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The Invalid…The Man

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

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

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

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

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

OMG

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

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

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬, ‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

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

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Selah

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

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

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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

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

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

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

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

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

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now that day was the Sabbath.

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

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

But a Time is Coming and is Already Here

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that often, we leaders, can be snared by the traps of the enemy – even when we are trying to do things god’s way.

We can be entrapped with our words spoken in innocence or ignorance and/ or because of past decisions or deeds – even when they are based out of love.

The entrapment can be accompanied by a sense of shame or regret if we allow it to persist. The end game of the enemy is often to have us, the free in Christ, to be bound by condemnation and ineffectiveness. No more!

The Bible tells us that enemy is an accuser of the brethren:

“And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. [Gen 3:1, 14, 15; Zech 3:1; John 13:2; 2 Cor 11:3; Rev 20:8]

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom (dominion, reign) of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come; for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night. [Job 1:6-11]”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

But I am so grateful for the next verse which broke something in my spirit and released all pain and hurt from my soul:

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

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

The Bible tells us that:

“God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,

Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Selah.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When adversity does not feel justified, we still must praise and worship the God of the heavens and the earth. We must worship Him in spirit (love) and in truth.

When we do this, the Holy Spirit empowers us to love those who are liars, back stabbers and who conjur up evil continually.

Scripture reminds us of our journey which helps us be grateful for His mercy:

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

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Christ is our Advocate:

“My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous [the upright, the just One, who conforms to the Father’s will in every way—purpose, thought, and action].”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Christ is our 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]!””

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, let us surrender and declare that our souls are anchored in the Lord:

“This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], [Lev 16:2]”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When we do, we know that:

“The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers.

God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.””

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.4.23-24.AMP

The Earth is Full of His Lovingkindness

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, must work to accept the Word that “His Lovingkindness fills the earth” – despite what we see everyday.

The magnitude of recent events are hard to comprehend: the increasing number of conflicts and wars, ever present arguments between men, demonstrated divisive and deceptive behaviors being observed, rising tides of anger, intolerance and hatred.

OMG

With all this happening, how can the scripture tell us that “His Lovingkindness fills the earth?”

Selah

The Bible tells us that all scripture is given by inspiration of God who is sovereign, all knowing and full of truth:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We then read in Psalms 33:4 that the Word of the Lord is right – which settles the question of how can this be possible:

“For the word of the Lord is right; And all His work is done in faithfulness.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

Knowing that lovingkindness is here, it is our responsibility, as the leaders to search for, find it and walk in it – with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture guides us:

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]? [Deut 10:12, 13]”

‭‭Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“¶The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.

The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created].”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His compassion and lovingkindness endure forever!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

Though these are difficult days, let us, the leaders, see with our spiritual eyes and press into the presence of Christ. It is in His presence we will find and bathe in the lovingkindness of God.

“Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. [Lev 7:12; Is 57:19; Hos 14:2]”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.

For the word of the Lord is right; And all His work is done in faithfulness.

He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.33.3-5.AMP

If You Say in Your Heart

I was reflecting upon this scripture this morning and my mind kept pondering the thought “if you say in your heart” and how do we, the leaders, handle “conversations of our hearts”.

As we walk this Christian journey, we are challenged to change and adapt daily – often in response to words spoken by those in positions of leadership and authority.

We desire to be obedient and in alignment but there is a question that many of us may struggle with as it relates to whether the word we receive is truly from the Lord or not.

Better put:

“If you say in your heart, ‘How will we know and recognize the word which the Lord has not spoken?’”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We must trust the process, test the spirit by the spirit and understand that time will reveal the truth by the manifestation of that which is spoken.

The Bible tells us that:

““He who comes from [heaven] above is above all others; he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks [about things] of the earth [his viewpoint and experience are earthly].

He who comes from heaven is above all. What He has [actually] seen and heard, of that He testifies; and yet no one accepts His testimony [as true].

Whoever receives His testimony has set his seal [of approval] to this: God is true [and he knows that God cannot lie].”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭AMP‬‬

This is good news!

We must find answers in the Bible as we do live in a world and time where many things we see and hear just do not reconcile or settle well within our hearts.

Because of our training, upbringing, values and environment we know in our hearts when something is not quite right!

In times like these, we have to be careful to observe, understand and pray that which is incorruptible knowing it will stand the test of time and that is the Word of God!

