Tag: encouragement

He Came Near to Damascus

I was reflecting this morning on this passage and my mind kept thinking that each of us, as leaders, travel our own road to Damascus. It is a continuous journey.

Granted most of us are or were not persecuting Christians like Saul; however, one thing was true is that we were not walking according to the plan that God had for our lives.

Despite how bad things were before our “Christ encounter”, it is really reassuring to see where God said: “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;” Acts 9:15 AMP

I am so grateful that even in the midst of our actions which were/are contrary to Christ, he still sees us as his chosen instruments.

As leaders, we error. We may have multiple trips where we deviate from Gods plan for our lives. Maybe not to the initial degree but we may find ourselves off the road or even losing ground on the road.

The good news is that Christ is still trying to get our attention and to prepare us for promotion and advancement. He created us and he knows us and creates moments of divine revelation that are absolute and undeniable because it is so impactful and transformational for us.

God is acutely aware of how to get our attention and to demonstrate his sovereignty, love and rulership.

We just have to yield and allow him to help us.

He even writes: “THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us,

and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].

He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [Ps. 110:1.]” Hebrews 12:1-2 AMPC

Despite what we have achieved so far, we are destined for even greater works because of our “Christ encounter” if we would once again:

“Delight ourselves also in the Lord, and He will give us the desires and secret petitions of our heart.

Commit our way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of our load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:4-5 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And requested of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.

Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, And he fell to the ground.

Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me [harassing, troubling, and molesting Me]?

And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance].

Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do?

The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.

The men who were accompanying him were unable to speak [for terror], hearing the voice but seeing no one.

Then Saul got up from the ground, but though his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.” Acts 9:2-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/act.9.3-8.AMPC

Moses Had Laid His Hands Upon Him

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the idea concerning the importance of succession planning, building our leadership pipeline as a priority and obeying god.

We see in this passage, one of the greatest prophets, Moses, coming to the end of his time as the leader of Israel – a forty year burden. He has had many successes and many failures over the span of his life.

Though his leadership imprint did not begin until he was eighty (Acts 7:22, 30)’, he accomplished so much:

⁃ At the advice of his father in law, he created the judicial system to be able to meet the growing needs of Israel. Exodus 18:25-26

⁃ In Numbers 11:16, he had 70 men anointed with his wisdom to be able to multiply his effectiveness in leading and taking care of a whole nation of 600,000 men (not including women and children) after having left Egypt.

As a leader, Moses is known for being a master builder of leadership systems.

Equally if not more importantly, Moses had an intimate relationship with god where they met and talked on many occasions throughout the scriptures starting in Exodus through Deuteronomy.

Despite all of these successes, the thing that grieves me the most is that Moses’ decision, made out of anger and frustration, caused him to not obey god and follow his instructions when God was trying to take him to another level. The scripture says “I have let you see it [the promised land] with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” Decisions matter.

If we recall, the story in Numbers 20 goes as this:

“And the Lord said to Moses, Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to give forth its water, and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.

So Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation before the rock and Moses said to them, Hear now, you rebels; must we bring you water out of this rock?

And Moses lifted up his hand and with his rod he smote the rock twice. And the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.

And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the Israelites, you therefore shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” Numbers 20:7-12 AMPC

This disobedience or demonstrated inability to grow (in previous times, the guidance from god was to smote the rock) and perform at the next level, cause Moses to be placed on the exit ramp concerning Gods purpose and mission.

The scripture states that “Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated.” So he was not feeble and was well able physically to lead the people. There just was a lapse in judgement that cost him his position.

It was time to pass the mantle on to the leader who would take the children of Israel to the promised land, Joshua.

The lesson for us as leaders is to do our best to hear from God and to lead well- everyday. Our very existence and success as leaders depend on it.

Yes it is true, that the very people we are charged with leading may be stiff-necked, rebellious, struggle with change, and have old limiting beliefs and behaviors; but despite all of that, the responsibility of leadership still falls on us and we must and will be held accountable. The scripture reminds us that whom He sends, He qualifies.

