Tag: encouragement

A Time Appointed

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

This morning, I was reflecting on the scriptures and the thought that as leaders we have to recognize when there is a major shift in our lives and the new season that we are now in. This change could be from an organizational/ strategic change at work or a significant event within our family or with our health. In short a “big event” and we have the eyes to see the shift:

“But blessed [spiritually aware, and favored by God] are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. [Luke 10:23, 24] 

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, many prophets and righteous men [who were honorable and in right standing with God] longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

During moment like these , we must spend time before the Lord for direction, discernment, wisdom, knowledge  and grace to meet the moment.

We can expect to receive the right strategy and necessary scriptures to meditate on for reassurance as we worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. 

“Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul breaks with longing For Your judgments at all times.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Selah

Scripture reminds us that we must stand strong, trust the Word and have faith that all things are working together for our good for we are the called by Christ. 

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Amen

Recognizing the changing season is necessary for our growth and elevation; however, it does not guarantee we will be comfortable.  We will need new spiritual and natural skills for success as our territories are being enlarged. We will need to spend more time in prayer for temperance and direction. We must also walk with confidence and boldness that we are uniquely prepared for this calling and that the Lord is able and will deliver us through this transition!

“Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels. The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be], skilled in teaching, patient and tolerant when wronged.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When we succeed, we know and will proclaim: to God be the glory! Amen

My final thoughts and prayers are:

Thank you, Lord for showing us that we are your tools and your vessels to accomplish your mission. We say yes and amen to the calling. We trust you and your process!

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭25‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

By faith, we surrender our wills, our ways, our minds, our mouths and our hearts to you so that you would be magnified. 

“God, glorify your name! Yes, your name alone be glorified, not ours. For you are the one who loves us passionately, and you are faithful and true.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭115‬:‭1‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven— 

A time to be born and a time to die; 

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. [Heb 9:27] 

A time to kill and a time to heal; 

A time to tear down and a time to build up. 

A time to weep and a time to laugh; 

A time to mourn and a time to dance. 

A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; 

A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. 

A time to search and a time to give up as lost; 

A time to keep and a time to throw away. 

A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; 

A time to keep silent and a time to speak. [Amos 5:13] 

A time to love and a time to hate; 

A time for war and a time for peace. [Luke 14:26] 

What profit is there for the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the task which God has given to the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/ecc.3.1-9.AMP

Do Not Grieve

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, have a constant pressure to perform. 

We are measured by outward results (the harvest) of our faith walk but no one knows or understands the level of our toil “the faith work” that was required to achieve the results. 

Similar to the people listening to Ezra teach the law (the word), we often find ourselves weeping when our hearts are exposed to the Son:

“Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.”  ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Selah

A leaders “Faith work” mandates our learning how to starve our doubts, fears and inadequacies – replacing them with prayers, meditation and being vulnerable before the Lord. 

All of this activity is necessary for our development and growth in Christ: 

“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen

Next, our path to greatness begins when we learn to surrender all to Christ:

“ …My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.””

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭5b- 6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lastly, it is my sincere prayer that we do not grieve because of the growth process. 

We must remember that this day is holy to the Lord our God. In Jesus name. Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” 

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/neh.8.12.NIV

Spoiled By the Potter’s Hand

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the reality that in our journeys with God we are constantly challenged to grow. 

Usually we find, as leaders, that when we face obstacles or resistant, there is often a “faith lesson” in the works to prepare and strengthen us while refining our skills for the next level of leadership. 

This process can be frustrating, disheartening and difficult as promotion usually requires us to change to thrive at the higher level. 

Scripture tells us:

“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Yes, he knows us but we must learn  ourselves and choose to lay down our weights, habits, beliefs and simply say “yes lord” – despite it all, I will go!

Everyday, we are presented with a choice to move forward in Christ or not!

We do not always make the correct choice but we can improve our odds of success in Christ by surrendering our hearts, minds, emotions, dreams and fears to Him – allowing him to mix our lives up like the potter. 

Allow Christ to Continuously  Improve Us:

Often times we have grown and formed into a pot that capacity to handle so much of the “weight of leadership”. If we are not careful, our development and preparedness can become obsolete or ineffective as new situations demand “more”. 