Concerning man, the Bible says that we are to know “them” by their fruit:

“Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Mankind, who can be misguided, can be destructive if and when they stop listening to and stop being led by the Holy Spirit.

Let us, the leaders, find solice and strength in our knowing the sovereign creator and that His creation will last and stand the test of time.

He is not a god of confusion and He will give us the right words of faith to say at the right time:

“For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaiming the Father’s own message]; for God gives the [gift of the] Spirit without measure [generously and boundlessly]! [Deut 18:18]”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭34‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. [Prov 25:15]”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

It is my sincere prayer that as we seek answers to difficult questions in our hearts, that we are careful to only speak that which is written in the Word of God – words of faith.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me [Moses] from among you, from your countrymen (brothers, brethren). You shall listen to him. [Matt 21:11; John 1:21]

This is according to all that you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb (Mount Sinai) on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear the voice of the Lord my God again, nor see this great fire anymore, so that I will not die.’

The Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well.

I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

It shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him [and there will be consequences].

But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet shall die.’

If you say in your heart, ‘How will we know and recognize the word which the Lord has not spoken?’

When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and the thing does not happen or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭18‬:‭15‬-‭22‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/deu.18.15-22.AMP

He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how challenging it can be when we, the leaders, encounter difficult people or a difficult situation.

The challenge could be with our company, boss, coworker, church, neighbors, or even within our home.

No matter the source of the conflict, the solution is still the same- Christ in me the hope of glory!

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Though we may feel that we have reached our wits end, scripture reminds us that there is no end to the increase of Christ and His peace.

“the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen

This is reassuring and comforting because the scripture lets us know that if we just lean on Christ, we will succeed!

When we lay the issue at the feet of Jesus at the cross, ask for forgiveness, wisdom, discernment, and forgive others, our hearts can be free.

We need to press into His presence until break through occurs within us as we are not designed to carry the burdens for which Christ has already paid the price. Christ has already resolved the issue when he said- “…it is finished” in John 19:30.

Selah

When thoughts try to thwart our progress and suggest that “we can’t take it any more” or “we don’t have capacity for the situation”, we must declare that we have the Holy Spirit within us, have been given delegated authority for dominion, have angels encamped around us and have the Word of God to speak in faith, so we are well equipped and able to address any situation!

We must remember, recognize and use the tools we have available to us!

Us and God are a majority because God is sovereign, rules over all the earth and have given us power to effect change in this earthly realm by faith and prayer.

Amen

In closing,as a sign of our releasing the burden to Christ, we can just walk in the spirit of praise:

“We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.

Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬, ‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And let us decrease and let Christ increase in our lives today so that:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.3.30.KJV

Therefore I Say, Listen to Me

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, are often given the solution to a pervasive problem that others cannot see.

When this occurs, we are able to create significant value which brings glory to God!

The Bible says:

“A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men. [Gen 32:20; 1 Sam 25:27; Prov 17:8; 21:14]”. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

The assumption is that when we are presented before great men, we are equipped for the moment and are to bring kingdom solutions to problems that have never been resolved.

How we achieve results is through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the revelation that is given to us by God.

God is so awesome, relevant and timely in helping us to perform the work of our assignment!

Whether we are in a meeting with those in authority during a strategic or tactical debate, by our asking God for a solution in faith, we are provided answers that gains agreement.

Whether we are navigating the challenges of life with family members and there is disagreement, by our asking God for a solution in faith, we are provided the right words to say which bring peace and restores love.

Either way, we know and believe that every problem has a solution because of the Christ that lives inside us, and we are able to bring the solution to any and all problems by faith in Christ!

We must also be careful to give God the glory as we will know:

“This is from the Lord and is His doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. [Matt 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet 2:7]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

I am grateful that Christ gave us his Holy Sprit to lead us and to guide us into all truth.

The scripture reminds us:

“But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].”

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let us therefore recognize that when our natural solutions have been exhausted, we just need to be available to hear with our spiritual ears as the Bible says:

“But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭ASV‬‬

It is in moments like these that we can see and experience the truth of the Word being manifested!

“For the Lord gives [skillful and godly] wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren….,”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬A KJV‬‬

Amen

In closing, it is my sincere prayer that we, the leaders, spend time with God so that our tongues are like a ready writer to speak what “thus said the Lord” in its season.

“For I am full of words; The spirit within me constraineth me.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭32‬:‭18‬ ‭ASV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Elihu’s anger burned against Job’s three friends because they had found no answer [and were unable to determine Job’s error], and yet they had condemned Job and declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions].

