Tag: equip

The end of the matter is: Fear God

When I was reflecting on this scripture, I consider for a moment that there are many troubling works that we pursue “under the sun” where we are exerting a significant amount of effort and energy.

If these efforts are not pursuing Christ and his kingdom, it seems that “all is vanity and vexation (def. the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried) of spirit”.

As leaders, we live in a day where we pursue knowledge which continues to increase, we wonder whether knowledge ever has an end, and how do we acquire enough to be able to compete, create, innovate and thrive. This is the cycle of the knowledge of man.

But there is a higher level and realm of knowledge: revelation knowledge that comes with the fear and reverence of God. This is the type of knowledge with solutions that “flesh and blood” cannot reveal to us and it often “confounds the wise”.

There is nothing wrong with the judicious pursuit of growth and knowledge. We just need to realize that at some point, man’s knowledge will hit a natural limit which can create a sense of “grief and sorrow”.

When we hit that limit, we have to remember and trust that at the conclusion of the matter our rest, progress and peace comes when we Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments! That is our duty.

We must continue to commune with the Holy Spirit knowing that there is a “heavenly solution” to every problem – NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL. Amen

Be Encouraged and may the peace of Christ be with you this season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I entered into counsel with my own mind, saying, Behold, I have acquired great [human] wisdom, yes, more than all who have been over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has had great experience of [moral] wisdom and [scientific] knowledge.

And I gave my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I perceived that this also is a searching after wind and a feeding on it. [I Thess. 5:21.]

For in much [human] wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.1.16-18.AMPC

“All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.12.13.AMPC

Making the very most of the time

I was reflecting this morning on this year and all of the many blessings that the Lord has done- even during the times of loss, mistakes and hurt.

As leaders, we need a Word to help us to prepare for next year and beyond as I believe that each year is a building block- a stepping stone in this journey called “life”.

Since we are here, we have a responsibility- a duty to press forward and upward for Gods glory.

As leaders, we should perform an annual assessment – the process of strategic planning. This is less about goal setting but more around energy allocation planning:

⁃ How are we directing our seeds of life- our time, our talents and our treasures?

⁃ How do we effectively position ourselves to receive not just the 30 folds or 60 fold return on our energies but the 100 fold return?

⁃ How do we achieve Maximum Impact?

One thought that comes to mind is that we have to recognize the season that we are in spiritual, emotionally, and physically:

⁃ What are the tools and resources that we currently have available to us?

⁃ What are the tools and skills we need to study and meditate on in the word and acquire to aggressively pursue what god has placed on our hearts to achieve?

⁃ What are the the habits, thoughts and behaviors that we need to purge/ let go of to draw closer to Christ?

My second thought surrounds the need to “Checkin” on our relationships to ensure that they are thriving and are still fruitful.

Some may need rearranging and others may need an investment of time as relationships are all that matter as they provide the spice and richness of life.

My third thought surrounds achieving the I00 fold return mindset – the true desire to live as the scripture states: purposefully, worthily and accurately.

How do we accomplish something great and transformational in this season as we want to flow with the Holy Spirit. We just want to be in the center of gods will/ his word.

Lastly, we must do the work of committing our thoughts, dreams and action plans to paper- no matter how small or comprehensive.

This brings clarity and power when we find a reinforcing scripture.When we are in agreement with the Word, Christ will be in the midst of the plan and his presence, multiplication, grace, mercy, revelation, peace, confidence, rest and provision exists. OMG, thank you Lord!

It is my sincere prayer that in this season that we will write the vision, come into agreement with the Word and flow into our devine appointment where there is no lack but all sufficient in all things in Christ Jesus.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Dream Bigger!

“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.5.15-16.AMPC

“And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. [Heb. 10:37, 38.]”

Habakkuk 2:2-3 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/hab.2.2-3.AMPC

“Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain–some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty. He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing.”

Matthew 13:8-9 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.13.8-9.AMPC

As We Have Forgiven

One of the scriptural principles that I was reflecting upon this morning is the power of prayer and all the mysteries associated with it.

As leaders, we need to thank the Lord for all of his many benefits and the devine connections that he is making in our lives. Our lives are a living testimony – even with it ups and downs, progress and set backs.

The second area of impact for leaders is through prayer; however, learning how to pray is a journey in itself.

We may feel like novices, sometimes empowered, sometimes unheard, and sometimes we just have no words but just moans (of agony, disbelief, bewilderment, helplessness, the lack of understanding, the need for comfort, or the need for validation – just the need for a touch from the Lord with no commentary or extra.

Life hurts – sometimes real bad.

But I am encouraged that the Lord, in his devine wisdom and sovereignty cared enough for us to provide provision and a path to move forward in grace thru prayer.

Yes Lord. Help…..us!

The scriptures reminds us of a couple things:

⁃ We must pray for one another. This is vital because each of us are traveling through life and need support, intercession and maybe deliverance.

⁃ The Effectual and fervent prayers of the righteous is able to accomplish much. It DOES make a difference because we recognize God and our dependence on him.