Unless we allow ourselves to be broken,  molded and reshaped on the potters wheel, we will not be adequately prepared or equipped for the demands of the moment.

It is my sincere prayer and declaration that we will remain faithful and keep our hearts receptive for the calling of God: 

“Now Moses was faithful in [the administration of] all God’s house, [but only] as a ministering servant, [his ministry serving] as a testimony of the things which were to be spoken afterward [the revelation to come in Christ]; [Num 12:7] 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,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭5-8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let’s let the potter continue to mold us and get all the glory!  He does marvelous work. 

In Jesus Name. 

Be Blesses!

Be a Blessing!

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 

“Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will make you hear My words.” 

Then I went down to the potter’s house, and saw that he was working at the wheel. 

But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him. 

Then the word of the Lord came to me: 

“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” says the Lord. “Look carefully, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. 

At one moment I might [suddenly] speak concerning a nation or kingdom, that I will uproot and break down and destroy; 

if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent and reverse My decision concerning the devastation that I intended to do. 

Or at another time I might [suddenly] speak about a nation or kingdom that I will build up or establish; 

and if they do evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will reverse My decision concerning the good with which I had promised to bless them. 

Now then, say to the men of Judah and to the citizens of Jerusalem, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am shaping a disaster and working out a plan against you. Turn back, each of you from his evil way; correct your habits and change your actions for the better.” ’ 

But they will say, ‘That is hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act in accordance with the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.18.12.AMP

For God is With Us (Immanuel)

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

I was reading this morning and reflecting on the simple but powerful thought – “for God is with us”. This means we are never alone. 

So simple! 

So powerful! 

So marvelous! 

So reassuring!

As leaders, we prepare for and train to lead our teams and families through the battles of life. 

Our spirits can be encouraged when we read in the scriptures that God always causes us to triumph:

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. 

For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The Bible also tells us that the steps of a good man are  ordered by the Lord and the path is blessed:

“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

Though afflictions and adversity will come, God is still with us:

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“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

Selah

In closing, it is my prayer that we will continue to rest in the confidence that Immanuel is always with us:

“For our fathers did not possess the land [of Canaan] by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, Because You favored and delighted in them.”  Psalms‬ ‭44‬:‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“….for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” [Josh 1:5]”. Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬B AMP‬‬

Thank you Lord! You are so worthy to be praised. 

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“”Be broken [in pieces], O peoples, and be shattered! Listen, all you [our enemies from the] far countries. 

Prepare yourselves [for war], and be shattered; Prepare yourselves [for war], and be shattered. 

“Take counsel together [against Judah], but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, 

For God is with us (Immanuel).””

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/isa.8.9-10.AMP

Spiritual Ignorance

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that, as leaders, being in a place of spiritual ignorance can be extremely costly. 

The Bible says it this way:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark).” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

The solution is for us to choose to study and apply Gods word in our daily lives:

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

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And by developing simple success behaviors, we make our way prosperous:  

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

As we continue on this journey, our partial understanding becomes clearer as Christ reveals the mysteries unto us.

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer and decree that we are and remain diligent students of His Word!

“My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings. 

Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart. 

For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh. 

Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Let us fight the good fight of faith against spiritual ignorance. 

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it [and the spiritual ignorance of its people], 

saying, “If [only] you had known on this day [of salvation], even you, the things which make for peace [and on which peace depends]! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. 

For a time [of siege] is coming when your enemies will put up a barricade [with pointed stakes] against you, and surround you [with armies] and hem you in on every side, [Is 29:3; Jer 6:6; Ezek 4:2] 

and they will level you to the ground, you [Jerusalem] and your children within you. They will not leave in you one stone on another, all because you did not [come progressively to] recognize [from observation and personal experience] the time of your visitation [when God was gracious toward you and offered you salvation].””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭44‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.19.41-44.AMP

Be Steadfast

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://atomic-temporary-196791482.wpcomstaging.com/

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the thought that, we leaders, often  struggle with making decisions whether to accept/ decline new roles/ responsibilities or with having steadfast confidence whether a related decision we made was the right one. 