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were years older than he.

And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he burned with anger.

Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said, “I am young, and you are aged; For that reason I was anxious and dared not tell you what I think.

“I thought age should speak, And a multitude of years should teach wisdom.

“But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. [Prov 2:6]

“Those [who are] abundant in years may not [always] be wise, Nor may the elders [always] understand justice.

“Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation] and tell you plainly what I think.’”

‭‭Job‬ ‭32‬:‭3‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/job.32.3-10.AMP

You Will See It With Your Own Eyes, But…

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, must always walk in the posture of “expectant” faith.

Our level of expectation either accelerates or deters our outcomes.

Simply put, we have to see good outcomes, believe for good outcomes with our hearts and confirm the good outcomes with our words.

The Bible puts it this way:

““ Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. [Luke 11:9-13] For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Many of us, as leaders, have questions before the Lord where we may be asking for wisdom to see root causes for our behaviors, solutions to extreme challenges, or strengthening of our faith for the manifestation of the Word.

We desire to hear from the Lord on what to do and how to make godly decisions.

No matter the ask, we believe that the Lord will be faithful to answer all of our questions and to give us godly wisdom and counsel.

But, when the answer arrives and we see it, we will receive it and will take action in and by faith! That is the conclusion of the whole matter.

Amen

In the scripture we see an example of what not to do – respond in unbelief:

“The attendant on whom the king leaned for support said to the Holy Man, “You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?” …..,””

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭7‬:‭2‬ ‭AMSG‬‬

Even if our minds do not understand the “how will it happen” component in the Word from the lord, we should be careful to rid ourselves of doubt and unbelief:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do what is done to the fig tree, but even if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea, it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭ASV‬‬

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”

‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Amen

As students of godly leadership, we can be inspired by examples in scriptures of great leaders who spoke truth and simplified complexity. It is poetry in motion.

I believe that if we focus on learning of God and serving his people, we will be blessed beyond measure like Solomon.

“And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.”

‭‭I Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?””

‭‭I Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Lastly, as we grow, we are learning the power of the words we speak- whether idle, based out of ignorance or designed for impactful.

“And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).”

‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I believe that we, the leaders, will receive the insights from the Lord and will do everything that He says we should do so that He gets all the glory!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord, ‘Tomorrow about this time a measure of finely-milled flour will sell for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’ ”

Then the royal officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “If the Lord should make windows in heaven [for the rain], could this thing take place?” Elisha said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but [because you doubt] you will not eat of it.”

They went after them to the Jordan, and all the road was entirely littered with clothing and equipment which the Arameans (Syrians) had thrown away when they hurriedly fled. And the messengers returned and told the king.

Then the people [of Israel] went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. So [goods were so plentiful that] a measure of finely-milled flour [was sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in accordance with the word of the Lord [as spoken through Elisha]. [2 Kin 7:1]

Now the king had appointed the royal officer on whose arm he leaned to be in charge of the [city] gate; and the [starving] people trampled him at the gate [as they struggled to get through for food], and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king came down to him.

It happened just as [Elisha] the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley will be sold for a shekel and a measure of finely-milled flour for a shekel tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.”

The royal officer had answered the man of God and said, “Now behold, [even] if the Lord should make windows in heaven, could such a thing happen?” And Elisha had answered, “You will see it with your own eyes, but [because of your doubt] you will not eat it.” [2 Kin 7:2]

And so it happened to him; for the people trampled him at the gate, and he died.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2ki.7.1-20.AMP

There He Spent Time With Them and Baptized

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

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

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

We see an example in the Bible with Jesus:

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

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭17‬:‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

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

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

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

‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selah

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

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

Thank you Lord for elevating us in this season!

Amen

Be Blessed!!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

for John had not yet been thrown into prison.

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

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭30‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

Unless God is With You

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how we cannot achieve our mission in the kingdom unless god is with us.

“….for no one can do these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles] that You do unless God is with him.”

John‬ ‭3‬:‭2B AMP‬‬

As leaders, our elevation is less about us but more about the opportunity to stretch our faith so we can represent Christ at a higher level of influence. We are the only Jesus that people will see!

That is an awesome burden and responsibility.

We want to be such an example and influence of hope and encouragement that people are attracted to Christ because of us.