In Closing: God, in his infinite wisdom and love, still provided for the children of Israel and provided them with a leader to carry the mantle forward – Joshua. God was not slack on fulfilling his promises to Israel in that he ensured that their new leader had a sure and solid foundation. The Bible states that “ Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him…” Moses had poured so much of himself into Joshua while they walked the leadership journey together.

Joshua learned from the best and was sensitive to hear and to obey the words of God. So much so that the Bible states the new generation of “Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Lead well!

“And the Lord said to him, This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, I will give it to your descendants.

I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.

So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, And He buried him in the valley of the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.

Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated. [Deut. 31:2.]

And the Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

And Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him; so the Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, [None equal to him] in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt–to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, And in all the mighty power and all the great and terrible deeds which Moses wrought in the sight of all Israel.”

Deuteronomy 34:4-12 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/deu.34.4-12.AMPC

Perfectly and Fully Developed

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea that we need to be patient with ourselves as we walk out this faith journey.

We live in a society that values and cherishes immediate gratification and instant results. Certain situations exist where we need an immediate need met and God is able to meet our needs immediately.

Usually, when it comes to growth and maturation, this is developed over time.

Like a plant when the bulbs are planted, there may be a period where it appears that nothing is happening.

During these times, there is the tendency to think that the seed has died and there will be no harvest- not so!

With patience, there ultimately is that glimmer of hope which is created when we see the tip of the blade. Then later, we see more and more plant growth and with hearty roots.

So is it with our personal spiritual development and growth as a leader.

We all need a little grace and patience as we press towards our breakthrough moment.

We never know the level of effort that is required to complete this process.

Many times we have confessed that “this is the time, we will stay true to our confession and be obedient in season and out of season” – only to still realize that without God we can do nothing.

Many of us, are comfortable with endurance, steadfastness and patience having “partial” access to the rooms in our heart, our minds and in our souls.

To permit them to do a thorough work, we must sacrifice our comfort for vulnerability and for growth.

When we “let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work” in us, we will see God’s handiwork.

Yes, all things are possible for him who believes”.

“We believe… so therefore all things are possible for us, because of Christ Jesus”.

Be encouraged!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-4 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jas.1.2-4.AMPC

Behold, I Will Stand Before You There

I was reflecting on these scriptures and my mind began to think about war (the battles of life) and the impact that we, as leaders, have on others lives.

Despite our best intentions and precise planning, not everything works according to the plan.

The scripture reminds us that:

“…For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more.” Luke 12:48 AMPC

The best leaders come to realize that we need help. That is why the example of Moses is so powerful because, even “the powerful” Moses, needed help and support to lead Gods people well. Selah

Moses’ sacrifice of intercession and overwatch all day during the battle seemed impossible in his own strength. Yes, Moses was acting on divine revelation and divine direction but he realized that he needed help and an abundance of grace to complete the mission.

Leadership is hard and we leaders are often misunderstood. Our decisions have consequences and are magnified but are often misunderstood. We are responsible and accountable for achieving results while we remain committed to higher ideals while serving as caretakers of our teams, communities and families.

We must pray and earnestly seek the lord’s guidance for revelation often during the discomfort of the battle and difficult decisions.

We can always find rest and comfort in the scripture as we are reminded: “BLESSED BE the Lord, my Rock and my keen and firm Strength, Who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight– My Steadfast Love and my Fortress, my High Tower and my Deliverer, my Shield and He in Whom I trust and take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.” Psalm 144:1-2 AMPC

But after the decision is made and necessary actions are taken, we often suffer in silence with the “what if’s”. For those moments, there can be solace in the Word: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].”Ephesians 6:10 AMPC

Rest in his promise: “Behold, I will stand before you there….”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“So Moses cried to the Lord, What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.

And the Lord said to Moses, Pass on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand the rod with which you smote the river [Nile], and go.

Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at [Mount] Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, that the people may drink.

And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. [I Cor. 10:4.]

He called the place Masson [proof] and Meribah [contention] because of the faultfinding of the Israelites and because they tempted and tried the patience of the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us or not?

Then came Amalek [descendants of Esau] and fought with Israel at Rephidim.

And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.

So Joshua did as Moses said and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop.

When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.

But Moses’ hands were heavy and grew weary. So [the other men] took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it.

Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

And Joshua mowed down and disabled Amalek and his people with the sword.

And the Lord said to Moses, Write this for a memorial in the book and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under the heavens. [I Sam. 15:2-8.]

And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner; And he said, Because [theirs] is a hand against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Exodus 17:4-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/exo.17.16.AMPC

Why sit We Here Until We Die?

I was reading this passage and was reminded that many times in life, we miss opportunity because of indecision and failure to act.

There are times that we need to “be still” so we can see the salvation of the Lord and to hear the voice of the Good shepherd.

Often, the options that we “initially see” in the natural have negative outcomes.

But we see in the story of the leprous men, where they concluded, that if they don’t act, They WILL die.

But if they did take action, They MAY still die BUT They also MAY live!

Hope and possibility was born.

As leaders, we need a decision making system that will help us to “move forward” in faith so that we can possess the promise land. The Word reminds us in Deuteronomy that:

“For the land which you go in to possess is not like the land of Egypt, from which you came out, where you sowed your seed and watered it with your foot laboriously as in a garden of vegetables.

But the land which you enter to possess is a land of hills and valleys which drinks water of the rain of the heavens,

A land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always upon it from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.” Deuteronomy 11:10-12 AMPC

We are also comforted and reassured that: “the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than you.

Every place upon which the sole of your foot shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the River, the river Euphrates, to the western sea [the Mediterranean] your territory shall be.

There shall no man be able to stand before you; the Lord your God shall lay the fear and the dread of you upon all the land that you shall tread, as He has said to you.”

Deuteronomy 11:23-25 AMPC

We, as leaders, must:

⁃ Settle in our minds that we need to make decisions and Take Action!

⁃ Prepare for the battle by spending time in the Word to understand the heart of God concerning us and our mission.

⁃ Prayerfully make a plan and come into Agreement with the Word.

⁃ Close the door of impossibility by finding and reading scriptural promises.

⁃ Take action on the last directive/ idea received from the Lord. No more instructions may be coming until we act on this one.

⁃ Choose not to stay in the valley of indecision. In this valley, great leaders, great dreams and great visions have become paralyzed and have died.

⁃ Be comfortable being uncomfortable. For during most of the journey in the “Faith” highway, we will not see the “entire picture”.

We choose to move forward!

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.

And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.

For the LORD had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.”

2 Kings 7:3-8 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/2ki.7.3-8.KJV

But Jesus

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and I just could not stop thinking about these life and hope sustaining words – But Jesus!

There are so many real life applications that come along with these words that It is impossible to express them all.

As leaders, we face many ups and downs as we pursue our objectives and purposes and our needs change.

Despite where we are, we know that we can call on and rely on Jesus to be our source as in him we have all sufficiency in all things.

When we need reassurances, we can meditate on these scriptures:

⁃ “WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete). And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1-2 AMPC

⁃ “And He said to him, “I am the [same] Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land as an inheritance.” But Abram said, “Lord God, by what [proof] will I know that I will inherit it?”Genesis 15:7-8 AMP

⁃ “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler (small shield), And stand up for my help.” Psalms 35:1-2 AMP

The question today is what is your need? He says:

“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

In closing, whatever the ask or challenge, we must remember that our “x” factor happens when we declare – “But Jesus”!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now they were all weeping loudly and mourning for her; but He said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead, but is sleeping.”

Then they began laughing scornfully at Him and ridiculing Him, knowing [without any doubt] that she was dead.

But Jesus took hold of her hand and spoke, saying, “Child, arise!” And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that she be given something to eat.

Her parents were greatly astonished [by the miracle]; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.”

Luke 8:52-56 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.8.52-56.AMP

Go in Peace

I was reflecting on this familiar passage and my mind considered the sea of people surrounding Christ and how one can feel lost in the masses.

We leaders, who are called by God, sometimes erroneously forget to recognize our differentiating ingredient in the marketplace – faith in Christ.

We are searching for customers/ partnerships who have a yearning, a need, that cannot be met but by a faith connection. That is who we are called to serve.

When our faith and obedience to pursue what God has called us to do matches with the faith of the consumer, there is immediate success. Virtue is exchanged.