Some of this anxiety may result from the lack of sufficient decision making discipline or the lack of sufficient maturity in hearing, recognizing and acting upon the voice of God. 

Whatever the cause, the result can be the same: our experiencing turmoil and anxiety versus being in a place of calm and rest. 

We are not alone in having internal feelings of inadequacy but I am grateful that we serve a true and living god who is touched by our infirmaries. In Him we are made strong and he will always be with us as he was with Moses and Gideon:

“But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And God said, “Certainly I will be with you…

Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬A AMP‬‬

“But Gideon said to Him, “Please Lord, how am I to rescue Israel? Behold, my family is the least [significant] in Manasseh, and I am the youngest (smallest) in my father’s house.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“The Lord answered him, “I will certainly be with you….” 

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬ A AMP‬‬

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

We must be encouraged and believe that like Abraham, we will not stagger at the promises of God.

“But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, let us focus on meditating and becoming doers of these scriptures so that we may become steadfast in our leadership and follower-ship of Christ:

“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep. [Ps 23; Is 40:11]”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 

Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. 

Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. 

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].”

‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬, ‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

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 ‭15‬:‭56‬-‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.15.57-58.AMP

That Your Faith May Not Fail

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and my heart just keeps settling on “just trust god”!

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Proverbs 16:7 AMP

We can be encouraged by this excerpt from Jeremiah which reminds us of gods commitment to perform his word:

“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see the branch of an almond tree.”

Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am [actively] watching over My word to fulfill it.””

Jeremiah 1:11-12 AMP

Amen

We are living in a season of rapid and successive conflicts yet my spirit keeps reminding me that we just need to “trust god”.

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”

Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

God alone is our place of refuge!

“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.”

Psalms 91:2-4 AMP

Regardless of the quantity and severity of the challenges, our hearts keep telling us-“just trust God”.

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

Psalms 34:19 AMP

We, leaders, must prioritize Him with our time in prayer, study, meditation and worship to achieve the best results.

““I love those who love me; And those who seek me early and diligently will find me. ”

Proverbs 8:17 AMP

We must believe that all of his magnificent wisdom will make things OK.

“Yes, You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.

You will draw me out of the net that they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength and my stronghold.

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth and faithfulness. [Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59]”

Psalms 31:3-5 AMP

We must believe that god is working it all out for our good:

“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

““The Lord will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way, but flee before you seven ways.”

Deuteronomy 28:7 AMP

Lastly, the Lord’s mercy endurerh forever so we just need to trust, believe and call out to Him:

“When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you.”

Psalms 91:15 CEV

It is my prayer that our faith fail not!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith].””

Luke 22:32 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.22.32.AMP

What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the story of blind Bartimaeus and how he was sensitive enough to realize that his only hope of healing was through an encounter with Jesus.

As leaders, sometimes we may feel that we are blinded by a situation or a decision. We must also have the mindset that our only way forward is to aggressively pursue Christ, His wisdom and His anointing.

Amen

We are living in a season where trouble is on every hand and many have lost their way.

More than ever, we need to pray for biblical clarity as Christ has already overcome the world and has divine solutions for everything problem we face.

Scripture reminds us:

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”

John 16:33 AMP

Success in this season will require a heightened level of intensity and focus on what the Lord is saying.

By having the same level of urgency, intensity, purpose and resolve as Bartimaeus, we can overcome whatever is required to achieve the will and purposes of God.

We may need to replace external inputs (media/ opinions) into our spirits with focused meditation on Gods word to hear what the Lord is saying. Being still helps us hear the what, how, and when to take action.

This is our portion and a result of being a son/ daughter of the true and living god.

He still is our shepherd according the Psalms 23:1 and we shall not want!

The righteous have never been forsaken nor their seed begging bread according to Psalms 37:25.

Jesus is still saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

Selah

In closing:

“…Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

John 14:27 AMP

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

“But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity], so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication].” Hebrews 3:13 AMP

Be assured that the hurting world is watching and will inquire: What is it that gives you your confidence, your strength, your patience, your understanding, your direction and your clarity?