⁃ We must learn how to grow in our prayer life for growth and stability in Christ and life. There is no shame in admitting that we are learning how to build this powerful muscle. This is also a journey.

⁃ When in doubt on how to pray, we can just come before the Lord to recognize him and his sovereignty, thanking him and adoring him, casting our petitions (issues, fears, needs and wants) at his feet, thanking him for his promises in his Word, asking for revelation, clarity and direction in his Word, and thanking him sincerely while resting in the belief that it is already done according to his Word.

⁃ We must guard our hearts continually leveraging forgiveness: letting go of both the wrong and the resentment for the power to flow.

This is the work that makes a difference and changes us and the atmosphere in our favor.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”

James 5:16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jas.5.16.AMP

“Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”

James 5:16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jas.5.16.AMPC

“Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Matthew 6:9-13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.6.9-13.AMPC

““Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment]. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’”

Matthew 6:9-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.6.9-13.AMP

Honor the Lord with your wealth

I was reflecting on the scripture and the concept of honoring God with my wealth just truly got a hold of me and it would not let me go.

I have heard and read about bringing the tithe into the storehouse which brings ridiculous blessings but for some reason, I never really saw this part about honoring the Lord with my wealth.

When, not if

The scripture really jumped out at me as I realized that there is a assumed outcome that we do and will have wealth to have the choice to honor him or not. OMG

In a world that dwells on scarcity and lack, we have a supposed and assumed outcome of being in a place of wealth and abundance to build and grow the Kingdom of God.

What is that abundance? One of the translations defines wealth as: your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors]. Righteous labors in the home, church, community, and marketplace from them we have all sufficiency in all things – wealth and capital.

As leaders, our righteous labor does make a difference wherever we are placed. As we focus on being a light in darkness and possessing the land, the glory of the Lord will shine on us that men should see our good works and the father will be glorified.

Lastly, we must pray and ask for wisdom and guidance as it relates to our capital (our time, talents and our treasures) and how we should invest them so that God is honored.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Honor the Lord with your wealth And with the first fruits of all your crops (income); Then your barns will be abundantly filled And your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Proverbs 3:9-10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.3.9-10.AMP

“that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to establish His Name (Presence).”

Deuteronomy 26:2 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/deu.26.2.AMP

““Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by failing to keep His commandments and His judgments (precepts) and His statutes which I am commanding you today; Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember [with profound respect] the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore (solemnly promised) to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Deuteronomy 8:11, 17-18 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/deu.8.11-18.AMP

Teach Me, O Lord

As I was reflecting on the scripture this morning, I was reflecting on how important it is to build the discipline of renewing our minds on a daily basis and learning of Gods ways and thoughts. A continuous journey.

How do we know that we still have more to learn? Evaluate our results (our fruits)/ physical, spiritual and/ or mental. Is our fruit today fresh fruit or spoiling fruit?

Are we getting better and growing or are we seeing signs of deterioration in our performance because we have deviated from the daily activities that produce consistent results.

Maybe, we lack some understanding in an area. The scripture says “Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law…” as a pathway to closing knowledge and understanding gaps that need filling and to teach us to walk in his ways consistently.

Questions like: “what”, “why” and “how” demand answers. Learning from these answers helps us to grow in wisdom and strength.

Lastly, I read, “Make me go in the path of Your commandments, for in them do I delight” and was fascinated because we have free will. How does this happen? A yearning is placed in our hearts that creates desire which pulls us toward the center of his will.

Thank you Lord for not giving up on us so easily. We may loose the will to fight but you find a way to renew us again and again- restoration!

As leaders, we must learn to hear what is not being said by those around us. There are needs that we are able to meet through prayer, covering, coaching, mentoring and example. We are that beacon of light and hope that shines brighter as we draw closer to God.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end [steadfastly].

Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law; yes, I will observe it with my whole heart. [Prov. 2:6; James 1:5.]

Make me go in the path of Your commandments, for in them do I delight.

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness (robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches). [Ezek. 33:31; Mark 7:21, 22; I Tim. 6:10; Heb. 13:5.]

Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity (idols and idolatry); and restore me to vigorous life and health in Your ways.”

Psalm 119:33-37 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.119.33-37.AMPC

I Am Waiting on You

When I was reading this passage this morning, my mind was captivated by the awesomeness and patience of God.

He clearly is stating that He has provided provision for our rest since the foundation of the world. Thank you Lord!

He is just waiting on us to believe and receive the provision. Selah

Today, leaders, I just want to encourage us to set aside all the things that are tormenting our minds, stealing our peace, stealing our joy, stealing our hope, causing us to fear and causing us to doubt.

Provision for peace has already been made available to us. Amen

All we have to do is believe and personally trust and confidently rely on God.

It is in that place of rest where dreams are renewed, visions are clarified and hope is reborn.

It is never too late as God has also made provision to start , TODAY!