Scripture reminds us that we are created by God to do His works:

“For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalms 139:13-14 AMP

Everyone will not nor is expected to buy our products or to receive our solution today. We just need to focus our efforts on finding the one in the crowd that has the need, today!

By faith, we must see them, trust Gods process and press forward knowing that devine connections shall and must happen so that God will get all the glory.

It is possible at times to doubt and wonder if what we desire will materialize. The women in this passage likely experienced that emotion as well – but she pressed forward doing the work to stay in faith and believe.

Here is a word of encouragement for those moments: “”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

Go in peace and rest in:

⁃ Knowing whom god sends he qualifies

⁃ Knowing that as we seek wisdom and understanding that our paths will be lit

⁃ Knowing that divine appointments are being orchestrated by the Lord

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” While they all were denying it, Peter [and those who were with him] said, “Master, the people are crowding and pushing against You!”

But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, because I was aware that power [to heal] had gone out of Me.”

When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came up trembling and fell down before Him.

She declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed.

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith [your personal trust and confidence in Me] has made you well. Go in peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).”” Luke 8:45-48 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.8.45-48.AMP

For They were Taken with Great Fear

I was reflecting on this passage this morning. The thought that crossed my mind was how we, as leaders, have the potential to prevent continual miracles from being performed in our lives and businesses by allowing fear to grip us. The superior response is that of faith.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him [God]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 KJV

We see where Jesus came to this region walking in his anointing and authority. He just rebuked the storm on the trip. He then casted a legion of devils out of a man who was possessed.

He clearly came so that he could set the people free from all manor of sickness and disease and meet their needs, IF THEY WERE WILLING, OPEN AND IN EXPECTATION BY FAITH.

What we see is that for whatever reason, the whole region was gripped by their fear and REJECTED their deliverance opportunity.

As leaders, we have the ability to shut down continued blessings, deliverance from our issues as well as prevent receiving revelations because of our fear. Sometimes fear can arise from lack and sometimes fear can come from being overwhelmed by abundance and favour.

The scripture tells us that we can create the conditions where blessings are pouring out:

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 KJV

When the blessings come, FEAR NOT BUT FLOW IN FAITH.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV

Let’s continue to just diligently seek him.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear; and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.

And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.”

Luke 8:33-40 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.8.33-40.KJV

When a man’s ways please the Lord

I was reflecting this morning on the burden of regret which can be very heavy and debilitating.

As leaders, It is impossible to get through this life without making mistakes: whether mishandling of relationships, decisions, our health, our marriage, our emotions, our thoughts, or our behaviors – you name it.

There is hope! I just hear the Word of the Lord saying:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32 KJV

We can find forgiveness and redemption in the name of Jesus as the scripture says “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

Philippians 2:9-10 KJV

I am so grateful that even REGRET must bow to the name of Jesus! Restoration is ours to accept.

Once we lay the burden of regret at the feet of Jesus, we must arise in the newness of life from his forgiveness as we thank him, worship him and adore him.

We must

⁃ “ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept us–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for our light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us! [Zech. 8:23.]” Isaiah 60:1 AMPC

⁃ Strive to walk in the “fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].”Galatians 5:22-23, 25 AMP

In closing, we really need to believe that God loves us so much that he gave us Christ.

“But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:”

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

Proverbs 16:7 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.16.7.AMP

His Faith is credited to him as Righteousness

I was reflecting on this scripture as my mind continued to return to the simplicity of the standard that Abram established when “he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord”. Gen 15:6 AMPC

The scripture says that “He [God] counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God)”

That is so amazing to comprehend and can serve as a life lesson for us as leader.

Sometimes life can feel complicated and overwhelming but the faith standard still remains simple and true: believe in, trust in, rely on, remain steadfast to God, period.

When we lose our way, we always can repent, reset our compasses and refocus our attention back on Christ.

We are reminded with the reality that salvation is not and cannot be earned by our works but it is a gift -“For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God!” Romans 4:2 AMPC

We just need to receive this gift, and trust (believe fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly.

In closing: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 KJV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God!

For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God). [Gen. 15:6.]

Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him).

But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God).”

Romans 4:2-5 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/rom.4.2-5.AMPC