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As He was approaching Jericho [on His way to Jerusalem], it happened that a blind man was sitting beside the road begging. [Matt 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52] Now when he heard a crowd going by, he began to ask what this was [about]. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

So he shouted out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!”

Those who were leading the way were sternly telling him to keep quiet; but he screamed all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Then Jesus stopped and ordered that the blind man be led to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

He said, “Lord, let me regain my sight!”

Jesus said to him, “Regain your sight; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.”

Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus, glorifying and praising and honoring God. And all the people, when they saw it, praised God.”

Luke 18:35-43 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.18.35-43.AMP

There Is Nothing Too Difficult

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the thought that we serve a great god but we also serve a jealous god. So, as leaders, when we walk into our “Canaan” and enjoy many of gods blessings and deliverance, we must be careful to keep Him as our top priority.

We see several warnings in the scripture:

“Watch yourself so that you do not make a covenant (solemn agreement, treaty) with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a [dangerous] trap among you. But you shall tear down and destroy their [pagan] altars, smash in pieces their [sacred] pillars (obelisks, images) and cut down their Asherim —for you shall not worship any other god; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]—”

Exodus 34:12-14 AMP

As leaders, we must be ever sensitive to the reality that we are not in this fight alone and we have the god who is the giver of knowledge and understanding with us always. As long as we have God, we can achieve anything.

‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You…”

Many of us face mountains that seem insurmountable but I am here to remind us that there truly is nothing to difficult for God and he is well able to do it! He says:

““Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?””

Jeremiah 32:27 AMP

The Lord was faithful to fulfill his promise to deliver the children of Israel with mighty works of signs and miracles, but they were not equally faithful and consistently built idols to worship. This grieved the Lord.

Scripture says:

great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

“You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land [of plenty] flowing with milk and honey.

They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do.

Today, we know that we will take possession of our lands and we know that we will prosper in Christ Jesus.

We must also remember that we are always at risk of losing our zeal for god and letting “distractions of life” to be our idols – if we are not careful.

It is my prayer and decree that we will be forever faithful to God!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“”…I prayed to the Lord, saying,

‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—

You who show lovingkindness to thousands, but repay the wickedness (sin, guilt) of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], O great and mighty God; the Lord of hosts is His name;

great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

“You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land [of plenty] flowing with milk and honey.

They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do.

Therefore You have caused all this disaster and suffering to come upon them.”

Jeremiah 32:16-20 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.32.16-23.AMP

Your Words Were Heard

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

I was reflecting this morning on the scripture and the leadership experience of Daniel.

We see that leadership, gods way, requires us to go before the Lord, be in his presence alone so we can receive solutions to a situation.

Scriptural account of Daniel’s experience states:

“I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz.

His body also was [a golden luster] like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and his feet like glowing burnished bronze, and the sound of his words was like the noise of a multitude [of people or the roaring of the sea]. [Rev. 1:12-16; 19:6.]

And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision [of this heavenly being], for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them so that they fled to hide themselves.”

Daniel 10:5-7 AMPC

Selah

Daniel’s transparency and authenticity is appreciated, as there is a certain level of vulnerability that we leaders will experience:

“So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me, for my fresh appearance was turned to pallor; I grew weak and faint [with fright].”

Daniel 10:8 AMPC

There was much for Daniel to absorb, but, as leaders, we must choose to be authentic and transparent with God about where we are.

It’s not like he doesn’t know!

Our expressed desire for dependency on the Lord to achieve our calling is vital.

In closing, I am so grateful for a glimpse of how the Lord views us:

“He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.”

Daniel 10:11-12 NIV

Scripture says that Daniel is “highly esteemed”.

Because he also set his mind to gain understanding and to humble himself before God, an angelic (heavenly) response was required.

Let us rest and embrace the view that the Lord sees us as “highly esteemed” and is moved by our words, desires, prayers and petitions.

Let us by faith strive with one goal that God be glorified and that his kingdom shall come.

In Jesus name amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves.

So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.

Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.

A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.”

And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless.

Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak.

I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my Lord, and I feel very weak.

How can I, your servant, talk with you, my Lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”

Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”

When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my Lord, since you have given me strength.””

Daniel 10:7-12, 14-19 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/dan.10.7-19.NIV