I pray that all grace abound toward you, in Jesus name. Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For we who believe [that is, we who personally trust and confidently rely on God] enter that rest [so we have His inner peace now because we are confident in our salvation, and assured of His power], just as He has said, “As I swore [an oath] in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest,” [this He said] although His works were completed from the foundation of the world [waiting for all who would believe].”

Hebrews 4:3 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/heb.4.3.AMP

Strongholds

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and the many habits that we have been blessed to change over the years. We may not see the incremental daily progress but one day we see the growth and are grateful.

Todays passage really requires focused effort in areas of life that others call “strongholds”. They may or may not be strongholds classified as sin but may be beliefs or behaviors that prevent us from living a guilt/ condemnation free life.

This passage is the antidote to that thought, “ It feel like we will never overcome this thing”!

The truth is that”EVERY” plant which our Heavenly Father did not plant will be torn up by the root.

How?

“Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us…”

As leaders, it is important that we identify, understand and address the things that slows us down and prevents us from running toward the fight: animosity, anger, doubt, unbelief, unforgiveness, mistakes, bruises, abuse, low self esteem, loneliness, strife, etc.

Today is the day to rejoice and to be free to pursue our devine purpose because we are covered by the blood of Jesus that blots it all out.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”

Amen.

Be encouraged!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“He answered, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant will be torn up by the roots.”

Matthew 15:13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.15.13.AMP

Transitions

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and was reminded at how uncomfortable life can be when we lose something precious.

It could be a change of a job, the family life and routines, the loss of a loved one or even some new strategic initiative.

As leaders, we are not immune to, nor are afraid of change. It is constant and expected as we pursue our divine visions that will impact the world and give God the ultimate glory.

The emotional/ human side of change is that it requires some sort of loss for ourselves and for those who choose to walk this journey with us and we must choose to recognize the reality of this wilderness experience. It may be short lived or it may be generational- but they do exist.

By discern where we are on the mourning journey, we can help shepherd the team and ourselves to a place of rejoicing (new beginnings).

Usually, in the wilderness, we can and often grow closer to God and gain clarity on what is truly important and what we need to let go – the baggage or barnacles – so that we can run the race for Christ.

We are not alone as we have the promise of where two or three are gathered, He will be in the midst and a three stranded cord is not easily broken.

Commit to being there for your team as a seed sown – the harvest will come.

Lastly, as leaders, we can focus on just renewing our minds and trusting the process. Christ will give us the manna and grace to travel each day and the Wilderness will come to an end.

Joy must and shall come in the morning.

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

““Hear, O Lord, be gracious and show favor to me; O Lord, be my helper.”

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”

Psalms 30:10-12 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.30.10-12.AMP

Restore to me the Joy

When I was reflecting on the scripture, I was draw to these words, “Restore to me the Joy of your salvation”.

At times our journey through life can become difficult.

As leaders, we face and accept the realities and expectations that we have to process our issues while we guide others on how to address theirs – which can be difficult.

When we are at that emotional/ spiritual crossroad, I would encourage us to think on these things as:

⁃ We don’t have to carry the load as the scripture says, “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.

⁃ We have provision for the thorn in our flesh as the scripture says, “But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.

⁃ We can come before the throne of grace and be restored with the Joy of His salvation.

It is my prayer that no matter the challenge, the difficulty or the sin that we will decide today to trust only in and pursue God. He will restore us, if we simply ask.

Be blessed,

Be a Blessing!

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

Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Psalm 51:10-12 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.51.10-12.AMPC

Keeping Watch

I was reading this morning and came across this scripture that I have read often and in the context of the birth of Christ as the shepherds kept watch.

As leaders we say that we want to expand our territories – which is admiral and good.

We also may hear this same desired outcome from many on our teams and/ or within our circles of influence.

However, we need to be vigilant about consistently doing the right work at the right time and ensuring the same for those for which we lead. This is the responsibility of being a shepherd over a region.

A couple questions we can ask ourselves to gauge our preparedness for “promotion” are:

⁃ How well is your region performing, today? Is it in order or is it chaotic?

⁃ How well are your sheep doing in your flock? Is there harmony, shared purpose, are needs being met, is there strife or confusion?

⁃ What crucial conversations are you waiting to have with certain sheep but you are waiting for the “right time”? Are there issues that need to be addressed or encouragement and guidance that needs to be communicated?

⁃ What are things (loose ends) that you have in your mind frustrating you that need to get moved to the “done” column? These are the things that require emotional energy and focused effort but are critical to success.

As leaders, our value truly grows to the degree we show proficiency and consistency in how we manage our region and the flock or flocks therein.

We are not perfect and the headwinds that we must grow through may cause us to pause or delay on that “one” thing that we know must get done to move forward.

I encourage you today to make and execute a plan to get that vital “one” thing off your plate as it is likely draining the energy out of your life or the air out of your sail.

Leadership is for those of us who accepted the call and all associated pain and discomfort required to achieve that glorious end. It is a price well spent to achieve something great!

Be strong in the Lord

Be encouraged

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

Luke 2:8 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.2.8.AMP