We must prepare to be the available so God can move. And as the Lord moves in our lives and changes our circumstances, we will be positioned and asked to sit at tables of influence for which we may feel least qualified; however, the Lord will give us insights and ideas in real time that meet the moment.

We must hear the heavenly insight, accept them, thank Him for the idea and then share the ideas with confidence.

God is an awesome ruler and everything He does is marvelous!

Selah

As we are positioned for greater and greater influence, it is our responsibility, as leaders, to create and maintain success systems that support our values so we don’t miss opportunities that currently surround us.

Daily strengthening of our faith and decluttering of our hearts from fear, doubt, worry and distractions can be achieved through daily praying the Word over our present and future.

Systematic giving of our tithes, offerings and other charitable contributions (in short our seed), we help fulfill the mandate of Christ to take care of the poor through the local church

Lastly, here are some additional benefits we receive as we allow Christ to be king in our lives:

Supernatural Provision

“And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Supernatural Energy

“Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah [giving him supernatural strength]. He girded up his loins and outran Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel [nearly twenty miles].”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭46‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Supernatural Insights

“Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Supernatural Patience

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Supernatural Empathy

“Moved with compassion [for his suffering], Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭41‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Supernatural Wisdom

“In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the [learned] magicians and enchanters (Magi) in his whole realm.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers [because of Your word], For Your testimonies are my meditation. [2 Tim 3:15] I understand more than the aged [who have not observed Your precepts], Because I have observed and kept Your precepts.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭99‬-‭100‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Our time, talents and treasures are the very solutions that others are praying for and want to benefit from because God is with us.

Be Blessed!

Be A blessing!

“Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (member of the Sanhedrin) among the Jews,

who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), we know [without any doubt] that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles] that You do unless God is with him.”

Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified],he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.””

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.3.1-3.AMP

Maturity

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

This mourning I was reflecting on this scripture and the thought that, we leaders, must prioritize and value self reflection in this season.

We must daily focus on the work of becoming a better person, thinking more strategically and executing flawlessly for ourselves, our families, our teams and our communities.

We are fighting against external forces and barriers, internal fears, personal concerns, doubts and perceived inadequacies.

In short we must show up and perform!

We must choose to invest into relationships building trust and mutual respect understanding that candid conversations are required when either party is missing the mark.

Accountability for maximizing impact must prevail over comfort but never take a back seat to respect and love.

Scriptures remind us:

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

As I look at this scripture, my heart is reminded that personal and leadership growth is a multi level journey and not a destination.

Scripture encourages us that when Christ, who alone is complete, enters into our situation and our lives, change will happen.

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete]. But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

As we mature in the Word, we are given places to rest but are then nudged (some harder than others) to get back into the fight.

But in order to fight and perform well at the next level, there are some things (thoughts, habits and behaviors) that we will have to denounce or let go of to successfully run this race.

For some of us, it may be excuses about our health.

For some of us, it may be excuses around our spiritual development and preparation.

For others of us, it may be learning that outcomes are not the same as activity as all activities and outcomes are not valued the same by our customers, our bosses, our church, our family, our spouses, or God.

Selah

Coming to this realization can be humbling but I hear the spirit of the Lord telling us to gird up our loins for the change:

““Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!”

‭‭Job‬ ‭38‬:‭3‬ ‭AMP‬

So, how do we discern what strategies will meet the need of the moment?

How do we walk in love and embody a standard to which others aspire and then take practical steps to pursue?

The Bible instructs us:

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

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

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Instruct us oh Lord so that we may represent you well. Teach us thy truths and help us to grow in you!

“For the love of Christ controls and compels us, because we have concluded this, that One died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that all those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for their sake.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Lord, teach us to know how to communicate in a more precise and thoughtful way – understanding idle words spoken may release forces we later must subdue. For we know that words are creative and we should treat each word as if it is a commandment.

Lord teach us how to manage our environment to create places of refuge and peace. For we know that in these quiet places we can hear from you as you inspire us toward a better life I’m Christ

Amen

In closing, the time has now come for the people of god to humble ourselves and seek gods face and will for our situation and lives.

Growth is accompanied by discomfort but the Lord is still our shepherd who will lead us in the path of righteousness.

“As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].

He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who faithfully protects and cares for his master will be honored. [1 Cor 9:7, 13]”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let us mature in our faith and achieve excellent results for Gods glory!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant.

It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.

It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail].

Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].

Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete].

But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].

And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.4-13.AMP