endurance – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

We Have Come to Know

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how we, the leaders, must continue to learn of Christ until we get to the wonderful place of knowing (with absolute certainty) that He is the way, the truth and the life – our all and all!

The Bible tells us:

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.””

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As leaders, we know that everyone who follows us does not always agree with us: sometimes because their understanding of the situation is at a different level or maybe they may feel that a different tactic is warranted to achieve the outcome.

All said, they either choose to engage because of buying into the mission or your leadership position or not.

We see in the Bible where some of the disciples chose to leave:

“But [still] there are some of you who do not believe and have faith.”

For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe, and who would betray Him.

And He was saying, “This is the reason why I have told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him [that is, unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.”

As a result of this many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭64‬-‭66‬ ‭AMP‬‬

On the other hand, team or family dynamics really can shift and grow to the point where members are finishing each other’s sentences and thoughts because of a deeper understanding, respect and interconnectedness.

Scripture says it this way:

“We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].””

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭69‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The truth is that conflict and adversity will reveal where the team or family or community really is!

Selah

The divinely given words we speak and decisions we make can serve as a two edged sword which will reveal truths and will likely cause conflict with what is believed, accepted and practiced as operating norms today – but it does not negate their validity!

So how do we move forward?

We must first realize that people are not our enemy and strive to always speak the truth in love.

“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Secondly, we recognize that leadership is ordained by God for the edifying of the saints, building strong homes and communities and making a kingdom impact.

The Bible say it this way:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Furthermore, you shall select from all the people competent men who [reverently] fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; you shall place these over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer that we recommit today to studying Gods word and seeking His heart until we can be like Peter and declare “we have come to know that Christ is the Son of the living God”!

“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

“…we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. [Is 40:13]”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭69‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But [still] there are some of you who do not believe and have faith.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe, and who would betray Him.

And He was saying, “This is the reason why I have told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him [that is, unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.”

As a result of this many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him.

So Jesus said to the twelve [disciples], “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope].

We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].””

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭64‬-‭69‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/ljhn.6.66-69.AMP

Endure to the End

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the present urgency we, the leaders, must have in developing our “finishing what we started” mindset – one focused and determined to ensure that the issues and challenges of life don’t deter us from our kingdom assignment.

Sometimes situations may shake our foundations due to rapid successive events which create a feeling of destabilization and doubt – where we wonder if we are in the right place or whether we are making a difference.

Yes, adversity will come.

Yes, doubts will try to creep into our hearts and minds.

And Yes, people may seem to be blinded by the truth and resist us, our ideas and our god.

In times like these, we must hold steadfast to our trust in Jesus, believe that a heavenly solution is possible and pray until we hear His voice for direction as He is our good shepherd.

He will shield us and hide us in His secret place so that we are hidden from the wiles of the devil. The Bible says:

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” [Gen 18:14; Job 42:2]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

When we stand on the solid rock of Christ, we find purpose and strength in Him.

The Bible says: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold. [Heb 2:13]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

It also says: “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

We must choose today to lighten our loads to run our race and if we faint not, the Lord will be faithful to do all that He has promised:

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

““If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the best of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion, it is my prayer that we faint not but earnestly pray so that we may endure to the end:

“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭7‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.24.13-14.KJV

Do You Not Remember

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning, the sign of the times and the importance, as leaders, to embrace change while holding true to our old landmarks.

Despite our growing up in and maturing in Christ, we may find ourselves at times spiritually, emotionally, physically, and or financially “stuck”- just troubled.

I just want to say: be encouraged because all things are still working out for our good!

Scripture tells us:

“Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things?”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials.

Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We must hold on to our most holy faith:

“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.

And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy but with fear, loathing even the clothing spotted and polluted by their shameless immoral freedom. [Amos 4:11; Zech 3:2-4]”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let us remember to search for the good way:

“…Stand by the roads and look; ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is; then walk in it, And you will find rest for your souls. ….”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion, let this be our prayer:

“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!

“Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, [Mark 13:27; 1 Thess 2:19; 4:15-17]

not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come.

Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], [Dan 7:25; 8:25; 1 Tim 4:1]

who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God. [Ezek 28:2; Dan 11:36, 37]

Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things?

And you know what restrains him now [from being revealed]; it is so that he will be revealed at his own [appointed] time.

For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until He who now restrains it is taken out of the way.”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2th.2.1-7.AMP

By Your [patient] Endurance

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

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures with a heavy and grieving heart and was seeking for answers because it feels like we’re living in a time where chaos is the norm.

But, I am grateful that the Word of god reassures us that these times are expected and we shall be protected if we endure and faint not.

“But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We are living in a time where there are wars on top of wars: territory wars, cultural wars, values wars, truth vs lies wars, inter/ intra family wars and competitive market wars.

But Christ, the solution, has come that we may have righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

In Him, we shall prevail and destruction is not our portion, if we heed his voice:

“He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, And under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.

You will not be afraid of the terror of night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But danger will not come near you.

You will only [be a spectator as you] look on with your eyes And witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as you watch safely from the shelter of the Most High].”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Love – not hate, will always prevail even in what seems like our darkest hour.

“The Lord your God is supreme over all gods and over all powers. He is great and mighty, and he is to be obeyed. He does not show partiality, and he does not accept bribes.

Have reverence for the Lord your God and worship only him. Be faithful to him and make your promises in his name alone.

Praise him—he is your God, and you have seen with your own eyes the great and astounding things that he has done for you.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬, ‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Even in the midst of the turmoil, chaos, confusion and anguish, I hear the spirit saying that, we leaders, should think on these things:

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Leaders, let us follow this scriptural action plan for success in this season:

“So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper];

bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.

Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].

Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise].

To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].

Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Share with a friend!

“Then Jesus told them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. [2 Chr 15:6; Is 19:2]

There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and [deadly and devastating] pestilences (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven. “

But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, and bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. [Matt 10:19-22; Mark 13:11-13]

This will be a time and an opportunity for you to testify [about Me].

So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;

for I will give you [skillful] words and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.

But you will be betrayed and handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death,

and you will be continually hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name.

But not a hair of your head will perish. [1 Sam 14:45]

By your [patient] endurance [empowered by the Holy Spirit] you will gain your souls.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭10‬-‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.21.19.AMP

Endure

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that success, as a leader, often is a result of how successful we become at learning to endure. (Def. to carry on through, despite hardships)

OMG

Like the saints of old, when hardships and challenges came, they did not shrink or retract, they relied on the Word of God, the anointing and prayer to take the fight to the enemy.

As leaders of today, we can and must do the same!

The world would have us to think that there is no hope, but:

”There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.“ Proverbs 14:12 AMP

As believers, the Bible tells us:

”Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],“ Philippians 2:5 AMP

”The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion.“

Proverbs 28:1 AMP

”Blessed be the Lord, my Rock and my great strength, Who trains my hands for war And my fingers for battle;“. Psalms 144:1 AMP

”Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession of it; for we will certainly conquer it.”“ Numbers 13:30 AMP

”You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your lust goes unfulfilled; so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God].“

James 4:2 AMP

”If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.“

James 1:5 AMP

”Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.“ Philippians 4:8-9 AMP

I pray that we will fight the good fight of faith today so that we can endure – to carry on through, despite hardships – to the end!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.“ Matthew 24:10-13 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.24.10-13.KJV