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 

    With long life will I satisfy him, And shew him my salvation.”

    ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Selah

    Today, let us be reminded that the earth is still the Lords and the fullness thereof, His mercy still endures forever and His plan to make us a great nation is still in effect:

    “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it, The world, and those who dwell in it. [1 Cor 10:26]”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness (graciousness, mercy, compassion) endures forever.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭136‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you [abundantly], And make your name great (exalted, distinguished); And you shall be a blessing [a source of great good to others]; 

    And I will bless (do good for, benefit) those who bless you, And I will curse [that is, subject to My wrath and judgment] the one who curses (despises, dishonors, has contempt for) you. And in you all the families (nations) of the earth will be blessed.” [Gal 3:8]”

    ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    We just need to continue to learn of Him through His Word, praise Him through the challenges and rest in His provisions:

    “Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul, And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name. 

    Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits;”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. [Jer 6:16]”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and their herds and all that they own, have come from the land of Canaan, and they are in the land of Goshen.” 

    He took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. 

    And Pharaoh said to his brothers [as Joseph expected], “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers [before us].” 

    Moreover, they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live temporarily (sojourn) in the land [of Egypt], for there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants [in our land], for the famine is very severe in Canaan. So now, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen.” 

    Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 

    The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know of any men of ability among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” 

    Then Joseph brought Jacob (Israel) his father and presented him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 

    And Pharaoh asked Jacob, “How old are you?””

    Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. Few and unpleasant have been the years of my life, and they have not reached the years that my fathers lived during the days of their pilgrimage.” 

    And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and departed from his presence. 

    So Joseph settled his father and brothers and gave them a possession in Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses (Goshen), as Pharaoh commanded. 

    Joseph provided and supplied his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to [the needs of] their children. 

    Now [in the course of time] there was no food in all the land, for the famine was distressingly severe, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan languished [in destitution and starvation] because of the famine.”

    ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭47‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.47.13.AMP

    The Lord Has Made Room For Us 

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that even in a time of famine and increased strife, we, the leaders, must pursue peace and Gods purposes and allow Him to place us where we need to be to thrive. 

    The Bible says:

    “And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him, and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy.”

    ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    The Message translation says:

    “…The man got richer and richer by the day until he was very wealthy. He accumulated flocks and herds and many, many servants, so much so that the Philistines began to envy him…”

    ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭MSG‬‬

    Richer and richer by the day even in the midst of a famine?

    We must get the revelation that there is an unlimited heavenly supply in the invisible realm just awaiting us to match our faith with the Word of god. 

    Scripture tells us:

    ““Now it shall be, if you diligently listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all of His commandments which I am commanding you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 

    All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you pay attention to the voice of the Lord your God.”

    ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    The Bible also tells us:

    “For God shows no partiality [no arbitrary favoritism; with Him one person is not more important than another]. [Deut 10:17; 2 Chr 19:7]”

    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

    ‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

    ‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Whether we desire seeds of love, hope,innovative strategies, breakthroughs from prayers, revelations, health, healing, strength, closer families, finances, joy, influence, provision, kindness, generosity, and or peace – they are ours!

    While we grow our faith to believe, we also must work to forgive and show love:

    “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

    ‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬, ‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Selah

    I declare that today begins a season of new beginnings!

    Let, us leaders, dare once again to believe God for something miraculous. 

    Let us name them one by one as we write them down as an expression of our faith. 

    I believe that if we do these things in accordance with Gods will and His Word, our harvests will be so great that God will make room for us so that we can serve his people, heal the land and His glory will be revealed. 

    Will you believe and agree with me?

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him, 

    and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy. 

    He had possessions of flocks and herds and many servants, so that the Philistines envied him. 

    (Now the Philistines had stopped and filled with earth all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father.) 

    And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” 

    So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. 

    And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. 

    But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, 

    the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. 

    Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. 

    And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.””

    ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26‬:‭12‬-‭22‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/59/gen.26.12-22.ESV